What would you get?

[Tony]

I value everyone's thoughts, so I'd like to pose this...

Here's my situation. I'd like to get a Land Cruiser, I have $9,500.

Reliability is the most important criteria, nothing else.

The off roading I do is limited to ranch roads, however there is the occasional mudhole I need to navigate through, nothing major, nothing that requires a lift or anything but stock equipment, but 4wd is necessary (just in case).

This would be a daily driver, for family trips, and trips to the deer lease that are in the middle of nowhere, that is why I say that reliability is extremely important.

How would you feel about a 90's land cruiser / LX 450 with about 200,000 miles? In a nutshell, what do I need to be cautious of?

Thank you, and as always, I appreciate the collective knowlege!

 

[Flagster]

I'd like to get a Land Cruiser, I have $9,500.

Reliability is the most important criteria, nothing else.

The off roading I do is limited to ranch roads, however there is the occasional mudhole I need to navigate through, nothing major, nothing that requires a lift or anything but stock equipment, but 4wd is necessary (just in case).

I have only owned my LC80 for about 1.5 mos...it fits in the price range you mention...4x4...yes...and is pretty much the most awesome truck out there...not my DD but after I baselined the maintenance I would be comfortable driving anywhere...
I have never driven one but I might look at a 100 series for a DD...mild trail rig...???? Although tough to find a "low mileage" 100 for 9500...think you will be close to 200K...if you can even find one...

 

[40tude]

I am an 80 series guy, but for your use the 100 series would be perfect. My wife loves hers and it has never given any problems.

 

[Schattenjager]

80. Solid Axle. Legend.

Sold one and had nightmares afterward. Actually, I sold it 10 months ago and have since had a BMW 330Xi, Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Cherokee, and a very cool 4Runner. None could equal the 80, so they are all gone and I am thankfully blessed to have 1997 LX450. It's a keeper that takes having one to understand. I am SO thankful. It is really such a good rig that I feel like the Good Lord has forgiven my vehicular trespasses and blessed me with a dream machine.
:bike_rider:

 

[sleeoffroad]

If $9500 if topping out your budget don't search for a $9500 truck since any $9500 LC is going to need some maintenance. If you are not a DIY person then you need to leave money in the piggy bank for that. Even if you are a DIY person, you still going to need parts $'s to bring a 200k LC up to reliable specs.

Land Cruiser have a reputation for going a million miles, just remember they do not get their without maintenance.

 

[Tony]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Sleeoffroad: absolutely agree, I maintain my vehicles meticulously myself, but I just don't know about the reliability of the big-ticket items in a LC. i.e. engine and drivetrain. With proper maintenance are these 200,000 mile life-spans or 500,000 mile life-spans?

Thanks!

 

[sleeoffroad]

You will get a lot of different answers. It is like how long is a piece of string. In general the technology used in the motors far exceed any domestic design. Oil squirters in the pistons, more main bearings etc etc, and that alone makes for a more robust engine and longer life. Same for transmissions and transfer cases.

Problem is a lot of first owners buy a Toyota since it last forever. Well they normally don't do any preventative maintenance. Just run them and change oil. 2nd owner buys it due to reliability. This is where things go wrong. Sometimes the 2nd owner starts doing the maintenance, but in the majority of cases, they just drive them, then things start going wrong. They get frustrated since they bought a "reliable car" and look what broke now. So it goes one of two ways, they fix it, do the maintenance bring the truck to spec and enjoy it. Or, this is where the 3rd owner buys it and then gets the basket case.

So in short, they are great vehicles, but not without their issues. It is always a case of buyer beware and do your homework. And also, don't always believe the "soccer mom" theory. Sometimes those are the worst cars since hubby gave it to his wife and from that point on ignored it. The nice thing is you normally get a free box of Cheerios from under the seats.

 

[Schattenjager]

Re: the 80 Series:
The Lexus seems to suffer a little more depreciation than the Cruiser. They also had a special maintenance program included with the new vehicle purchase. Looking through the literature that came with my LX450 (from the original owner), the dealer performed every recommended service and stamped the book accordingly. Solid, verifiable peace of mind that I am unsure the Cruisers offered new. I just picked up a honey of a deal for far less than your limit. IF I were in America, I would easily have money left over for a Slee bumper, springs, shocks, sliders and a winch. Probably gas money left over too.

 

[JohnnyS]

About a year ago I picked my 97 LX450 with 101K for $7500..
As was stated before though the PO drove it with doing little maintenance other than changing the oil.
Baselining the PM hasn't been too bad, it has been fun watching the 450 go from neglected to squared away.
Of all the Landcruisers that I've owned before (40,62,80,100) the 80 is my favorite.
I have a 100 as well, which is fantastic for highway trips and in inclement weather. However if I had to pick between the 80 & 100 it would be the 80 without a doubt.
My plan is to keep the 80 forever and rotate 100s out every 200K or so; I think there is going to be a very basic 40 added to the fleet at some point as well, a retro build so to speak.

 

[Klierslc]

For 9500 you can get a pretty low mile 80 series or a high mileage hundy...(at least here in VA) The hundy will treat you a little nicer with maintenance and road manners, but you will also suffer from more expensive parts and premium fuel (for the 100s that are in your range)

 

[Mike S]

I've owned a humber of 4X4 vehicles, including 3 Landcruisers (40, 60, 80). The 80 is overall the best of any 4X4 I have owned. Your budget should alow you to buy a decent 80 with some left over for the usual neglected PM.

 

[REDrum]

FWIW...

If didn't/hadn't need a V8 for towing, I would bought a LC80.

That said, two years ago I picked up a '99 LC100 with 120K on it for $11K. Two owners, 70% hi-way miles. Every 3K jiffy-lube PM and dealer 100K (timing belt) maintenance records. Overall, I feel it was a very good price, even with the smell of black lab when its damp outside...

I put $800 of PM parts (fluids/brakes/plugs/freon/filters/fabreeze) into her and $3K in aftermarket parts (dampers/springs/tires). 30K mile since, not one corrective maintenance issue! I absolutely love the LC100, its both luxurious and performs very well off road; with standard AWD and locking center/rear diffs. Not as trick as a G-wagon, but a fraction of first and second cost...

Only concern w/ a used LC80 is availability of used or crate long blocks.

This is my 4th Toyo truck (2 fj40s & 1 4rnr) and I continue to be amazed at how reliable they are between PM cycles.