Shaffer

I thought since the Land Cruiser is basically the same car, hopefully someone here will have some information. I know the Lexus version was not made in 91-94, but I think they are basically the same, as the 91-94 Land Cruisers, as I think the first Lexus LX450s are the same body style as the 91 Land Cruisers. Anyway, I am considering purchasing a 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser wagon. What trouble areas should I check closely? How often does the timing belt/chain have to be replaced? I found one locally, with average miles, in VGC for $5900. I think this is a very good price, according to KBB. Thanks for any information.

airdzi

I just sold 1992. Still have factory service manual availabe for sale. Timing chain or gears are good for life. Focus on the muffler, o2 sensor, ECU terminal jumper test, compression, engine leaks. Since it is an old car open oil fill cover and stick your finger inside, try to get sample of residue from under a cover. Thick coat of brown sludge is usually bad sign. Put your finger inside tailpipe and check for heavy black oily sludge - bad sign, thin coat of dry black sot is OK on the engine of this size. Drive test: car should start with no problems, run heavy but smooth. Put it in gear and check for vibrations. Take it for a spin make sure you like it. Slow acceleration is normal as car is underpowered. Test drive is your feel. Clunking during slow stop and go is normal, when you lift your foot of the accelerator, but be suspicious of regular interval clicking while backing up. Turn steering wheel al the way to the left and go full circle backwards, clicking will be sign of worn birfield joints, expensive to repair and lots of labor (4K plus). Check power steering pump for leaks. Otherwise it is a great truck, lots of aftermarket parts available. I sold mine with 150K miles and igt was still in good shape! Soner or later front will need work, best find a shop which deals with Landcruisers! Good luck!

okladorno

I recently purchased a 99 LX470, which is replacing a 1994 Landcruiser. My Landcruiser has 140,000 miles, and I have never had anything major go wrong with it. I had to replace a fuel pump while it was still under warranty; never had to replace the timing chain.

The early LX450 body style was very similar to the Landcruiser (even more so than the current models, in my opinion).

BP01LX

If you have a little extra cash,you should try to find a '93 or newer.That will get you the newer engine and if you're lucky you'll find one with ABS.I spent several months looking for the "right"one (6 years ago w/55k miles) and it has provided excellent service up to its present 165k.I really did not need to replace my cruiser but I was overcome with lust for the LX!
Regular DEALER SERVIVE intervals (especially the ones @ 30k) are the key to long term longivity in my opinion,
Hope this helps some.
BP01LX

Shaffer

Thanks for all of the replies. I had found a local 92 Land Cruiser for $5900. but it was sold before I could even look at it. I may search for a 93-newer for the newer engine and better chance for ABS. Actually, ABS would be a must, since all three of my current cars have ABS brakes and going back to a non-ABS brake car, could take some getting used to again. I also wish they had airbags on the 1991s-1994s (1995s as well?), but I guess that is acceptable, since the car is so large anyway. I am also considering a 1996 Acura 3.5RL, so I am not sure yet on which car I will buy. I would rather have a Land Cruiser. Thanks again for all of the helpful replies.

1992 Buick Park Avenue 4dr
1995 Chrysler Concorde 4dr
1994 Chevrolet Lumina 4dr

pbm317

I also had a 94 Toyota LandCruiser. Solid truck through and through. Airbags came on the 95.

Shaffer

Thanks for the replies. The 92 Cruiser was sold. I have found a 1997 4-Runner I like, but it is nothing like a Land Cruiser. I would like to find a 1995, to get the airbags, but I like the instrument cluster better on the 91s-92s. Thanks again.

Shaffer

There is yet another 1992 Land Cruiser for sale at a local car lot. This one is priced a little more than the other 1992 I seen. This one is priced @ $8500. Not sure of the miles yet, but it looks to be in mint condition from what I can tell just from driving by. I am going to try to look at it this week.