Advice on buying Landcruiser

Don't know. But depending how long you think you'll keep the car, it probably won't ever happen.

If you're in Sydney/N'cstle area I could put you onto a bloke where they recycle parts/engine replacements etc. But there are quite a few of these around.

I would have thought that a Landcruiser engine at 200K should have plenty of life left even for petrol unless it has been particularly abused.

An older diesel for the same money may be an alternative and would give superior range over a petrol which can help on long trips.

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.

Have a good look around and you will find a petrol gxl with less ks for the same price $25k seems a bit high for a 210,000k petrol crusier. petrol cruisers are hard to sell at the moment due to fuel prices.

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

Dont know what state your in but 25k is about 6k to rich in Brisbane at the moment for a petrol with that sort of ks ,, also 5k for a road legal lift and larger tires ??? 2" to 4" lift $700 to $1000 ,,, tires $180 to $300 each.

i work as a wholesaler in Melbourne and if asked to put a price on that car , it would be 16 k . The yard I would seel it to would try to get close to 20 k for it .

as far as 200 kms on the clock , isnt a issue

I have the following for sale for your budget...already has 2in lift and turbo diesel.
Site Link

Most petrol engines I have ruined have karked it at around 380,00km. So 210,000km is about mid life for the engine.

I would offer them $15 and work up to $20 if necessary.

I'd get a bank cheque made out for say, $18,000 or whatever you think is the lowest you can get away with - show it to him and tell him you want to do the biz today or there's another one up the road........he won't let you walk away with that in your hand.

(just don't lose the bugger - the cheque, that is)

Mate of mine paid 23K for a 96 with 53k on the clock 2 years ago when fuel prices were still half decent...
this one sounds a bit expensive to me...
my 2 #

Hi
There is a blue 40th annaversary 1997 petrol auto on ebay at the moment for 10,000 dollars....ABS etc
It looks nice too.
Unless you need to trade, i would suggest you look for something similar private.....they just cant be sold these days....noone wants to buy them.
Andrew

My 96 diesel unit is in the trading section with 230 kms...and in perfect nick..Just bought a Motorhome so wll negotiate with a serious buyer !! It has so many extras that I cant list them all !!

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).