New member: Looking for 06/07 LC, need advice ASAP (1 Viewer)

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Oct 30, 2014
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Location
Boston, MA
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www.joyofthedrive.com
Hi guys,

Name's Pete, just joined up here hoping for some advice. I'm currently a Subaru STI owner but looking really closely at getting back into a Toyota. I had an '01 4Runner through college but have had my eyes on a 100 series Cruiser for a while. I'm sick of feeling like I'm in a pack of sardines with my Subaru.

I'm probably going to look at one on Saturday if all goes to plan. It's an '06 with 138K, pretty comprehensive service records, AHC, Nav/ rear DVD, basically pretty fully loaded. I'll post the link as soon as I meet the requirements.

I'm just looking for helpful hints, tips advice etc. I called the guys at Slee OffRoad and they said that even with the higher mileage (most I'm looking at are between 120-150K) there isn't really anything to go wrong as long as you take a look for rust on the undercarriage, leaks etc. I'm also aware to make sure there are service records, don't want to risk that.

Let me know if there is anything else I should know when looking at Cruisers in general. I think I've got a good idea of what to look for on cars in general, but specific info about the Land Cruiser would be much appreciated.

Thanks guys!
 
I should also mention that this will primarily be a hauler and probably won't see too much heavy off-road duty. I'm not sure how that plays into things that might be prone to breaking, but I thought it was relevant info.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
 
Welcome, I'm also new to ih8mud. I bought my 100 about 2 years ago. I am very happy with it. Bought it with 180k now it has 202k. So far no major problems :). I think the biggest things to consider are the AHC, timing belt, and rust. I think more experienced users can chime in. Good Luck with your search.
 
I should also mention that this will primarily be a hauler and probably won't see too much heavy off-road duty. I'm not sure how that plays into things that might be prone to breaking, but I thought it was relevant info.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

It can do it all. Most 100's don't do heavy off-road. Some call them "soft" compared to the 60 or 80s. I love driving this thing on the highway, it will eat up the miles.
 
Thanks man, I appreciate it. Hope your experience is similar to mine if I pick this one up. The guys at Slee seemed to be cool with higher mileage models with the AHC saying it didn't go wrong often. I have proof that the timing belt was done at 90K and they kept up with service so I'm not too concerned with that. It's always good to hear from some real gurus who have wheeled these things and can speak to teh weak points (if any).

If I head down there I will definitely have them put it up on a lift and let me take a look underneath. Salesman said underbody looks great with surface rust on some bolts but overall very clean. It spent most of it's life in Virginia Beach so that's a plus.
 
Looks like I need to wait a couple days to post links so if anyone would be kind enough to glance at the CarFax and Autotrade ad I would be more than happy to send you a message etc.

Thanks!
 
Yeah I took a quick look around but I guess my search skills are still at newbie level. Thanks for the thoughts man.
 
Most here consider 100K miles as low...130k is medium...probably 185K+ would be a general consensus for "high".

A true high mileage 100 is a great truck if well-maintained. The one your looking at is in the prime of its life...provided it is, in fact, well cared for. You'll love it...good luck!
 
Thanks Garth, that's really what I wanted to hear. I've always known that these things can run forever so I'm not concerned with a few extra miles as long as there's a good service history.

I'm pumped, no more playing tetris with my trunk every time I want to head up to the mountains!
 
Thanks Garth, that's really what I wanted to hear. I've always known that these things can run forever so I'm not concerned with a few extra miles as long as there's a good service history.

I'm pumped, no more playing tetris with my trunk every time I want to head up to the mountains!

You'll love the amount of space in the back. Also, you'll love the V8 power but not the gas mileage.
 
Welcome to Mud! I'm in the Boston area. Where are you going to look at the LC? Check for vin tags on all the panels to see if it's had any accidents. Rust in the tailgate was common when I was searching. If it hasn't been exposed to New England winters or Nantucket summers, you should jump on it. Good luck and let me know if you need any help.
 
Thanks for all the help guys! I'll have to post pics soon, but went out and picked it up on Saturday! She's a beaut and in really great shape overall. Drove like a dream all the way back from PA and very happy with the decision. I was very picky, made them put it up on a lift so I could take a look underneath.

About as rust free as can be as it spent most of it's life in Virginia Beach, no leaks, frame looks great etc. No rust on the tailgate, minimal body dents etc. Only thing wrong is a pretty big set of tears in the carpet/sound deadening under the third row. They didn't spot it because they didn't think to life up the seats.


Welcome to Mud! I'm in the Boston area. Where are you going to look at the LC? Check for vin tags on all the panels to see if it's had any accidents. Rust in the tailgate was common when I was searching. If it hasn't been exposed to New England winters or Nantucket summers, you should jump on it. Good luck and let me know if you need any help.

Thanks RND1! - good to know there are some other active LC owners in the area. I'm in downtown so the bumpers will be getting some light touches I'm sure. Question: where do you get yours serviced? Any particular dealer/mechanic you prefer? Not really looking to spend up for dealerships, but if that's the best option then that's what it'll be. I'm at 139K but it might as well be 39K based on how it drives!
 
^Congrats! Post up some pics! Unfortunately, I don't have any recommendations on service. I brought mine to the dealer to have all the fluids done and install new tires (buy 3 get 1 free deal was better price than Costco). But I'm going to try to find a local shop to do the timing belt and 90k service on mine. The only cruiser specialist is Cruiser Solutions in Hampstead, NH. Not exactly local to downtown Boston. And they specialize in restoring 40's and 60's, so I'm not sure how much work they do on 100's.
 
^Good to know. I'm very picky about who touches my vehicles so I don't mind traveling. I used to go up to Manchester to have my Subaru STI looked at so if those guys truly are the only option I'll probably make the trek as I've found it's usually worth it.

Only thing I think I need to check is the fluid change on the AHC. Service records don't show it but the last owner seemed to be really particular so I can't imagine it was skipped, just want to be sure.
 

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