Looking at 2000 LC with 152K miles

[fjdavid]

Fellow patrons of MUD,

Just when I sold my 75 FJ40 to @upperblack, I almost immediately got back on the saddle and started looking for the next cruiser. I don't have any sellers remorse and I'm sure that upperblack is taking good care of it in GA. I wanted to get something that wasn't a project where I can take it to the Desert or the Sierras so I started looking at 100s and 200s.

Here's the details:
-2000 LC with 152K miles
-current owner only had it for 6 months or less. Says he bought a BMW 3 series.
-no maintenance record but I called around (previous dealers where it was serviced) and it was first a Minnesota LC for it's first 3 years and has been in SoCal since 04. But service records stopped in 06.
-current owners says timing belt was replaced at 100K miles but doesn't have the paperwork.


What do you guys think? I was thinking of taking it to the dealership to get it checked out before I offer.

Here are the photos of the undercarriage.

 

[2001LC]

Minnesota is a red flag. Inspect very closely for rust.

 

[JonD]

Undercarriage looks super clean... What is he asking?

 

[2001LC]

Undercarriage looks sprayed to me.

 

[DFXR]

I wouldn't worry about the mileage - I got mine with 150K, unproven T belt service, etc. I got up to date on maintenance and it has been trouble free for 50K miles.

But I would worry about the Minnesota rust factor. You're in LA - be patient and find a Socal/Southwest/Nevada truck...

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

under carriage looks sprayed . how much they asking?

 

[fjdavid]

under carriage looks sprayed . how much they asking?

current owner is asking for 13K

I think I might have to ask a local fellow mud owner whose specializes in 100 series LC for some assistance for a closer inspection.

Thanks for everyone's advice so far.

 

[cwmoser]

Personally, I like what I see.
I like black LCs and LXs best - especially with tan interior.
Thats hardly any rust at all from what I can tell.
If the overall condition of that 2000 LC is as nice as the pictures portray,
I would try and buy it. Course be nice to get a little discount.

 

[cwmoser]

Check this out: My 2002 LX470 just turned 30,000 miles (had less than 25K when I purchased her).
Its was a Southern California one owner.
For comparison, here is one of my photos of its underside that is similar to your second photo:

 

[YotaV8]

That's pretty damned clean..

 

[ponytl]

I have always been told certain cars bring more in CA but a nice 2000 around me is 9-10k asking...
but... if you like it and it's a long term ownership thing...

the premium you pay for something you like is rarely more costly than an average casino night

 

[JonD]

I never even considered it could be sprayed- thats what I get for looking at the photo on my phone.

Agree with earlier posters- you are in socal, be patient and wait for a one owner truck that has spent its life on the west coast. I drove to Arizona to pick up my truck and it is by far the best purchase of any 'thing' i have ever made.

 

[slacker24-7]

same here on the southern / western truck I looked at a few 100's and found one that had spent its life in west texas , not a speck of rust on it. I got burned on a rusty VW when I was a kid and will NEVER take that chance again. there are just to many rust free rigs out there..

 

[gatormark91]

$13K? Walk away. You might have to look for a while, but you can do better. Got my Florida, rust-free, almost-all-maintenance done, 116K mile 2000 LC for $9500 in September. Only thing it needed were shocks and a tie rod end. I looked at a lot of LCs for four months before I found this one!

Be patient, and your patience will eventually be rewarded.

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

13k too much where in la is it. i got my 00 2 years ago 1 owner 159k no rust for a lot less.

 

[tacoduck]

buy it

 

[fjdavid]

Check this out: My 2002 LX470 just turned 30,000 miles (had less than 25K when I purchased her).
Its was a Southern California one owner.
For comparison, here is one of my photos of its underside that is similar to your second photo:

Wow just 30K miles for a 14 year old LC? That's very nice! My old 75 FJ40 read 17,000 on the odometer when first bought it, dunno if that was 17K, 117K or 217K

 

[fjdavid]

Again thanks for everyone's input, I think I will reach out to the current owner in a few days to see if it's still available to have a closer inspection by a dealer. Should he call me first then I know I got him by the hook.

What still bothers me is the lack of service records because the previous owner "lost it when he moved" but I think a dealer can check out the LC with a fine tooth comb.