Newbie needs help

[pchz84]

Hi folks. Looking to buy an 80 series here in Colombia. I need to know the absolute necessary things to look for in used LCs. I'm not saying this to be offensive, but Colombians are REALLY good at selling anything...especially junk. And they can sell junk at top dollar.

Any advice for a first-time Land Cruiser buyer just entering the market would be appreciated very much.

I'm looking for any mechanical advice, too. What sounds to be aware of, what parts should/shouldn't make noise, what quality brand name aftermarket parts are worth the buy...etc.

Thank you all so much.

 

[decoco]

lots of info to go over, I recommend using the search feature on the forum or using google to help you search this forum.
Essentially every question for what to look for in buying an 80 series has been addressed here- that's what I did before I bought my 80 series.

You need to find out what engine is in the unit, and what the flaws and advantages are. You're talking about a 3F VS FZJ engine.
Keep in mind Colombia had different offerings than the U.S. did for 80 series, they likely had more spartan version, mid range and then the VX which would be most similar to the ones sold in NA -but not exactly like the ones sold in NA. Do not expect to pay pennies on the dollar for the unit, as they are highly sought after there, and the currency is very dolar-ized. I do not see a discount happening on an 80 there (I may be an ignorant)

Based on your hesitation with Colombians it sounds like you may not be very comfortable with the native language or the way they do business there- just an assumption though- if you are not a local try to find one, that can try to help you navigate that part.

 

[RFB]

CLimb under it, look closely at iol pan birfields tie rods ends, make sure everything is actually for that model and year. check out some legit land cruisers so you know what they should look like, dont jump into anything until you drive it and know what your buying. JMO good luck

 

[pchz84]

lots of info to go over, I recommend using the search feature on the forum or using google to help you search this forum.
Essentially every question for what to look for in buying an 80 series has been addressed here- that's what I did before I bought my 80 series.

You need to find out what engine is in the unit, and what the flaws and advantages are. You're talking about a 3F VS FZJ engine.
Keep in mind Colombia had different offerings than the U.S. did for 80 series, they likely had more spartan version, mid range and then the VX which would be most similar to the ones sold in NA -but not exactly like the ones sold in NA. Do not expect to pay pennies on the dollar for the unit, as they are highly sought after there, and the currency is very dolar-ized. I do not see a discount happening on an 80 there (I may be an ignorant)

Based on your hesitation with Colombians it sounds like you may not be very comfortable with the native language or the way they do business there- just an assumption though- if you are not a local try to find one, that can try to help you navigate that part.

I have been here for over four years, speak fluent Spanish, and I have great relationships with Colombians. When it comes to salespeople, it's a different story. I distrust them indiscriminately; American, European, Chinese, whatever. My problem is that I don't have much buying experience and little confidence when it comes to vehicular purchases. I don't wheel and deal, and this is my first time stepping into Toyotaland. Thus, the questions.

Thanks for the heads-up on types of the 80 here. I've seen some VX options, but they're scarce based on my assumption that once someone buys one, they want to keep it. I've seen another edition called "Autana" (don't know what that is, a local version maybe?). The majority of all the 80s I've looked at are equipped with the 4.5 and very few are equipped with a diesel. That's been my observation. I have yet to look at one in-person and evaluate it, etc.

I assumed that these topics had been covered many times over here on this forum, but I'll be honest enough to admit my laziness and just ask for someone to post me links to discussions Once I identify issues and problems, I'll dig deep wherever necessary to find answers. I will be using my local contacts to help me when they are able.

Thanks for being open.

 

[pchz84]

CLimb under it, look closely at iol pan birfields tie rods ends, make sure everything is actually for that model and year. check out some legit land cruisers so you know what they should look like, dont jump into anything until you drive it and know what your buying. JMO good luck

I plan on doing just that...but what are "birfields"? Forgive my ignorance.

 

[ewillis]

I plan on doing just that...but what are "birfields"? Forgive my ignorance.

CV joint thingies...

 

[pchz84]

CV joint thingies...

hahahaha...thank you! Those big, bulbous joints on the front-end, yes?

 

[ewillis]

MMMMhhmmm...make sure they aren't all leaky...

 

[Desert Dino]

Welcome to the cuckoo nest. Laziness will work for you once
Use the search engine or better use google to search the forum
Here you go
80-series FAQ

Look at post #3

 

[BILT4ME]

Not so much worry if the CV joint thing's leak, but are the internal guts (actual axle shafts and birfield joints) are actually in there. There have been a few times that a new owner bought a truck and was told that the 4x4 system needed service because it's not working properly, but it's no big deal. In reality there is nothing internal because they broke it and gutted it.

Drive it, test it, take pictures of it. Start at half of whatever the guy is selling for.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I have been here for over four years, speak fluent Spanish, and I have great relationships with Colombians. When it comes to salespeople, it's a different story. I distrust them indiscriminately; American, European, Chinese, whatever. My problem is that I don't have much buying experience and little confidence when it comes to vehicular purchases. I don't wheel and deal, and this is my first time stepping into Toyotaland. Thus, the questions.

