Looking at a '99 Cruiser, any thoughts?

[myers]

Well like it says, looking at buying a 1999 Land Cruiser (This one: http://www.qualityautoark.net/1999-Toyota-LandCruiser/Used-SUV/Springdale-AR/5026938/Details.aspx) to replace our '09 Wrangler Unlimited. We enjoy the Jeep just thinking it might be nice to have more room (2 kids) and frankly I am tired of being one of the 2-3 Wranglers at every stop light (seems to be the new mini van). We don't go rock crawling, and have no desire to, just off-road trails for remote camping with our offroad trailer so the build platform of the Cruiser has always intrigued me. I have not gone and looked at it yet since I just found it last night but from the pictures it looks really clean. Only thing I am somewhat concerned with are the miles (278k). We have a 4Runner with 250k on it and the 4.7l and with the exception of the timing belt and regular maintenance no problems.

My questions are:
Is there anything I should look for (common problems or things that might need replaced with mileage) when I go look at it?

I know these are AWD but do they have any type of factory "lockers" in them? Or was this an option so some do some don't. If it was an option any way of finding out easily if this has them?

What are anyone's thoughts on price, mileage etc?

Thanks in advance.

 

[enzo]

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[mph]

I have a 99 with 160k miles on it...Love it! Mine came with the factory locker. A great addition IMO. I also added the ARB front locker and it can go a lot of places. A great family rig.

There are plenty of LCs in my area around 200k that are asking anywhere from $7-$12. Not sure what your budget is but get the lowest mileage best priced LC you can find. Personally, I think you could and will find one for less miles.

Have fun!

 

[SmoothLC]

^^ Ditto on mph's comments above. You can probably find one with less miles for a little more.

With the fender flares it looks like a southern vehicle (port installed).

Also, based on the pictures, it appears it does have the rear e-locker. Only the front on a '99 doesn't have lockers, but as mph pointed out above, you can get an after-market locker installed.

Good luck and let us know what you do!

 

[redthies]

I would totally encourage you to go JKU to 100. I just traded our '11 JKUR for a 3500 Cummins, and bought a '99 UZJ to replace the Jeep. Mine only has 175k on it, but it drives nicer than my Heep did with 40k. If your budget is flexable, you might want to spend a bit more to get lower miles, but I don't think its crucial. The one you linked looks like it has had the seats re-covered, and carpets look too clean for the age, so I would check its history via carfax or similar. It may have had the interior replaced due to ??? I paid just over $10,500 for mine, but it had brand new OME suspension and 33" MTs. It is probably my favorite used purchase ever. I love the truck!

 

[mph]

http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/1800766?ad_cid=10

Gotta love the rims!!!! For reference...

 

[TomOwen]

One thing to check and consider is if the timing belt has been changed. I believe the factory recommends to change at about 100k. Enjoy, we love our rig.

 

[squeezeledge]

Congrats on your decision. T his is one of the best investments a person can make to protect their family. Not to mention, despite mileage, if aLC has been cared for prior & you continue to do the same...your current kindergartener will be driving this thing to college.
Given your question bout the locking.....best advice is, if budget allows( & it looks...... like you're already there) go with a 2000+. Starting in '00 Toyota began using the TRACS system (Google it for better tech info) in the LC then in '01 they started putting it in the other bigger suv's....(idk what yr your Runner is). But the TRACS will put the worrying about locking diff's out of your mind & it does all the thinking for you allowing you to concentrate on having fun w/your people. Trust me....that technology in my 2000 LC literally saved my life; the truck corrected itself in a fraction of seconds after I was cut off early morning on the highway in a snow storm at about 60mph. I overcompensated when startled by the other vehicle & felt myself beginning to slide. Before I could right the truck, it had literally righted itself & I ended up just bumping a Jersey barrier when pulling off the side to catch my breath. 100% certain that I would've flipped in any other vehicle instead of fixing the total damage to my truck with $4 worth of touch up paint to the bumper.
Aside from my long winded tail of survival....go for the rock crawling after all! Hell, through a snorkel package on it and take it diving! That's the best thing....if you upgrade due to spousel influence....keep it & there are literally 100's of ideas & after market goodies for mid life mud running!
Top choice all the way.. holiday...
Best of luck!