100 Series are Expensive - Discuss! (12 Viewers)

[ClassyJalopy]

Again, I agree with these sentiments, that's why just this weekend I put over 500 miles on the truck and we didn't even need its off road capabilities. We just like to drive this twenty year truck way more than the other two cars we got.

And I find myself peeking out the window multiple times a day just to look at my LX and admire her

One of these days it will decide to snow in WI like the good old days and I will just drive through piles of snow like a bad ass and I will be so happy that I will buy her some more upgrade jewelry!
Kind of like we had some flooding here last summer (about 30 inches of standing water on some streets) and I was able to drive through it and help rescue a couple of people.

That stuff is part of off roading and owning a vehicle in general.

10k for a vehicle that is going to last you another 200k miles seems like a pretty good deal to me. Especially if it's paid for. @geanes summed it up perfectly.

Old cars take work, but not all old cars will continue to work this well and take the sort of abuse a land cruiser can take. There aren't many 20 year old vehicles that you can drive cross country, then do 200 miles of back roads, some hard trails, then drive back across the country.. with zero issues... at 200k miles, most other vehicles are just about to be scrapped, or they are on their second or third transmission or engine. A friend with a JK has 220k miles and literally is on his 3rd engine and 2nd transmission... who do you think paid more, him or you?

 

[jsigone]

great buy in price for the rig, Base line it and upgrade as needed for what you need it for.

alternatively if you got a new one with 230k mile on it, it may have cost 5k more and still needed the same parts fixed/upgrades.

For the headlight, I'm using DDM hid 35w kit from amazon for $45, darn nice upgrade over the stock halogen. I do need better quality bulbs in the High beams as I used them allot in the desert. LX can have both lights on at same time. Maybe get some Piaa super Whites for the highs (cost more then DDM HID lol)

 

[geanes]

Or, you could buy a boat. You'll come out much better than way. Noone has ever spent any unplanned for money on a boat. HAHAHA

BOAT = Bring Out Another Thousand

Had one once. Will NEVER make that mistake again. Made my cruiser look like a positive bargain. Best to know people who own boats and pools, but never own either for yourself.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

That's what I told my wife

They're a lot cheaper when you drive them like a beater

 

[ClassyJalopy]

This is also a great point. Case in point: rock sliders for Jeeps and even FJ cruisers are easy to find under $300, while I paid just a little under $800 for mine from @white-knuckleoffroad and I am happy to report that they are money very well spent!
I am grateful that a few adventurous souls are offering these after market ready to bolt on upgrades. All of my local metal fabricators wanted way more and I am not sure if those custom ones would have fitted this nicely.

Keep in mind the market, there are far fewer people building these rigs... a vendor for 100 series front bumpers may sell 20 this year where the vendor selling Jeep JK bumpers may sell 2000... so profit margins are much different

 

[ClassyJalopy]

A different beast altogether but a 20 year old BMW e38 can be refurbished without spending in 5 digits and that would just be amazing. Perhaps once I finish spending my money on my LX I will get an e38 to spend money on.
I may be sick ...

I think now that you've baselined it the worst is behind you. As for spending money on upgrades, this group is a bad influence

Here's my take. The LC is a premium luxury car, even if it's not perceived that way in the US market. Opening/closing doors, operating switches, and of course driving behavior all feel premium (assuming the truck is well maintained). Plus proven reliability. In light of that what other 20 year old premium car can you buy that's so enjoyable to drive, that beats it in total cost of ownership? Maybe a 20 year old Lexus LS. I can't think of much else.

 

[geanes]

Keep in mind the market, there are far fewer people building these rigs... a vendor for 100 series front bumpers may sell 20 this year where the vendor selling Jeep JK bumpers may sell 2000... so profit margins are much different

Excellent point there! The thing I like about that is these guys are "one of us", not some big old corporation for the most part (think Jeep parts such as Smittybilt, etc.). Mike at BIOR is awesome (have his rear bumper), Jason at TrailTailor is awesome (he reps ToughDog and makes tons of stuff for our rigs...that I own), Tim at Gamiviti (roof racks which are amazing), Ben at Dissent, Jason at 4x4 Labs, Dave at LandShark (KISS drawers which are fantastic) and many more. These guys will talk "shop" with you and super friendly to boot. There are other guys who are creating and making cool things for our rigs all the time.....like Ramathorn who has some seriously cool mudflaps. Point is, these guys own and wheel 100's as well, support the community and events like HIH, etc. It's a more exclusive community than probably any other vehicle support group. Parts are expensive.....but, unlike every other vehicle I've owned where I was either afraid to work on it, had no support community to assist or the vehicle itself was practically engineered to require certified mechanics, this community has helped me save TONS on labor by providing excellent and detailed write ups. Considering I've put in around 40 hours of labor on my rig that without this community I would have never attempted (oil changes, belt changes, fluid changes, suspension change, etc.), I figure this community has saved me about $5,400 (40 hours x $135/hour average mechanic rate) over the past 21 months of ownership. I think I owe a LOT of beer to a LOT of people on here......I'll stock up for HIH9!

