Non-mechanically inclined person looking to buy 100 series

[newbie001]

I work on my own cars as much as I can (thermostat replacements, brake jobs, wheel bearings/hubs etc) I'm learning as I go. I have found the limiting factor for me is usually tools, not skill. There is so much information available online that you can find what you need to learn what you need to do, but I usually end up having to buy a tool or tools to get the job done. I'm very slowly accumulating the tools I need for most jobs. Having a garage to store all this stuff is a necessity for being able to do bigger jobs on a truck like this. The only thing that worries me is that damn ABS pump....

IMO I would not buy an old LC if I wasn't going to plan to work on it myself for at least small to medium jobs. Labor is so expensive it just wouldn't make sense to put that much money into a 10-12k truck. For instance, a wheel hub replacement on my wife's van would have probably been at least $400, and I did it for $100 in parts plus about $70 in tools that I now have to do a similar job later.

Yea i want to learn how to work on cars. My dad grew up with 60s minis in england and theyd jerry rig those things to keep them running so he has car knowledge and a good amount of tools. Plus i dont mind put some money into the car since it is one thatll last a while

 

[newbie001]

While you’re looking start saving. Put away $XXX per month (at least as much as a loan would cost you, but as much as you can) and don’t buy anything above what you have saved. The longer you look the more educated you’ll become and the wiser buy you’ll make. You'll also have more money in your budget.

Well I have a good amount of money put away in savings, id do a loan only so that my liquid cash could be used for any maintenance or repairs. But im definitely waiting for the right cruiser

 

[newbie001]

is it because lack of maintance on the brake fluid flush? rust belt? design? i hear this posted a lot and wondering if its a design failure or maintenance failure. With my 100, i made sure i got one owner with lots of history and it showed brake fluid flush at 60k and 120k and i did it again at 190k... everything was done at dealer and with all this maintance if it happens to me my wallet is going to cry.


to OP:

If i was just out of college I'd go for a 4runner due to not needing the size for my family but still wanting reliability, durability, and capability off road. Your dollars will go farther in a 4 runner as well because they are more abundant.

If you love land cruiser, don't settle.. but remember its a tank, gets 13-15mpg, and because the parts are long lasting and high quality when issues arise it can get spendy... being an LC it shouldn't be often.

Yea ive been looking into 4runners as well. They are definitely a lot cheaper, but they just arent quite the same to me.

 

[fblainen11]

10 years ago I knew how to change a spare tire and maybe a burnt light bulb. If you have the will to figure out how to work on these things you can do many of the things your new to you LC will require.
I also bought an 02 with around 180k. I am the second owner and PO had all maintenance records and a maintenance diary that he gave me.

Through mud and YouTube and just the ability to ask questions to people more knowledgeable than me I have been able to successfully do jobs myself successfully that I never thought I'd attempt.

Now, there are some jobs I'm still going to pay someone for, but for many things I'd say go for it if you're willing to learn.

 

[newbie001]

10 years ago I knew how to change a spare tire and maybe a burnt light bulb. If you have the will to figure out how to work on these things you can do many of the things your new to you LC will require.
I also bought an 02 with around 180k. I am the second owner and PO had all maintenance records and a maintenance diary that he gave me.

Through mud and YouTube and just the ability to ask questions to people more knowledgeable than me I have been able to successfully do jobs myself successfully that I never thought I'd attempt.

Now, there are some jobs I'm still going to pay someone for, but for many things I'd say go for it if you're willing to learn.

Whats the maintenance been like for your 02?

 

[fblainen11]

Whats the maintenance been like for your 02?

I had the luxury of purchasing from a owner that documented and did all recommended maintenance like clockwork. I've changed oil and put new tires. That's about it. PO even greased all zirks on driveshaft at every oil change interval.

The heater ts were already done. Timing belt is fine. Not much to do really.

 

[newbie001]

I had the luxury of purchasing from a owner that documented and did all recommended maintenance like clockwork. I've changed oil and put new tires. That's about it. PO even greased all zirks on driveshaft at every oil change interval.

The heater ts were already done. Timing belt is fine. Not much to do really.

Well you are very lucky. I found one FJ80 with 37k miles on the OD, it was a barn find. No rust, everything works. Its 10k, looks like a possible purchase

 

[newbie001]

Can anyone let me know if this amount of rust is really bad/deal breaker. It looks like a lot but I’m no expert. Thank you!

