Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here

CrusrDug · 10-23-09, 08:40 PM

This will probably get moved to the sticky, but I can tell you 2006 is the major year for the LC to add the VVTi engine and AHC. Mine also has NAV and BT.

Not sure about the LX and Slee's website (through the FAQ newbie guide) only goes up to 2005.

100monster · 10-28-09, 04:25 AM

I picked up a 98 w/ 140k for $8300. Needs leather work on the front seats but other than that it's in great shape, one owner, garage kept, service records. I must have looked at 10+ cruisers before I found this one. It seems that all the cheaper ones had over 170k on them. The LC is the hardest find a good deal on, there just isn't that many out there compared to other Toyota models.

salida R · 10-28-09, 11:37 AM

I am looking at two different vehicles. an 02 LC with 76000 - well taken care of - guy wants 18000. Also a 2000 LX 470 with 102000 and the guy wants 12000. Wondering what I should ask or look for. Never had an LC before, but lots of Jeeps, Suburbans, etc.

Hasley84 · 10-29-09, 08:24 AM

I am looking at a 98 with 77K it is very clean. The wife drove it and she really likes it. It is at a Toyota dealer and they are asking 15,900.

I am a little apprehensive about trading a 2007 vehicle in for a 11 year old LC. This will be used as a DD for the wife.

I just want to know if there is anything I should look for on this year and what would be a fair price.

Thanks

toeLean · 10-29-09, 08:34 AM

Hey all, i am currently looking at a 2002 LC it has 53k miles on it and is being sold by a toyota dealer which is where it was originaly sold from. they are asking 23,998$ is this good bad, in the middle?

I am kind of torn i am also looking at a 2006 4runner with 65k for 17k with leather. I have had plenty of 4runners and pickups though really want a LC , for there durability, i really enjoy driving a car for a long time, basically till it has to be towed to scrapyard......

thanks for any opinions / insight - Todd

LandCruiserPhil · 10-29-09, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toeLean

Hey all, i am currently looking at a 2002 LC it has 53k miles on it and is being sold by a toyota dealer which is where it was originaly sold from. they are asking 23,998$ is this good bad, in the middle?

I am kind of torn i am also looking at a 2006 4runner with 65k for 17k with leather. I have had plenty of 4runners and pickups though really want a LC , for there durability, i really enjoy driving a car for a long time, basically till it has to be towed to scrapyard......

thanks for any opinions / insight - Todd

2002 offer very little to nothing over the previous years. Hold out for a 2003+ you will not be disapointed. 5 speed is great, more room with new dash, nav, and the big one rear and side air bags become an option.

hoser · 11-04-09, 11:06 AM

x2. If you can afford it, I'd hold out for an '03+ as well. The much lower 1st gear would be much appreciated. The only reason why I'm not trading up to one is the headache of swapping all my parts over.

Just wanted to add a comment about side curtain airbags... they are std on '03 LX, opt on '03 LC. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think any 100 has rear airbags (in the doors/seats).

AATLAS1X · 11-05-09, 07:50 PM

I am looking at a '99 and have a question I cannot find an answer to . Can I ad factory nav to it?

It also has 150k on it, but in superb condition.

$12,500 plus flight and fuel for 1,200 miles

Shane

AATLAS1X · 11-06-09, 09:55 AM

I am looking for first hand knowledge of what to expect of such a truck with this mileage.

I am in the process to find out service history but scared sh!tless of a 200k vehicle.

Any history of failure that I would need to know?

Since I am pimping out leather and other items for the later models I have been trying to find one for a driver. The leather is junk but it would be replaced and have heated seats installed.

Best,

Shane

Trunk Monkey · 11-06-09, 10:27 AM

Depends on what service it's had done. Timing belt would be up again at 240k. CVs and such would be something to look at.

A '99 will have (should have) OEM heated seats.

AATLAS1X · 11-06-09, 10:50 AM

trying to go over services over the phone is hard, I am asking questions and they are reading and not knowing what to look for.

What is the issue with CV's? other than the boots being dry and torn. Is there a mechanical failure?

Thanks again for all the help.

Shane

farinvail · 11-07-09, 05:04 PM

CV Boots leak grease out the band and make a mess long before there's a problem. It'll probably need Lower ball joints. Mine needed doing at 180k. Starter rebuild is common too. It would be more straightforward and economical to add aftermarket doubledin NAV. Ask if TPS has been replaced. Ask if they have the origional keyless entry key.

AATLAS1X · 11-07-09, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farinvail

CV Boots leak grease out the band and make a mess long before there's a problem. It'll probably need Lower ball joints. Mine needed doing at 180k. Starter rebuild is common too. It would be more straightforward and economical to add aftermarket doubledin NAV. Ask if TPS has been replaced. Ask if they have the origional keyless entry key.

Front end and complete drive train is crazy dry and clean, Like it makes no sense.

TPS was replace in Oct at 188k, common I take it?

They bought a key for $288.00, why do yo ask about the original one?

