Advice on 4x4 vechicle purchase - 87 Landcruiser
Submitted: Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 11:25
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Urvaners
Hi all,
My husband and I are planning our big trip 'round Australia. We originally purchased a '84 Nissan Urvan campervan (which we live in currently) for the task – but after a few trips, have found it to be inadequate for some of the things we want to do and see. It's very comfortable, but doesn't handle dirt roads or up-hills
well, and is not a diesel.
We've done some research, first into converting a Mitsubitishi Delica, and now we have desided to convert a Toyota Landcruiser (Troopy).
We are considering buying a '87 troopy with just over 300,000k's, a few bumps and scratches, but mechanically
well looked after for $7,300 with RWC (private sale). It has new front hub seals, rebuilt alternator and starter, 5 good tyres on Sunraysia rims, rear air diff locker, bullbar and full roof-rack and snorkle, and it is a diesel. The downsides are, it is not turbo, has a 2H motor (we read to get a 1hz instead), and its age and mileage.
Should we buy this one or do you think we can find a better deal for the money? We are looking to spend around $8,000-$9,000 and then equip it ourselves for our big trip.
Thanks for any help!
Manda & Marty
Reply By: mfewster - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 11:58
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 11:58
With that gear, it has probably been used quite hard off road. Not necessarily a problem. I'd want to look carefully at the gearbox condition and have a full mechanical check including a compression test. I would also want to have a full service with change over of all belts/hoses and carry the present lot as spares. A long range
tank is a very desirable xtra. I have an 85 diesel cruiser with a recon 2H engine with turbo. Coming up to 500000 and it goes just fine, don''t hesitate to drive it anywhere.
AnswerID:
200461
Reply By: mfewster - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:01
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:01
Forgot to add, Until quite recently, spare for this vintage was very good in the bush as you could get parts anywhere. They are getting a bit old now and it is not quite as easy to find the spares outback as it used to be.
AnswerID:
200462
Reply By: westBob - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:02
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:02
there are alot of toyota nuts on here that will tell you to to go for the old troopy.but the delica will be a much more cumfy more power and a lot better econamy lot of parts are same as pajero
AnswerID:
200463
Reply By: The Landy - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:29
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:29
Nothing wrong with buying a vehicle of that age and mileage, however you should anticipate spending a reasonable amount of money to bring it up to scratch suitable for trouble free outback travel.
We elected to go a similar way ourselves as we did not want to purchase a vehicle full of electronics, however we essentially (and intentionally) rebuilt the whole vehicle to bring it up to a level we were comfortable with. It isn’t necessarily to most cost effective way to go though, depends on what you want to achieve.
I’d work on the basis that a vehicle of that age and mileage will need a lot of work done on it regardless of the pedigree and how it might have been pampered.
Good luck.
AnswerID:
200466
Reply By: Trevor R (QLD) - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:36
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 12:36
If your heart is set on a troopy and you have a bit more to spend (like you said you did) then I would hold out for one with the 1HZ motor. No reason why the 2H won't do plenty more K's than the 300 on the one you are looking at but a 1HZ will add a lot to your resale as it is still a current motor today with spares everywhere.
Regards, Trevor.
AnswerID:
200467
Reply By: Member - mikeyandmary (NSW) - Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 19:18
Monday, Oct 23, 2006 at 19:18
Be warned that troopys are notorious for rust. They supper particularly around the windscreen and the roof. It's really important to check over the body with a magnet.
Having said that we bought an 85 troopy (petrol) to do outback travelling. It was our first 4WD and was a great vehicle. They are big enough to convert to a camper and tough enough to take anywhere. Just remember they have the aerodynamics of a moving brick and they accelerate accordingly.
Have fun...
Michael
AnswerID:
200537
Reply By: Urvaners - Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006 at 12:54
Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006 at 12:54
Thanks for all the advice so far!
We've desided against the '87 Troopy for $7,300 with the 2h motor in favour of finding one (hopefully soon!) with a 1hz motor instead.
If anyone comes across one in their travels, give us a bell!
Thanks,
Marty & Manda.
AnswerID:
200660