How About This Land Cruiser?

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars)
04/28/2017 at 14:15 • Filed to: Land Cruiser

Actual Land Cruiser in question

We’re looking to replace our lovely 2006 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro with something larger and more practical, especially since we have received a boat from my grandfather. Needless to say, an Audi hatchback is not fit for boat-hauling duty. So now we are on the hunt...

My grandfather is trying to pawn off his 1998 Jeep Wrangler, which he used to pull the same boat, with 85,000 miles and nineteen years of hard Ohio winters under it’s belt. He’s done major rust repair in the last two years, but there’s still some problems with frame rust. He wants $6,500, which is quite cheap for an 85,000 mile TJ here in North Carolina, but 85,000 TJ’s don’t have rust in North Carolina. My mother wants the Jeep because, “it’s been in the family,” and it has low miles. As much as I want a Jeep, I don’t want my grandfather’s Jeep because of the already stated rust issue. So that’s where the Land Cruiser comes in.

The Land Cruiser in question is a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! with a whopping 288,000 miles, which is going for the same price as the Jeep. I’ve been told by some not to worry, and by others to worry a lot. Thankfully, the example above has been maintained by a Toyota dealer its whole life, which is a relief considering the Jeep has been maintained by a wise-eyed mechanic named Richie since it was new. Sadly, the Toyota also lived in Ohio (I can never win) for a large chunk of it’s life, and that means there has to be rust. Going through the pictures, I do catch glimpses of the infamous Toyota-bumper-rust, but not much else. I haven’t seen the Land Cruiser yet, as it is 65 miles away and I have not had time to make my way out to Kernersville (not like driving to Kernersville is a thing that people actually want to do, but ya know), but my hopes are high.

So my question to y’all is what’s the better choice: the Jeep or the Toyota? Also, are there any other options that would suit well for boat/beach/trail/other activities duty under $6,500?

DISCUSSION (43)

HammerheadFistpunch > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:22

Cruiser looks okay for the mileage. The seats are probably pretty hammered. Its hard to say what to worry about at this stage of a cruisers life without the records. If the maintenance was kept up on (especially oils and greases) and if the major stuff has been done (head gasket/PHH) then its actually a pretty good buy, given that 80 series are going up in price right now.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:23

Go with the Toyota. It’s not unusual for Jeep frames to be rusted through in the midwest..I wouldn’t trust one with an already known rust issue

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:23

You should buy RPM’s cruiser.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/found-on-craigslist-rpms-fj80-1794648929

awmaster10 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:25

Neither. The jeep sounds like itll need work from a tough life, and its a jeep. The LC was only really serviced by the second owner, the 1st 3rd and 4th seem sketch and have literally zero information including mileage. Id check craigslist on searchtempest and be willing to fly out when you find the right one because at that price you could probably get a cleaner one with about 200k.

Also consider other options like 3rd gen 4runner, zj grand cherokee, 2nd gen montero, r50 pathfinder, 2nd gen trooper with a manual, etc.

dogisbadob > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:27

The Land Cruiser is awesome. If you want a little more luxury and prestige, there’s the Lexus LX450 :)

benjrblant > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:32

288k miles on an 80 series could go either way. If it was properly maintained, that’s acceptable. If it was neglected for all of those, look for something else. They came with a tow capacity of 5,000lbs and honestly, it’s a relatively underpowered machine as-is. If you’ll be towing close to that amount, I’d recommend another tow vehicle. Then again, TJs with their suspension and short wheelbase are about as sub-optimal as a tow vehicle gets, so...

Aftermarket alarm makes me nervous. These came from the factory with a very good remote/alarm, so I’m unsure as to why one would want to replace it. If it was installed correctly, not a problem. If the wiring was cut and spliced, who knows what sort of gremlins could have entered.

This is a pretty decent write-up of what to expect in a “baseline” if you go the 80 route:

http://overland.kinja.com/what-it-cost-to-own-an-80-series-11-months-and-20-000-1794518103

Dru > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:33

Just spitballing here...a WJ Grand Cherokee with a v8 makes a great tow vehcile. They are dime a dozen on CL. I’ve had one for six years and had only consumables to replace. The primary matter of concern is electric issues, and the cooling system on the v8. From what I’ve heard, the don’t like to overheat. As with most things, your biggest enemy here is previous owners.

kincai28 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:37

I’ve been eyeing this LC, although it is in Cleveland which is probably too far for you.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/6093839660.html

JR1 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:39

You would no doubt be more comfortable in the LC and it is more practical but that mileage is a little nuts I think. Hammerhead has the LC though so he would know more than most.

I would go Wrangler but only if hard top and no real highway mileage. It is unlikely your grandpa would try to screw you, the dealer however, who knows.

Land_Yacht_225 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:39

If I didn’t have two finals tomorrow, I would be test driving that thing right now...

awmaster10 > Dru
04/28/2017 at 14:46

They are absurdly unreliable though. Thats why id take a zj over a wj if I could have an extra $2k in pocket for repairs.

Makoyouidiot > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:46

Kinja'd!!!

For that sort of vehicle, I always love the Rovers. Also the Disco I had a manual transmission option.

gawdzillla > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:49

also take a look at the GM offerings, 2000+ tahoe / silverado and their relative twins

you can find some solid examples for 5k, then put in 1k maintance in them and you are golden

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:55

Try looking at LX450s. They’ll usually be in slightly nicer shape than a comparable LC.

