wescx005

Been looking to pick up a land cruiser, found this one that has 217 K miles on it hes asking 3,000 but willing to negotiate. KBB has it priced at 2011 for good condition, so i'm going to take a look and drive it this weekend.

I understand things to look for is delay or jerks when gear shifts, radiator (plastic) and delay between when motor turns and actually catches which could be timing related. I have never looked into a land cruiser but need the extra room.

I will test the 4 low and see if the diffs lock and subsequent light on the dash to confirm 4 wheel lock.

From what I can tell the US model (non diesel) only had 4.0 L 3F-E I6 and the
4.5 L 1FZ-FE I6. Is one better than the other? I hope to have more info this weekend, but anything else I should look or watch out for?

Thanks all...below is the link, thinking if I can get this for 2,000 that would be good. Assuming interior isn't beat to shi*.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4633897274.html

JasonYota

iTrader: (1)

Seems like a good deal at 3k if everything works. Not all land cruiser have diff locks, they have a center lock as they are full time 4wd.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

Check out ih8mud and slee off-road buying guides. They'll explain the 94+ are the more desired years because of a few things. The earlier ones are still great, but the 94 has the upgraded motor, the old stronger tranny, and full floater rear axles. Not all came with elockers but all have center diff lock and are full-time 4wd.

Common issues are heater hose tees and head gasket I believe. Other than that these rigs are rock solid with regular maintenance.

Price and condition look average, but does look like they hit something up front at some time.

wescx005

Update-

I've looked at a few land cruisers, ranging from mid 90's to 2005. I saw a real gem, it was a 94 I think with a solid front axle, had a inline 6 and was lifted already. Had 153 K and no leaks on the top or bottom from what I could see. Seller was asking 4500 which i'm sure was in the ballpark but since he didn't know when he timing chain was done I tried to haggle anther 1K off...but no go.

I have been stuck on the Lexus GX 470, looked at quite a few and compared to my pickup its like driving on air. Looked on web and youtube and people love the offroad action of the GX. Its an fulltie 4WD with locking center diff. Has some downhill and uphill computer control system but don't know a whole lot. I need to get a dealer to allow me o take a offroad test drive

Anybody have a GX 470 feedbak ? looking at 2002 - 2006

thanks !

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

the GX470 is similar to a 4runner. the GX is slightly heavier and will have AHC suspension - the feature of being able to raise/lower the vehicle is nice, but when it needs repairs you won't think it's so nice. also, repair costs will be higher on the lexus vs toyota, just because they can charge more. fulltime 4wd is a nice feature of Land Cruisers and the GX, but you'll get slightly less MPGs over a part-time 4wd system. the GX is still a nice vehicle, many people end up wheeling them once done with DD status, but it really depends on your needs.

if you truly NEED a Cruiser, don't get something else IMO. The 94 sounds legit, price seems good too. If you're looking for plush, go with either the GX470 or LX470(aka: UZJ100). Nice feature of Cruisers is they have tailgates, which has ended up being a HUGE feature that we love on our 100-series (the GX won't have this). also there is the power issue of the I6 vs 2uz V8 - no comparison, the v8 is much more powerful and can actually tow uphill. both are reliable engines when maintained. if you're curious about 80-series vs 100-series, the 100 can pretty much do everything an 80 can, but in more comfort.

is this vehicle replacing your 2003 Sequoia?

wescx005

thanks for the info, done alot of reading today and your thoughts are mirrored on other posts (about the lexas vs toyota labor charges and parts) I am a weekend mechanic and will do most repairs my self. I have done some minor work on my 93 4x4 22re replaced cv / half axles, done brakes and caliper replacement, replaced front oil seal after the main pulley on the bottom, radiator ect. Ive been afraid to do the chain in the 22 re so i got it done about 150 K miles (truck at 270 K miles now) so its due again....

looked on youtube and the 2uz-fe is used from 02 - 06 I think in tundras, sequoias, Lexus and and land cruiser V8 styles. The timing belt looks fairy easy, but will probably have my dad assist as it may be a two person job and would like to have a second set of eyes since its my first time.

I test drove a GX 470 last night and really like it..alot different than my 93 pickup...love my 22re but when I tap on the gas on the GX470 my truck couldnt even match that going down a hill....i'm not a huge off road nut and what off roading I will do will not be the hardcore rock crawling thing, so I think i'm gonna find me a GX.