Anyone have experience with the reliability of mid 1990's Land Cruisers? Though we, as a family, have owned a number of Toyotas, this is a model I know nothing about. One of the family members is hot to buy one and is getting very close to making an offer. I am looking for any particular problems areas to look for. It is relatively high mileage yet the appearance does not appear to indicate any thing but good care. Opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Steve

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Steve
'87 300TD - 132K - Soon 4-Sale
'84 300D Turbo - 122K - Driving
'77 VW Type II - 77K - Restored
'08 250EX Ninja
English Bulldog (Brier) - My best friend. Passed away 12/02/04 while in my arms.

Dead NUTZ reliable in every respect and like the other guy said they are major gas hogs.

They are dead reliable but are heavy and drink lots of persian perrier.

Also, highly coveted by drug lords in Nicaragua and other 3rd world countries!!

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1991 560 SEC AMG, 199k <---- 300 hp 10:1 ECE euro HV ...

1995 E 420, 170k "The Red Plum" (sold)

2015 BMW 535i xdrive awd Stage 1 DINAN, 6k, <----364 hp

1967 Mercury Cougar, 49k

2013 Jaguar XF, 20k <----340 hp Supercharged, All Wheel Drive (sold)

Great trucks. Hungry on gas, and the front steering knuckles need service every 100k or so. Thats a big dirty job, but thats all I can remember seeing commonly on the FZJ80 series. The anniversary edition is the nicest IMHO. Has all the goodies, ft/rear lockers, power everything, and comes in a pleasant shade of Grey with tan interior. I would love to have one, if you could unlock the front diff and drive it in 2wd.

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"Ninja monkeys are meeting as we speak, plotting my demise."

1982 300D "Melba" 332k
1985 4Runner "billygoat" 204k

Look at the front steering knuckles very carefully on the inside. If there is something that looks like mud/water/grease on the inside edges, the axle sealshave probably failed. This allows gear oil from the diff to migrate out to steering knuckles. If left alone, the bearing in the knuckles will fail, and the front diff will get hot. Can be a mighty expensive fix, parts and labor just to do the seals is about 1200.00, if the diff and bearings are okay. This is on the solid front axle trucks from 1960 to 1998. Its just something that needs doing every 100k or so, but gets overlokked alot, until you hear the front diff roaring and see greasy mud yuckiness under the front wheels.

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"Ninja monkeys are meeting as we speak, plotting my demise."

1982 300D "Melba" 332k
1985 4Runner "billygoat" 204k

After a lot of research I was going to buy one; and still would IF i could get the diesel version that the rest of the world gets to buy;... but for some unknown reason citizens in the good ol USA are not allowed the economical choice. Canadians can buy the diesel engine tho.....

If you do research at www.carsurvey. org or specific Land crusier sites you will find that owners love them & love them and then buy another. The only complaint seems to be gas milage. (except the diesel)
These things are built just as well or BETTER than our Mercedes for durability.

except for brakes--mine ate brakes because they were too small. Maybe they figured that out after I had mine. Brier--there have been several previous threads about this--may want to doa search.

I had one it was either a 1990 or a 1991. It was a great vehicle but as I recall it did not have a lot of safety features, like metal bars in the doors or antilock brakes. It was great in bad weather, ie snow. The in line 6 cylinder is excellent, not in a sports car way but for a truck. The brakes were ok but not great especially when towing a boat, not a large one either maybe 2500 lbs.

The only real complaint I had is it was to big, I felt like when I turned a corner I needed to turn around to see if the back of vehicle had made turn yet.