Looking for a pal in Kalispell to check out a 100 series (1 Viewer)

[winestonecowboy]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at flying out to Kalispell this week to purchase a 100 series that's listed on FB. Appears to be great condition, minimal rust, and dealer maintained, but all that in mind I can't buy sight unseen. So I was wondering if there was somebody nearby who would be down to go through and check it out. Happy to work something out in exchange - thanks!

 

[samwise]

If it’s the black 1998, looks like a good rig. Had maintenance, and decent price for this area despite the miles. I’m leaving out of town for the next 10 days otherwise I would be happy to take a look at it for you. Good luck with it!

 

[AirheadNut]

@Mike NXP is in the area.

 

[winestonecowboy]

If it’s the black 1998, looks like a good rig. Had maintenance, and decent price for this area despite the miles. I’m leaving out of town for the next 10 days otherwise I would be happy to take a look at it for you. Good luck with it!

If you're talking about the one that looks a little goofy on the 20" Tundra wheels, it sure is.

Thanks for the offer! Luckily I was able to find a friend to get over there and check it out yesterday, and they gave me the all clear.

Now I'm having to basically convince the seller to sell it to me. The guy's wife is running the listing and now after all this, she is refusing to sell it to me because I'm not local and because she's worried about the wheel bearings and brakes on my drive back east (?). Neither of these came up in my buddies 2 hour inspection/test drive and chat with the owner. This is also on top of her telling me she will not hold the truck for me for any reason or take any sort of deposit. This is becoming a real PITA and if this wasn't such a good find I would be about walk

 

[Mike NXP]

Hey, I am indeed in the area but it sounds like you are dealing with seller problems now.

If I can help in anyway let me know..... Northridge Auto in Columbia Falls are the go-to cruiser mechanics around if you think it needs work before driving back

It's always a pain in the ass to buy from a remote seller ( unless you found it through the Ih8mud classified )

You pretty much need to just book a plane ticket and come get it if you know it's the right one...I don't think it will sell super fast in this area but you never know, depends on condition and price.

 

[winestonecowboy]

Hey, I am indeed in the area but it sounds like you are dealing with seller problems now.

If I can help in anyway let me know..... Northridge Auto in Columbia Falls are the go-to cruiser mechanics around if you think it needs work before driving back

It's always a pain in the ass to buy from a remote seller ( unless you found it through the Ih8mud classified )

You pretty much need to just book a plane ticket and come get it if you know it's the right one...I don't think it will sell super fast in this area but you never know, depends on condition and price.

I appreciate the offer, but after talking more with the seller it seems it's time for me to move on.

She's telling me she will not hold it for me or take a deposit, and will actively try to sell it before I get here, in addition to already telling me directly she prefers a local buyer. Oh well. I just can't risk a $400 last minute airline ticket if there's a chance she'll sell it out from under me. Mechanically seems to be great, albeit with a couple of funny quirks. I'm sure it will make someone happy; it's certainly priced attractively.

 

[Mike NXP]

Ugh, I feel your pain . I was recently on the hunt for a 2UZ driven vehicle and tried multiple different classified platforms but it was nearly impossible to secure a vehicle due to sellers acting like you just described.

If you plan on flying out of state to pick up a vehicle you almost have to buy it sight unseen from a dealer OR search mud classified and find a friendly seller. Lots of these rigs still seem way over priced but if you can find one that has all the big maintenance stuff done its worth it...
>>UZJ100 | LX470 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/uzj100-lx470.329/

 

[winestonecowboy]

Ugh, I feel your pain . I was recently on the hunt for a 2UZ driven vehicle and tried multiple different classified platforms but it was nearly impossible to secure a vehicle due to sellers acting like you just described.

If you plan on flying out of state to pick up a vehicle you almost have to buy it sight unseen from a dealer OR search mud classified and find a friendly seller. Lots of these rigs still seem way over priced but if you can find one that has all the big maintenance stuff done its worth it...
>>UZJ100 | LX470 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/uzj100-lx470.329/

Continuing this saga for posterity for anyone else who may come across this thread and rig.. a little bit of a buyer beware. Guy called me back twice on my phone after I stopped responding to his wife on FB, and then tells me that in order to buy this truck I would need to have it shipped and that I shouldn't drive it across country because these engines are prone to overheating(lol). Then he started going on about coolant and lubing things.. when I politely told him I'm going to keep looking, he instantly hung up on me. Makes me wonder if there was some sort of deeper issue with the truck that they were being dishonest about, but maybe had too much of a conscience to let it leave me stranded. Bullet dodged I guess.

Anyways - I have a couple of options I'm looking at a little closer to home. Thanks again for the offers to help in this thread!

 

[Mike NXP]

Wow , total buyer beware . Sounds sketchy for sure.

