Weighing value of Cruiser after worst case scenario (1 Viewer)

[suprarx7nut]

Drive the car you like.

A 100's running cost now is not going to bankrupt you more than a newer car with some depreciation left.

Planning for a 100 series engine and trans failure is like living life preparing for lung cancer when you have no risk factors or diagnosis for lung cancer.

 

[JJ_SC]

I totally agree with @suprarx7nut. There is WAY too much to worry about if you plan everything around worst case scenarios.

We bought our 100 new in 2006 when my daughter was 3 and my son was a year old. It excelled as a family hauler and (relatively) unstoppable off-roader ever since. Preschool and park runs, then, for several years it was the school bus, hauling 7 neighborhood carpool kids to and from school. All the while I've been 4 wheeling it into the middle of nowhere. Now my daughter is planning to take it on a trip into the Eastern Sierra and beyond this summer to celebrate her high school graduation. Sure, it's old, but what other car is gonna do all that?

One of my favorite Cruiser pics, Monday morning carpool after having returned Sunday night from 7 days off road:

 

[boodah24]

I'm at the same point in my ownership of my truck. I daily drive mine and take it on trails and family trips. I do all basic maintenance myself to save on costs so if something major arises I'll feel better paying for repairs later down... I have also replaced old parts proactively and made modifications and repairs during my ownership to ensure reliability.
Get a mechanic you trust who knows these trucks to inspect it and that might tell you if it's worth keeping ...

 

[Ayune]

My ‘98 LC has 317k, is baselined, and the only major expenses I fear are 1) brake booster repair and 2) someone else crashing into me.

I drive it daily with a functional e-brake and my head on a swivel, and love watching the miles creep up.