100 Series Prepurchase Inspection Pointers

A follow up to the 80 Series prepurchase video. We had an LX470 in the shop today for inspection so we decided to film going over it and noting the common things to watch out for.
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[@willmtaylor]

Just bought my first LC100 this week. A TX-kept 2005 1-owner with 132,000k. Did a decent pre-purchase bc of this video. Thank you!

[@PaulMontgomery1492]

I just bought a 2005 Cruiser. One owner with all the dealer service records. I paid $6800 for it from the dealer. It had 351k miles but I can find nothing wrong with it. Most of the stuff you mentioned has been fixed, several times over. I'll get it on a rack soon. Most people I have talked to about it thinks I am crazy for buying a car with that many miles, but I have had a FJ60 and FJ62, so know how well built they are. What really surprises me is how reasonable and available all the little stuff is that I need for it. Except for some missing molding, it looks brand new on the outside. I've only had it a for two days now but it looks like I will be able to fix all the little issues I have found for under $500.

[@markmaier2503]

I’m about to purchase a 100 series. Thanks for making this!

[@DanielTejnicky]

Great advice, I'm about to go see one from 1999 I expect A LOT of issues xD *UPDATE* 280k km - I did buy it, AHC is OK, engine, isnt leaking, transmission is shutterinig when reversing (was fine when I drove it over there), powersteering pump is lealking, the silent blocks were devastated, blown rear shocks and many many MANY other things. - including bizzare things like, rear window wiper only working when I open rear passenger door left/right. Money-pit I'D buy it again xD

[@jP-nw7nm]

Nothing better then a good mechanic!

[@EnriqueSonora]

Great video. Appreciate the knowledge. Anything 100 series is great.

[@Michael-ei3mh]

Why is this recommended 1week AFTER I purchased mine? Best video I've seen. Looks like I'll be doing a POST purchase inspection 🤑🙏

[@stapleboss]

I first watched this video over a year ago. Finally going to look at my first 1999 LC tomorrow. This video is perfect for me (a shade tree) to use for my first look to decide if I want to have a pro look art it before I buy. Thanks so much. If I buy it I'll be watching all your videos.

[@Me-fv6qq]

Hi ! Did u purchase the 1999, LC?

[@AB1DE]

Thank YOU! - I just took a used Land Cruiser to Lexus for an inspection and found lots of issues, including frame issue that I wouldn’t of been able to (and didn’t) spot!

[@gerardocarrillo56]

Excellent walk thru. 2nd owner on a 2002 LX470 106K miles. Bought it in 2019 with 98K miles.

[@JS-fn2rm]

Thanks for this! We don’t have much ice here, so no road salt and zero rush. This thing looks like a rust box to me!

[@KimathiTheLeopard]

Wish this video was around when I bought my LX years ago. On the flip side, I’m fortunate that I was able to get Otramm to do my lift.

[@dwinter3989]

Checking out a 1999 LX470 this week, thanks for the information, particularly the electric brake master tip. You've detailed that better than any video I've seen so far.

[@daltonbedore8396]

did you buy it?

[@pjo113]

Wish I was local to your shop so you could be the Indy for my LX

[@Trusty-Rusty]

Awesome video guys, just now starting on the quest for a 100-series, and this rundown is gold!

[@darylkizer]

Great video, would be handy if you also had some sort of checklist we could take with us to inspect pre-purchase.

[@chrisdillman6005]

Thanks very much for putting this video together. Very helpful.

[@michaelmcgurgan4843]

Brilliant ! Recently bought a 2003 UZJ and although it is in excellent condition

[@MOAB-UT]

An important inspection is to check it thoroughly underneath for RUST. Ideally buy from one-owner vehicles that lived in a warm (no snow/no salt) state. 2008-2011/12 200 series is a good relative bargain. The 200 series also features a more powerful V8 engine and nicer interior. 2010+ has GPS.

[@delewan]

Superb! What a great education tool, thanks so much for sharing your experience.

[@DCBennycomedy]

Thanks so much for posting this. Great info, and you make it easy to understand.

[@ast0nmart1n1]

Why do your videos always end with me finding myself on craigslist looking at Land Cruisers, especially 97s?

[@valpack21]

Did you find one? Lol

[@charliekendall4288]

Cookies.

[@WookieLove1]

Why 97? I'm wondering what's the best to buy...