Its amazing some of the s*** you hear when shopping for a used vehicle

And most of the time , as with this listing, if its priced lower than typical ads theres usually something fishy going on.


Good luck on your search

 

[REZARF]

There’s a lot of 100’s out there without the drama. A good one will pop up, don’t give up yet! Limit your search to areas with trusted friends or mud connections.

 

[Mike NXP]

Is this one over budget? Trying to stay under 10k?

SOLD - Houston Tx: 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser

For sale is my 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser. Reason for selling is I just went back to a 200 series. I’ve owned this vehicle for about 18 months and have taken care of lots of maintenance items. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty solid. 218k miles Asking $12,500 Good Factory rear locker Lots of tread...

forum.ih8mud.com

Heres a high mileage <10K

For Sale - Decatur, GA: 2005 Lexus LX470

Hello all, today I'm selling my LX470. I picked this up from a family friend a few months ago who had it in a garage after their son stopped using it when he moved away. I got it baselined when I purchased it and daily drove it from then until now. I recently purchased a JDM import Land Cruiser...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[winestonecowboy]

Is this one over budget? Trying to stay under 10k?

SOLD - Houston Tx: 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser

For sale is my 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser. Reason for selling is I just went back to a 200 series. I’ve owned this vehicle for about 18 months and have taken care of lots of maintenance items. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty solid. 218k miles Asking $12,500 Good Factory rear locker Lots of tread...

forum.ih8mud.com

Heres a high mileage <10K

For Sale - Decatur, GA: 2005 Lexus LX470

Hello all, today I'm selling my LX470. I picked this up from a family friend a few months ago who had it in a garage after their son stopped using it when he moved away. I got it baselined when I purchased it and daily drove it from then until now. I recently purchased a JDM import Land Cruiser...

forum.ih8mud.com

Both of those are great looking trucks. Right now I'm looking for ~10k and less than 300k miles. 11k is really my max, but I'd like to have some money to start baselining and to handle any possible necessary repairs.

I'm really hoping to score on a Toyota. The aesthetics of the LX just don't do it for me, which is a bummer because there are plenty more of them to go around. I know, beggars can't be choosers, but I'm being patient and keeping my eyes peeled. There's a nice 2 owner cruiser in VA that seems to be pretty solid that I'm going to try and go look at this weekend.

 

[Mike NXP]

Both of those are great looking trucks. Right now I'm looking for ~10k and less than 300k miles. 11k is really my max, but I'd like to have some money to start baselining and to handle any possible necessary repairs.

I'm really hoping to score on a Toyota. The aesthetics of the LX just don't do it for me, which is a bummer because there are plenty more of them to go around. I know, beggars can't be choosers, but I'm being patient and keeping my eyes peeled. There's a nice 2 owner cruiser in VA that seems to be pretty solid that I'm going to try and go look at this weekend.

I hear that, and the LX may come with some additional repair costs if you inevitably have to deal with the AHC suspension....

Don't rule out the GX470 in your search ( although adaptive suspension + air ride is a maintenance factor to consider ). I picked one up recently and it rides way better than my 100 series, but my 100 is also built heavy for off road.

Totally depends on what your end goals are, are you still based in BK? **** man I'd love to have the adaptive suspension of the GX or LX for those rough city roads...Going for a 5speed compared to the earlier 4speed transmission may also help to not guzzle so much fuel

 

[winestonecowboy]

I hear that, and the LX may come with some additional repair costs if you inevitably have to deal with the AHC suspension....

Don't rule out the GX470 in your search ( although adaptive suspension + air ride is a maintenance factor to consider ). I picked one up recently and it rides way better than my 100 series, but my 100 is also built heavy for off road.

Totally depends on what your end goals are, are you still based in BK? **** man I'd love to have the adaptive suspension of the GX or LX for those rough city roads...Going for a 5speed compared to the earlier 4speed transmission may also help to not guzzle so much fuel

I've definitely already done the mental olympics of LX vs GX vs LC haha - the GX was on the list for a minute, but I've been after a LC for so long it's just hard for me to compromise. I am also pretty wary of AHC, as you've mentioned - especially on a budget.

Unfortunately I am still based in BK (trying to plot my escape out of the city, but with my work it's difficult), but I don't commute, so while the roads are garbage it's not a big deal. The truck will mainly be used for twice a year monthlong escapes out West where I'll be living out of it, and the occasional beach/Adirondacks trip. We currently have a 3rd gen 4runner which we snagged for less than 3k a few years ago. We've driven it from NYC out West at least once a year since then. It's treated us great, but it's time to upgrade. The biggest reasons being that it lacks 4wd, and has started to feel pretty small.

As for fuel.. well, I choose to not think too much about that part.

