Looking at 100 series need some pointers

[lt1fire]

I've had cruisers before, most notably my 80 series but never a 100.

Going to look at a 100 tonight and need some pointers at what to look for.

I know about the timing belt and the dealer doesn't know when it was last done and will use that to bargain it down.

Are there any other problem area's I should look at? its high miles but that doesn't scare me on this thing.

It has a factory locker so that is a plus and the tires are brand new. Came with every option available that year (99)

I've looked through Slee's guide so I know the difference in the years on the 100's.

 

[Philthyphil]

If you looked at Slee's guide I doubt the rest of us would have anything to add...

 

[87Warrior]

Rust, leaking CV boots and a leaking steering rack would be the only specific things I'd look for. Make sure it has a master key (red security light above hvac controls disappears immediately when you put the key in the ignition). If she makes a loud clunk when shifting from reverse to drive, you will probably need new hub flanges and axles. That's pretty common among high mileage 100s and shouldn't steer you away from the rig, but it could be a bargaining chip.

 

[Arktikos]

I've had cruisers before, most notably my 80 series but never a 100.

Going to look at a 100 tonight and need some pointers at what to look for.

I know about the timing belt and the dealer doesn't know when it was last done and will use that to bargain it down.
.

Supposed to be a sticker with mileage when T belt was changed, so if none than it's probably never been done.

Heater hose T fitting: Not a big deal, but if you buy then it'd be a good idea to replace as preventative maintenance, provided it hasn't been done already. They're known to spring leaks.
Happened to a coworkers at around 270K miles, so I read up on it. Also, her LC has never had T belt changed. :Wow1:

 

[lt1fire]

Supposed to be a sticker with mileage when T belt was changed, so if none than it's probably never been done.

Heater hose T fitting: Not a big deal, but if you buy then it'd be a good idea to replace as preventative maintenance, provided it hasn't been done already. They're known to spring leaks.
Happened to a coworkers at around 270K miles, so I read up on it. Also, her LC has never had T belt changed. :Wow1:

Belt was changed at 204k currently has 260k

Typical small used car dealer they bought it at auction and didn't know anything about it but had the sticker there in plain sight.

Had a reverse and blinker out.

a little surface rust underneath.

Seemed to have a slight lift... Had OME shocks on and seemed to have much more room in the wheel well.

Rear locker didn't seem to want to engage, the light was flashing when I turned it on.

Engine fan is loud when reving or at WOT. I'm guessing fan clutch needs to be refilled/replaced like on an 80.

Temp Gauge seemed to fluctuate a bit..... never got in the red but sat below the half way mark when I drove at first from cold and idled and then when I was doing some WOT blasts it rose up to 3/4 way (never to the red) but dropped again when I dropped off the gas.

Engine bay was super clean.... all fluids were clean, brakes worked well, seemed to have plenty of power. They want 4800 for it.... may be able to talk them down a bit. I'll post some pics later.

 

[87Warrior]

If you care to look into its Toyota maintenance history, set up an account with Toyota Owners and plug in the VIN.

The rear locker on my 99 takes some time to engage and I have to be moving.

The temp gauge fluctuating seems odd. The senders are pretty pathetic and don't read reliably. Mine has never went past 1/2 way on the gauge, even when climbing Hayden Pass in Colorado when it was 100 degrees with the AC on high. A Bluetooth OBDII adapter is far more reliable.

4800 sounds like a good price.

 

[EDR]

Sounds like a decent rig. I have an 06 100 and love it. On the e-locker it could be a lot of things, but most likely, it just hasn't been exercised in a while and needs to be used a few times to get things back in action. Sometimes that actuator can get some corrosion and need a cleaning too

 

[lt1fire]

 

[Arktikos]

Curious why the rear end seems to be sitting up higher than normal, and spare tire relocation to the roof.

 

[redthies]

Curious why the rear end seems to be sitting up higher than normal, and spare tire relocation to the roof.

That's the "I want to look 'cool' and drop my fuel economy from 14 to 11 mpg" mod. I think for $4800 asking price I'd offer them $4200. It would be a good deal at $4500. They are running close to $10,000 where I live.

 

[redthies]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/6091141841.html

Look! There's one just like it in Seattle!

 

[lt1fire]

It does have a minor lift on it. OME shocks all around and i'm guessing springs in the back but the front does look lower. I've never messed around with a torsion bar lift so not sure if the ones I was looking at were stock or not.

I'm going to have a local yota dealer look over it on friday and then most likely buy it if nothing comes back bad from it.

 

[lt1fire]

that would be the one... Just realized my location still says Charlotte, NC... need to change that.

 

[redthies]

that would be the one... Just realized my location still says Charlotte, NC... need to change that.

So the Cruiser (and you) are in Seattle? That's a great price for this market! I couldn't find one for under $10,000 when I bought mine just over two years ago. I'm just up by Bellingham at the border so Seattle and Vancouver are my shopping areas.

 

[MarcFJ60]

Looks really good. Check for rust at the bottom/under the upper tailgate. Not sure why they rust there. I know there are drain holes but maybe they get clogged or just don't get all the water or it is a gasket issue. May not be an issue in Seattle.