looking to buy 96 with 180k miles

[bulldog-yota]

newbie on 80s here.
I have read slee's site and a lot of posts here. I'm going to look at an 96 80 tomorrow, it has the factory lockers. My concern is that it has 180 miles already. It will be my 2nd vehicle, I have a 03 4R V8 which will be my primary vehicle.

If it is well maintained will it still have life in it at 180k, or should I budget for engine/tranny, etc? I assume birfs will be on my todo list, how much is it to have them servicd/replaced at the dealer? Dont know any compotent mechanics in the SF bay area.

Thanx

 

[G-Cat]

With that mileage, I'd suggest paying the $80 or so that Toyota charges to do an engine compression check. That way, you can be sure of the engine, or be thankful it only cost $80 to not get stuck with a POS. A well-maintained Cruiser has a long way to go past 180. Good luck.

 

[bulldog-yota]

thanx, will go check it out and see if I can get the service history and acomp test done.

 

[FirstToy]

Andries,
Give me a call tomorrow or email and I'll send you some links. I think you should have some of the experienced norcal knowledge working for you before you pull the trigger. Who knows, one of them might know the truck...

Good luck!

 

[sleeoffroad]

Yes it might have some life left at 180k miles, however I would not recommend a truck like that to someone that has to rely or dealer service and/or independant service. It will cost you money, and it could be a lot depending on previous service.

 

[cruiserdan]

Yes it might have some life left at 180k miles, however I would not recommend a truck like that to someone that has to rely or dealer service and/or independant service. It will cost you money, and it could be a lot depending on previous service.

Agreed,


Do remember that these vehicles sold for well over 40 thousand dollars new and replacement parts and labor charges reflect that. A major component failure, such as an engine would more than double your investment. Christo is spot-on. Paying someone to work on one is not for the faint of heart and finding a mechanic that knows his way around one can prove challenging.

 

[Riley]

>> I assume birfs will be on my todo list, how much is it to have them servicd/replaced at the dealer? <<

Figure on $800 to $1000 I think to do properly. Finding a dealer to do the job properly isn't always easy. I think it's about 8 to 12 hours of shop time.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Thanx guys, I think I'll pass on this one then.

James I will contact you.

 

[ginericLC]

I wouldn't pass on it just because of the miles. My 94 is getting ready to flop over 197k. At 200k I might have a party. It is amazing how smooth it shifts and how much power it still has. I told my dad a couple of weeks ago that he'd be jealous driving my 94 as it was half the price of his 97 (80k) yet drives just as nice. I will say his 97 does shift faster and gets up to speed a bit quicker but I believe that is because it has the different tranny. I've pulled a small camping trailer behind both and really with a load on they are indistinguishable. Miles wouldn't scare me. Condition is more important. Also, expect to do the front axle build on almost any 80 you buy, this isn't something just for the higher mileage ones.