Pricing for this 80’s series? (1 Viewer)

[PatrickBateman]

Hello Fam! Looking at purchasing:

97 lx450 w/350k miles.
Wants 9k.

Pros:
Runs good
Shifts good
Window motors working
Ac/heat working
No rust
Never in an accident (clean car fax)
Body is clean for its age
ARB front with winch
Lifted (couldn’t tell with what, yellow shocks though)

Cons
No triple lock
Interior is pretty shredded.
Knuckles need replacement.
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil)
Check engine light on (do not know the code)
No speakers
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well.
Brake pedal is deep

I dont have a lift so most of the base lining will go out to a repair shop. Thoughts?

 

[Fj80oregon]

If you can’t work on it yourself, be honest with yourself is this a good purchase? I only say that because working on a cruiser is easy and paying a shop $150+ a hour is going to add up fast. 9k seems a little high in the market right now. Pictures would help with a honest price analysis. Use the money paying a shop to buy some tools and search on here for a remedy, every thing that could be wrong or go wrong is covered in this forum multiple times. Good luck

 

[Rusty Marlin]

I'm a cheap bastard, so my thoughts on price are irrelevant.

You can do all the base lining on the truck without a lift and save yourself a pile of money and get to know the ol' girl real well, as you'll be the one fiddling with her parts.

No triple lock: Do you need lockers, what are your future plans?
Interior is pretty shredded., seat covers, dude.
Knuckles need replacement., weekend job and a couple hundred bucks in parts
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil), ACIS, (automatic corrosion inhibiting system), appears to be working
Check engine light on (do not know the code), Torque app on phone with an OBD2 reader should be in everybody's glove box by now...get with the times.
No speakers, needs a modern double din touch screen radio anyway...am I right?
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well., seals, another weekend job.
Brake pedal is deep: parts cannon, toss a new booster, MC, LSVP, four new calipers and DOT4 fluid in. Not worth F'in about piece mealing the brake system. You can chase your a$$ for the next 6 months or just fix the whole thing.

 

[Kernal]

Paying someone to fix the interior (or painting the body) can end up costing more than any mechanical issues. If you're willing to learn you can fix most mechanical problems yourself with help from the forum but as already mentioned the cost to pay a shop to fix everything could be more than the original purchase price. You don't need a vehicle lift, most everything can be worked on with a good set (or two) of 6-12 ton jack stands and a 3-4 ton floor jack.

Highest ticket mechanical item to consider is often a blown head gasket. Sorry to say but IME sellers will never disclose if they suspect or have been told they have a blown head gasket (or if they've already dumped in a block/head gasket sealer) so you have to check it very closely for signs of a current or previous head gasket leak. Inspect the coolant in the radiator and overflow tank closely (oil, sludge, or just plain clean water). Look into the radiator for a build up of crud, pull a radiator or coolant hose or two and look for a brittle crust on the inside surfaces. Best to have an experienced Land Cruiser mechanic or MUD member to help you check it out.

Post up photos if you've got them.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

 

[mudgudgeon]

Hello Fam! Looking at purchasing:

97 lx450 w/350k miles.
Wants 9k.

Pros:
Runs good
Shifts good
Window motors working
Ac/heat working
No rust
Never in an accident (clean car fax)
Body is clean for its age
ARB front with winch
Lifted (couldn’t tell with what, yellow shocks though)

Cons
No triple lock
Interior is pretty shredded.
Knuckles need replacement.
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil)
Check engine light on (do not know the code)
No speakers
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well.
Brake pedal is deep

I dont have a lift so most of the base lining will go out to a repair shop. Thoughts?

If you're going to pay to fix that list, which has a few open ended issues, budget $5k on top of your purchase price.

Unless you find a really well sorted 80, budget for $5k in deferred maintenance and repairs.

This is not including upgrades or accessories to might want.

You might find one that you can continue to defer maintenance items, but eventually stuff will bite you on the ass if neglected.

 

[BILT4ME]

Hello Fam! Looking at purchasing:

97 lx450 w/350k miles.
Wants 9k.

