what to look for when buying super low mile cruiser

[LandCruzrNY]

I've been looking at a mint LX450 and test drove it this past weekend. It's had a LOT of maintenance done that probably didn't need to be done when it was being perfected. That said I have looked at the Slee article for things to look for when buying a land cruiser.

My question is what else should I look for? I'd like to find something at this point just to try to have some negotiating factors but I am coming up blank. Any suggestions?

 

[LandCruzrNY]

Oh, the LX450 has 119K miles. I said low miles but didn't specify.

 

[flintknapper]

IF you are in the 'rust belt' check for rust on the undercarriage.

Other than that....be happy if it is in pristine shape.

 

[gummycarbs]

I can't imagine what you could hope to learn from this question. We have no idea what maintenance was done. If I were you, I'd check the... everything.

IMO low milage is overvalued. Unless it's been stored in a nitrogen chamber hidden from UV, the rubber is breaking down. The seat leather is still degrading. The wood veneer is still sun-bleached.

 

[scottryana]

Not trying to tell you how to live your life, but weren't you just living in a cruiser not long ago. If so, don't spend $22k on an 80 series....

 

[Marco Lau]

no different than a 250k mile cruiser. Rust, Interior condition...

 

[Mighty690]

I wouldn't buy an 80 series for big dollars unless I got an oil sample analyzed first. Really. Otherwise, I prefer to buy them with "new radiator" which really means "bad head gasket." LOL

 

[LandCruzrNY]

Not trying to tell you how to live your life, but weren't you just living in a cruiser not long ago. If so, don't spend $22k on an 80 series....

LOL, yes, I was in between jobs and did in fact live in my cruiser for a few months. It worked really well as I was done with the GF and just wanted to chill, fish, and live life. I got back to work in November and am flush with cash for a change. That's the joy of having a great paying job and like no bills to speak of. I don't have the cool things of a king but I sure as hell live like one.

So yes I'm looking for the perfect LX as I sold my last cruiser and bought a BMW that I'm tired of already.

 

[LandCruzrNY]

There is no rust, none, not a spec. It was a Texas cruiser and kept in a air conditioned garage its whole life. Receipts with all OEM maintenance completed. Interior was great but the seller replaced it with custom leather with receipts. It looks incredible.

 

[LandCruzrNY]

I wouldn't buy an 80 series for big dollars unless I got an oil sample analyzed first. Really. Otherwise, I prefer to buy them with "new radiator" which really means "bad head gasket." LOL

YES, great point! I need to request that. It has a new radiator but original head gasket. I will see if he will do the Blackstone test. Thank you, that is exactly what I need.

 

[LandCruzrNY]

I can't imagine what you could hope to learn from this question. We have no idea what maintenance was done. If I were you, I'd check the... everything.

IMO low milage is overvalued. Unless it's been stored in a nitrogen chamber hidden from UV, the rubber is breaking down. The seat leather is still degrading. The wood veneer is still sun-bleached.

I like the low mileage because it's not just low miles on the engine, but on every other part and piece. All rubber hoses have been replaced with OEM, all new custom leather, wood veneer isn't perfect though. The problem is I am just trying to get the price reduced some and am looking for the less obvious things. Like doing the blackstone oil test.

 

[Irish Reiver]

Not trying to tell you how to live your life, but weren't you just living in a cruiser not long ago. If so, don't spend $22k on an 80 series....

Wait...did someone just say it was for sale for $22 grand.

 

[BayArea80]

I can't imagine what you could hope to learn from this question. We have no idea what maintenance was done. If I were you, I'd check the... everything.

IMO low milage is overvalued. Unless it's been stored in a nitrogen chamber hidden from UV, the rubber is breaking down. The seat leather is still degrading. The wood veneer is still sun-bleached.

^100% on the impact of time. I found what I believed to be a good value, single owner triple locked LC with 84k miles. That said, I need to replace all the rubber (mechanical and costmetic), paint it oxidized, leather dry. But along with that is a vehicle that has no leaks to speak of, has great compression, and is what I believe to be a great foundation to build exactly what I want off of. Just pay attention to the basics and you'll be fine.

 

[Marco Lau]

I like the low mileage because it's not just low miles on the engine, but on every other part and piece. All rubber hoses have been replaced with OEM, all new custom leather, wood veneer isn't perfect though. The problem is I am just trying to get the price reduced some and am looking for the less obvious things. Like doing the blackstone oil test.

low miles on every other part and pieces does sound attractive, however, on paper, these parts are still over 20 years old. Look at it like a pair of shoes, even though it has only been worn a few times, a 20 yr old pair of shoes still gonna fall apart unless it is stored in a sealed vacuum. But for $22K??

 

[Irish Reiver]

I bought my triple locked '94 when I lived in California. 116K miles and not a flake of rust anywhere but like others have said, the paint had some oxidization and the seat leather was starting to wear. All the rubber bits were 20 years old so preventative maintenance was on the cards. Mind you I only paid $1500 so had a little left in the budget.

 

[scottryana]

Truck was listed for $30k, OP offered $22k. Way way over priced.

Wait...did someone just say it was for sale for $22 grand.

 

[Starlord]

When my inlaw's gave me their babied 94 with 80k on it last year all i looked for was where to sign the pink slip.

*end humble brag*

 

[LandCruzrNY]

I asked the guy to do the blackstone test and he said he will have it done. Yea, 30K. My limit is really 22K for the right one. No doubt this is the right one but the more I look at it the more I realize I really can't go higher. Sucks though as I have been looking for a few months now.

 

[Jgunner]

22k would get you a 6bt cruiser, this is a 12k cruiser if you ask me. But its your money, do as you wish.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

So yes I'm looking for the perfect LX as I sold my last cruiser and bought a BMW that I'm tired of already.

Time to update your signature then. What was wrong with that one?

Kept in an air conditioned garage-good grief. Don't low ball the man, he's clearly a bit strapped for cash.