Should a 8 year stagnant 100 series scare me off? Looking for advise from you experts

Hi Mud. I’m total newbie to 100 series but i am looking seriously at purchasing one. I just love cruisers, I own a 400,000 mile 80 series so I know how damn reliable these things are.

I found a dessert bronze 2000 for sale with 157,000 miles, the interior is in incredible condition and the exterior as well. Asking $12,500. There is a long maintenance history dating all the way to 2017. But in 2017 it was sold at auction and was not driven at all until late 2024 when it was sold again. The dealer replaced the tires because they said the previous ones had dry rot. The odometer history verifies that it hasn’t been driven since 2017.

Should this spook me? Or no problem for these things? Like I said, the car looks to be visually in fantastic condition.

 

[Kabanstva]

There’s a HUGE difference if it was stored indoors for 8 years or sat outside for 8 years. Do you know which one is it?

 

[kunu]

There’s a HUGE difference if it was stored indoors for 8 years or sat outside for 8 years. Do you know which one is it?

I do not know. Based on the paint condition and very minimal rust, I would have to assume it was stored inside. The interior leather doesn’t have much wear in them either, I’d imagine they’d crack under hot conditions over the years?

 

[Kabanstva]

Any pics of engine bay, brakes, and suspension?

 

[ace10]

Low mile case study, 24K 07LC (2025)

How many saw the Thunder Cloud, 24K miles 2007 Land Cruiser, on BAT. Winning bid of $62,500 Dec 22 2024. WOW! :eek::clap: The lowest miles I've seen on BAT or every had my hands on.;) Here's someone else post on their 2006 21K miles, engine blowing up...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Mike6158]

$12,500 seems low. Idk though.

 

[kunu]

Any pics of engine bay, brakes, and suspension?

Sure do! Engine and a few undercarriage photos as well!

 

[SteveH]

If it were stored outside in Illinois, the brake rotors would have been destroyed from rain/snow/moisture. But, I see some underside rust and some tar/spray crap on the frame, so don't buy this without a seriously detailed underbody and suspension rust inspection.

The brake fluid looks suspiciously clean, unless someone just replaced it.

 

[kunu]

If it were stored outside in Illinois, the brake rotors would have been destroyed from rain/snow/moisture. But, I see some underside rust and some tar/spray crap on the frame, so don't buy this without a seriously detailed underbody and suspension rust inspection.

The brake fluid looks suspiciously clean, unless someone just replaced it.

Thanks, I am having the Toyota dealer

If it were stored outside in Illinois, the brake rotors would have been destroyed from rain/snow/moisture. But, I see some underside rust and some tar/spray crap on the frame, so don't buy this without a seriously detailed underbody and suspension rust inspection.

The brake fluid looks suspiciously clean, unless someone just replaced it.

Thanks for the tips. The Toyota dealer is fixing what we think is a fuel line issue before we move forward, and I am having them perform a pre purchase inspection while it’s there. Anything besides underbody and suspension that I should ensure they thouroughly check?

 

[Patassa]

Looks like most of the bolt heads in the engine bay are rusted, the aluminum on the motor appears corroded, def some rust underneath and looks like someone tried to paint over frame rust?

 

[SteveH]

Unless the dealer smacks the frame with a hammer, I wouldn't trust their rust inspection. This hammer smack method is how you see if there are holes in the frame where the rust just hasn't fallen out yet. You can also use a screwdriver to poke/gouge the weak areas. Will the dealer let you into the service bay to look underneath (along with them)?

 

[shane431]

I think I’d want to take it for a 50 mile drive and see if anything leaks afterwards.

 

[kunu]

Looks like most of the bolt heads in the engine bay are rusted, the aluminum on the motor appears corroded, def some rust underneath and looks like someone tried to paint over frame rust?

Now that you say that. I think so. Is this the typical texture the bottom of the doors? Or has this been tar sprayed and painted?

 

[kunu]

Unless the dealer smacks the frame with a hammer, I wouldn't trust their rust inspection. This hammer smack method is how you see if there are holes in the frame where the rust just hasn't fallen out yet. You can also use a screwdriver to poke/gouge the weak areas. Will the dealer let you into the service bay to look underneath (along with them)?

They’re 5 hours away, so that’s probably not an option. I can request photos though, if that’s what you advise!

 

[kbfj621989]

The fuel tank protector looks very rough. I think there will be a lot of broken bolts when you go to work on the underside of this rig.

 

[SteveH]

 

[rexington14]

Sat for 8 years? Probably converted into a rodent motel

 

[Patassa]

Now that you say that. I think so. Is this the typical texture the bottom of the doors? Or has this been tar sprayed and painted?

View attachment 3863137

that's normal orange peel paint job on that panel.

 

[Mike6158]

Those photos don't help. I live down south (TX) so frame rust isn't something I see or deal with. If it's as bad as it appears I'd have to walk away.

 

[AARONTLC]

"Run to the hills, Run for your life!" - Iron Maiden