[@kftc1980]

WookieLove1 97 is last year of 80 series. 99-00 weak front end 00-02 better front end 03+ 5 speed auto

[@Texasbroski512]

More 100 series content

[@OTRAMM]

That's the plan. Just waiting on new jobs to come through the shop.

[@marquistaylor6681]

Hey! Could you send your number so I can message u on whatsapp it's about business. I'm from trinidad and tobago

[@ElReySupr3me]

Giving this a like. Very thorough.

[@shaneh734]

Love your detailed videos! Could you please do a pre purchase inspection on a 4th generation 4wd v6 4runner?

[@OTRAMM]

I'd have to have one come through the shop. But I'll film it if I get one.

[@vicm7293]

Great video, thanks for taking the time to share the knowledge.

[@gaborkrammer]

Thanks for this uhm very informative video, your tips will help me a lot next weekend, looking at a 2001 4.2 diesel. :) Wish you all the best!

[@ramonishere]

I have one with 300k miles and this was pretty accurate. I ended up replacing a pcv valve and head gaskets though... nobody seems to mention pcv valves or maintenance on them. Engine still sounds the same as it did in 1997... it's pretty crazy

[@bigtreesfall]

very crucial!

[@paulpresto8140]

Awesome info Keep them videos coming boss

[@tom_olofsson]

You talked me out of buying a high mileage project truck. Maybe something which has already been rebuilt. Thanks.

[@abdou6003]

i bought a 168,000 mile LC 2000 , in 2012 , no issues. its now at 200,000. it came from micigran it did have some rust under . but its fine. i did replace the muffler (99usd on amazon) rear struts (38 usd from toyota each) and spark plugs/ and 4 /8 coils. this unit does not have AHC

[@erniecf]

Incredible video

[@richardgregory9384]

Awesome Video. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@OTRAMM]

No problem, We see so many trucks come through that were purchased with major issues that I thought it'd be helpful to share what we most commonly look for. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanhege3895]

Really well done!! Thank you!

[@nssratchet]

Awesome video sir. Viewing one soon. Hope to find it still good.

[@bohan9957]

After watching this video, I've decided to save up and spend a little bit more money to buy a newer 4Runner instead. Very informative video.

[@rebelalchemist420]

Thanx alot man about to look at some 100 series land cruisers this was perfect. Anything else?

[@OTRAMM]

I'm sure there are other things depending on where in the country you are (climate dependent) These are the issues we see most often on the East coast.

[@erichkestler1934]

All series 100 Cruiser repairs are expensive! None the less I love mine.

[@rlwptrsn23]

Surprised you didn't mention the rear main seal leak? Thanks for this you've helped a lot.

[@OTRAMM]

At the time we filmed this, we hadn't ever seen one with a rear main leak. We've seen a few since. Not enough to think it's super common yet.

[@brkbtjunkie]

Super helpful thanks

[@adamwavel1685]

Thank you very much for your superb videos. Did you ever make one how to wire a 7 way trailer hitch plug and a brake controller on 2001 LC

[@OTRAMM]

I haven't done a video on that. I don't think I've ever wired in a brake controller on a 100.

[@datarecovery7846]

Curtis Company makes an adapter kit, since often the builtin trailer ballast/relay and wire get damaged. LX470 owner, Lexus ASE mechanic located in Sarasota Florida.

[@J_Eusebio]

wish i would have done a more depth inspection on mine, previous owner painted over all the rust on the aft section undercarriage

[@flyingscot3666]

thx for your video - very informative & helpful

[@ozelot250]

Thank you very informative

[@Nikolasto77]

Even Land Cruisers break down. People act like these are maintenance free.

[@RacksonRacksonRibss]

Lol was just thinking that. Even on this one had blown rear strut and some other minor issues. But still.

[@daniDEE_tv]

very informative, thank you.

[@mikezzz7885]

great stuff!!!!!!!!!!! If you can record yourself working on these that would be great

[@stuartpocock2837]

Very helpful... Thank you!

[@adamwavel1685]

Great vide

[@halannhiga9284]

Very helpful video. Just referenced this for a used lx470. Only thing I noticed was a clunk in the driveline/tranny when shifting P>D. And taking off in 1st. Any idea what that might be? Thanks!

[@OTRAMM]

The most common cause we see is worn slip joints in the drive shaft. Try greasing the driveshaft slip joints and see if the clunk changes.

