Need Advice Finding a Cruiser with 15k Budget

[MattK]

Hi,

I'm new to the word of Land Cruisers. I need a rugged and dependable vehicle with a lot of space for passengers and/or cargo.

I have 15k to spend so I'm looking at an older model. For my money it looks like I can buy an early 2000s LC or LX470 with between 150k-200k. I've noticed a few 90s models with fewer miles in my budget as well. I've been looking on ebay and craigslist mostly.

I've been reading up on the subject but there is a lot of contradictory information out there.

Any guidance is much appreciated!

Matt

 

[TonyP]

Mosey on over to the 100 forum
100-Series Cruisers

 

[Markuson]

My 2 cents after driving my fully built 1999 100 Series from 60k-200k til it was 16 years old:

-100 Series if you want to mod/lift...LX if you don't.
-Shop in a non-rust area (Southern state, especially Los Angeles area)
-Ignore the year and look for the lowest miles, best maint. record you can find.
-If 80k+ look for trucks whose radiators and water pumps have already been replaced.
-Be patient and willing to hop a cheap Southwest flight.
-Put it in 4Lo and feel for vibrations/noise from transfer case (actually, listen to it even in 4Hi)
-Crawl under. Can you turn the drive shaft an inch or so by hand? If so...bad.

 

[Mogwai]

I believe the timing belt is something to ask about, last time it was changed. I eyed the 100s for a while before justifying my 200. Couldn't find a good one for the price.

 

[MattK]

Thanks guys!

This is all very helpful. I'll try posting in the 100 forum as well.

I'll let you know how the search turns out.