100 Series buyer needs advice

[sixbco]

Hello, Long time lurker just recently joined this great community and source of info.

I'm looking to get a 100 series for an upcoming 2 month US and Canada trip. I've traveled solo a few times in smaller vehicles but this time my wife and dog are coming along so I was thinking I would get something I've always wanted- A Land Cruiser-- do a light build and go from there.

I've been looking around and came across a 2001 with 135000 that looks pretty clean from the pics and a clean Carfax report. After talking to the original owner, he informed me that he has done all of his own maintenance. Really nice guy who sounds capable and honest but informed me that all he's really had to do is the breaks and oil changes save for an 02 sensor replaced by his long time mechanic. I inquired about the timing belt and it has not been done. As well he says that he has never changed any other fluids - tranny, diff, antifreeze etc. Nothing. All original. That said, he says the engine is as strong as new, no oil burn and has never had the top off the antifreeze. It doesn't leak or consume any fluids. I know the maintenance schedule on this vehicle and he is well beyond it for pretty much everything.

I'm planning to take a trip out to look at the truck but am obviously a little spooked by this. What do you think? Is this something I should even be entertaining?

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

All the best,

Chris M

 

[mph]

Chris,
You can search and will find endless amounts of information on buying a 100 series. Here and over on Mud...I wouldn't be surprised if you have a nice find...Take it a Toyota Dealer and have them check it out on test drive. 100s are great trucks...Mine just turned 170k and doesn't burn oil at all. Brakes and oil changes about right. Timing belt is spendy...all fluids should be changed. A little bargaining IMO.

Good luck!

 

[sixbco]

Thanks for the input MPH! I've done searches and I'm comfortable with the timing belt (which i would change along with water pump seals etc if purchased) I would also have it gone through and have all the fluids, seals, hoses etc changed out before hitting the road. But I'm concerned that no fluid flush from birth to 135k is a bit much. Are these really that bulletproof?

edit: and doing more searching on this site!

Thanks again!
ccm

 

[sixbco]

I'm looking at this rig tomorrow so any additional advice given the lack of maintenance would be great.

Thanks
ccm

 

[Ramjet]

Get over to Slee Off-road and read everything about the 100 series in their right up. Write it down and make a list of things to look for. Take it to a dealer and have them check it over as well. If it gets a clean bill of health, well then my friend, consider it a deal. Cheers.

 

[SmoothLC]

I wouldn't worry too much at that mileage.

Like mph wrote above, use it to get a good price and then baseline it.

 

[mph]

Think of it this way...At least he is honest. Imagine if he said...yeah, fluids have been changed routinely. Now, you know what you got. Would I worry...Probably not! Are they bulletproof? No...however, the best money I have spent on a vehicle; period! Sounds like it might just need a little love

Get it...base line it...enjoy it!

 

[sixbco]

I'll check out Slee again before heading out to take a look at it.

Thanks everybody for the quick responses!

Best ccm

 

[EVP]

Agree with Ramjet, head over to Slee: http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm for a no technical eval. Also, just assume your going absorb 1-2k of getting any ride up to spec.

 

[REDrum]

Warning: R&R of T-belt and h20 pump on these trucks is a major PITA. Engine bay was not designed for the USDM V8, so its wicked tight in there. Other wise they are amazing trucks

 

[sixbco]

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice. I finally took a look at the truck today and wanted to give an update.

The body and interior were very clean and well taken care of. That seams to have been the only priority. The engine bay was filthy with oil gunk from weeping gaskets etc. None of the oil made it's way all the way to the bottom and there was no oil smell even after hot. Nothing was done as stated. Timing belt looked it's age and needs to be done. Trans fluid also original looked good as did the oil in the engine (he changed the oil a month ago). Coolant overflow was reddish and had slight crystals on the inner hose. Gunk build up on the front shafts but no boot tears- Might need front diff seals? It's a north east truck so the underside had some rust on the skid plates, exhaust and other places but the body was rot free.

A little worried about the rust-- My mechanic is out of town until next week but may have him take a look at it when he's back.

Nice honest owner and it ran like a top. I'm on the fence about this one.

Thanks ccm

 

[redthies]

The coolant that is supposed to be used in these trucks is red, so that's a good thing. None of the issues you described are deal breakers to me, but I would still take it to a mechanic who is familiar with these trucks. Hopefully your guy is, although most things are fairly straightforward on the 100, aside from the AHC. I would look at what the NADA value is in your area, see what other ones are going for on CL and Autotrader, and then offer the seller that amount LESS the cost to do timing belt and the other maintenance that it needs. At 135k, it's going to need the TB done NOW. If he will do that, I'd go for it. At least you know what you have, vs a used car lot nightmare.