looking at a '99 tonight- what to look for

[Andino]

Hey,
First time posting in the 100 forum. I'm looking at a '99 with 292K on it for my brother tonight and want to know what to look for - common problem areas, etc. My Land Cruiser experience is with the FJ40, FJ55, and BJ60.

Thanks

 

[Ermagerd]

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[LEX]

Asking price?

 

[Andino]

$6900, thanks for the link to Slee

 

[SmoothLC]

Regular maintenance records, CVs, timing belt, water pump, brakes/rotors/pads . . . all the standard items.

 

[Junglejack]

I would spend a few thousand more for a lower mileage rig.

While I have no doubt it drives exceptionally well, 300k is the time when I would think reconditioning starts to become important.

With parts prices being what they are, I would think a 150,000 mile example might be more cost effective in the relative near term.

 

[Foreigner]

I would spend a few thousand more for a lower mileage rig.

Good advice, generally.

In this case, though, the fact that we're looking at a 100 is somewhat incidental. Realistically, we're in the market for something that is going to faithfully drag our family around Montana and the PNW for 8 months that will (probably) be sold again when we return to Bolivia in March. At that price, this rig is already on the upper end of what I have to spend. I've mostly been looking at 80-series, Sequoias, and minivans.

That said, I don't want to spend those 8 months dumping time and money into it, so your point stands.

Yes, I'm the brother

 

[dnp]

I would spend a few thousand more for a lower mileage rig.

The other side to that story is, if it's been taken care of well (and if the items repaired/replaced are documented), it may not be that bad at all. Even at $9,000 - as is suggested - 150k mile 100s aren't a dime a dozen. For $9,000, you're still more likely to be in the 225k range, and then the question becomes: well, would my $2,000 be better spent with ME replacing or having in reserve to replace things that might go bad.

Last year, I bought a completely rust-free 2000 with 294,000 miles for a really good price. The truck has excellent oil pressure, doesn't burn/use any oil, drives great, has great air, etc. While I, too, was a little concerned about the mileage, I got it cheap enough that I've gone in and preemptively changed the items that had me guessing (so I could be sure they were up to par), and I'm still ahead of the game price-wise. The only concern I have is about resale. You're certainly going to have fewer interested parties the higher the mileage.

It's been shown that the 2UZ is probably a longer-life engine than even the 1FZ, so with the oil pressure good, timing belt changed, hoses good, etc., I'm prepared to drive this one for a LOT more miles........It could break in half tomorrow, but that could be said for any used vehicle. It just depends on how much you'll have in it at the end of the day.