Repair and Sell or Repair and Drive...Need other opinions

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B

bfiehler

Joined
Mar 8, 2010
Threads
3
Messages
7
Location
Charlotte, NC
So here is the situation.

Bought my 2003 Cruiser in January 2010 and the CarFax did not show any structural damage when I purchased, I knew that it had been in a wreck but was comfortable after my local dealership and bodyshop inspected and gave good reports. Today after getting information about some repairs, I pulled CarFax because I am thinking about selling and see structural damage that was reported after the accident that was on the CarFax when I purchased it.

Currently have 175K on it. Only issues I have had since owning started about 6 months ago when the AC compressor went out, which I got replaced. AC started not cooling well over the weekend so I took it in to have that and my state inspection done this morning : verdict is I need a new AC condensor ($743 parts and labor) and a new rack assembly ($1099 parts and labor) along with tires (that I was ready for).

So, spend $1850 + tires and put on the market or keep driving and hope that this is that last big issue for a while. What are some opinions of other Cruiser owners?
 
Feel your pain/indecision.
This morning my dealer told me I need new rack / pinion to tune of $1,950. Whoa why is mine so much more?
Also facing P/S pump and various pulleys, belts and some differential whining. Bought from original owner 8 months ago with only 127k miles on it. Thought i was getting a pretty good transparent deal. Oh well, this is what owning used vehicles is about sometimes.
Some people get lucky and buy creampuffs, others...

I have been looking as well at newer LCs but in the end, it's all going to cost the same at the end of the day/year.
Any car I buy is going to need something no matter what the owner says - guaranteed.
 
Can you do some or all the work yourself? A new OEM Denso condenser from rockauto is $132 + shipping. Refrigerant would run about $60-$70. Borrow the gauges and vacuum pump from Autozone for free. Dessicant and misc added in figure I could do the whole job for $250 max. Rack is a bit harder, reman unit runs about $300 for the unit. Fluids and couple tools (many can be borrowed again from autozone/pep boys/etc.) and I'm looking at maybe $400. Both could be done in the driveway with a jack and some stands. Might help sway the decisions if the repairs were $1000 less. And no, I'm not a mechanic but am decent with a set of tools and really good reading a manual or watching a youtube video or two on how to do the repair.
 
I feel your pain and had a similar experience about three weeks ago... 2005 LX470 that I have owned for about 5 years now with minimal issues. The truck was making a funky noise (at times) when you turned the steering wheel. I took it to a local Toyota dealership to have the gear oil changed in all three diffs and have the steering issue looked at. I get a call 2 hours after they have had it saying the steering rack needs to be replaced, the water pump is leaking, I need new tires (which I knew) and the rear brakes need replacing. $2000 later i took care of the first two problems and the original request (diff service). I bought the truck with 89K miles on it (144K now) and the used car dealer had the timing belt changed but did not change the water pump :bang::censor: so now I have a new water pump, timing belt, and all of the other associated goodies, and new steering rack. Going back for brakes and tires will come next month. I can't complain though is has been rock solid for >4 years.
 
I guess that makes me feel better tmdvtpike because my LC's inching up on 140k now with its leaky rack situation.
I'm going to have a retired Master Tech work on it hopefully - and save a bunch of :cookie:
 
@CA Cruisin that rack replacement seems high. The Toyota remans are quality and are around $400 plus tax for the part if I recall. Maybe they quoted you a brand new rack and high labor.

I say keep fixing them and driving. Annual car payment for a decent car these days is much more expensive than a couple grand.
 
To me the game changer is the structural damage from the accident. That would indicate a pretty serious hit and even though you've driven it for 5+ years, I do wonder about that and what might eventually show up. If not for that, I'd say fix and drive it. I depends a lot on how your future use of it, but for me, since I rely on mine for long trips and heavy duty use, I would bail out and fine another one. I would not fix it and put on new tires first either. I would sell as is with full disclosure, and never look back. Especially don't get new tires right before a sale; the new owner will want to to chose those.
 
TXLX100 said:
@CA Cruisin that rack replacement seems high. The Toyota remans are quality and are around $400 plus tax for the part if I recall. Maybe they quoted you a brand new rack and high labor.

I say keep fixing them and driving. Annual car payment for a decent car these days is much more expensive than a couple grand.
Click to expand...

THX, TXLX100 -
totally agree. Drove a 2015 4Runner @ dealer today, waiting for LC inspection, and was not very impressed. I was happy to jump back in my rig. It actually inspired to fix up my car.
Loved my 80's ride and after some work hope to love my 100's too.
#oldschoolrules

Been doing research, finding MANY reman- rack/pinion versions - which to order?
Prices way better!

Found racks for $275 new and $232 remanufactured.
The trick is making sure to order every little thing needed. I plan to get an order together and bring all parts to my local independent LC shop. Can't show up with a single piece, o-ring, bushing or hose missing!

Guess good idea to call Beno/C-Dan, go thru all with a fine tooth comb. I'm psyched to get my car smooth and quiet again.

Would you imagine these would work out OK vs. OEM? Any feedback appreciated.

NEW STEERING RACK $275 new
http://www.carsteering.com/addtocar...0-00802.html?gclid=CK_EhpuY8MUCFQeDfgodhz0AzQ

REMAN $232 http://www.buyautoparts.com/plabuyn...o=80-00802_R&gclid=CO2lp7CX8MUCFcOBfgodVaUAOQ
 
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Do not put anything but a new OEM rack in if you want it to last more than a year. Plenty of heart break threads on here with rebuilt and aftermarket.
 
My wife has 270k on her 1998 LC, never a major repair.
I have 220k on my 1998 LC, never a major repair.
Verdict: Keep it.
 
Thanks for the feedback on this. I am still a bit on the fence on what to do. In the meantime I am going to have them fix the AC so I can drive in comfort for a few weeks until I make my final decision.

One piece of the puzzle that I forgot to mention, through work we have a partnership agreement where I get 15% off parts and labor at the Toyota dealership (numbers listed in original post do not reflect my discount). Definitely swings some numbers in my favor for repairs and I have a great relationship from dealing with the service guys on our work rides over the years. Feel as though they are at least being honest and taking care of me.
 
If the original Car Fax didn't reveal the structural damage, what did is show? I was rear ended in a Toyota Highlander and from 5' away, you couldn't tell the truck was touched except spider webbed paint and dinged plastic bumpers. But, when you went to open the back doors or the rear hatch, you could tell things were not lined up right. Point being, if you don't have any issues with the doors opening or body gaps, then the structural damage may have been repaired. Today, with the computerized frame machines that most good shops have, they can straighten and repair/replace structural members to very near new condition.

As for the rack and A/C, you are driving a 12 year old truck with 175K miles, things are going to wear out. (Mine is 17yrs & 220K) If you "love" it, fix it and consider it maintenance and drive... It's been proven that these things as a whole don't die, but they do require the occasional bit of TLC that a lot of other vehicles require more often.
 
Lol. I've read so many threads about "how reliable are these rigs." And every response is "I needed new tires" and "oil changes are all these trucks ever need." How come none of you spoke up about these issues in THOSE threads?

I'm about to replace my computer with a new one at $1400. Hopefully it fixes my transmission issue. Then I gotta address my ac leak and windshield. Ill lift her and love her when she gets home... There are few cars that id trade this one for.


...via IH8MUD app
 
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