It has just shy of 218,000 miles on it and some slight damage on the front passenger side quarter panel. It looks like rust and may need to be replaced. It appears to be in good shape cosmetically other than that. I'm planning on driving 2 hours to look at it this weekend. It has the front and rear locking differentials and third row seating. It also has the 4.5L engine. I'm wondering if the asking price is good or if I should try negotiating to below $4000. What are some things I should look out for? Any advice or opinions are welcome. Thanks.
Buying advice on a '93 Land Cruiser $4500
- Thread starter sirus
- Start date
Look for rust
Look for maintenance records
Look for rust
If no records look for leaks
Look for rust
Check color of Motor Oil/ATF
Look for rust
Test 4wd and lockers (check for binding in high range to test Viscous Coupler, needs to be in low range for lockers to work and will likely require some driving while turning to click in
Look for rust
Check out electrical system for cobbled up mess/things spidered into the factory harness
Ask about PHH (Pesky Heater Hose) and Head Gasket, if they have not been done, they need to be
And finally
Check for rust.
Also look here
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
Upland80
Adventurer
Look for leaking birf nectar and check around the posts of the factory luggage rack for rust. The rust is a really big deal on these cruisers and for maybe $500 more you can likely find one in better condition. I'd pass on this one. Be patient...good deals come around every couple of months, although if lockers are a deal breaker for you, there might be a slight increase in price. Just have cash in hand and ready be to go!
Thanks for the input everyone. I am mostly just curious if the price is good or if I should haggle lower. I am still looking. Not 100% sold until I am comfortable with what I am driving. I understand if there will be a bit of work. That's part of the experience. I want it for a bit of mild off-roading, nothing like mud or bogs, and maybe a trip across the Americas for an extended time. Which anything I buy will be fully cleaned up to do.
tjhva and AKayl: I found that site awhile back. I had forgotten about it though. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Flagster: I sent you a message.
Upland80: The next available are all about the same mileage w/o lockers and they want 7k+. I wish I could find the golden LC of which you speak. lol
tjhva and AKayl: I found that site awhile back. I had forgotten about it though. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Flagster: I sent you a message.
Upland80: The next available are all about the same mileage w/o lockers and they want 7k+. I wish I could find the golden LC of which you speak. lol
Here are some pictures of the only discernable damage I can find from the pictures provided. The picture of the third row seating were provided because I'm not sure what to look for regarding them. Although, they will most likely be removed anyway.
Attachments
fullybalanced
Too many plans, not enough time
aftermarket headlights.... probably a kid that changed them out. (although can't be for sure as the headlights suck in these cars). Besides the obvious damage in the front, your missing a musflap in the back on the passenger side. look like the passengerside step as a dent in it. based on the fact the electrical connection (that is usually tucked up into the frame) is hanging out eiher means the vehicle has bee used for towing or been offroad and had it pulled out by a branch. I'm going for offroad given the other missing parts.
honestly none of that bothers me. Pesky Heater Hose replacement , Headgasket NOT leaking, no grease leaking from the Birfs, engine runs smooth and transmission shifts good, you'll be OK.
Price --- the 93 had the 3F engine (not the later one from 95-97), it's way down on power, given the "damage" (if the things I mentioned were OK) I'd be happy giving him 3000-3500. $4k hmmmm.... maybe, maybe not. 4.5K nope. wound't do it.
honestly none of that bothers me. Pesky Heater Hose replacement , Headgasket NOT leaking, no grease leaking from the Birfs, engine runs smooth and transmission shifts good, you'll be OK.
Price --- the 93 had the 3F engine (not the later one from 95-97), it's way down on power, given the "damage" (if the things I mentioned were OK) I'd be happy giving him 3000-3500. $4k hmmmm.... maybe, maybe not. 4.5K nope. wound't do it.
kletzenklueffer
Adventurer
The 93 is the first year for the 1FZ-FE 4.5L 24 Valve. It is likely to have the largest starter (only on the 93 models). PHH isn't on the 3FE
