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- #101
He didn’t mention where he lived.
Purchased 2000 Land Cruiser from Odometer Fraud seller. NEED HELP. (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter jsphaguirre
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These photos from Craigslist San Diego shows a different neighborhood location (listing is gone)
Hard to believe the scammer would spend any amount of money actually servicing the truck. At the most maybe he'd get it detailed so it looks nice to buyers.
I'd try to locate / contact Joshua Bailey to try and learn as much as possible regarding the circumstances of his sale of the vehicle to the scammer. Not that I think he is going to have the correct ID of the buyer (since buyer obviously would have used a fake name & number), but other things like his assessment of general condition / history of the vehicle would be nice for you to know now that it's yours. Also, find out the date of the transaction (compare this date to date you bought to figure out how long the scammer had it in their possession).
- Thread starter
- #104
This was the posting that I purchased from!
While I can understand your anger/frustration at being scammed/defrauded, in my experience a ~300k 100 series can be a reliable vehicle. The 2UZ-FE engine would be the least of my worries. Then again, while I do believe that you overpaid based on the fraudulently represented mileage, it just depends on the previous owners maintenance.
The 99 LX that I bought about 5 years ago, with ~230k miles, was a 1 owner “maintained at the Lexus dealer” vehicle. I spent $5k for the vehicle, and ~$10k on refurbishing bushings, ball joints, TRE, engine mounts, transmission mount, radiator, heater T, water pump, fan & clutch, etc. If a previous owner of your vehicle did as I did, you’re fine, if not, you’re upside down with a lot of deferred maintenance for a 25 year old vehicle.
Warning, my 06 LX (original owner), 99 LX (second owner), and my son’s 00 LC (3rd or 4th owner) get crazy repair estimates from their respective dealers, and a “sales intervention”. My favorite it the 06 LX “needs a new timing belt”, even though it’s been changed 4 times in ~115k miles
The 99 LX that I bought about 5 years ago, with ~230k miles, was a 1 owner “maintained at the Lexus dealer” vehicle. I spent $5k for the vehicle, and ~$10k on refurbishing bushings, ball joints, TRE, engine mounts, transmission mount, radiator, heater T, water pump, fan & clutch, etc. If a previous owner of your vehicle did as I did, you’re fine, if not, you’re upside down with a lot of deferred maintenance for a 25 year old vehicle.
Warning, my 06 LX (original owner), 99 LX (second owner), and my son’s 00 LC (3rd or 4th owner) get crazy repair estimates from their respective dealers, and a “sales intervention”. My favorite it the 06 LX “needs a new timing belt”, even though it’s been changed 4 times in ~115k miles
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The ... ... 0102 number is associated with a Joshua Bradford
- Thread starter
- #110
Cruisininsnow is a username on this forum?
Look at Post #116 and open the attached thread link. You should see it there
- Thread starter
- #112
Sent him a message. Thanks for clearing that up.
I wouldn't worry about a money pit related to miles. That's not really a Land Cruiser thing. Money pit due to rust, neglect, etc... sure. Miles alone? nah.
That's a listing for 97 LX, not a 2000. Just a coincidence.
Based on the parking and the engine still running I would guess that he just drove to this spot to take pictures.
I may have missed it... Did you pull the metadata from this pic to get an address for that house?
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Two separate issue here:
1. Legal situation. Fraud has occurred, which not only affects you as the buyer, will also affect you as the seller if you try to get rid of it, since the odometer fraud has occurred. I know you have concerns about lawyer fees but I would at least go talk to one to discuss potential options. If there is some legal recourse to recover your money, I would explore that, keeping in mind that $16K won't buy you a 100 series of any year with 70K miles even if in this soft market. Low miles (sub-100K) are super rare these days in the 100 series and examples command premium prices. So also something to think about if you're looking to replace this one with another one.
2. REAL Condition of the vehicle. Mileage is only ONE indicator of condition but not always the the biggest factor. Maintenance schedule and records are also critical. As others have pointed out, 281K is definitely not a deal breaker on a very well-maintained UZJ100, especially one that's never been in the rust belt and has no accidents reported. But you will need to investigate whether critical maintenance (timing belt, for example) has been completed. You'll also need to understand if expensive components (steering rack, brake master, alternator, etc..) have been replaced.
1. Legal situation. Fraud has occurred, which not only affects you as the buyer, will also affect you as the seller if you try to get rid of it, since the odometer fraud has occurred. I know you have concerns about lawyer fees but I would at least go talk to one to discuss potential options. If there is some legal recourse to recover your money, I would explore that, keeping in mind that $16K won't buy you a 100 series of any year with 70K miles even if in this soft market. Low miles (sub-100K) are super rare these days in the 100 series and examples command premium prices. So also something to think about if you're looking to replace this one with another one.
2. REAL Condition of the vehicle. Mileage is only ONE indicator of condition but not always the the biggest factor. Maintenance schedule and records are also critical. As others have pointed out, 281K is definitely not a deal breaker on a very well-maintained UZJ100, especially one that's never been in the rust belt and has no accidents reported. But you will need to investigate whether critical maintenance (timing belt, for example) has been completed. You'll also need to understand if expensive components (steering rack, brake master, alternator, etc..) have been replaced.
It has a minor to moderate accident reported in 2009 (post 27), not the end of the world but a depressant on value nevertheless. I'm guessing the real market value was $5k to $7k less than what was paid, painful but eaten up by an attorney very quickly. It's the kind of thing that belongs in small claims court. He's not going to show so there will be a default judgment in your favor which I believe is just as good as a default judgment from real court, and the court fees are lower and the whole process much less formal.
This whole situation sucks. As others have stated, these vehicles are incredibly reliable and stout but they LOVE their maintenance. Any landcruiser regardless of miles at that age is more than likely going to spring some suprises on you nonetheless.
I wouldn't let this sour your perception of the vehicle. People are **** heads, but Toyota really knows how to make a one of a kind SUV.
Neglect on maintenance can and will add up fast.. Ask me how I know
I wouldn't let this sour your perception of the vehicle. People are **** heads, but Toyota really knows how to make a one of a kind SUV.
Neglect on maintenance can and will add up fast.. Ask me how I know
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- #120
I am doing everything I can think of to try to find the Joshua Bailey on the title so that I can contact the previous owners to know more about its maintenance history. If anyone is able to find him it would be a HUGE help.
Anyone know if AAA would be able to find out previous owners from its registration?
