Pull The Trigger On This 80?

[VCCruzr]

So, I have been patiently looking for an 80 as my 16 year old daughter's first car. I think I have found one but just wanted to hear other's opinions on pulling the trigger.

It's a 97 and has just over 200k, original owner with all records (no HG replaced though ) just had all new brakes done with new front rotors/bearings, interior and exterior are in excellent condition. The engine looks like it has never been cleaned and the knuckles look like new seals are needed. I test drove it and it has plenty of pep and drives nice, no vibes, pulling or shimmy. I offered $5K and the owner is willing. So should I do it?

 

[ScottyDog]

So, I have been patiently looking for an 80 as my 16 year old daughter's first car. I think I have found one but just wanted to hear other's opinions on pulling the trigger.

It's a 97 and has just over 200k, original owner with all records (no HG replaced though ) just had all new brakes done with new front rotors/bearings, interior and exterior are in excellent condition. The engine looks like it has never been cleaned and the knuckles look like new seals are needed. I test drove it and it has plenty of pep and drives nice, no vibes, pulling or shimmy. I offered $5K and the owner is willing. So should I do it?

I did the same thing with my son... except it was a 62. Only complaints from my boy is the gas mileage.. can't say that I blame him. If gas isn't the issue for you and your daughter.. than why not. I think its tank and from what I have read from other's threads about accidents and roll overs its one of the last few later model vehicles built like a 70's Oldsmobile.

(Knock on wood....before I speak here..) but I have 220K on my 97 and it hasn't had the HG replaced either.. I'm wondering if Toyota took care of the POS HG issues prior to 97. You figure it was the last year of the 1FZ, They should of had it figured out by then. I think as long as you do regular maint and done get the motor too hot.. should be fine... JES DO IT!!!

My $0.02
Scott

 

[Bluetribal]

Does she enjoy driving your LX?

Make sure it has the same interior color so when she is done with it you can part it out for your rig.

 

[Brentbba]

You paying her gas? IMHO and loving my '94, its to big for a young driver (comments from my 2 kids at that age)

 

[sdnative]

How thorough was the maintenance? Basic stuff like oil changes and coolant flush? If it needs front axle service, then you can assume it needs other things too. Plan on a grand or two just in basic PM stuff if you get it. Once you get into it, you may find more issues (like I did with my last one). I would take it into SDTrux or another reputable shop for a complete inspection regardless. I really wish I did this on my '96. It would have saved me a bunch of grief and wasted time / money.

Does it have lockers? How is the paint/interior? Check for cooling system records to make sure it has been kept in top shape. Check for red coolant. If not red, ask for details about how they flushed the coolant. Just mixing red and green is very bad.

$5k for a bone stock 97 with 200k miles sounds like an average deal unless it's in great shape. I have seen a few with much less miles for that price.

 

[VCCruzr]

You paying her gas? Yes, as long as she continues with the straight A's she gets in school IMHO and loving my '94, its to big for a young driver (comments from my 2 kids at that age) She loves driving mine and asked to use it for school. I said no way, I'll just buy you one

How thorough was the maintenance? Good maintenance records, rear main seal has been replaced, had axle service but might be ready for another, basic stuff like oil changes and coolant flushes, and brand new brakes all around, including front rotors.Does it have lockers? No lockers. How is the paint/interior?
Awesome paint/average interior (seats are worn but no cracks).

Well the has given me the green light for the purchase on ONE condition: "Don't you dare modify THIS Landcruiser!"


Oh, and it's a 40th Ann. edition in Sage green, my favorite color.

 

[pinoytoys]

Go for it! I'm doing the same for my daughter in a couple years. I know if she's in an accident, she'll more then likely be fine.

 

[sdnative]

"Don't you dare modify THIS Landcruiser!"

We'll see how long that lasts. Remember: small changes over time are much less noticeable

Oh, and it's a 40th Ann. edition in Sage green, my favorite color.

Well that changes the equation completely.


