Recomendations on buying a 1HD-T

[yuyoac]

Hello hope you are well, im pretty close to buying (it was posted here on IH8MUD) and im in search for your guys opinion, its a manual 1990 1HD-T LHD, imported to the US from Paraguay with 136,729 miles/ 220,043 km, it has some "minor" issues, a leak on the AC but overall looks pretty clean, the price i got is 29k, i do have the funds and have been looking for a while, it will be my first LC and i dont know that much about the motor, ive been researching and found about the BEB, timing belt, steering pump, i haven't paid anything (I wont till i see it in person) but was wondering what recommendations you could give me if any for an easyer and less tedious purchase , i really apreciate your guys help and wish you the best!

PS. i forgot to add, i know im not just paying for the stock truck, it has some nice additions, like new OME suspention, rear bumper woth tire carrier, and since it is a LC from Paraguay i know i might me paying a premium for the "rarity" of it, i dont really know, thx for the help.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

What do you know about it's maintenance history? Has it just landed in the states?
Do you have the time/ability to do your own work or would you be getting it done at a shop?

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

That's a fairly low mileage for a 34 year old vehicle, so don't take it as genuine if other wear indicators (carpets, gearknob, steering wheel, seat base) look like it's been used far more heavily.

That said, for a big diesel engine, mileage is of minor importance compared to maintenance. Look for signs of poor workmanship or lack of maintainance on the engine:

-Any mineralised deposits around the radiator, filler, coolant hoses or thermostat indicating prolonged coolant loss.
-Any oily, dark deposits in the expansion tank.
-Silicone on gasket surfaces - this should only be used on the sump (oil pan) on that engine, Silicone on top of old leaking gaskets is a classic bodger technique.
-Long term oil leaks which have become ingrained with dust/dirt.
-Snapped, missing fasteners
-Cheap non-name belts, filters
-Missing hardware like heatshields or protection plates

All these can be indications of shoddy maintenance which will cause problems for these engines long before mileage becomes an issue.

 

[rick_d]

I think it is $10k overpriced.
1990-1992 have some parts not in common with later trucks. The transmission -if worn- is best replaced rather than rebuilt (synchros obsolete). Pump, head, pistons, injectors are all early type. 67azcruiser has central am 1990 and can also answer questions. I know he dislikes his drum brake rear for parts scarcity etc.

 

[yuyoac]

What do you know about it's maintenance history? Has it just landed in the states?
Do you have the time/ability to do your own work or would you be getting it done at a shop?

What do you know about it's maintenance history? Has it just landed in the states?
Do you have the time/ability to do your own work or would you be getting it done at a shop?

So specifically about the maintenance history I haven't seen any of the papers or "proof", the seller said he does have it so guess ill look through all that once I see the truck physically, the seller said he bought it in 2020, Im not sure if that's when he imported it ill have to ask, id like to think that I can make the time and ability to work on it, however, I do know of a guy who owns a shop that works a lot on land cruisers and he owns a couple as well so worst case he can help me on that, of course not for free but still its, better than having no one.

Thx for your help I appreciate it a lot!

 

[yuyoac]

That's a fairly low mileage for a 34 year old vehicle, so don't take it as genuine if other wear indicators (carpets, gearknob, steering wheel, seat base) look like it's been used far more heavily.

That said, for a big diesel engine, mileage is of minor importance compared to maintenance. Look for signs of poor workmanship or lack of maintainance on the engine:

-Any mineralised deposits around the radiator, filler, coolant hoses or thermostat indicating prolonged coolant loss.
-Any oily, dark deposits in the expansion tank.
-Silicone on gasket surfaces - this should only be used on the sump (oil pan) on that engine, Silicone on top of old leaking gaskets is a classic bodger technique.
-Long term oil leaks which have become ingrained with dust/dirt.
-Snapped, missing fasteners
-Cheap non-name belts, filters
-Missing hardware like heatshields or protection plates

All these can be indications of shoddy maintenance which will cause problems for these engines long before mileage becomes an issue.

Thanks a lot for your answer!

The seller commented that he is part owner of a shop in Little Rock Arkansas called Mud Connection and said that all of the work has been done in there, I looked them up and they seem genuine and good from what I could find, from the pictures listed I don't think I see those things you listed out, however ill give them another look, and ill attach the listing from eBay, the only place he hasn't been able to send me pics of or that I haven't seen is the undercarriage, he mentioned that since the dirt and mud from Paraguay is heavy on iron that it gives it a reddish color, and the fact that he said that does give me some peace of mind since if it would've been painted I would have gotten a bit worried about him hiding something.

The link for the Ebay post, it has some pics and links to some videos he took.

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[yuyoac]

I think it is $10k overpriced.
1990-1992 have some parts not in common with later trucks. The transmission -if worn- is best replaced rather than rebuilt (synchros obsolete). Pump, head, pistons, injectors are all early type. 67azcruiser has central am 1990 and can also answer questions. I know he dislikes his drum brake rear for parts scarcity etc.

Thanks for your reply!

