landcruiser question

Thanks for the heads up there, Ron. Are those HD-T motors with auto more expensive to run than the hz motors with a manual box, do you think? I thought it might be a little over-priced for a 1993 model, but it's a very clean unit. Looks good as new really. I read good things about them, for sure. A four speed auto cruises well on the highway? I have mixed feelings about an auto in the bush, although I've read they handle slow speeds and sand well.

Never had a problem with my auto, and I towed tandem trailers with it on plenty of occasions. I don't think the HD-T and auto is much more expensive than a HZ with a manual box.
Keep your oil clean and cool in the auto and they'll last longer than a clutch and gearbox.
You don't get shock loading with an auto, and the lock-up converter effectively makes them a direct drive at over 70kmh.
I used to get about 16mpg out my HD-T and auto, and in those days I had a heavy foot. I've slowed down appreciably in later years, the regular speeding tickets helped. I can recall I could get 20 mpg if I drove it with a light foot, which wasn't often.

Cheers - Ron.

HOW MUCH!?

I've said no to Lexus for around that money

Gday GT
There is always a better deal just around the corner.

Yes, it does seem a bit much for a 'Cruiser that's nearly 20 years old - but it shows you the high regard there is, for these HD-T autos. These are the Toyotas that were built before Toyota dropped the build-quality ball in the 1999-2008 period.

Bear in mind, when I bought mine in 1992, the retail price was $52,000. That was a lot of bickies 20 yrs ago, it bought a whole lot more than $50,000 buys today.
I got mine for $50,000 on a no-trade deal. When I sold it in late 1995, with 170,000 kms on the clock, I had to fight off the buyers, and I got $40,000 for it.

If any other vehicle I'd ever owned, held its value like that, I'd have had it made.
I bought a new EA Falcon Ghia Wagon prior to that, in 1990. I paid over $40,000 for it, but when I tried to quit it 2 yrs later with 70,000kms on the clock (and in mint condition), I couldn't get $18,000 for it.
I ended up selling it privately for $18,500 after a struggle that took me weeks.

I've always worked on the basis it's better to pay a premium price for a premium used vehicle that has never been abused, has been properly-maintained, which has been garaged every night, and which hasn't been stored near a rust-zone coastal area.

It's far better to do that, than pay a whole lot less for a 4WD that has been to Hell and back, towing a 3 tonne van permanently, been poorly-maintained, and that has been stored outside every night and day, in salt spray zones, and extremes of temperatures.

Cheers - Ron.

Keep it coming. The truth is it''s a a dealer purchase. For $600 extra I can get a 5 year Aus wide warranty as well. And Muzbry's 2005 100 series may not have 8 seats, I guess. One of the points of interest to me is avoiding the cost of adding seats to a 1998 Troopie Bushcamper that would otherwise be just the right vehicle for me. I'm eager to get the opinions of other readers. Ultimately all prices are negotiable to some extent. It's definitely at the upper end of the market price range for the 2 vehicles I mentioned. I believe the private sale of the Troopie should bring in around $16 000 anyway that will 'offset' my outlay to some extent. Seats, safety, reliability.

rainbowprof - The comfort and driveability of the 80 series wagon is a substantial jump up from a Troopy, and one that you'll really notice.
I've owned serious numbers of Troopys and 'Cruiser traytops as a contractor, and the Troopys ride a whole lot better than a traytop, but an 80 series is a vast improvement over a Troopy.

The downside is that the Troopy is better for the real rough stuff, where you're getting scratches from bushes and in danger of denting panels.
For actual underfoot conditions, I don't believe there's any difference in performance in mud or soft sand between the HD-T auto 80 series and a Troopy.
I would say the 80 series probably has an improved resistance to rollover than a Troopy, with a lower profile.

The dealer will be making at least $2500 killing on this deal, and possibly more. It's a pity you couldn't have bought the HD-T auto privately or at auction, where it would have only made $15,000 at best.
If the extended warranty is comprehensive, go for it, it's good protection against possibly high repair costs.
However, examine the T's&C's carefully, a lot of these warranties have a lot of "exclusions" that ensure their chances of payout are greatly minimised. Subtle little phrases such as "off-road use voids the warranty" are classics.

Cheers - Ron.

Good valid points Ron. Getting paid by insurance companies is like pulling hen's teeth, for sure. And the extra k's and years still make the HD-T look appealing over the other '97 80 series I mentioned?

It also has turbo timer and cruise control - standard with that hd-t?

Turbo timer wasn't standard, that'd be aftermarket fit. Cruise control? Not fitted to my '92 GXL - but it could have become a standard fit to the GXL in '93. The VX (Sahara) had CC as standard. I don't know of any aftermarket CC's for the 'Cruiser, they're usually factory fitted.

Cheers - Ron.

P.S. - You can get some really nice used HD-T autos out of Japan, you know? A lot are relatively low kms - but the Japs also price them accordingly. Shipping one in from Japan means applying for an import permit, about $3000 in shipping cost (above the purchase price), another $2000 for inspection, and an Aussie compliance plate fitted - and GST on top. However, I've seen export HD-T autos of this age being offered with as little as 80 or 90,000 kms on the clock, and in mint condition. Google "export Japan Landcruiser HZJ80" and see what comes up.