I still very highly recommend you take it down to SDTrux for an inspection.

 

[Poriggity]

Yup.. Seems like a decent price for that rig... But take it to SDTrux, or another mechanic you trust for a full blown inspection.
Scott

 

[VCCruzr]

BANG!!!

So yesterday I went ahead and bought this 40th I looked at and dropped it off to be detailed. Picked it up this morning to bring it home and surprise my daughter. As I pulled into the driveway, I called her on the phone and told her to come out and help with the groceries. The look on her face as she walked out the garage door was classic, PRICELESS!

I wasn't even going to look at this cruiser because of the mileage (207,000) but my mother being the loving, nosey person that she is, called this guy and got pictures. She had me over for lunch to have me view "her find". It did look really clean. Then, after a couple of calls from my mom asking if I had contacted the guy, I figured I would call him to get her off my back. I had two questions for the seller, "how long have you owned & do you have the service records?" He replied "original owner with all dealer service records". I instantly knew I had better take a look and see this guy that day. I met, looked the cruiser over, looked at the records and noticed that it had just had work done for over 4 grand. He was only asking $5500 so I offered 5 grand cash. He said he had to show it to 2 more people so I held my ground and told him to call me if it was still available after. As I walked to my truck to leave he said "DEAL" for the cash.

Here it is:

 

[ScottyDog]

Nice looking 80... Your daughter looks stoked! So what are you going to tell her when she wants to start to mod it? "Go talk to your mom." LOL..

 

[mkfour]

She's going to need a bunch of cup holders.

 

[fjc8871]

Nice find. My sons want TLCs too among other things.

 

[80BajaBound]

Awesome ride for a high schooler, hell, for anyone! She's a lucky girl Derrick! Do you plan on putting the whole clan in 80's? That would be cool!

 

[DirtyRice Joe]

Well the has given me the green light for the purchase on ONE condition: "Don't you dare modify THIS Landcruiser!"

Looks great! You might be able to talk the into an ARB front bumper, for safety of course (not looks!). Just show her the write-up on Man-A-Fre about 80 w/ARB in a collision. Nothing like a little extra protection, especially for a relatively new driver. My son says there a lots of "minor" accidents at his high school.

Best of luck with your daughter's new truck!

 

[cruiserruf]

Well the has given me the green light for the purchase on ONE condition: "Don't you dare modify THIS Landcruiser!"

Looks great! You might be able to talk the into an ARB front bumper, for safety of course (not looks!). Just show her the write-up on Man-A-Fre about 80 w/ARB in a collision. Nothing like a little extra protection, especially for a relatively new driver. My son says there a lots of "minor" accidents at his high school.

Best of luck with your daughter's new truck!

and of course you can justify the need for a winch. just for added safety

 

[Bluetribal]

And sliders add safety in T-Bone type accidents. Safety 1st!

 

[ScottyDog]

And a lift... you know so cars have tendency to slide under the truck instead of a direct impact..

 

[VCCruzr]

You might be able to talk the into an ARB front bumper, for safety of course (not looks!). Just show her the write-up on Man-A-Fre about 80 w/ARB in a collision. Nothing like a little extra protection, especially for a relatively new driver.

And, so everyone stays out of her way.

and of course you can justify the need for a winch. just for added safety

Yes, wouldn't want her to get stuck

And sliders add safety in T-Bone type accidents. Safety 1st!

Good point!

And a lift... you know so cars have tendency to slide under the truck instead of a direct impact..

Whadda ya think, 3.5" ought to be enough right?



Ah seriously, I wish I could but I promised. At least I was able to talk the into a Landcruiser and that in itself is an accomplishment, plus I am still spending all my extra money on mine , Just bought a winch for my Bump It Offroad tube bumper which should be delivered in February.

Thanks for all the comments.

Derrick

 

[Dan2722]

Nice find. I swear I saw that truck a few months ago over near Sports Arena and thought how clean it looked.

Only 40th around town I've seen wih the black center caps.