I think the picture that the previous owner painted is not representative to what the 200 looks like in real life. It's exciting to talk about driving the truck hard and it breaking down and causing lots of problems. I'm sure it was even more exciting to actually experience most of what the PO posted. No question though, the truck saw an enthusiast level of care since day 1.
To address the history of the truck as is reasonably documented here on Mud:
-The previous owner bought the truck new. Most or all of his mods were purchased new. The truck now has over 160k on it, so the owner is creating a comparison that many/most of us cannot relate to when he says "its just not the same as it used to be". The truck has had a lifetime of wheeling, but was primarily a dealer serviced driver.
-The truck is built in an opposite direction as an Ivan Stewart dune projectile. I can think of little scarier than driving a truck like this at high speed toward a sand dune. Do we collectively believe that an owner of a week-old 200LC is going to risk totalling it offroad? Possible? Yes. Likely? ...
-Going through front axle joints is relatively common on Land Cruisers of all eras with added weight, increased power, and happy foot.
-Exhaust and emissions codes are going to be the norm if you overpower your evaporative system and have a hole in your header. The header has been repaired, and the PO states that he only goes to 40 gallons in the tank to give the fuel vapors some expansion room. Most or all (and extensive) service was done at the dealer, so we can generally rule out cheap parts anywhere on the truck. Highly modified higher mileage vehicle like this, especially as it gets continued use, requires tinkering, maintenance, and repair.
-2nd Battery has been installed and system seems to be acting normally. The secondary system remains disconnected.
-The truck has a huge value of aftermarket parts on it. All brand name, some nearly impossible to procure in current day. Kudos to the previous owner for putting so much time, effort, and expense into building a vehicle the Land Cruiser gods would be proud of. No question this truck is not for everyone. If you are looking for a truck that is extremely capable, while also having supreme creature comforts for an expedition/hunting/wheeling rig that you can also drive on the highway... hard to beat the value here.
In my opinion, what normally kills Land Cruisers is wrecks, rust, or neglect; not mileage or hard use. Isn't that why we like them?