[@JuskoLord247]

@@OTRAMM I have a '04LC and having the same issues. I had replaced all fluids(tranny,engine,f&r diff, t-case)greased all the shafts greasing points last summer but nothing changed. Also I feel clunking noise and a bit of delay when I am playing with the gas pedal while on the road. What could be the cause of this?

[@OTRAMM]

@@JuskoLord247 Have you checked the drive flanges on the front axles? I haven't seen them wear out on a 100 but have seen them cause clunks in the early 80 Series.

[@erikl5748]

The “clunk” is a common problem among the 100 series, the play from P>D and In and out of the throttle is a common occurrence. Some sources site lithium grease in the u joints of the driveline to give relief.

[@davejohnson3860]

I suggest you investing in a laser pointer! Otherwise nice vide!

[@Moalariki]

Thank you so much for the video

[@meskilito123]

Such a helpful channel!

[@derosaa371]

Thanks for posting this!

[@the_useless_photographer]

2021 the year I buy my 100.

[@ВасяУсов-н7ы]

Здравствуйте мне нравится ваш канал много полезного материала у меня тлк 100 правда я не говорю по английски но все понимаю супер👍

[@rupsdhillon864]

You're a Legend

[@FrancisWong]

Loved this video! I'm considering a 2006. It's a California car with 200k miles. To my surprise it has a decent amount of surfaces rust on the whole of the underside and suspension components, nothing structural that I can tell though. Even in the engine bay some of the bolt heads are lightly rusted. I was a little surprised as some of the California cars are like new under there (like my 02 4Runner).... Is there a big difference in how easy these are to work on with no rust vs surface rust?

[@OTRAMM]

They get progressively more difficult to work on the more rust there is.

[@FrancisWong]

@@OTRAMM on the spectrum of rust you've seen how would you rate the one you did this preinspection on? Looks kinda similar to the one I'm looking at

[@OTRAMM]

@@FrancisWong if I recall correctly that one wasn't terrible. We've had a bunch come through with large holes in the body and frame.

[@scottb4122]

Great information! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@snakebite210]

That was awesome

[@captainron7904]

going to go look at a 2003 today they said it was flat towed so they removed the front CV shafts and the front drive line. So what would be damaged if it was flat towed without putting in N it drives fine with out the shafts but has to be in 4hi

[@Donquijote007]

Thank you sir

[@rodrigodalay5875]

Hi, great video, keep making video for 100 series for the sake of all subscriber who own same vehicle. Now I'm wandering where is your shop located and how much you charge for timing belt replacement including parts and labor. Thanks.

[@OTRAMM]

We're about an hour Southeest of DC in Bealeton, VA. Shoot me an email to [e-mail] and I can send you a detailed estimate. Thanks!

[@markrafferty992]

Thank you!

[@elcincoestrellas8808]

Excellent!!

[@on-site4094]

Thanks for sharing I’m looking in to purchasing a Lexus gx 470 2007

[@stephenravenscroft3636]

Just out of interest, Do you have the 105 series LC in America? It's the 100 series body on an 80 frame and solid front axle. Comes with a 4.5 straight 6 petrol(gas for you) or diesel. I'm in Australia and have one of these 👍🏻

[@OTRAMM]

Nope, we didn't get those or the 70 series😭

[@stephenravenscroft3636]

@@OTRAMM That's a shame! Thanks for the response 👍🏻

[@YGFAMILY2K]

Basically everything needs to be replaced lol

[@dmitryadamenko6518]

Haha every car is reliable if parts replaced

[@charliewilson3528]

Hi great video!

[@lawrenceralph7481]

Really helpful.

[@jacquesdaoud4263]

Thank you for posting very helpful I just bought a 2001 Lexus 470lx it jump a lot I can't go over than frothy miles I checked all the shocks no leak they very dry the hydraulic oil level it's good the accumulator dry from out said I try to bounce it up and down it's very solid and now I'm leaning to the torsion bar so any help thank you

[@OTRAMM]

We don't do a ton of AHC diagnosis but if the suspension is that rough I'd guess that the diaphragm in the accumulator globes has ruptured. You won't see a leak but you loose the "spring" of the gas cushion.

[@ashystyle]

He had me at florescent light :D

[@samiamdj8603]

I wish I knew the year and mileage. I'm awaiting the delivery of my 2006 Land Cruiser. It has 115k mileage. I bought it from a dealership 2000 miles away. Most Land Cruisers are in the mid west to east coast. Very few for sale in the northwest. Here's hoping.