From the videos he posted and sent me of him driving, the clutch seems to have no issues to my knowledge, i will have to test drive it to be sure of that, thanks for letting me know of 67azcruiser ill be sure to ask him if need be, I understand the parts may be scarce but i guess that is part of owning an old truck, however, I have not ignored that at all.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!

 

[rick_d]

A clutch is not synchros.

 

[yuyoac]

A clutch is not synchros.

Forgive my ignorance but how could I "test" the synchro, I'm sure there are videos online but just wondering, thx for your help!

 

[rick_d]

You are spending $29,000. Fly out. Drive truck. If the transmission is hard to get into any gears then there may be an issue.

Do not spend $29k sight unseen. If you can’t get someone who knows to test drive.
A 1993 will have better parts availability that the earliest 80 series. Ask sean 67az about issues with early trucks before you repspond

 

[yuyoac]

You are spending $29,000. Fly out. Drive truck. If the transmission is hard to get into any gears then there may be an issue.

Do not spend $29k sight unseen. If you can’t get someone who knows to test drive.
A 1993 will have better parts availability that the earliest 80 series. Ask sean 67az about issues with early trucks before you repspond

I completely agree, and it was part of my plan to go, inspect, and pick up the truck and drive it back home.I haven't been able to find later manual, diesel models that are LHD, thanks for your help, ill make sure to ask 67az for help.

Thanks!

 

[mudgudgeon]

It's been given a spit and polish.

Pretty sure, non-original paint.

Engine bay houses are not original. Installed with cheap hose clamps, not original.
Non standard hood insulation. Why?

Interior has some mismatched trim pieces. Centre console, centre of steering wheel.

No photos at all of undercarriage. I would not be getting on a plane without seeing more photos. Drive across town, sure. Get on a plane, hell no.
Once you fly somewhere to look at a car, psychologically, pressure is on you to not waste your flight

80series generally are getting to the age that they are an enthusiasts vehicle. You need to be proficient at doing mechanical repairs yourself and enjoy it, or have deep pockets to pay someone else.

You're looking at at imported odd ball. You said rarity.
This makes it harder to get help and find businesses who have any clue about what you have. You need to be the expert

 

[yuyoac]

It's been given a spit and polish.

Pretty sure, non-original paint.

Engine bay houses are not original. Installed with cheap hose clamps, not original.
Non standard hood insulation. Why?

Interior has some mismatched trim pieces. Centre console, centre of steering wheel.

No photos at all of undercarriage. I would not be getting on a plane without seeing more photos. Drive across town, sure. Get on a plane, hell no.
Once you fly somewhere to look at a car, psychologically, pressure is on you to not waste your flight

80series generally are getting to the age that they are an enthusiasts vehicle. You need to be proficient at doing mechanical repairs yourself and enjoy it, or have deep pockets to pay someone else.

You're looking at at imported odd ball. You said rarity.
This makes it harder to get help and find businesses who have any clue about what you have. You need to be the expert

Thank you for your reply!

I understand, he sent me some more pictures and I'll post a Google Photos link to them.

In the images are some of the VIN and such, I will make sure to ask about the hood insulation, the mismatched pieces, and yes the undercarriage, but in all honesty, I guess I don't mind ill have to look at it once I get there, fortunately, I'm not flying I'm driving over there lol.

I didn't mention it, but that workshop I know, that I mentioned in another reply, the owner is a guy from Venezuela, and he owns a couple of diesel Lexus and a LC if I'm not mistaken, however, I believe you are right, and I have to go without the psychological knowledge that I might not end up buying it, I guess it depends on a bunch of factors but, I hope I can become an enthusiast, and I guess I'm kind of proficient in the mechanical work I ca always make the time, or save some more money to pay for someone, and a small plus is that in Mexico where i live labor is kinda cheap, however, i understand that pieces may be hard to come by, I appreciate all your help and time, it really helps me get a better picture of what i could be getting myself into if i do decide to pay for it, thank you so much.

 

[nickolai]

Are people actually buying Diesel 80s for $30k USD? If so mine is for sale!!

 

[yuyoac]

Are people actually buying Diesel 80s for $30k USD? If so mine is for sale!!

I guess there is much more market in Aus, I haven't seen many of them for sale in the US and the ones that are, are usually RHD, and I don't like dat.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Are people actually buying Diesel 80s for $30k USD? If so mine is for sale!!

Lol.

It'll cost you $10k+ to send it there.

The same one would sell for similar in Australia if it's any good

 

[roaminglost]

I got my 1990 for 18k but needed about 10k+ it needed alot of work to get it where i wanted it to be.

 

[CaptBeardilocks]

Check @CanarianLandCruiserExports on IG and send him a message. He has a good rep. You can compare some prices that he has. Shipping to the US from there isn't bad.

It would be REALLY hard for me to drop $30k on a truck with little to no maintenance records. Especially one from South America or the Middle East where they generally get pretty abused. There's always exceptions of course. But prices are cooling on these trucks. Parts/labor and their needs are NOT cooling in price.

 

[Hblock]

you buying this in Arkansas? My Hdj80 is from Paraguay.

 

[yuyoac]

you buying this in Arkansas? My Hdj80 is from Paraguay.

yes sir im buying from arkensas, and importing it to mexico.