Jack Does Cars > HammerheadFistpunch
04/28/2017 at 14:55

The seats are actually in pretty good shape for the mileage, probably better condition than the seats in my Volvo. And 80 series prices are going crazy, so I’m thinking it would be wise to buy this one now and sell it for the same price in two years.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 14:55

Thats possible.

Jack Does Cars > Dru
04/28/2017 at 14:56

My mother had a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.2, which we loved. I’m just a bit hesitant of WJ’s, though.

Jack Does Cars > awmaster10
04/28/2017 at 14:59

We had a ZJ Grand Cherokee forever and loved it, 3rd gen 4Runners are also being considered along with a 1989 Trooper II with the GM 2.8 V6. Also, the LC is being offered at a Dodge dealer so they will haggle.

Jack Does Cars > JR1
04/28/2017 at 15:01

Has a soft top with rust all through the zippers, but he does drive it exclusively his small Ohio town (The Tahoe goes on the longer trips). My grandfather wouldn’t try to screw me, he just doesn’t know car values at all and is very stubborn.

Jack Does Cars > Makoyouidiot
04/28/2017 at 15:01

Yes! Fun fact, the front doors will open if you panic stop.

Jack Does Cars > gawdzillla
04/28/2017 at 15:02

I had a TrailBlazer (which will not be the Audi replacement, sadly), and my grandfather currently owns a 2002 Tahoe. It’s on the list.

Jack Does Cars > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
04/28/2017 at 15:02

Thank you, I completely agree.

Jack Does Cars > kincai28
04/28/2017 at 15:04

My grandfather is in Ashland but he has no sense of direction.

gawdzillla > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 15:35

the full size (tahoe et al) is much better than the trailblazer due to its ... size ....

more room everywhere with more replacement parts availability when needed. the almost zero lost in MPG is a plus.

please at least get a v8 5.3

Dru > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 15:39

ZJ’s are good. I wouldn’t be inherently afraid of WJ’s. If you check one out, and it seems good, it probably is.

Makoyouidiot > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 16:06

They must have fixed that by the time my Disco II came off the lines :)

Jack Does Cars > Makoyouidiot
04/28/2017 at 17:59

Probably, but they’ve opened a few times on my aunt’s ‘97.

Jack Does Cars > Dru
04/28/2017 at 18:00

The dealer where the Land Cruiser is being sold has a 2004 GC 4.7 Overland for $6,495 as well. Could be worth a look.

awmaster10 > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 18:13

If you get a good ZJ they are great, but some people have had bad luck. Cant beat a 5.9L with solid axles and a comfy interior though. First gen troopers and trooper II are great and the 2nd gen trooper if you get a manual. The autos explode. And yeah but they might not go too much lower on a car they know is in high demand

Makoyouidiot > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 20:47

That’d be slightly terrifying

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Jack Does Cars
04/28/2017 at 21:29

My only recommendation is to look it over well. Kernersville Dodge is basically a wholesale dealer, so some of their used cars are a bit rough.

Jack Does Cars > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
04/29/2017 at 09:06

True, not everyone can be Auto Focus. Anyway, you doing ok? I was in Wilmington like two weeks ago.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Jack Does Cars
04/29/2017 at 21:10

Doing pretty good man! Hope you’re doing well! About to finish up the semester. Then will be bouncing between GSO and Wilmington.

Dru > Jack Does Cars
04/29/2017 at 22:19

Is that at Kernersville CDJ? That thing is super clean. Price isn’t the best for the mileage, but should be negotiable. Can’t hurt to look. But if you sense the electrics aren’t right, run.

CompactLuxuryFan > Jack Does Cars
04/30/2017 at 02:15

Sounds like you’re gonna be taking a *big* downgrade in performance, comfort, and economy with any of your options. Depending how often you plan on towing, I’d consider keeping the Audi and renting a pickup when you need to tow. I just can’t imagine going from daily driving a lovely VR6 A3 to a 300K Land Cruiser. The latter sounds so much worse for most tasks.

Jack Does Cars > CompactLuxuryFan
04/30/2017 at 08:22

As much as we like the Audi, we have simply outgrown it. We don’t plan on doing ant track days with the Land Cruiser, either. Plus, it’s just a placeholder vehicle. When I graduate, my spot in the driveway will probably be filled with an E90 M3 or a C63 AMG.

Jack Does Cars > Dru
04/30/2017 at 08:23

Yes it is, and Kernersville CJD are known for being easy to haggle. A friend bought a Honda Accord there for $1,500 list price last summer.

Jack Does Cars > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
04/30/2017 at 08:24

That’s good to hear. I ate at Flaming Amy’s while I was down there, got a sticker.

Dru > Jack Does Cars
04/30/2017 at 10:48

I’m actually from high point so I’ve shopped there once or twice. I test drive a WJ and the salesperson wound up talking me out of buying it because she knew it had been ridden hard and put up wet. Good luck in your search.

Jack Does Cars > Dru
04/30/2017 at 11:39

That’s pretty cool of the dealer. I’ll call about it tomorrow. I’m south of Raleigh, but I have love for the 336.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Jack Does Cars
04/30/2017 at 17:13

Did you go to the Bowl or the Burrito Barn?

Jack Does Cars > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
05/01/2017 at 10:23

I went to the Burrito Barn and ate a burrito in a barn.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Jack Does Cars
05/01/2017 at 13:45

Nice lol! Next time your in Wilmington, go try the bowl! It’s significantly more amazing than the Barn. Great munchies cure.