Opinion: High mileage (350k) 1998 LC

[roemer7]

Am I crazy for considering this one? Any advice is appreciated. I'm in no hurry to buy, but this one is close to home.

$4000 - 1998 Land Cruiser with 350k miles. Rust free. (Spent the first 16 years of it's life in CA.)

2008, @270k - new radiator, t-stat
2010, @291k - 15k mile service, new e-brake cable
2011, @315k - 30k service, front/rear diffs serviced, trans. case serviced, brake fluid flush, new timing belt and water pump, belt tensioners, new O2 sensors
2012, @319k - new fuel pump, new fuel filter
(Other things like brakes, bearings, and alignments have been done, but I thought I'd simply mention the biggies.)

cons:
No third row seat, needs tires, no mention of master cylinder work, high mileage...

This will be a third, fun weekend vehicle.
I owned a 2006 GX470 a couple years ago and loved it. I've wanted a LC since high school, 1997.

 

[camino70]

Looks great! I'd certainly consider it, especially at that price point.

 

[gil12]

I'd probably plan on doing a master cylinder rebuild, and new accumulator/pump. But if it drives well, you look forward to working on it, and you like it, buy it!

I guess my thought is, if this is a vehicle you regard as a hobby - then your enjoyment of it is paramount, not the strict financial sense.

 

[Cannon88]

Rear locker? No rear AC in 98, if that matters to you.

 

[biggus]

I think it looks like a great deal at that price. Rust free baby! Interior looks incredible for it's age and miles

 

[ADVNZ]

Many diesels in NZ with over 500k kilometers continue to sell for high dollars ($10k+ US - NZD$22-25k). Our roads are nothing like you have in the US and typically the cars get used as they were intended. That one you have found looks very tidy and in better condition than many lower k models I have seen posted on here.

If they have looked after the car mechanical as well as they have looked after the interior/exterior, then IMO it is a bargain! I have a 98 and the rear locker and rear AC is not an issue. AC up front is pretty good and makes its way to the back with ease. Rear AC was designed for 3rd row seating which yours doesn't have, so not a problem. Rear locker can be added if you really want to do some serious off road.

 

[geanes]

Uh, I'd be ALL over that! If you don't pull the trigger, let me know!

 

[CanyonLX]

Interior is too clean for a vehicle with 350k on her.

 

[NKP Garage]

My 2000 has 319k miles on it. If you're willing to do some maintenance on it, go for it.

 

[Ayune]

cons:
No third row seat, needs tires, no mention of master cylinder work, high mileage...

You could likely find third row seats on Craigslist for around $100. I sold mine for that price and almost just threw them in the trash.

Tires: It's an opportunity for 285/75's!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

If it makes a difference, I have a set of tan third row seats you can just have... they are just taking up space.

 

[roemer7]

Update:
Thanks guys. I drove the truck after work today. You’d never know it had that many miles. Very smooth. Windows, sun roof, ac, cruise, center and rear diff locks both seem to work (rear diff light flashes, but seems to work). Only one key. Techstream used to program the keys in 98?
Thanks for the encouragement. Going back with the fam for another look tomorrow.
@Ayune, you read my mind. @Somebodyelse5, I might take you up on those seats!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Update:
Thanks guys. I drove the truck after work today. You’d never know it had that many miles. Very smooth. Windows, sun roof, ac, cruise, center and rear diff locks both seem to work (rear diff light flashes, but seems to work). Only one key. Techstream used to program the keys in 98?
Thanks for the encouragement. Going back with the fam for another look tomorrow.
@Ayune, you read my mind. @Somebodyelse5, I might take you up on those seats!

Sounds good, I'm in AZ if that makes any difference. Just let me know, they aren't going anywhere

 

[flintknapper]

Certainly looks like one of those deals that doesn't come along that often.

Yes, it's 'high mileage' as most vehicles go, but for a L/C its a long way from dead. Some of the more important repairs/maintenance have been done. A little 'base lining' and I'd wager you would have a fine vehicle to drive.

It wouldn't last long where I live at that price.

 

[Ayune]

Update:
Thanks guys. I drove the truck after work today. You’d never know it had that many miles. Very smooth. Windows, sun roof, ac, cruise, center and rear diff locks both seem to work (rear diff light flashes, but seems to work). Only one key. Techstream used to program the keys in 98?
Thanks for the encouragement. Going back with the fam for another look tomorrow.
@Ayune, you read my mind. @Somebodyelse5, I might take you up on those seats!

Awesomesauce.

1. Keys can be programmed without techstream via some cryptic switch lock cycling outlined here: Remote Transponder Key Programming

2. Transfer case must be in L for rear diff to lock. Dash light just flashes while T-case is in H.

I got my '98 with 276k for $5300. Drove right to the the tire shop for my BFG KO2s. This site has everything you need... Have fun!

 

[flintknapper]

Awesomesauce.

1. Keys can be programmed without techstream via some cryptic switch lock cycling outlined here: Remote Transponder Key Programming

^^^^^ Correct.

Techstream would be the easiest way, but if he has a 'Master' key he can do the Hokey Pokey key dance and program his own. It might be necessary to delete any previous keys prior to doing so...but it worked fine for me.

 

[roemer7]

Quick question, I noticed this truck meets “California emissions requirements” vs. “50 state emissions” like I’ve seen in most trucks. Any issues there? While shopping for my last toy, a Mazda Miata, the California cars had a troublesome “pre-cat” catalytic converter that tends to fail prematurely.

Also, the interior code on this truck is LA10, blue grey. I really like that color.

Thanks again guys.

 

[nodaksn3]

Looks like a good deal. I would flush the m/c right away as the fluid looks really grubby- save yourself a real hassle. Base line all of the fluids and you should be OK for a long time. Keep us posted on how it goes. Ned

 

[roemer7]

Update:
Just looked at another, 2001, this morning. 175k miles, $7500. But the 2001 has rust.
Seen here:

And here:

The 2001 needs a timing belt and radiator (the usual 180k mile stuff).
Surprisingly, the 1998 felt very similar overall even with 350k miles.
At half the price, I’m leaning towards the 1998 at this point.
Opinions on the rust seen above?
Here’s the underside of the 2001:

 

[Das Shtig]

You’ll need to cut that rust out, treat the area, weld in new metal, and repaint. So it depends how comfortable you are with that. I think I’d rather have a non rusty truck. Rust is a PITA. High miles on a LC is a badge of honor. Price is right.

On the other hand, it depends how you’re going to use it — i.e., how many miles you’re going to put on it. I drive 40k a year so it benefits me to start with a lower mileage car. But my wife’s DD could have 350k, because she might do 10k a year. But either way don’t buy the rusty truck.