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M

McGinnis

10 Year
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Threads
2
Messages
9
Location
Vermont
Howdy!
First post here after lurking around for sometime, and couldn't be happier with all the information I have gathered here so far. As a quick background, I am looking to purchase my first Land Cruiser for my daily driver here in Vermont. I have had a few different 4WD vehicles in the past (Jeep and Honda vehicles) but was never really satisfied with the level of quality and options for improvement. I am currently in a smaller Honda, but with two little girls, big dogs, and lots of ambition I need to move up to something a bit more capable. After some extensive searching, I came across this 2003 for sale in the Boston area:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...erType=b&searchRadius=200&listingId=342294443

Before I make the 4 hour drive down, I wanted some opinions on this vehicle, and also what to be careful of. I think the price is higher than it should be, but hope to work them down. Any and all advice would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
The very first thing that comes to my mind is the 90K service, which includes the timing belt, and is fairly expensive.

"Done Deal Motors" isn't a Toyota Dealership and though they claim it's "fully serviced and ready to go", to them that probably means an oil change and little else.

I'm generally not a fan of buying from a used car dealership as they typically buy vehicles at auction with an unknown history and then represent them as "creampuffs".

I would also advise buying one from someplace other than the rustbelt. Having grown up in northern New England I know about road salt and rust. And after having lived in the western US I know that really nice, rust-free vehicles are out there.
 
I have the same concerns...While this looks like a great vehicle online, I really have some reservations about the history and the use. First owner didn't put too many miles on, but the second owner did significantly more miles per year in the same region.

I am also looking into a one-owner 2006 being sold and serviced by a Toyota dealership in CT. This vehicle seems to be better cared for (more details service records) and with a bit fewer miles!
 
McGinnis said:
I have the same concerns...While this looks like a great vehicle online, I really have some reservations about the history and the use. First owner didn't put too many miles on, but the second owner did significantly more miles per year in the same region.

I am also looking into a one-owner 2006 being sold and serviced by a Toyota dealership in CT. This vehicle seems to be better cared for (more details service records) and with a bit fewer miles!
Click to expand...

I bought my 2002 LC from Done Deals back in 2010. Check your PM for my contact info if you have specific questions.
 
Hello,
From looking at the Carfax, there is a decent possibility that the 90k service was performed as it shows : "01/04/2013 96,114mi Toyota of Braintree Braintree, MA 781-848-9300 ( Maintenance inspection completed. Recommended maintenance performed. Oil and filter changed

I would also consider this 2005 LX470 as it is within $2000 of the 2003's listing price. It also adds a rear view camera.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...=500&listingId=344420100&listingIndex=1&Log=0
Also, almost definitely under the way to good to be true, there is this 2004 57,xxx miles and is listed for $10,700.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...=500&listingId=348005302&listingIndex=6&Log=0
Best,
Jack
 
Last edited:
Just called the dealership that serviced it, and no timing belt service has been performed...she actually said this is overdue now and something that should be done very soon!
 
True that. While I certainly do not advocate it, many have far exceeded 90k without replacing the t-belt. While it is an interference design, I am not sure if I have read about a single instance of the belt breaking.
 
Hello. I too am new to the LC and ironically found my 2004 up on VT last month.

I test drove the very vehicle you are considering at Done Deal in Canton. Please PM me or email me privately and I can tell you my observations. Pdimarco65 at gmail dot com.
 
McGinnis said:
Thanks for the input. Shoot me your information so I can follow-up with you on my concerns. I appreciate the help!
Click to expand...

I PM'd my info last night but email me at lhommec13 at yahoo dot com. Always happy to help a fellow mudder!
 
Thanks for the assistance! I really am impressed with the level of support and willingness to help others on this site!

I think I am going to pass on this one from Done Deals after getting some great information from another member who actually drove it. Anyone come across any good finds in the New England area, please shoot me a message!
 
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