100 series cruiser standard

The standard Diesel (1HZ) didn't come with dual batteries so it would already have the dual setup and no need for a third. There shouldn't be anything wrong with the motor. They are low on power but very reliable (mine has 254000km). Just check it starts easily and that it doesn't smoke at all. The transmission can have problems depending on how it has been treated in its past life. Just check for noises, ease of changing into 2nd gear and no major whine in reverse. You will probably have a bit of clutch shudder when moving off but this is pretty normal and you'll learn how to move off with minimal shudder. One bit of advice check the previous history of the vehicle very thoroughly because typically the only users of the standard are mining companies and Hire car companies and therefore have been subjected to a little more abuse than your typical toorak tourer. Chassis rails full of rock hard dirt (mud) is a very good sign of mining use. A sticker (or signs of it) above the fuel fill point stating "Diesel Only" are good signs of an ex hire car. Good luck.

mine has a hot rattle ?? in the trans,bearing noise as though they are not getting enough oil,gear changes are still fine ,its only a 2003 model,36k, so hopefully fixed under warrenty if i can get toyo to admit theres a problem
brother just bht a mining ute ,done 65k and 3rd gear drops out ,his friend works there and says the other ute up for sale also has the same prob(both warrenty jobs)all the toyos have the same rf151 box , iam waiting for the new diesel prado,or triton ,not that i really want a daulcab, after having the 105 wagon,as long as they can keep them basic
i put diesel/gas on mine which makes a lot better vehicle to drive with a 18%increase in grunt

Yep, thats all good advice. I have a 80 series and fitted a turbo and that changed the driveability enormously. Money very well spent. ($3500).
Check the gear change into second when the car in cold. If ot is notchy change the oil to Castrol VMX-M 75/85. Makes a big difference.

Make sure it comes with a master key (black plastic at the top). If you don't have this and loose a key you will be up for big dollars to replace the immobilisor etc. If it does have a master key get a copy cut and programmed and put it in a safe place.

Mine has 142000km on the clock now with a turbo fitted and no problems.

We use these at the mine I work at. In fact we use all Toyota's. They are pretty much a trouble free vehicle mechanically, although we do not keep them long. They have all had the suspension changed when we get them, and they are very good to ride in. Our tray back Landcruiser utes have no end of problems in the transmission though. Synchro's for second and third, sometimes fourth. Usually before 50 000 klm's and again before 100 000klm's. There always seems to be something wrong with them.
If they made a standard model wagon with the GXL electronic turbo diesel engine in it, I would have one tomorrow. Until the GXL front end problems are sorted, I'll steer clear of them.

I have a Standard 2003 100 series with nearly 180,000km on it and am for the most part very pleased with it. I have added a number of off-road related modifications to date which have improved off-road and touring. I think the shudder problem may be common and I am not concerned about it, as had the same slight shudder in my previous 80 series as well.
I do however experience a missing (or what would appear to be a starving of fuel) feeling in 1st gear occasionally where it hesitates and coughs and splutters, particularly if accelerating quickly and this is despite changing fuel filters regularly and having had the injectors done some 30,000km ago. A mystery to date and occasionally embarrassing.

Rusty

We bought a 2002 Std LC in Feb 2005 with 54,000 kilometres on the clock. No problems at all. Have done 90,000 now. Can only say very happy with it. Just about to go on our first big trip. Fuel economy is great, tows camper trailer no worries. Just a couple of tips - get all services done and take extra time to let it warm up about 3-5 minutes before taking off. Good luck.