Since I think I'm that guy, I'll just add that although I'm new to 4x4 world I've been around other worlds to know what I'm getting into, money wise.
I almost bought a 2016 wrangler, even had a down payment in. My buddy talked me into a used LC instead. Just as an idea, I found my own truck.
I figure if I go in around $15k-$20k (base vehicle $3k) I'll have a top end 4x4 which in my neighborhood (8,000 feet, mountains, etc) is super helpful.
My wife's rav4 costs that much and while I definitely have more maintenance to do I enjoy doing it (mostly), and there's no way you're spending 20k for a solid 4x4 on a showroom. I've pulled that stuck rav4 out a few times.
I'm opening my wallet because I think in the end I'll have a capable vehicle that is cost effective and I can be proud of the work I've done.
I don't enjoy spending money, but if I'm doing any given upgrade or maintenance I'd prefer to do it the best way possible.
I, too, am in a similar position. I was able to get into my LC fairly inexpensively, with the exception of my labor. I initially had heartburn when I saw a $1200-$1500 price tag for a front bumper. Then, as I started to work on my OWN design and started seeing how much time it was taking for the design, then I calculated how much the bumper was going to weigh, figured fab costs, it quickly became apparent how the prices being charged were reasonable.
Since I am not exactly flush with cash, I must use my labor to offset the value of something. I do all my own labor. I weld, I fab, and can do everything except automatic transmission rebuilds and some body and paint. It is just time. So , eventually, I have to compromise whether I live without or take the time to build myself. Adding a bumper is an "extra" whereas, a radiator exploding becomes a necessity because I still need to get to work.
However, I have also realized from day one that this is a Land Cruiser. It ain't a Chevy. It has this reputation for a reason. The parts cost more, they tend to last longer. I shop only to stretch my cash a little more. I will NOT always purchase the "cheapest". I will rarely buy the MOST expensive. I must be able to justify my purchases somehow.
I, too, miss the days that Dan was selling parts in NM, and I am thankful that I was able to get just a slight taste of his abilities, knowledge, and his employment at that dealership.
Like I've said before, I'm not against anyone making a profit. There is a trade-off and you must decide what your business to be.
1) Just a few well-paying customers that you do work each year, but not going overboard. Stay consistent with high quality.
2) Having lots and lots of customers, making a mediocre profit margin on all of them, but having to take some crappy ones in the interest of not pissing off anyone.
3) And the last version of being the KMart of parts, undercutting all competition, don't give a hoot about the customer, as they are just another number and a means to an end.
All three business models work, but differently for different people and different markets. Decide what you want and stick to it. I sent a message to @beno to have him quote me a list of parts. He contacted me to see if I was interested in buying from him and he advised me that he would not be the least expensive for the parts. At first, I was put off by this, but I also see it from his point that he doesn't want another time-waster customer. He has no idea who I am or what I'm about or what or who I know.
I am NOT a person to blindly write a check for parts, and I will ALWAYS do my own research. I used to work behind the parts counter and I understand it. I respectfully declined to waste his time and have him take the time to bid my list of parts. I will find my list of parts, in my time, and for the prices I am willing to pay. I still respect him and I respect his choice for how he chooses to run his business. He has knowledge that most do not. If I find myself in a situation that I need that assistance, I will contact him and I will pay his price. He will have to be willing to accept at that time that there is STILL that chance I could be THAT guy that grabs his info and goes elsewhere. That's part of doing the numbers. For me, that's not how I choose to show my respect and develop MY image within this community.
Good luck to those of you that choose to try to make a living within this world of LC's. It is a very niche market unless you decide to brach out to the KMart Jeep owners and choose to do the numbers.
I hope your business gives you all you wish for. I truly don't know what path I would take if I chose to do my own business because I want the most money, but I don't have the patience or ability to say no and land in category #1.
Thanks CDan.
