As the thread title states, I'm looking at a 99' LC with 280k miles. Lived in warm/dry climate its entire life, mechanic owned. Everything looks really well sorted, but I'm honestly totally a newb when it comes to these LC's. All I know is my research has taught me these are the Kings of the SUV world. What should I be looking at/asking about? I'm out of state, so I'll have to get a PPI done remotely...TIA.
New guy here - looking for advice on buying 99' LC (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter HokieCruiser
- Start date
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100 Series Newbie Guide - Slee Off Road
Our Newbie Guide for the 80 Series Land Cruiser proven very popular, so we decided to compile one for the 100 series as well.
sleeoffroad.com
- Thread starter
- #3
yes thank you I saw that and read through it, was hoping for some first-hand experience from the forum (i.e. some reassurance I'm not making a bad decision)
You need service records that indicate what’s been replaced and then you’ll know what hasn’t. Then you can use the guides to see what might be upcoming.
Some examples at that mileage:
CVs
Steering rack
Brake booster pump
Starter
Some examples at that mileage:
CVs
Steering rack
Brake booster pump
Starter
FamilyCamper
SILVER Star
Things to check with the owner that could cost you a lot. Mileage is fine as long as the price isnt too high and no rust.
Have suspension components been replaced? Tie rode end, shocks/springs, rear upper and lower control arms, front upper control arms
Check if Steering Rack has been replaced.
Check if radiator looks discolored or has been replaced
Check last water pump/timing belt job - needs every 100k miles and can be $600-1000 to replace at a shop
Check brake booster to see if thats ever been replaced. If not that could be potentially be a 1,500-3k replacement in the next couple of years.
Starter
Definitely go under the truck and in the engine bay and look for any greasy or oily areas. Maybe a rear differential seal leak that would show up near the rear brakes, transfer case leak, CV boot busted, tie rod boot busted
Have suspension components been replaced? Tie rode end, shocks/springs, rear upper and lower control arms, front upper control arms
Check if Steering Rack has been replaced.
Check if radiator looks discolored or has been replaced
Check last water pump/timing belt job - needs every 100k miles and can be $600-1000 to replace at a shop
Check brake booster to see if thats ever been replaced. If not that could be potentially be a 1,500-3k replacement in the next couple of years.
Starter
Definitely go under the truck and in the engine bay and look for any greasy or oily areas. Maybe a rear differential seal leak that would show up near the rear brakes, transfer case leak, CV boot busted, tie rod boot busted
FamilyCamper
SILVER Star
Also definitely make sure the rear and center lockers work
What’s the best way to check this?
FamilyCamper
SILVER Star
You will have to drive it and turn them on going slowly in a parking lot. You may have to reverse and drive a few feet for it to engage. Lights should be on in the dash and if you start to turn with center locker on it will be harder. Once the rear locker is on as well it will even be harder to turn the vehicle. 1st step is to make sure the lights come on and listen for any clicks when they engage. Also test the low range on the transfer case, I believe in the 99, the center locker will automatically come on unless the 7pin mod has been done.
- Thread starter
- #9
nvm just bought a 2005 LX470...will update on a new thread...
FamilyCamper
SILVER Star
Wow that was quick!
Beauski100
SILVER Star
Ha! Was reading along and was not expecting “what should I look for?” to “bought an 05” all in just a few hours.
- Thread starter
- #12
Yeah was a bit impulsive maybe, the LX470 was one I was keeping my eye on, and couldn't pass it up, it's newer, 1 owner, garage kept, and the service history is incredible...also my favorite color on these the grey mica.
