Hello, I am looking to buy a 1991 land cruiser. It has 110000 miles. Apart from the cosmetics (rust cricle under and around rear window, peeling paint on hood), what do I need to be careful about (engine and tranny).

Also, what kind of mileage can I expect (its a full time 4wd).

Thanks in advance.

I'd be more concerned about deep rust underneath than on top. Axles, u-joint, etc.
The stuff that's more expensive to replace than a paint job.

Do you have a place you go regularly to have oil changes etc? Most people are willing to allow you to test drive and you could swing in the shop and let them do a quick once over and tell you their opinion.

Cassie is 100% correct, have a mechanic take a look at it first. I trust my mechanic over any salesman.

Thanks for your kind input folks.

How can one tell of deep rust? Unfortunately, I do my own oil changes and do not know of a reliable mechanic where the truck is located.

can you identify tell tale signs for axles and U joint etc. problems (also steering pump leaks, differentials etc.).

Thanks in advance.

Well folks, yet again I am provided proof that if its too good to be true, it is.

Wasted two hours and found the following notables (among many items of concern):

1. The 'gentleman' (or should I call him a deceiving ****) stated the truck had no oil leaks. That would be true since the engine had no oil in it!

2. The AC was blowing hottest air possible, a rare feat indeed.

3. Windshield had a massive crack.

4. There was a VERY unnerving clanking coming from the axles (I made the seller put in 7 quarts of 5W30 Castrol oil in the engine before I drove her).

5. The hood was COMPLETELY faded and dented.

6. The front of the truck had been hit, needed the whole front bumper.

7. The brakes were extremely soft, you had to push almost all the way to the floor to stop her.

8. The speedometer did not work (hence the low mileage?).

All this AFTER I was told that the truck is clean, everything works and is a great runner.


I felt really bad that such a wondeful truck had faced this much neglect. I am more convinced that I want a 1991-1995 LC, just need to find a decent one for the right price.

Take Care.