Thanks for the heads-up on types of the 80 here. I've seen some VX options, but they're scarce based on my assumption that once someone buys one, they want to keep it. I've seen another edition called "Autana" (don't know what that is, a local version maybe?). The majority of all the 80s I've looked at are equipped with the 4.5 and very few are equipped with a diesel. That's been my observation. I have yet to look at one in-person and evaluate it, etc.

I assumed that these topics had been covered many times over here on this forum, but I'll be honest enough to admit my laziness and just ask for someone to post me links to discussions Once I identify issues and problems, I'll dig deep wherever necessary to find answers. I will be using my local contacts to help me when they are able.

Thanks for being open.

I'd post up some links and help you out but as a salesperson I inherently think people that make blanket statements about not trusting salespeople "indiscriminately" are d!cks. Good luck, hope you don't get ripped off! (Actually, I don't care. I'm honest enough to admit it though...)

 

[Tedward]

I like the idea of checking really expensive ones and ones you may afford. Find differences.
Drive as many as you can. Drive them as hard as you can. Drive 20 miles. Start it up and shut it off 10 times during your test drive. Hit bumps, get them hot, stop hard, engage the center diff and lockers if they have them. Run the a/c full blast and so on.
Look closely for aftermarket parts and repaired wires or non original wiring.
Lay (lie?) down underneath it for 20 minutes and stare at every single piece. Look for recently cleaned spots, leaks, fresh paint.
Listen carefully for any noises that sound off. Bring someone else to look and listen as well.
Buy one and plan on it costing some denero to baseline.
Look at threads about trucks getting baselined.

 

[Irish Reiver]

I used this guide from Slee before I bought mine. Good luck.

Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide

 

[Mandrake]

I'd post up some links and help you out but as a salesperson I inherently think people that make blanket statements about not trusting salespeople "indiscriminately" are d!cks. Good luck, hope you don't get ripped off! (Actually, I don't care. I'm honest enough to admit it though...)

It's probably just as well, since all you shady salesmen are just trying to pass off garbage as gold and screw over the hard working honest, salt-of-the-earth man. Your links would probably give his computer a virus and put him on some kiddie porn watch list, anyway.

 

[pchz84]

I'd post up some links and help you out but as a salesperson I inherently think people that make blanket statements about not trusting salespeople "indiscriminately" are d!cks. Good luck, hope you don't get ripped off! (Actually, I don't care. I'm honest enough to admit it though...)

Honestly, thank you for your input. I'm not trying to be a dick. Being that I am inexperienced, I have a lack of trust for those who are trying to sell me something. I hope you understand that I wrote earlier that my lack of experience gives me a lack of confidence. This lack of confidence is then pushed onto the salesperson. I have been in situations when someone has tried too hard to sell me something and it makes me suspicious. Does that make sense?

I didn't mean to stir up strife.

 

[pchz84]

Welcome to the cuckoo nest. Laziness will work for you once
Use the search engine or better use google to search the forum
Here you go
80-series FAQ

Look at post #3

Thanks!

 

[pchz84]

Not so much worry if the CV joint thing's leak, but are the internal guts (actual axle shafts and birfield joints) are actually in there. There have been a few times that a new owner bought a truck and was told that the 4x4 system needed service because it's not working properly, but it's no big deal. In reality there is nothing internal because they broke it and gutted it.

Drive it, test it, take pictures of it. Start at half of whatever the guy is selling for.

Thank you very much.

 

[LS1FJ40]

Honestly, thank you for your input. I'm not trying to be a dick. Being that I am inexperienced, I have a lack of trust for those who are trying to sell me something. I hope you understand that I wrote earlier that my lack of experience gives me a lack of confidence. This lack of confidence is then pushed onto the salesperson. I have been in situations when someone has tried too hard to sell me something and it makes me suspicious. Does that make sense?

I didn't mean to stir up strife.

No worries. If you had stated it that way from the beginning it would've seemed logical. But you didn't. Good luck with your research.

 

[pchz84]

No worries. If you had stated it that way from the beginning it would've seemed logical. But you didn't. Good luck with your research.

Thanks for responding. I hate making myself misunderstood. Hopefully, we can continue moving forward in the discussion.

Being that your profession is a salesperson, what advice to you have for me as a buyer? What mistakes do you see a lot of buyers commonly make? What is your position as a salesperson/what do you sell? Thanks!

 

[gummycarbs]

Go look at several. See how they start and run. Listen closely to the engine. Look for rust underneath, particularly in the rear. Look for obvious signs of a blown head gasket (sweet vapor cloud out the exhaust, bubbles in the radiator), and maybe even use a test kit (comes with a tube you attach to the radiator cap opening and a chemical that changes color when exposed to exhaust gases). Depends on how worried you are about head gaskets...

They're old rigs. They're going to have leaks. Unless they're owned by fastidious 'mud members, you're probably going to have to do a lot of maintenance to get them where you want them to be. I tell people to plan for around $2k in parts. Starter, alternator, vacuum hoses, axle and Birfield rebuild, intake disassembly and cleaning, and a cup holder. Plus all the other stuff that you find out is broken or worn.