I am thinking about buying either a clean 1993 Land Cruiser with factory front and rear diff locks for 3500 bucks, the only problem is its 4 hours away and I would have to tow it or just drive without plates, or a 1995 land cruiser from my dads friend that needs brakes and has 280,000 miles which is 100,000 more than the other, but it's also only 1,200 bucks. With the 95 I could drive it home if I fix the brakes because it's my dad's friend, and use his plates and the price gives me room for upgrades, since I am on a tight budget. Just wondering what you guys opinion is, and what you would choose?
Which one to buy?
- Thread starter Sofatank
- Start date
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ewillis
SILVER Star
93
who says the other doesn't need stuff also. i think it comes down to history and rust based on your location. less rust first. then history. anything over 100K should be based on history. if none than there is no difference, it's all based on feal for the owner.
Opinions are all around you and that's what you will get because we don't have the ability to inspect these trucks ourselves.
Some guys, like myself, prefer th 93-94 years for there interior styling, way over built A442 tranny, no air bags, option to have manual clothe seats and rubber steering wheel and shifters that last much longer, etc.
Others prefer the 95-97 styling, simpler emissions, obd2 capable, want airbags plus they are newer.
I have a 94 and a 93. The 93 has the thinner, weaker drive plates on the front hubs, it's R12 and has yet to be converted however the refrigerant dryer is in the engine bay instead of hanging out down below the core support where it could be severely damaged off road unless prudently guarded.
If you have picked up anything from my rambling I hope it's this: Do your research to learn the differences between the different years (Slee's newbie guide is good) so you know what is important to you. Gather as much history info as possible including a carfax report (they are not the end all be all but can offer some good info).
280k miles is not a bad thing if maintenance was kept up and it was never over heated. On the other hand 100k miles of abuse is worse.
ultimately, this will have to be your decision. All you can do is educate yourself and make the best decision possible based on what you know. Sometimes it works out in our favor, sometimes not so much.
Both rigs sound like a desent deal to me. Any running, driving 80 that's not rusty for $1200 is worth serious consideration in my book.
Some guys, like myself, prefer th 93-94 years for there interior styling, way over built A442 tranny, no air bags, option to have manual clothe seats and rubber steering wheel and shifters that last much longer, etc.
Others prefer the 95-97 styling, simpler emissions, obd2 capable, want airbags plus they are newer.
I have a 94 and a 93. The 93 has the thinner, weaker drive plates on the front hubs, it's R12 and has yet to be converted however the refrigerant dryer is in the engine bay instead of hanging out down below the core support where it could be severely damaged off road unless prudently guarded.
If you have picked up anything from my rambling I hope it's this: Do your research to learn the differences between the different years (Slee's newbie guide is good) so you know what is important to you. Gather as much history info as possible including a carfax report (they are not the end all be all but can offer some good info).
280k miles is not a bad thing if maintenance was kept up and it was never over heated. On the other hand 100k miles of abuse is worse.
ultimately, this will have to be your decision. All you can do is educate yourself and make the best decision possible based on what you know. Sometimes it works out in our favor, sometimes not so much.
Both rigs sound like a desent deal to me. Any running, driving 80 that's not rusty for $1200 is worth serious consideration in my book.
A Clean 93 Locked 80 Seriws L/C . If Its truly Clean 3500. Is a deal and the choice Is a no brainer. Have you seen this Clean 93 In person ?
- Thread starter
- #6
Thank you guys for your input and the quick responses, I appreciate the help.
ppc
M Go Blue
I would think that in most states driving without plates is no big deal if you have a bill of sale from the previous owner that has a current date.
inkpot
SILVER Star
Road Apple
SILVER Star
Does the '95 have lockers? Does the '93 have maintenance records? Assuming none or little rust, I'd lean toward the '93 ... much lower miles, better offroad capablity and less potential major maintenance issues.
No freaking kidding.
Don't let the plates be a deciding factor. Around here you can drive without plates as long as you're just driving home from the sale (bill of sale/title in hand), if not work out a deal with the PO to mail his plates back to him (give him your left shoe as collateral).
Both sound like a great price. I'd get whichever one is in better shape. Does your dad's buddy's have lockers? Not saying that should be a deal breaker either way, just something to consider. And there is also something to be said for $1200 from someone you know (can ask questions, they may take pity on you if it blows up in the driveway when you get home).
Get both!
Both sound like a great price. I'd get whichever one is in better shape. Does your dad's buddy's have lockers? Not saying that should be a deal breaker either way, just something to consider. And there is also something to be said for $1200 from someone you know (can ask questions, they may take pity on you if it blows up in the driveway when you get home).
Get both!
Hornd
SILVER Star
Do you want a Tractor Motor or Forklift Motor (see pic)?
Bus Transmission or Electronic Transmission?
Parts Obsolete or Parts Available?
A Rear Aussie Locker is $300 and and an afternoon.
Do not do this (it's against the law) but your current plates will fit on that new Cruiser to get it home.
If it dies they come off with 2 screws.
Triple AAA has 100 mile tow (4 per yr) for $80.
Temp Tags are cheap.
Bus Transmission or Electronic Transmission?
Parts Obsolete or Parts Available?
A Rear Aussie Locker is $300 and and an afternoon.
Do not do this (it's against the law) but your current plates will fit on that new Cruiser to get it home.
If it dies they come off with 2 screws.
Triple AAA has 100 mile tow (4 per yr) for $80.
Temp Tags are cheap.