 

[jLB]

I found one FJ80 with 37k miles on the OD, it was a barn find. No rust, everything works. Its 10k, looks like a possible purchase

In my experience, having owned a (non-Land Cruiser) vehicle, from new, that only accumulated ~30,000 miles, over 20 years. I’d probably be more concerned about what needed to be repaired/replaced on a “barn find” vehicle than I would on a similar vehicle that was driven regularly, with much higher mileage.

 

[newbie001]

In my experience, having owned a (non-Land Cruiser) vehicle, from new, that only accumulated ~30,000 miles, over 20 years. I’d probably be more concerned about what needed to be repaired/replaced on a “barn find” vehicle than I would on a similar vehicle that was driven regularly, with much higher mileage.

My dad pretty much said the same thing, but its cool to find one low millage like that but you are right one thats maintained and drive would probably be a smarter buy.

 

[hickuptruck]

[

Can anyone let me know if this amount of rust is really bad/deal breaker. It looks like a lot but I’m no expert. Thank you!

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Doesn't look that bad. Better than mine actually. Just looks like surface rust and not anywhere near structural.

 

[newbie001]

Just found a FJ60 GX at a dealer down the street from work. i hear those are rare

 

[Pucker5]

Best thing to do is pick a model you want first. They’re all somewhat different beasts by generation

 

[RyanStl]

Wow, this thread took off like a rocket. I'm not reading everything, but can give my point of view. I bought a '02 going on over 3 years ago and it had 135K on the clock. All I have had to do is change fluids, brake pads, and clean throttle body. Mine has not had a timing belt replacement, and I swear I'll get that done this year. Wouldn't have to do this if the previous owner was more responsible. I'm almost at 170K now.

 

[Fitterblue]

Hello!

I am new to land cruisers and I hear this is the best place to come for advice. Ive always loved LC's and I am now finally at a point where i can afford to buy one ( no longer in college and have a good job) I found a really nice 2002 LC with 160k mils one it. Its a one car owner and has all the service records. Well maintained and all the bells and whistles. Its going for 10k. The only thing is I know nothing about fixing or working on cars. Am I stupid to want a LC? Should i avoid buying one since i cant work on it myself? I dont want to buy one if im just going to dump money into it.

Any advice or knowledge will be greatly appreciated.

thanks for your time

Hello!

I am new to land cruisers and I hear this is the best place to come for advice. Ive always loved LC's and I am now finally at a point where i can afford to buy one ( no longer in college and have a good job) I found a really nice 2002 LC with 160k mils one it. Its a one car owner and has all the service records. Well maintained and all the bells and whistles. Its going for 10k. The only thing is I know nothing about fixing or working on cars. Am I stupid to want a LC? Should i avoid buying one since i cant work on it myself? I dont want to buy one if im just going to dump money into it.

Any advice or knowledge will be greatly appreciated.

thanks for your time

My 2002 LC has 322k miles on it and is still running strong. All service done at Toyota. Tranny needed work at about 200k miles. Great truck, I think 10k is a good price for an 02 with that mileage. About 2000 miles ago I got rear ended. Insurance totalled my truck. They gave me almost 11k for it!! I bought it back for $1700 and got it fixed.! Here is a black 06 Lexus470 for sale in Discovery Bay CA. Probably never been in 4wd. Just saw it in Facebook marketplace. I have no connection to the seller, just an fyi.

 

[Kabanstva]

Here is a black 06 Lexus470 for sale in Discovery Bay CA. Probably never been in 4wd.

It's full time 4WD lol...

 

[GreenMachine00]

From my recent experience on getting into the LC world, expect to be looking for about 2-3 months searching craigslist, cargurus, autotrader, and this the mud classifieds. Narrow your search to 1 or 2 specific vehicles ( example: 100 series LC and 4th gen 4runner). Set yourself some parameters and stick to them (example: Less than 200k miles, minimal surface rust, 4 owners or less, good history). Research common problems that will need to be addressed and see if you can afford to fix them after purchasing.

Get yourself a CARFAX account and run a report before making an offer. Also check toyota owners website as mentioned previously in this thread. Carfax reports cost money, but it is worth every penny.

Biggest thing is do not get emotional. It's hard to not jump on that great deal and just try to ignore the rusty frame, but you will truly regret it down the road. Check often and be ready to jump when your parameters are met. I responded to my LC's seller an hour after he posted. He said he had multiple offers after me for full price, but since I was ready to go and no bs, I was able to talk him down just a bit.