LC - How many k's is too many

I should note, I'm specifically looking at diesels.

Buy the vehicle, not the odometer!

Not really sure what model yet (really depends what comes along), Will only have about 10k to play with so my choices will likely be limited.

the engine is only 1 part of a 4by there is alot more that wears out.
yea one with over 400k might keep going - but sorry after 200k the odds are diminishing
personally without extensive work I would consider 4-500k to be the lifespan of a vehicle only to be touched if very cheap
5 grand could easily be spent on an old vehicle without touching the motor

You can always fix the mechanical stuff. But you can't always fix the body and chassis. Walk away from any vehicle with rust in bad places (eg sills, roof, windscreen) and cracks around the steering box on an 80series chassis.

I'd be willing to buy a vehicle with a good body and chassis that had done high k's, and passes a good test drive. I've had friends come away on desert trips with diesel LandCruisers with over 400k on the clock, but had reasonable maintenance.

I bought an 80 series about 5 years ago with 174k on the clock , very tidy unit , great to drive , no slack anywhere and no rust , but had a cracked piston by 224k . There is an aftermarket turbo fitted and apparently the boost was way too high . Had to do a full rebuild at a great cost , kept the turbo and put a new core in it and had it set way below the reccomended boost . If I was to buy it again I would get it checked more thoroughly than what I did . Beware aftermarket turbos , make sure the boost is not too high . Now we have a great 4b but it cost a lot more than we anticipated .
Kevanancy

If I had 10 grand to spend I would be looking at a petrol as you can get very good petrol Pajs, Jacks, 80 4.5 petrols. We just brought an immaculate 9/03 Nullabor jack with 76000ks for $14000.00.
As soon as I get it detailed our 3lt Paj is going in the trader. (98000ks) for arround $7500.00. It has some minor battle wounds but is in perfect mechanical condition.
Most Diesels in this price range are really to have BIG money spent on them.
But if you look long enough you will always find a low k vehicle.
I have never paid more then $15000.00 for a 4wd and the highest mileage when purchased was 130000ks on my 4 runner and that was only because I was in a hurry.
Good luck Pete

Matt,
My 95 LC80 with 4.5petrol is just about to clock 300K and I feel that it's just as good as when I bought it new, if not better. I have a Falcon wagon 2006 as a work vehicle and after using it all week and then getting into the cruiser on weekends it feels so much better.
I guess the diesel should be even better as they are known for longevity.
Mind you mine cost close to 50K back then so for 10 to 15K you should be ok if you find a genuine good one.

Good luck

Rob