Also crazy maintenance. Lots and lots of fluid changes.

TB was done at 104k

Front brakes 10k ago needs rear soon.

Needs COMPLETE interior soft parts. Carpet, leather, heated seats and cleaning.

Front windshield has quarter sized star in it.

Heated seats are inop and I hope it's the pads.

Antenna is inop.

Aftermarket radio.

cbmontgo · 11-11-09, 04:01 PM

I am looking at a '98 with about 95K miles and in *excellent* condition with all service records. What do you guys think is a safe price range for this rig? No rear locker, by the way...

neoworm · 11-12-09, 12:53 AM

Drove to Seattle today from Vancouver BC to look at a Mint 2000 with 109k at Lexus of Bellevue that they were asking 17995 for. Apparently a dented and rusty rear hatch is mint in their eyes.

They went to 16000 with a full set of FSM's thrown in but I just can't handle rust. Some of the leather had been painted too.etc etc.

So I stopped at another dealer on the way home and it just so happened they JUST got a 99 in. I got to look at it before they got their detailers on it. Overall it was in really good to excellent condition for the age.

Interior was well looked after. The wood panelling had some wierd motteling going on which I've seen on a few now. Power antenae didn't work and the "D" indicator light was burnt out. BUT it was pretty clean

Exterior paint was awesome, NO rust anywhere, piece of trim was coming off on the DS window frame rail above the door and the headlights lens were pretty scratched and discolered but that's about it.

They are going to get the service records for me but I believe it was reg. serviced at the dealer that is selling it and it seemed to run great. Had a chek engine light which they are going to check out.

THE CATCH. It has 173k on the clock which is WAY more than I was looking for but it looks really well looked after. It's also a 99 and I kind of wanted a 00 (wife likes VSC) They hadn't come up with a number yet (they literally just got it) and are going to get back to me.

I'm looking for something I can keep and drive for a very long time to come. I'm wondering if I should hold out for lower miles or go for a well looked after hi miler. I suppose it depends a lot on what they are going to want but what do you think would be reasonable. How good is the 4.7?

I'm willing to pay up to $17500 for something in a 99 to 00. I'm starting to wonder if that is realistic for a excellent overall UZJ100 with 100k to 120k.

I apologize for the really long rant/post but any opinions would be welcome and much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Roverrad95 · 11-12-09, 01:15 AM

1. Don't be afraid of mileage. A well maintained high mileage truck is worth way more than an abused low mileage truck. I have numerous examples that I have looked at over the years (Land Cruisers and others).

2. There is a 99 Land Cruiser here in Santa Barbara for $9,900 with 140k on it. 1 owner, well maintained at the dealer, etc. That's a good number. They are out there. LINK: 1999 Landcruiser

3. Rust = bad.

4. 2000+ are nice, but not necessary. I've got 151k on my 99 LX470. I'm still alive, haven't ever been in an accident. The car was bought new. If you know how to drive, you are fine, it's still a safe car. Slightly less safe, but minimal.

5. TRAVEL! A plane ticket is cheap. There are some great trucks out there,and if you found one for even $14k, you would save a lot of money anyway.

6. Make sure the timing belt has been done or will be done on any Land Cruiser. Unless it is that cheap and you are ok with doing that maintenance.

neoworm · 11-12-09, 01:52 AM

Thank you Rover.

Ya I am kind of the same mind but I have never bought anything with such high miles before. (First cruiser).

I won't buy anything rusty for sure

I kind of want the 4 pinion front diff as well nit just he VSC (Jury still out though)

Timing belt is not a biggie. Can do that myself if I can use it as a bargaining chip to get the price down.

I guess Ill wait and see what kind of maintenance records they come up with. I was doing some searching too and I guess that wood trim can be peeled off. So I guess I shouldn't be paying more than 10 for this thing or even less? Interior is perfect except for the wood but the mileage is high.

SeaCruise · 11-13-09, 01:51 PM

Regarding post #45 with the Lexus of Bellevue LC, I live near there and right before I was going to go take a look at this one I saw that the dealer had posted a Carfax for free on their ad. Took a look and saw that yeah, it was one owner but it was from Pennsylvania. Wife still wanted to take a look but I wasn't willing to even drive the 5 miles since I knew it just had to have rust.

I always ask where they're from even before taking a look - I've never seen one from the 'rust-belt' states that are as clean as cars that have been locally (or CA, AZ, etc.) owned.

SeaCruise · 11-13-09, 01:59 PM

So I have settled on wanting a 100 series (previously was considering 80s but wife likes the 100 better, and all the decent 80s around me are way overpriced anyway).

My question is - who has bought a 100 in the last year (LC or LX470), and what did you pay? If you're willing to share your example please post the year, model (LC or LX470), mileage, and location, as well as any other info you want to share.

