craigslist What do you think of this cruiser

I am looking at this for a winter driver. I don't know much about these. What should I be looking for, problems, previous service. It has a lot of miles. Is the price fair? I don't want to buy it, and have to spend a couple thousand on repairs

1992 Toyota Landcruiser, Here comes winter, 4 wheel drive, remote start, sunroof, tow package, jump seats (seats 7 passengers), rear heat, CD player. Runs great doesn't burn oil. K & N air filter, new spark plugs, cap, rotor, spark plug wires,and new battery, 241,000 miles, these are one of the best vehicles ever made. First $2500 Takes it..

 

[Shes Mad]

Anybody??? Looking for help for a fellow mudder.

Does this have a timing belt that needs to be replaced, or any other major maintinence that would have had to be performed?

 

[Kernal]

Not the expert on this year(or any year) but from reading here on mud I know it does have a 3FE engine which many people say is very reliable but also underpowered for full time 4WD. Some have installed a kit into the transfer case with lock out hubs to make it 2WD to get back some more power. No timing belt, chain. Most common thing to look at I would guess is the front axle service, check the front axle and look for dripping gear oil from the steering knuckles at either end of the front axle housing. Lot of threads on the subject; search Front+axle+service. MPG is not very good, around 12-17 max from what I've read. They all leak a bit of oil often it's just the oil pan gasket. Check all the usual stuff; condition of ATF and coolant, oil, and gear oil in the front diff especially, if it is a black soupy mess means you have to do the front axle service soon. It's all here on mud. I would offer $1500 IMHO. A set of tires will run you at least $600-800 to start. If you can find a 93 model or later you'll get the engine with more power, but it has it's own set of potential problems.

 

[mot]

I know it's your winter driver, but I'd probably be looking for '95- even if that means forking out the extra $$$ and get the bigger engine, dual airbags, OBDII, etc...

But you might not want/need those and not want to shell out the extra $$$, either.

Good luck!

 

[Wayneraintree]

My cousin daily drives an early 80 like that with high miles... Dead reliable.

He paid in that range. HTH

 

[DieselFumes]

looks good for cheap, just have some reserve for repairs of they pop up...

 

[grant5127]

before 5/'93..........

A/C has down falls..... improved after 5/'93........

3F lower end not known for longevity.........

poor fuel mileage..........

slower than your grandmother........

 

[orangefj45]

3F lower end not known for longevity.........

......

hmmm, mine has 214k miles on it and going strong, one of my customers has 320k miles on his and going strong.
they don't like to be pushed too hard but they do hold up just fine.

i think $2500 is a fair price to pay for a very reliable 4wd suv in good condition. what else could you buy for that price?!

 

[Marty Moose]

Sounds like a fair price. I wouldn't be afraid of the miles but when it comes to gas mileage be thinking closer to 12 MPG. Plus don't be in a hurry going anywhere but they are a good solid truck. I drove one for years with no problems at all.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

The 3FE is reguarded as the better choice (in this era) for expo so it is a reliable engine when maintained (like all toyotas). It can also get better mileage than the 95-97 engine when driven properly. Since you probably won't be rallying it through the snow as a winter driver, i'd say if the price is right it's a great choice. Plus, if for some reason the engine does poop out, you have a lot of engine choices to upgrade. I have seen people do a diesel conversion in this rig. Also, one thing I really like the idea of is to replace the long block of the 3fe with a 2f (if that 3FE bottom end goes out) to get essentially an OEM fuel injected 2F (and gain a stronger bottom end and an extra .2 litre displacement). Win and Win.

 

[ginericLC]

A/C has down falls..... improved after 5/'93........

3F lower end not known for longevity.........

poor fuel mileage..........

slower than your grandmother........

3FE lower end problems? Who says? They are very reliable. I've had several. I have one right now with 298k on it.

Slow, poor braking, yes those are comments I expect to see about 91/92s. But for a winter beater you can't go wrong at that price. No timing belt on the 3FEs. It will not have ABS if that matters to you.