Hey Scotty!
I'm interested in purchasing a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser from a well known and reputable auction website. According to the auction page for the vehicle, it is equipped with a 4.5L I6 engine and a 4 speed automatic transmission. The car is listed as having 228,000 miles on the odometer. Are there any common issues that I should look out for/know about before buying the vehicle? The auction page also lists some recent service history on the vehicle. I've attached a photo below of it. Should I be concerned with how much has been done to the vehicle mechanically, or would you say it is normal for the age of the vehicle? The auction ends in 6 days, so if you could provide some input it would be much appreciated!
Thanks! 🙂 /p>
Clarification: Which auction site is this?
Unless your mechanic can check the car in person, I would say forget it.
Two red flags I see are it’s being offered at an auction and typically that means you can’t test drive and have your own mechanic thoroughly check it out. It doesn’t matter what the auction site says, if you can’t have an independent, honest mechanic check it out before you buy then pass on it.
I would say that most of the stuff done is typical for a 25 year old vehicle, with the exception of the front diff needing replacement, that is kinda odd. I am a little surprised about the fuel injector needing replacement at well, but again, it is a bit older.
If it is a land cruiser, toyota does not put a bad engine or transmission in it. The 4.5l even had timing chain, kinda nice.
Keep in mind that they build them to be rugged, last forever, and get you safely to your destination no matter where it is, not for good gas mileage, or nice driving characteristics.
I would not trust the auction site statement or the previous owner. Red flags are -
Front differential replaced. What was replaced? Ring and pinion, the whole case. This is a part time use item (in 4 wheel drive) that rarely gets worn out.
Front, rear and center differentials serviced... There is no center differential, it's called a transfer case.
And since it's an auction house, I would go elsewhere.