Pros:
Runs good
Shifts good
Window motors working
Ac/heat working
No rust
Never in an accident (clean car fax)
Body is clean for its age
ARB front with winch
Lifted (couldn’t tell with what, yellow shocks though)

Cons
No triple lock
Interior is pretty shredded.
Knuckles need replacement.
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil)
Check engine light on (do not know the code)
No speakers
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well.
Brake pedal is deep

I dont have a lift so most of the base lining will go out to a repair shop. Thoughts?

Please post pictures and a link to the ad so we can give you a realistic idea of value.

I don't think you should buy it because you don't know how to do work yourself. This is a 28 year old truck. Two more years and it's officially antique.

 

[desmocruiser]

80 Series are a $20k+ endeavor, pay all of it now or some now and alot later (and there will always something that you will want or need to be done).

Find the one that you feel best about having invested $20k-$30k in when it is dependable and enjoyable. I doubt that it is a 350k mile LX450, especially if it still has a shredded interior and I am betting tired paint.

Good luck with this one or the next one, they are fun trucks!

 

[KYLXFJ]

As many others will advise, buy the best example you can afford. If you can do the work yourself then great; you can create value. Otherwise, let someone else take the hit. My rig was very good shape, from arizona, and dealer maintained since new yet I still have probably spent as much on exterior and interior work as you are looking to buy the above rig for.

 

[efjayatee]

Walk away. Not worth $9k with 350k miles. Assuming the shop will do the work to fix all the issues mentioned-easily $10k and no mentioned of HG?? That's another $5-6k at a shop.

 

[simple]

This isn't 2021 anymore, you don't need to overspend on a beater here in 2025. I buy beaters from boomers about every 2 years and have never paid $9000 or even close to that. Ask yourself why are you even considering buying it and figure out if it's desperation to have a specific car or just play money you want to burn.

 

[LDowney]

Hello Fam! Looking at purchasing:

97 lx450 w/350k miles.
Wants 9k.

Pros:
Runs good
Shifts good
Window motors working
Ac/heat working
No rust
Never in an accident (clean car fax)
Body is clean for its age
ARB front with winch
Lifted (couldn’t tell with what, yellow shocks though)

Cons
No triple lock
Interior is pretty shredded.
Knuckles need replacement.
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil)
Check engine light on (do not know the code)
No speakers
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well.
Brake pedal is deep

I dont have a lift so most of the base lining will go out to a repair shop. Thoughts?

You have already received good honest thoughts for your consideration. I see that you appear to be located in Georgia and this led me to ask where. Where matters because there are many facets to this Cruiser community. 'mud is clearly an element, but so are your friends and local Cruiser community if you are interested in those facets of the community. It has been my experience that my friends and Cruiser community come together to get a lot done as a team.

Good luck on what ever decision you make on this 80 (or other Cruiser you may elect to purchase)

 

[PatrickBateman]

You have already received good honest thoughts for your consideration. I see that you appear to be located in Georgia and this led me to ask where. Where matters because there are many facets to this Cruiser community. 'mud is clearly an element, but so are your friends and local Cruiser community if you are interested in those facets of the community. It has been my experience that my friends and Cruiser community come together to get a lot done as a team.

Good luck on what ever decision you make on this 80 (or other Cruiser you may elect to purchase)

I’m currently in North Georgia, right on the border of Chattanooga.

I’ve got a 21’ HE with 286/65/18 Wildpeaks AT4 tires that I absolutely love. It’s perfect for tackling the mild trails in Prentice Cooper with the kiddos. I’m not planning on modding this vehicle since it’s my daily and for family road trips.

But here’s the thing, Prentice Cooper has some pretty rocky sections, and I’m planning on exploring other parks too. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have an alternative vehicle that can mod and handle the rough terrain.

I came across a 100 series. It was a bit of a project, but I managed to get it for a fair price. I was building up, but after investing over 7k into it with just maintenance, it still needed more work and had this weird clunk that I couldn’t figure out. I think it might have been a transmission issue. I bought it from an old lady who only did oil changes, so I was lucky enough to even out re-selling it.

I can’t help but browse Facebook marketplace for vehicles that catch me eye like the 80’s series, hence why I’m here.

Anyway, that’s a bit of my story behind this forum.