 

[KraziAzn]

Excellent point there! The thing I like about that is these guys are "one of us", not some big old corporation for the most part (think Jeep parts such as Smittybilt, etc.). Mike at BIOR is awesome (have his rear bumper), Jason at TrailTailor is awesome (he reps ToughDog and makes tons of stuff for our rigs...that I own), Tim at Gamiviti (roof racks which are amazing), Ben at Dissent, Jason at 4x4 Labs, Dave at LandShark (KISS drawers which are fantastic) and many more. These guys will talk "shop" with you and super friendly to boot. There are other guys who are creating and making cool things for our rigs all the time.....like Ramathorn who has some seriously cool mudflaps. Point is, these guys own and wheel 100's as well, support the community and events like HIH, etc. It's a more exclusive community than probably any other vehicle support group. Parts are expensive.....but, unlike every other vehicle I've owned where I was either afraid to work on it, had no support community to assist or the vehicle itself was practically engineered to require certified mechanics, this community has helped me save TONS on labor by providing excellent and detailed write ups. Considering I've put in around 40 hours of labor on my rig that without this community I would have never attempted (oil changes, belt changes, fluid changes, suspension change, etc.), I figure this community has saved me about $5,400 (40 hours x $135/hour average mechanic rate) over the past 21 months of ownership. I think I owe a LOT of beer to a LOT of people on here......I'll stock up for HIH9!

Agreed 100%

 

[neckbone]

BOAT = Bring Out Another Thousand

Had one once. Will NEVER make that mistake again. Made my cruiser look like a positive bargain. Best to know people who own boats and pools, but never own either for yourself.

What's the old saying? If it flies, floats or f#&ks, it's cheaper to rent.

 

[jLB]

So you bought a a 20 year old LX470 with 238,000 miles (1998 MSRP $55,000 [~$85,000 in 2018 dollars]) for $2,500, and are complaining about expensive? If it's in as good condition as your description seems to imply, it sounds more like a steal to me.

Assuming 12,000 miles a year, 14MPG and $2 gasoline, it costs ~$1714 a year ($142 per month) to keep one of these thirsty beast fed.

Optional “upgrades” to any vehicle can get expensive pretty quick. Off road accessories (bumpers/sliders/armor/aux tanks/drawers/etc) specifically for the 100 series are pretty pricey, because of the limited market, and/or having to ship rather large items from overseas (Australia).

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yes, I thought it was a good deal therefore I bought it
In my original list I forgot to mention $1000 I spent to get rid of the rust on the rocker panels.

And no, I am not complaining, I am just saying that I have spent more on this truck then I originally expected to. AND, I think I might spend even more just because I like it so much

BTW, where are you finding 92 Octane for $2 a gallon?

So you bought a a 20 year old LX470 with 238,000 miles (1998 MSRP $55,000 [~$85,000 in 2018 dollars]) for $2,500, and are complaining about expensive? If it's in as good condition as your description seems to imply, it sounds more like a steal to me.

Assuming 12,000 miles a year, 14MPG and $2 gasoline, it costs ~$1714 a year ($142 per month) to keep one of these thirsty beast fed.

Optional “upgrades” to any vehicle can get expensive pretty quick. Off road accessories (bumpers/sliders/armor/aux tanks/drawers/etc) specifically for the 100 series are pretty pricey, because of the limited market, and/or having to ship rather large items from overseas (Australia).

