Advice on buying Landcruiser
Submitted: Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 08:36
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Montemoo
HI everyone
Hubby and I are looking at buying a 1998 GXL Landcruiser 4.5 petrol with 210,000km on the clock for $25K. We know the kms are excessive for a petrol motor. My question is, is it worth trying to knock the car yard down in price to say $22 and a half grand and doing an engine rebuild in the not too distant future, or should we look at paying $29K for the same kind of cruiser with only 100,000km on the clock? We are wanting to do a trip around Oz and would have preferred a turbo diesel but can't find one in our price range as we will still have to lift it and put bigger tyres on it (cost around $5K all up).
Anyone have any idea what it costs to rebuild a petrol cruiser motor (not doing it yourself)?
Thanks
Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 10:42
Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 10:42
With the drop in demand for big petrol 4wds, I'd offer him a lot less. It must be a buyers market out there with the high price of fuel, and a relatively high mileage vehicle you're looking at.
210,000km is no big deal for the 4.5 litre petrol motor provided its been serviced correctly. If it doesn't blow smoke, compression is Ok, and theres no
sign of head gasket leak, then I'd expect you'll be Ok for a good few years yet. Also got to remember that theres a lot more parts on these vehicles that wear out and cost a lot to fix.
If you want an inspection, my preference is to get it done by a 4wd workshop.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Max - Sydney - Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 11:13
Sunday, May 28, 2006 at 11:13
Mate - have you had a look at the Redbook web site? It gives an idea to start looking at prices - " target="EOF" class="lbg">www.redbookasiapacific.com/au/? Suspect you should be able to negotiate
well below $22k.
If there is any suggestion of engine damage at 210, walk away. Its a big
well made and lazy motor, and if its damaged then the whole vehicle must have been abused.
Look for service history as a guide - it should have had the timing belt replaced twice by now for example.
Check for CV joint noise, loose tailshaft sliding joints and
suspension condition, all of which ought to be ok, but showing signs of use.
But - if you can find a diesel, you are better off. Its only $3.5 k to put on a reliable turbo IF you find you need it. I've had a 1997 GXL diesel from new, pull a caravan now (but have done the outback camping and camper trailer stunts), and am still looking for a reason to fit a turbo after 250,000 km. Its all in driving techniques, and on a trip around
the block stunning acceleration and huge uphill pulling power don't feature strongly!
Have you looked for vehicles that have been around
the block, and are already fitted out for the trip?
Good luck - Max
AnswerID:
175155
Reply By: V8Diesel - Monday, May 29, 2006 at 17:47
Monday, May 29, 2006 at 17:47
The 4.5 is a super reliable motor and should have heaps of life left in it if it's been serviced properly.
I agree that $25K is too much. I bought a 98 GXL with 140 country bitumen km's on the clock in A1 nick, full Toyoyta service history etc for $24K about a year ago.
They are a great vehicle. Heaps of go, bucketloads of torque right from idle, excellent track record for reliability and a stronger gearbox than the NA diesel model. They drive very well too (having just driven 300km's to work this morning).
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Follow Up By: Montemoo - Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 08:59
Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 08:59
Yeah hubby would really prefer the 4.5 over the diesel as we have a diesel landcruiser trayback and had alot of trouble dragging the camptrailer over the
Atherton Tablelands in FNQ last year. We really don't mind the extra fuel in the 4.5 - the one we have found now is a Dec 2001 model GXL with 110,000km and it has the chip thing that is supposed to make it more fuel efficient. Going to look at it on the weekend in Brissy.
cheers
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