OT - Land Cruiser Experience

LKNEgg

Looking to pick up an older land cruiser, not really old classic, but 2000 to 2004 ish.  Anyone have any experience with them good or bad? I have read good reviews, but looking for any issues and what to look out for on a 10 to 15 year old vehicle. 

Jeremiah

Can't really go wrong with a Toyota. Check for oil leaks though. They're drippers. Lol

LKNEgg

Sometimes drippers areally the best!

TN_Sister_State

Solid machines but they love their oil if they drip. I had a 74 fj that I'm still mad about selling.

HeavyG

LKNEgg said:

Looking to pick up an older land cruiser, not really old classic, but 2000 to 2004 ish.  Anyone have any experience with them good or bad? I have read good reviews, but looking for any issues and what to look out for on a 10 to 15 year old vehicle. 

I'd hit up one or two of the LandCruiser forums (there's quite a few) for specifics on what to look out for and common pitfalls for those model years.

SoCalTim

If and when you buy the Landcruiser, if you find yourself needing any parts for it, there's a place here in Chatsworth Ca called Spector Off Road, they have the most incredible supply of new and used parts in the nation.

texaswig

Try to buy one get from someone who isn't a fanatic. I've seen a lot of over priced ones. Really shop it out and I'm sure you'll be able to find a deal. I would like to have one but I already have too many projects. 

TTC

as mentioned, get very familiar with the pros/cons of the specific model year you are interested in. The Land Cruiser Cult makes the Egghead cult look tame, so that means there is an abundance of information out there.

I still regret selling my 1989 FJ. I was a stupid 20something who got it from Dad as a hand-me-down and sold it for something "cooler". Lord, I was such an idiot kid.

Eggcelsior

There is no such thing as a bad land cruiser, no vehicle is built as solidly as that one. Parts are built to hold up for 25 years or something.

YukonRon

I got a Ford. A 1997 Expedition. I never have to complain about nothing to do, I am always working on it. 

Something you may wish to consider, most of the solid color vehicles, of that time, manufactured in Japan, typically had a "single stage" finish, meaning color only, no clear coat. Long term exposure to the sun will degrade the finish a bit faster than those with clear coat., simply because of more uV inhibitors with a clear. If that is a concern to you, find something other than white.
Great vehicles, the search is most of the fun. Good Luck!

TN_Sister_State

I second @SoCalTim about Spector off-road. They have a lot of money.

LKNEgg

Thanks everyone!  I am enjoying searching so far!  Appreciate the advise!  The LC will be a toy/project so I'm not overly concerned about looks.  I'll keep my daily driver since the gas mileage is only 14-15 mpg.