Advice on purchasing a 4X4 L200(96-98)

Rhymiez · Postby **Rhymiez** » April 4th, 2012, 1:38 am

I want to purchase a 4X4 pickup on a budget(50-60) and was considering the 96-98 L200s. Could anyone advise me on whether it is a good purchase and what i should look out for when purchasing? Also if anyone knows of any for sale{original two-tone paint, PW, AC, 1-2 owners} please PM with the info. Thanks in advance tuners

Slimklim · Postby **Slimklim** » April 5th, 2012, 9:55 pm

ah sellin mine k34 L200 original blue & silver ,turbo,ac, ps,pw,cd mp3 usb ipod,bedliner.no accident.68k TBF 776-3803 slim

venum · Postby **venum** » April 6th, 2012, 10:47 am

That model is the most rugged L200 ever built . . . sorry K74 and KA\KB fellas

chassis code K34T

rugged, brutal beast

the engine is not as powerful as the newer models as it is a direct turbo . . . but it is reliable and parts easy to find

not too big on luxury (except maybe A/C) and creature comforts, but a very economical vehicle to maintain

great vehicle

check it out for engine, these are beasts and owners sometimes do not maintain as good as they suppose to because it keeps going even when not in best of health

suspension is rugged, so expect a bit of a rough ride

a bit underpowered [single piston] brakes

expect some wear in the shift lever and heavy vibration on the transfer lever

power steering may have some play

clutch should still be soft, if owner replaced clutch with aftermarket, then expect it to slip after some [short] time as the aftermarket available locally don't last as great as OEM

great vehicle

Rhymiez · Postby **Rhymiez** » April 6th, 2012, 11:06 am

Thanks for the advice Venum, greatly appreciated. Do you know of any good ones for sale?!?

AdamB · Postby **AdamB** » April 7th, 2012, 12:15 am

hard to get those below $60k...

venum · Postby **venum** » April 9th, 2012, 3:56 pm

www.Trinicarsforsale.com has one for $56K

newspapers [Express] usually has a few in the classifieds

Slimklim, has one that you can check

TriniTuner car classifieds has a few too

AdamB · Postby **AdamB** » April 9th, 2012, 6:09 pm

That one was posted 5 mths ago...may not still be available but worth a call. TBD is 15 yrs old...you'll have to decide how long you want to keep it and if it is really worth it if you want to sell back in a few yrs. I don't know pickups very well but they seem to hold price really well.
FYI I just bought a TCA 2006 Frontier 4x4 for $65k and I know a guy who has a TCE for $75k...the question is... is 8-10yrs a big difference for a diesel pickup? You decide...

Rhymiez · Postby **Rhymiez** » April 9th, 2012, 7:35 pm

Venum, thanks again for your help. I'm checking the papers too but I'm coming from Bago and to spend $300 to see a pickup that is sh@t does bother me. Most of the time I go by sight then I call to go check the vehicle. This is my first attempt at owning a diesel vehicle and I know nothing at all, am honestly a little scared. AdamB, I'm really on a budget, trying to build a home and have a good vehicle to move with. If I had my way I would get a B2500 or a Ranger but money is an object. Where I work uses the L200 hence the interest and they fit into the budget.

venum · Postby **venum** » April 9th, 2012, 9:21 pm

if you looking to buy a diesel vehicle, then you need to check it out good

given your budget, then you are looking to get an older vehicle that will most likely have some defects

u should try to get one that has no engine defects, as this would be the most costly to remedy

suspension and body are cheaper to fix

if you looking for a construction vehicle, then you should look at the single cab options

this would be a Nissan 720, mazda B1600 as teh first contenders, both of which are gas vehicles, but better suited to construction

if you insist on a diesel, then go for a single cab 4x2

4x4 is not necessary and the longer tray would be more practical

I too would be looking for a construction vehicle, as I am not planning to put my nice L200 through construction paces.

since you coming from bago, then try to line up several vehicles in a weekend and use the boat to come to save on some $$$

Rhymiez · Postby **Rhymiez** » April 9th, 2012, 9:59 pm

You don't have to tell me twice about ensuring that the engine is sound!!! The vehicle would be multi-purpose so no single cab and I'm fed up of being low to the ground. I will check out the red one you suggested or rather some partners will check it out for me, that's their field of interest. If that doesn't amount to a good buy, then there is one more.