Thoughts on this TLC?

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T

tcbelise

Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Threads
4
Messages
14
Location
Southern Califronia
Hi All,

New to the ih8mud forum. Thanks to everyone for this great resource!

Just started my search for a 100 series LC. Had a 72' FJ40 and a 89 FJ62 in the past. Just had a baby and need a bigger/safer truck for the kid.
I'm looking at the later years and would ideally like a lower mileage example.

What do you guys think of this one:
Used 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD for Sale in Oklahoma City OK 73114 Thoroughbred Motors

I spoke to the dealer yesterday and it sounds like this truck is in good condition overall. He mentioned some "surface rust" on the underside which they reported scraped off and sprayed an overcoating for protection. Apparently they got this truck in the Chicago area. No sure if this is a no-go or not. I know the price is high but I like the low miles.

Thanks again!

Tim
 
If it is from Chicago area, it should have rust not just on the surface, but also inside of the frame, especially at welding joints.
Also, for that price can't you find a cruiser (like 06), low miles and with no rust?
 
I know - I figured if they're some rust on the surface there's rust other places that I can't see. I like the low miles but not the rust.

What's considered to be "low miles" for these trucks?
 
Wow, they even painted the driveshaft and muffler for you! There are a few key places where even paint can't hide the rust. The first place is the gas tank skid plate. It is made form the cheapest pot metal known to man apparently. Rust belt trucks often have rust growing out of the small circular holes. This rig doesn't look too bad. the other spot to look at is the front skid plate. Again, rust can be really bad here and is difficult to hide with paint.

I'd also ask for a picture of the license plate lights, lift gate handle area. Very rust prone there.

Lastly, ask if it has an OEM windshield. If not there is high likely hood you'll have rust at the windshield corners and possible water intrusion issues.
 
This dealer trades / buys many LC's. My 04 w/92k miles ended up at the auction then to his lot. He seems to buy all of the Land Cruisers in the Midwest worth saving. I know very little about the dealer but I have watched his inventory for some time. He seems to really specialize in them. If the Chicago truck is low miles, it will probably be ok and will outlast its next owner. If the tailgate, back window, under hood looks clean the undercoating will probably be ok for a long time. I just bought a low mile Michigan 100 and it had lots of frame / differential / surface rust. The body was good. I worked it over with a wire brush and rust inhibitor and painted it with Rustoleum. I am not concerned going forward. Be sure to check the floor of the rear body. The gas tank cover is indeed very thin and very easily rusted. Mine was really bad but I beat the chips off of it and coated it as well. If you are really worried then look for a Texas / Arizona truck. They stay really nice down there.

I know my low mile 2004 was also showing some frame surface rust around the bolts and welds but I was not worried at all about its long term health.
 
I looked at the photos on line. I it looks good. I would want to see up close photos of the tail gate, all door bottoms, and the frame frame from the top of the engine bay. Also a good idea to look where the running board bolts go into the body/rockers. Frankly looks about like mine does. You can see the rust under the coating on the rear axle shock mounts but no big deal.
 
The fact that the [rusted] surfaces were sprayed with a corrosion barrier should raise a big warning flag... this is an effective way of hiding corrosion and offering a false sense of security. inhibitor coatings work "both ways" - they also trap corrosion and salt deposits, etc that have already intruded so the corrosion process simply continues inside-out. I'd be cautious with any vehicle that's seen miles from the "wet coast" that have been re-coated
 
Too many good one's to be had. Keep Looking. Rust never gets better.
 
WaterCruiser - agree with the corrosion barrier comment. I'm more concerned about the rust trapped underneath. Don't mind paying top dollar for a low mileage truck but with rust questions probably will pass on this.
 
When there is any question walk away and that spray plus the high price would have me walk away. I agree with the post above, for that money you should be able to find a perfect 06 with low miles. I also use under the hood pictures as a barometer for corrosion, there are bolts and areas that rust in rough conditions but are perfect on other LCs. The dim lite pic under the hood gives me some concern. i'd keep looking.
 
Also note the rear drive shaft is installed in the wrong direction.
 
nissanh said:
If it is from Chicago area, it should have rust not just on the surface, but also inside of the frame, especially at welding joints.
Also, for that price can't you find a cruiser (like 06), low miles and with no rust?
Click to expand...
I don't believe that it does. I would be more than happy to have my body shop look into that however. Please let me know if you have any interest. This is my fathers store, and we go out of our way to be 100% clear in our representation.

Ryan Derr
Thoroughbred Motors
405-848-0098
www.thoroughbredmotors.com
 
n55luvr said:
Wow, they even painted the driveshaft and muffler for you! There are a few key places where even paint can't hide the rust. The first place is the gas tank skid plate. It is made form the cheapest pot metal known to man apparently. Rust belt trucks often have rust growing out of the small circular holes. This rig doesn't look too bad. the other spot to look at is the front skid plate. Again, rust can be really bad here and is difficult to hide with paint.

I'd also ask for a picture of the license plate lights, lift gate handle area. Very rust prone there.

Lastly, ask if it has an OEM windshield. If not there is high likely hood you'll have rust at the windshield corners and possible water intrusion issues.
Click to expand...

This guy knows his stuff. Would be more than happy to accommodate any concerns.

Ryan Derr
Thoroughbred Motors
405-848-0098
 
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