 

[cmck]

Excellent point there! The thing I like about that is these guys are "one of us", not some big old corporation for the most part (think Jeep parts such as Smittybilt, etc.). Mike at BIOR is awesome (have his rear bumper), Jason at TrailTailor is awesome (he reps ToughDog and makes tons of stuff for our rigs...that I own), Tim at Gamiviti (roof racks which are amazing), Ben at Dissent, Jason at 4x4 Labs, Dave at LandShark (KISS drawers which are fantastic) and many more. These guys will talk "shop" with you and super friendly to boot. There are other guys who are creating and making cool things for our rigs all the time.....like Ramathorn who has some seriously cool mudflaps. Point is, these guys own and wheel 100's as well, support the community and events like HIH, etc. It's a more exclusive community than probably any other vehicle support group. Parts are expensive.....but, unlike every other vehicle I've owned where I was either afraid to work on it, had no support community to assist or the vehicle itself was practically engineered to require certified mechanics, this community has helped me save TONS on labor by providing excellent and detailed write ups. Considering I've put in around 40 hours of labor on my rig that without this community I would have never attempted (oil changes, belt changes, fluid changes, suspension change, etc.), I figure this community has saved me about $5,400 (40 hours x $135/hour average mechanic rate) over the past 21 months of ownership. I think I owe a LOT of beer to a LOT of people on here......I'll stock up for HIH9!

Agreed 200%

 

[jLB]

BTW, where are you finding 92 Octane for $2 a gallon?

Now you're opening up a whole new can of worms...

What octane do you run?

Owner's manual octane recommendations:

 

[ArnieC]

Purchase
My 98 LX470 was very inexpensive to buy ( I paid only $2500) for it. It had 238k miles and was maintained at the same Lexus dealership it was bought from since new. It was kneeling on the bump stops due to broken left front height sensor. New radiator, new steering rack and new battery all within last couple of years.

Was this rig bought from a younger guy in Wauwatosa (Milwaukee suburb?) with a nice Corvette in the garage? I looked at one there that matched this description but passed on it because it was rough looking and needed everything.

I ended up with an 06 that I spent about 10x as much on. My thoughts being that it stings a lot less to put $1000 into a $20k car than a $2k car. Sure, it costs more upfront, but the pain is a lot less.

Plus I DIY which keeps costs down a bit. I wouldnt want to think of dealer maintenance on a 20 year old Lexus SUV.

 

[KraziAzn]

Now you're opening up a whole new can of worms...

What octane do you run?

Owner's manual octane recommendations:

Good to know 91 is required on specific models. I have been putting 91 in my 2000 because the fuel door stated it, but everyone else around me told me 87 was good enough and 91 was a waste of money.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Good to know 91 is required on specific models. I have been putting 91 in my 2000 because the fuel door stated it, but everyone else around me told me 87 was good enough and 91 was a waste of money.

I've got a 2001 in the driveway with about 250k miles (family owned since brand new) that has always run on 87

 

[jLB]

Good to know 91 is required on specific models. I have been putting 91 in my 2000 because the fuel door stated it, but everyone else around me told me 87 was good enough and 91 was a waste of money.

I've got a 2001 in the driveway with about 250k miles (family owned since brand new) that has always run on 87

My chart is just what the owner's manual recommends by year/model. I have to wonder why the variations by year for the same engine 1998-2005. Any of the model years should be able to de-tune the engine to run on 87 octane, but what is the real performance impact on a 6000lb tank?

 

[pnolanIH8MUD]

IMO, it comes down to what you're putting your money into and the residual value the LC's retain. I've owned three Jeeps and I got tire of replacing the same parts repeatedly. Headlight switches, wiper motor ripping a hole in the body, cracked clutch lever, engines, water pumps, radiators,... The parts were easier to get and not always cheaper. I had one custom alternator burn up on me on the LC but I don't typically have to replace the same parts once their fixed in a calendar year as I did with other brands. I don't like that every Toyota part takes longer to locate. I hate that I have to plan to go without my car if something is not in stock locally and I don't like being gouged by the stealerships.

At the end of the day, I'm fixing a Land Cruiser. Its worth fixing.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I do think that guy had a corvette, so it may have been the same truck. It looked much rougher than it ended up being
Engine doesn't have any leaks, all the control arms and axles etc are rock solid and the front brakes were at 60% and rear are basically new. The guy didn't have much maintenance record, but Lexus did.

I see that you are in Cudahy, know of any places with some wheeling potential?

Was this rig bought from a younger guy in Wauwatosa (Milwaukee suburb?) with a nice Corvette in the garage? I looked at one there that matched this description but passed on it because it was rough looking and needed everything.

I ended up with an 06 that I spent about 10x as much on. My thoughts being that it stings a lot less to put $1000 into a $20k car than a $2k car. Sure, it costs more upfront, but the pain is a lot less.

Plus I DIY which keeps costs down a bit. I wouldnt want to think of dealer maintenance on a 20 year old Lexus SUV.

 

[atnolan94]

I think any car is expensive to own. You just need to decide what you want.

Agree wholly with the point above. It is WORTH fixing it, its a Land Cruiser.