[@jaymh19]

Great information! I'm searching for a clean '06-'07 100 series to double duty as daily driver and adventure rig. What's your opinion on mileage? Is north of 200k still a good buy?

[@OTRAMM]

We've got several customers in the high 300k to low 400k range.

[@brkbtjunkie]

James Harden most 06-07’s around my area are in the low 100k’s in terms of mileage.

[@adam6ism]

Legend 👍

[@jimmycoffey6708]

great video !!

[@jacquesvoogt5619]

I have a slight tick on cold start-up. How do I check the exhaust manifolds for cracks? Would it be on the block side or the exhaust side? And would it be a visible crack, or do I look for exhaust residue?

[@OTRAMM]

The cracks aren't something you'll be able to easily see. It more of a listening diagnosis. They seem to crack right where the flare in the end of the tubing meets the retainer at the head. So the retainer flange and the heat shield are both blocking the view of the crack.

[@jacquesvoogt5619]

@@OTRAMM thanks! Very valuable information on this video.

[@1bvm174]

Mine has done that for years. Is it a problem? Once it's warm it's fine. That's what the dealer told me it was too. @@OTRAMM

[@Adnan.siddiq]

Very informative video thx.

[@Colorado4x4]

Great video!!!

[@catg9196]

Interesting video. 👍. I’ve got a 2003. I’ve had to replace my mirrors. Stopped working and a door latch assembly cuz the actuator stopped working. Mine might be the least likely to go bad. But I’m the unlucky one.

[@OTRAMM]

Haven't had to do mirrors and door latches on a 100 yet. I've had to do the power lock actuators though. Luckily only a few so far.

[@catg9196]

OTRAMM yes the power lock actuator. But can’t replace separately. Part of the door lock assembly. Sucks.

[@OTRAMM]

Yeah, I was thinking of the older ones where it was separate. I guess on the 100 I have done latches.

[@nicholasroche]

Thanks for this! What’s the best year 100 series to get?

[@OTRAMM]

The later vvti engine and 5 speed trans. I think that switched in 05.

[@nicholasroche]

@@OTRAMM Does the extra power and 5 speed make that much of a difference? I like the dash on the earlier cars and the simpler head unit/separate climate controls instead of a touch screen. Are there other substantial improvements that the later cars have?

[@OTRAMM]

I'm not super in to the details between the two. I just know most folks go for the "updated" version.

[@the_useless_photographer]

2003 LC went to 5 speed auto

[@roy254ify]

good pointers

[@lesgarten]

Good channel! I have a 2002 LC with a torn CV boot. Has 215K miles, all Road. How do you evaluate whether the axle should be replaced as opposed to just a boot? Thanx!

[@OTRAMM]

It just about always makes more sense to replace the axle, especially if you're paying to have it done. It's a decent chunk of labor to disassemble, clean, and repack/boot a shaft. It gets close to the cost of a new shaft and with a reboot you've still got a used 200k shaft that's had grit in it from a torn boot. Maybe a super low miles shaft that was caught before tearing would be a candidate for a reboot.

[@lesgarten]

@@OTRAMM Thanx! What aftermarket brands of CV axle would you recommend? They seem dirt cheap at Rockauto, wasn't expecting that.

[@OTRAMM]

We only use the factory Toyota ones. The aftermarket ones don't seem to hold up as well.

[@lesgarten]

@@OTRAMM Thanx, about how much do they run from Toyota?

[@OTRAMM]

I think around 500. It's been a while since I've ordered some.

[@luqmanrahimhf]

Very nice, which model if 100 series is good ? I can afford between 1998 to 2001

[@OTRAMM]

I don't think very much if anything changes between 98-2001 except maybe the availability of the rear locker. I think the big changes happen around 04-05 when it went to the 5 speed transmission and VVT-i engine.

[@kftc1980]

2000 and later have a stronger front diff

[@snazzymcnazmy]

I want a landcruiser so bad

[@hamidkeng]

I have recently found a very cheap one, model 2000. When I change the gear from N to D or N to R, I can hear a noise from the gearbox. Is that something major? It also has some oil leak around the gearbox seals which my mechanic says that's not so expensive to change! but he may say that to make some money out of it!

[@OTRAMM]

Without looking at it, it's hard to say. I've seen them get slop in the driveshaft slip joints and cause a clunk. I've also seen wear in the drive flanges, and the front differential carrier where the axle goes in. Unfortunately it could be a number of things.