I'm considering anything in the '00 to '06 range, however pricing is very broad where I'm from (Seattle), and I'm trying to get a read on what other folks have actually paid recently for theirs. One odd thing I've noticed is that pricing actually seems to have gone up for these since I started looking (early summer). Not sure if this is because we're headed into winter or what.

Thanks in advance for sharing your buying experience!

70eb · 11-13-09, 07:28 PM

Hopefully I did not overpay:

99 LC, River Rock, great shape with awesome interior, needed TB, WP, antenna.
152,000 miles

Seattle

$10,000

Paid $775 to get the TB, WP, Thermostat, drivebelt, antenna and new coolant at Toyota of Olympia

So figure $10,800 total

lhommec13 · 11-13-09, 08:00 PM

2002 LC with 120k for $18k in Boston, MA
Black exterior, gray interior
Factory navigation with custom headrest monitors and iPod hookup
Custom S/S bull bar
Black pearl emblems
Interior 8/10
Exterior 7/10

pint · 11-15-09, 02:30 PM

FWIW, I just sold my clean 2000 LC with 145K for $15,250 to another MUD member. I think we both did OK. The truck was rust free, all service up to date, well taken care of, OME medium lift, Slee diff drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM front bumper, 295 Nitto's etc, etc. He is driving it back to its new home in Arizona this week. Maybe he will post in the 100 section. He has been an actve 80 series poster, and is in the process of selling his 80 right now. All I can say is..."I'll be back!

2melow · 11-16-09, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaCruise

My question is - who has bought a 100 in the last year (LC or LX470), and what did you pay? If you're willing to share your example please post the year, model (LC or LX470), mileage, and location, as well as any other info you want to share.

Thanks in advance for sharing your buying experience!

We are in Fort Collins, Colorado (one hour north of Denver) I bought a 2003 with 72,000 miles in mint condition (garaged, well cared for) in July for $20,000. Every option including DVD and Nav. The car had brand new (under 100 miles by the time we found it) Hankook 285's mounted by dealer. Vehicle was listed for $25,900 and I offered $19K. He countered and settled on 20K, it was end of the month, June 30. :P

We looked at low mileage 1998's up to 2002's for a long time here in CO. One drive in the 2003 we ended up buying pretty much sealed the deal for us. Not that the 98-02 are bad but the 03 has some nice updates, 5 speed being the nicest for the hwy driving. If you want a lower mileage vehicle and don't mind paying a few $,$$$ more you can pretty much steal these things right now.

Hope this helps.

Brett

SeaCruise · 11-17-09, 10:15 AM

Thanks to everyone so far who has shared their recent purchase story. I went and looked at two over the weekend, both were LX470s, first was a 2006 w/ 50k, they wanted $38.8k, second was a 2005 w/ 55k, they wanted $34k. Both were at dealers and had been CA cars, so they were completely rust free. Neither dealer would budge on their prices, didn't want to deal at all so needless to say I didn't come home this weekend with a car.

I'm going to look at another one today, a 1999 LX470 with only 57k miles. Its for sale by the original owner here in the Seattle area, I'm being told its all original with no accidents. Being local to Seattle it should be rust free, asking price is $21k, which I think is way too high, but he told me he is negotiable. I know it won't be as nice as the newer ones (no nav, 4 speed instead of 5 speed, etc.), but if the truck shows as good as I'm hoping it should be a great value if he can come down a few grand - with only 57k I can drive it a few years and still be under 100k miles, so we'll see.

josharre2000 · 11-17-09, 12:54 PM

Greetings. I am looking for a 100 series (06-07) for the

and thought I would just throw a post here in hopes one of you knew of something that might be for sale. We are looking for silver or grey, less than 50k miles. I would prefer a stock rig. I am also goign to post in the classified section.

thanks.

farinvail · 11-17-09, 02:43 PM

Nice trucks, you will be very happy with it. Sorry I have no leads for you but search on line. I'm sure you'll find something.

jared26 · 11-18-09, 09:51 PM

I paid $14k for my 2000 Land Cruiser with 130k miles in June of 2009. It was a one owner LC with complete service records from the dealer and in fantastic shape. I had to wait 6 months to find it but I'm glad I did.

re_guderian · 11-18-09, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pint

FWIW, I just sold my clean 2000 LC with 145K for $15,250 to another MUD member. I think we both did OK. The truck was rust free, all service up to date, well taken care of, OME medium lift, Slee diff drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM front bumper, 295 Nitto's etc, etc. He is driving it back to its new home in Arizona this week. Maybe he will post in the 100 section. He has been an actve 80 series poster, and is in the process of selling his 80 right now. All I can say is..."I'll be back!

Got the 80 sold, and put a 1000 miles on the new 100 driving from Denver to Phx in the snowstorm Sunday. I shopped for over a month, looking at trucks all over the west. I found better prices, but only for stock trucks with unknown histories. I couldn't build for this cost, plus having maintenance history alleviates some of the risk of a 145K mi. truck. Found good deals out there, but I wasn't willing to do the rust thing, which was a killer for a lot of deals.