Considering move from 4 runner to 100 series land cruiser: Looking for a advice

[the1998sr5]

Hi Guys- long time 4 runner owner here considering Land Cruiser.

I currently drive a 1998 4 runner (205k on it and it's been great, but a lot of little things are starting to pile up (small hole in frame, 4w actuator- still works when I switch the vacuum lines, cracked windshield, bad muffler) and my girlfriend is also pressuring me to get something more presentable.

So- I've been looking at 100 series Land Cruisers passively and now I'm getting serious. Always wanted one, but recently started doing well enough to get one.
I'd like to spend 5-10k, ideally under 7k.

I'm in NJ and I've looked at maybe 10- all good running but most are rusty as could be- I've seen rusted trans and break lines- bad stuff, my 4 runner has a small hole in the frame so this is a major concern for me if I invest in a tlc.

I looked at a 2005 yesterday- 224k (more than I'd like) but perfectly clean rust wise- for 8k spent most of its life in CA and VA.
Its at a used car dealer and my preference is usually from a private seller.

One accident- side swipe- repaired well, but airbags deployed- hard to tell how serious it really was from the carfax.
Maintenance is solid but not perfect- timing belt changed twice most recently at 200k.

Nothing I could find really wrong with it other than low coolant in the reservoir (radiator full from cap) and took a few backwards turns to get the center diff lock to disengage (likely not used a lot?)

Not smoking or leaking from what I could see- runs very smooth.

This is newer than most of the models I've seen in my price range, but the milage target I had in mind is closer to 150k.

I offroad as much as I can- not a rock crawler but a lot of muddy back roads and hill climbs.
I pull a trailer with a few quads/ dirtbikes from time to time.

Loved the way the cruiser drove, and I know they are capable as I could ever want.
I'd like to run 33s and honestly not do too much else.

Gas mileage is not a concern- I really only drive on weekends.

Curious what u guys think? Should I forego my concern on the miles in exchange for the perfect under body or keep looking?
Anyone make the change and regret it?

 

[sctrsk]

im in MD so we travel in similar used vehicle markets.

I originally wanted a 100 series, and ended up with a 4 runner. I wanted a truck with 150k or less miles. When you get to 200+, things you didn't think about start wearing out. Steering column bearings, driveshaft u joints, every accessory that hasn't been replaced. Door hinges start to sag, Sunroofs bind up, etc etc. You don't think about it if its already your car, but I had a hard time making excuses for an $8000 truck that has a lot of stupid problems, and will likely continue to do so.

Also, toyota's ****ing suck at rust prevention, and we live in the salt band. Simply is what it is. To get a good one, you have to travel out of state. Then when you drive it in the snow, you gotta live with what happens. (but good rust prevention can significantly mitigate that.)

My experience: I wouldn't pay close to 10k for a truck with a quarter million miles. Someone else wants to, good for them. I can't justify it. A decent 100 series with no stupid problems, no rust, and 130-180k miles within 300 miles of you is $12000-$15000. I almost pulled the trigger on a $6000 100 series, but at the last minute a bunch of stupid little things with the car popped up, and my dad found a rust spot in the fender well the guy had hidden. I mean this scumbag was signing the title as we spoke trying to unload this turd on me before I could change my mind. Passed on it.

After realizing I couldn't afford it, I looked at 4 runners and found a dealer maintained 99 with 127,000 miles and little rust for 7000. Everything worked on it and it was super duper clean. I did preventative things like ball joints, tie rods, radiator etc. But now I know I have a truck that will do what I ask of it for the next 10 years and 200,000 miles. Overall I think its a fair trade.

People buy high mileage 4runners and land cruisers that have problems. There's nothing technically wrong with that. But you already have one of those...other than the hole in the frame it seems like you have minor problems. Unless its really ugly and beat up, or the frame is way worse than you thought, I don't see the logic of buying a high mileage 100 series and starting over with probably a similar amount of problems. If you DO want a 100 (and don't get me wrong I want one bad), I would say find a way to increase your price range to at least 10k, probably 12-13. Then you'll still have to hunt for a deal.

I certainly wouldn't buy one that had been in an airbag accident at any rate. And on the side of all places!

I'd get your frame checked for hidden rust, if its ok patch the hole and rust proof it. Then, think about if you want to spend $12,000 and assume you can sell your truck for 3500-4000. Just my 2 cents.