What to know about a 97 LC???

Jacket

2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
Schattenjager said:
If I do a deal on this LC, it will have to be a long term commitment. That is a lot of money for a 10 year old car that requires that kind of commitment. Reason is that if I want to sell it 6 months later, I will have all of the above problems to deal with and no crystal ball to know the market for such toys.

But in a previous post to this thread, you admitted that "I just get bored with cars pretty quick and like to trade around." So how realistic is a long term commitment?

It looks like an awesome wagon. I'd love to look at it in my driveway every morning! One reason I can think of to encourage you to trade your Tacoma for it - maybe that would be the beginning of Slee building an arsenal of aftermarket parts for the 05+ tacomas :wings:

Good luck with your decision.
 

Sgt Grunt

Adventurer
I feel like I am getting flogged with a wet noodle... I guess it's a good thing I have a sense of humor!!!!

If this was a different forum, I would feel somewhat insulted... I'm not however insulted.

There was some very good thought put into not only the pricing of the truck, but where to post it for sale as well. I will just say that if this rig is for you, make an offer, if not no big deal...

Just a small note, new gears and lockers, bearings, etc. new motor S/C at about 65,000 miles so yes it has 135,000 miles on the clock, however some of it has much less.
 
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Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Jacket said:
But in a previous post to this thread, you admitted that "I just get bored with cars pretty quick and like to trade around." So how realistic is a long term commitment?

Did my mom call you??? :) Yeah, if I do something now I have to bite the bullet and keep the rig for a while. For one thing I do not think I could ever sell it and recover any money that would be appreciable, and I really think the LC would be easier to love because I would use it. The Tacoma still has that cherry garage queen feel about it and that makes any adventure (like the grocery store trips) an exercise in great vigilance.

And further more - did I mention a name? I never mentioned who's rig I was looking at. (Plausible deniability protects the curious!)
 
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mike h

Adventurer
Schattenjager said:
So anyway this LC is loaded - TRD Supercharger,Warn M12000, Interior Winch Controls, ARB Front Bumper, IPF 900 Aux. Lights, ARB Air Compressor, ARB Air Lockers (Front & Rear), 4.88 Ring & Pinion, Transfer Case Skid Plate, 5" Slee & Old Man Emu Lift, custom Rear Bumper w/ Tire Carrier & Jerry can Holder, Auxiliary Fuel Tank, Outback Roller Drawers, ORS Sliders, 5x 315 x 75 x 16 Goodyear MTR's

He is asking $24K which is a lot of $ for the year, but the mods make it more reasonable. .


The 80 community is small and obsessed enuf that for some of us, when we read the description, we knew it was most likely the rig on Slee's site. The chance of two identically built 80s for sale for the same $$ is slim to none.

24k is high but realistic if you want a turnkey rig that appears to be ready for anything. What is the point of saying you could build it yourself for the same $$... what about those 1000 hours you don't get back? Assuming you would replicate the same rig in 2 or 3 years, and you can afford it now - sign the papers, get in and point that 80 wherever you want to go!
 

adventureduo

Dave Druck [KI6LBB]
mike h said:
24k is high but realistic if you want a turnkey rig that appears to be ready for anything. What is the point of saying you could build it yourself for the same $$... what about those 1000 hours you don't get back? Assuming you would replicate the same rig in 2 or 3 years, and you can afford it now - sign the papers, get in and point that 80 wherever you want to go!

I dont know, half of the fun is building the rig to me.
 

bigreen505

Expedition Leader
SOCALFJ said:
I dont know, half of the fun is building the rig to me.

Yep, and the absolute last thing that I want to do it build a truck. I want to be able to turn the key and go. To me, it is a very reasonable price and I would grab it if I had the money.
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
Update

WOW! What a nice truck. It was so nice I offered him $30K cash but he felt like that was taking advantage - but I insisted - still he resisted. STALEMATE....

Seriously, it is a very nice truck. Despite being ten years old, it runs well and is loaded up with goodies. I really enjoyed meeting the owner and talking over trucks, adventures, military experiences etc. All in all the drive was well worth it. He even got to meet Max! He was obviously so moved he was speechless over the German Shepherd as he did not have much to say. :cow:

So, I am on the fence still. There is a fellow that wants my Tacoma and blah blah - you know how that goes. Even if he shows up with cash, I just don't know.

The Land Cruiser is, in my opinion, well worth the asking price. The components are top rate and the rig betrays its mileage and age with good looks and a comfortable drive.
 

swagdan

New member
Schattenjager

I don't post up often(obviously - 2nd post!), and don't get out to enjoy it often enough. However I purchased a '97 Lexus 450 similar to what the rig you described (minus re-gearing, supercharger and with 33's & 3" OME) for $17k with 125K miles. All my friends thought I was crazy for spending that much cash on a 10 year old vehicle, but I plan to have this vehicle for a long, long time and they don't understand how and why we use our rigs.

It's worth what you are willing to pay for it. For me, it was worth it being that it was set up nearly perfectly and all I had to do was buy it - and it I had been saving $$ for this reason. I plan on adding some African Outback drawers, a RTT and a fridge which I'm saving my pennies for - again, worth the $ because I plan on having this rig for the long haul and look at these costs as investments.

It's all about perspective and it helps to have a supportive community which confirms your passion and provides real world experiences.

The above has all been said previously by many. Most overlanders who know and love FJZ80's will tell you, find your cruiser, buy it, mod it to your preferences and don't look back. Not once, not single time since I've spent the money have I had second thoughts. So, while $24k seems high and you can probably find a better deal (which I recommend), know what you want and enjoy it once you have it.

Oh, and if anyone wants to by my perfect condition third row seats, I could use the cash. Make an offer. SF Bay area based.
 
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Safaribound

New member
Interesting dilemma. I have both vehicles you speak of. Well, my wife has the 07 Tacoma as a DD.

I absolutely loooooove my 80 series. Having owned and wheeled many Toyotas in the in past, the 80 is by far the most comfortable. I also the love the looks of it. The inline 6 cyl. engine is with out a doubt an outstanding mill.

Now, I will say as well, that my wife's Tacoma is simply amazing too! Room (I'm 6'05") great gas mileage, comfy, BUT I DO NOT KNOW how it does off road as it is simply a DD for her (we even added Toyota OEM nerf bars for her (rolleyes) cause they "look" cool to her - whatever :) )

So I know this isn't helping because they are both magnificent vehicles. If I were to do a lot of wheeling, desert driving, yada yada yada, I think I would prefer the 80. It's a classic and comfy as hell.

For what it's worth.

-Johnny
 

Schattenjager

Expedition Leader
It is just too good for the likes of a poor kid like me...

Super sweet truck. Sgt. Grunt did a great job putting that rig together.

Thought I had mentioned I was passing on this - sorry...
 

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