Zimm, the 100 series that I'm looking at is an 02 with 125K on the odometer. The dealership has it listed at $14,988. Now I know Kelly Blue Book isn't the know all be all but under private selling and listing it as "Very Good Condition" the selling price is $10,379. Based off of the link and only being able to see pictures, what is a rough offer you'd start with? My knowledge in Land Cruiser's isn't as extensive as it is with FJC's and Taco's. I know that the dealership needs to make money off the sale, but more money saved is more money for mods. I was thinking low 12's high 11's, but nothing more than 13K...Here's the link:
http://www.thoroughbredmotors.com/6336090/Photos/Details.aspx
That is a good looking Cruiser. Ya can't see much but what you can see looks to be not much rust on the chassis. If you could get that for low $12's I would look hard at it. Here is suggestion, have the truck inspected by a Toyota dealership in the area. It will cost ya $100-200 per inspection but can save you big time in the long run. I did this when I was buying my Tacoma and passed on a couple because of it. They were in SoCal but had come from the east, the 3rd party inspection let me know the chassis was rusty so I passed. Another suggestion, when you search be it craigslist, ebay, buycars, autotrader or whatever search just specific states like California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and so forth. If you really want a rust free truck this is how you get it and of course the carfax like you are doing already. Don't be afraid to buy sight unseen, I have done this many times. But be smart about it, get the 3rd party inspection. Don't be afraid to jump on a plane and get what you are after, if you limit yourself you won't end up with as good of a truck as you could find.
Seems you are looking at both 80's and 100's. I think you should pick one or the other. They are a lot different, the 80 is slower but more capable and easier plus cheaper to buildup. The 100 is much more comfy and has tons more power but will never be as capable offroad as a built up 80. I have had both now and both are great trucks but the 100 for long roads trips is hard to beat. For bashing through the woods I would go the 80 any day.
Cheers
