Looking for my next vehicle

[desertfox]

I've been looking for a new (to me) land Cruiser for a little while. Found one on Craigslist the other day...Picked a time and place to meet the guy at a neutral location and the doosh never showed up! (craigslist flake). So the search continues...

What do you guys think about this one? It looks pretty nice. He says he has a little room to negotiate. I may go take a look.
1996 LEXUS LX450 Land Cruiser SUV

 

[LongDuck]

On the surface, it looks pretty nice, and CSC-approved color scheme (white!). Given it's location (101 & East Cactus Rd.), it's very close to several Club Members, and I'd be surprised if they didn't already know about this truck, or could make a drive-by to look at it. @Otter @Saddletramp

Good luck with the potential purchase,

 

[Saddletramp]

The only concern is that it was an east coast truck.

 

[murf]

I've been looking for a new (to me) land Cruiser for a little while. Found one on Craigslist the other day...Picked a time and place to meet the guy at a neutral location and the doosh never showed up! (craigslist flake). So the search continues...

What do you guys think about this one? It looks pretty nice. He says he has a little room to negotiate. I may go take a look.
1996 LEXUS LX450 Land Cruiser SUV

pm me the VIN and lets run a Carfax on it. It tells more of the story - sometimes good/bad

 

[desertfox]

The only concern is that it was an east coast truck.

I asked, he said there is some surface rust.

 

[desertfox]

pm me the VIN and lets run a Carfax on it. It tells more of the story - sometimes good/bad

Cool, thanks! I'll work on getting that vin.

 

[Living in the Past]

The only concern is that it was an east coast truck.

Non locked 80 series are not that hard to find, even white ones. It would have to be pretty nice or rare before I would buy a east cruiser when I live in AZ. Curious why the seller made a point to highlight the fact it came from the east coast, honest?

 

[desertfox]

pm me the VIN and lets run a Carfax on it. It tells more of the story - sometimes good/bad

I sent you the VIN. Thanks

 

[murf]

looks decent. in an accident in 2003 but repaired. notes from carfax
Vehicle inspected after an accident or other incident Damage to left center pillar Damage to left rear pillar

I would inspect these areas to make sure they were fixed correctly. If so, not a big deal imo.

 

[desertfox]

looks decent. in an accident in 2003 but repaired. notes from carfax
Vehicle inspected after an accident or other incident Damage to left center pillar Damage to left rear pillar

I would inspect these areas to make sure they were fixed correctly. If so, not a big deal imo.

Thanks murf. If you could email me that report I would appreciate it. I pm'd you my email.

Thanks again

 

[desertfox]

I've read that the head gasket and timing chain should be changed out at 150K. Is this accurate? Is there anyway you can tell that its been done? Or do you ask the guy and hope he's telling the truth?

 

[murf]

I've read that the head gasket and timing chain should be changed out at 150K. Is this accurate? Is there anyway you can tell that its been done? Or do you ask the guy and hope he's telling the truth?

Weve never replaced a timing chain on an 80 series and weve worked on many, many of them. they just dont wear out!
Head gasket only as needed. there are many more that are original than had to of been replaced. It isnt a "required" replacement. If it never goes, just leave it alone type thing.
Reading Mud, youd think that every one of them has blown up!
The best way to tell if the owner has receipts, otherwise a technician can look where the head meets the block and can usually tell if the new style headgasket is installed.

Murf

 

[desertfox]

Thanks Murf! This info has really helped me out.

 

[SOAZtim]

I gotta say, if I saw this ad a couple weeks ago I'd have something to ponder as to whether to rebuild my 80's engine or buy something else. Even has the ARB's which I prefer to the Toyota lockers. 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser

 

[desertfox]

Wow, that is pretty nice

 

[BrotherRob]

I gotta say, if I saw this ad a couple weeks ago I'd have something to ponder as to whether to rebuild my 80's engine or buy something else. Even has the ARB's which I prefer to the Toyota lockers. 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser

If you're in the market, jump on it, it won't last

 

[desertfox]

I assume that's a popular combo...4.56 and 35's. Will that run good down the highway?

 

[murf]

I assume that's a popular combo...4.56 and 35's. Will that run good down the highway?

yes, thats a nice all around set up. 4.88 puts it closer to stock with 35's but the 4.56 would be great on the highway.

 

[SOAZtim]

Yep, same setup that I run. I wanted to stay near stock for MPG going down the road, but sometimes I needed that extra umph on hills. The 4.56 give a little help without winding it out on the highway. I would go and look at that truck or at least run the VIN if I was looking.

 

[desertfox]

I'm going to give him a call.