 

[manofthewoods]

Please post pictures and a link to the ad so we can give you a realistic idea of value.

I don't think you should buy it because you don't know how to do work yourself. This is a 28 year old truck. Two more years and it's officially antique.

I would generally agree.
One must have a reliable vehicle/DD.
A 80 can be a reliable DD, but only after a rebuild and replacement of a bunch of parts. Ten grand w/parts shopping (OEM, of course), tools not included in the 10 grand.
Labor IS gonna be free

 

[LDowney]

I’m currently in North Georgia, right on the border of Chattanooga.

..., Prentice Cooper has some pretty rocky sections, and I’m planning on exploring other parks too. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have an alternative vehicle that can mod and handle the rough terrain.

...

FYI
The STLCA is very active TLCA chapter around the Chattanooga to Nashville metro region. Further, many of the members are into wagons (80s & 100s).

Colemont (i.e., the Cove) is close by and they regularly wheel there & support trail maintenance work days. Their last out was over New Years.

New Year’s Ride 2025

Plans are set for the STLCA New years ride. Jan 3-5. We are going to have 2 groups this year. Those wishing to camp in the cove (Group 1) will meetup at a TBD location Friday morning, wheel and camp in the cove Friday night, and make their way to Coalmont Saturday. Group 2 will meet at...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[jbc28]

I’m currently in North Georgia, right on the border of Chattanooga.

I’ve got a 21’ HE with 286/65/18 Wildpeaks AT4 tires that I absolutely love. It’s perfect for tackling the mild trails in Prentice Cooper with the kiddos. I’m not planning on modding this vehicle since it’s my daily and for family road trips.

But here’s the thing, Prentice Cooper has some pretty rocky sections, and I’m planning on exploring other parks too. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have an alternative vehicle that can mod and handle the rough terrain.

I came across a 100 series. It was a bit of a project, but I managed to get it for a fair price. I was building up, but after investing over 7k into it with just maintenance, it still needed more work and had this weird clunk that I couldn’t figure out. I think it might have been a transmission issue. I bought it from an old lady who only did oil changes, so I was lucky enough to even out re-selling it.

I can’t help but browse Facebook marketplace for vehicles that catch me eye like the 80’s series, hence why I’m here.

Anyway, that’s a bit of my story behind this forum.

I'm in Gadsden. We like to ride up at Prentice. If you venture south to Little River Canyon or the Talladega NF give me a shout. I was in the same situation with the daily driver. My wife has a 2021 4 runner. We started wheeling in it, but I wanted something a little more capable and could afford to have some down time with if it broke. I lucked upon a decent deal on a LX. Its my first 80 and I absolutely love it.

 

[ace10]

Nine grand for a project 80 seems totally nuts to me.
You'll be in it for twenty before you know it.

What does $15K get you these days in 80 world?

 

[BILT4ME]

Hello Fam! Looking at purchasing:

97 lx450 w/350k miles.
Wants 9k.

Pros:
Runs good
Shifts good
Window motors working
Ac/heat working
No rust
Never in an accident (clean car fax)
Body is clean for its age
ARB front with winch
Lifted (couldn’t tell with what, yellow shocks though)

Cons
No triple lock
Interior is pretty shredded.
Knuckles need replacement.
Oil light comes on when going up a hill (was a little low on oil)
Check engine light on (do not know the code)
No speakers
Pretty sure rear diff is leaking, rear main seal, probably other areas as well.
Brake pedal is deep

I dont have a lift so most of the base lining will go out to a repair shop. Thoughts?

You need to get in touch with @Francis K .

He's trying to sell. You're trying to buy.

Neither of you work on stuff.

 

[PatrickBateman]

You need to get in touch with @Francis K .

He's trying to sell. You're trying to buy.

Neither of you work on stuff.

I just messaged him!! Thank you sir!

 

[Francis K]

You need to get in touch with @Francis K .

He's trying to sell. You're trying to buy.

Neither of you work on stuff.

@BILT4ME I owe you brother, this past summer I stripped out two different 80's at the pick and pull of everything I could easily take off them. If you by any chance need any misc pieces for your truck let me know and I will gladly send it to you as a big thank you!