 

[Mike NXP]

I've definitely already done the mental olympics of LX vs GX vs LC haha - the GX was on the list for a minute, but I've been after a LC for so long it's just hard for me to compromise. I am also pretty wary of AHC, as you've mentioned - especially on a budget.

Unfortunately I am still based in BK (trying to plot my escape out of the city, but with my work it's difficult), but I don't commute, so while the roads are garbage it's not a big deal. The truck will mainly be used for twice a year monthlong escapes out West where I'll be living out of it, and the occasional beach/Adirondacks trip. We currently have a 3rd gen 4runner which we snagged for less than 3k a few years ago. We've driven it from NYC out West at least once a year since then. It's treated us great, but it's time to upgrade. The biggest reasons being that it lacks 4wd, and has started to feel pretty small.

As for fuel.. well, I choose to not think too much about that part.

Oh yeaaaa, that all sounds about right..... I agree and would have landed on the 100 series as well based on your current and future use.....Alright so the hell with the LX and GX, keep on the lookout for a 100 series...


Are you checking at Toyota / other dealer lots as well? It would probably cost a bit more but it'd be a safe way to wire transfer money to someone for a sight unseen vehicle. Otherwise buying from another state via facebook or similar will be tough cuz most sellers will just take the next best offer of someone who is local.

As much as I love these trucks, it sucks to see vehicles with almost 300k miles going for over 10k.... it makes it really tough for the next generation of owners to get into it.

 

[winestonecowboy]

Oh yeaaaa, that all sounds about right..... I agree and would have landed on the 100 series as well based on your current and future use.....Alright so the hell with the LX and GX, keep on the lookout for a 100 series...


Are you checking at Toyota / other dealer lots as well? It would probably cost a bit more but it'd be a safe way to wire transfer money to someone for a sight unseen vehicle. Otherwise buying from another state via facebook or similar will be tough cuz most sellers will just take the next best offer of someone who is local.

As much as I love these trucks, it sucks to see vehicles with almost 300k miles going for over 10k.... it makes it really tough for the next generation of owners to get into it.

I have not thought about checking Toyota dealers lots; that's a great idea! They never really appear on searches for me

 

[Mike NXP]

I have not thought about checking Toyota dealers lots; that's a great idea! They never really appear on searches for me

I had good luck using Carfax.com and it would pop up with a lot of dealer inventory and then I could review the carfax for free on most listings. So i'd filter for like 1-3 owner vehicles in certain areas and that would help.

to be fair I wasn't chasing down a 100 series so they may be a bit more elusive.


500 miles from my zip for under 15K yielded a few results
>>Used Toyota Land Cruiser for Sale Near Me - CARFAX - https://www.carfax.com/Used-Toyota-Land-Cruiser_w633

This is a weird looking build but has a s*** load of service history
>>2004 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in Seattle, WA - CARFAX - https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/JTEHT05JX42059025



The vehicles in the Pacific NW area, like Seattle and down the coast into Oregon are not really rusty. Or focus your search in the Arizona / desert environment

 

[winestonecowboy]

I had good luck using Carfax.com and it would pop up with a lot of dealer inventory and then I could review the carfax for free on most listings. So i'd filter for like 1-3 owner vehicles in certain areas and that would help.

to be fair I wasn't chasing down a 100 series so they may be a bit more elusive.


500 miles from my zip for under 15K yielded a few results
>>Used Toyota Land Cruiser for Sale Near Me - CARFAX - https://www.carfax.com/Used-Toyota-Land-Cruiser_w633

This is a weird looking build but has a s*** load of service history
>>2004 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in Seattle, WA - CARFAX - https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/JTEHT05JX42059025



The vehicles in the Pacific NW area, like Seattle and down the coast into Oregon are not really rusty. Or focus your search in the Arizona / desert environment

Copy that I'm going to continue to dig. For now I'm locking into this one in VA:

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?partner=CVN_0&vin=JT3HT05J7Y0117845

It's an an auto wholesaler who has pretty solid reviews, many of which reference the specific salesman I'm talking to. Called the guy up, says he also owns a Land Cruiser that he loves, which is a good sign (taking it with a grain of salt of course), and also that it is actually two owner vehicle, as the previous owner got divorced and had to re-register it (another grain of salt).

It has a bit of rust on the frame, but he says theres no rot/holes, and if it's only as bad as it is in the provided pics, I'd say it's workable. I'm going to try and go see it this weekend

 

[Rockstar34]

2003 toyota land cruiser for sale by owner - Spokane, WA - craigslist

03 Land Cruiser, 250k miles. Runs and drives great! Newer Cooper AT3 tires($1500 value). Front brakes and bearings done 2 years ago, mainly used as a winter vehicle. Solid 4.7 L V8, come check it...

spokane.craigslist.org