[@WalkOverHotCoal]

That is a very comprehensive inspection. If I am buying one of these, or any car at all, it would be really wonderful to have the author to do a pre-purchase inspection. But we are in different countries.

[@Yeroc357]

Are any of these immediate no-go’s?

[@texaslawdawg1902]

That battery terminal 👀!

[@LogicPTK]

I'm looking at getting a 80 or 100 series, after watching your prepurchase videos, which in your opinion would be the more reliable as far as mechanical, considering in Australia they both have the 1FZ FE engine? Looking at suspension, brakes, body etc.. Would you recommend one over the other?

[@OTRAMM]

I'm not sure. I think your 100 series is different from ours

[@paulstrommer3830]

How "fixable" is a rusted front sway bar mount? Probably the biggest concern for me. Would you clean off the rust and risk having nothing left or plan on having someone weld a new one on? What would you recommend?

[@OTRAMM]

We've cut off a bunch of rusted sway bar brackets and fabricated new ones. It's not fun but fairly straightforward.

[@1987yuksel]

What about Diesel Land Cruiser 4.2TD 1HD-FTE ???

[@OTRAMM]

We never got that model here in the US so I don't have any experience with them.

[@1987yuksel]

OTRAMM ok thanks, I heard from all the 4x4 lovers saying, that engine is one of the best Diesel engine in the world .

[@ryanharry8117]

1313AslanBey they are the best motors . Love mine

[@khristopherbourque7345]

Looin at a single owner 1999 model with new engine and transmission, just nervous on buying a vehicle over 20ys of age.

[@OTRAMM]

I'd be worried about why it needed a new engine and trans. Those are usually pretty bullet proof. If lack of maintenance killed them what condition is everything else in.

[@khristopherbourque7345]

@@OTRAMM that's was a red flag to me, was told it has over 300k miles on it before it was replaced. Gonna to look at it next week.

[@OTRAMM]

I'd be leery of a truck with over 300k. There are likely a lot of items that will need to addresses now or in the near future.

[@mirwaisrahin3831]

Hi, what a great video. Where is your shop? I love to bring my 100 Seris for a checkup. I am in Colorado.

[@OTRAMM]

We're a couple days drive from Colorado :). We're in Bealeton, VA about an hour South West of DC.

[@M5verdriver]

Are all of those issues gone with the 200 series?

[@OTRAMM]

The 200 is a completely different drivetrain so it'll likely have different issues. We haven't seen enough 200s yet to get a good idea of their weaknesses.

[@JedETaleon]

@11:00 muffler bearings are out lol

[@thomasgoodson8404]

Hey OTRAMM, do you know anyone in Texas (Dallas area preferably) that are as good as you are for an 80 series work, and a 100 series....?

[@OTRAMM]

I don't know anyone off hand. Look up the Texas clubhouse on Ih8mud.com. someone there will know.

[@tomgoodson3042]

Thanks... might ship the 80 to you to do the work...

[@OTRAMM]

It happens more often than I ever would have thought:)

[@EliasKao]

Hi. Peace to you. I am planning to lifting my 2001 cruiser 2 inches. Do I need to replace the existing front and rear sway bar links with extended heavy ones after the lift? As some people suggest. It is better to hear from a professional experienced mechanic, I believe. I appreciate your response in advance.

[@OTRAMM]

On the IFS front there's no need for extensions. At 2" the rear will be fine also.

[@cwmoser]

Got any wisdom on Spark Plugs blowing out? Our 2004 Land Cruiser just posted a P0305 code. Checked Cylinder #5 and the Spark Plug threads are stripped. I'm reading that Spark Plugs working themselves loose is an issue with 100s.

[@OTRAMM]

I've never seen that happen and we see quite a few 100s. My guess is that they weren't torqued properly when they were installed.

[@aviedelson945]

thanks very much for this valuable info. Do you have any information on replacing / repairing sideview mirror pivot and foldout gearing and motor? My 2002 LX470 just started winding the foldout motor constantly (I suspect bc of a broken gear inside)... I would be happy enough to disconnect the electrical but concerned there might be a ODBII code as result.

[@OTRAMM]

I haven't messed with the mirrors on an lx470 yet. Disconnecting it shouldn't throw a code.

[@aviedelson945]

@@OTRAMM my main concern. Thanks.

[@blackkerry]

Can you do a prepurchase video on a 200 series please.

[@OTRAMM]

We don't see too many 200s yet. I can if one comes in though.