Hi All, first time post...
Always wanted an LC and I have an opportunity to buy an 80 from a family friend. Ive been looking for a low mileage 100 for months now and haven't been able to find. This would not be my daily driver and would be used for weekend beach trips, Eastern Sierra, Mojave Desert, and some Baja trips. Light towing (small boat or pop up trailer), 2 young kids so airbags and 3rd row seat is a must which it has.
'97 LC FZJ 80, 126K Miles. One owner. 100% stock except upgraded stereo/bluetooth. Asking $4K
Dealer maintained---owners did everything they were told, when they were told.
Has never seen a dirt road, some snow (2x/yr). Generally this vehicle was well taken care of.
The dealer mechanic just inspected and found the following:
What I'd give up/sell: 2010 Toyota 4runner trail, 100K:
I want to love this vehicle but I never have. Its always felt undersized (cargo space is smaller than youd expect and akward), underpowered, and kind of plastic-ey. It doesnt have the power or feel of durability that the SUVS I grew up with (1980's land Rover, Isuzu Trooper). No 3rd row seat...instead it has a useless gear tray. My wife always says it feels like a golf cart. But it is really good offroad even in its stock condition. I have only been putting 3K per year more or less, might be best to sell now while it still has value.
Questions:
Always wanted an LC and I have an opportunity to buy an 80 from a family friend. Ive been looking for a low mileage 100 for months now and haven't been able to find. This would not be my daily driver and would be used for weekend beach trips, Eastern Sierra, Mojave Desert, and some Baja trips. Light towing (small boat or pop up trailer), 2 young kids so airbags and 3rd row seat is a must which it has.
'97 LC FZJ 80, 126K Miles. One owner. 100% stock except upgraded stereo/bluetooth. Asking $4K
Dealer maintained---owners did everything they were told, when they were told.
Has never seen a dirt road, some snow (2x/yr). Generally this vehicle was well taken care of.
The dealer mechanic just inspected and found the following:
- Front axle knuckle seals are leaking-recommending replacement
- Valve cover gasket and distributor O-ring-leaking- recommending replacement
- A few minor issues: drive belts showing wear and hood shocks need replacement, roof racks not in good shape
- Interior and paint perfect
What I'd give up/sell: 2010 Toyota 4runner trail, 100K:
I want to love this vehicle but I never have. Its always felt undersized (cargo space is smaller than youd expect and akward), underpowered, and kind of plastic-ey. It doesnt have the power or feel of durability that the SUVS I grew up with (1980's land Rover, Isuzu Trooper). No 3rd row seat...instead it has a useless gear tray. My wife always says it feels like a golf cart. But it is really good offroad even in its stock condition. I have only been putting 3K per year more or less, might be best to sell now while it still has value.
Questions:
- What should I expect to pay/man hrs for the knuckles work? Looks a little daunting and time consuming for me to do myself.
- Valve cover gasket seems minor. any thoughts?
- Am I better off waiting for a low mileage 100 Series (Unicorn)? It might check more boxes but its rare to be able to buy a vehicle from someone you trust with ALL the vehicle history.
- I used to do more work on my vehicles and would like to get back into it again. 80 series better for DIY projects than 100? Better than my current 4Runner?
- Any specific things I should look for in dealer maint and repair records on the 80? Anything I should visually inspect for?
- Price point? Feels like a deal...