100 vs. 100

[92LXAZ]

Hello all, over from the 80 section. Looking for a 100 for the wife. Will be the carpool for kids to school and travel rig most likely. I've read all there is to read regarding LC vs. LX, '02 vs. '03+, 4 spd vs. 5 spd. and so on. That being said, in my search I've come across those with ok carfax/service history and some with amazing records. Case in point I found an 03 with around 180k miles, 1 owner, timing belt done both times on schedule as well as all the other service on schedule. Would you put service history way up there on the priority list over much lower miles, 120-130k? Is good service history worth 50-60k miles? I'm sure those that bought these new didn't totally neglect them. My search references are 2003-2005 and between $15-$18k. Prices are all over the place too, 03 LX with 125k miles for $15k? (didn't have free carfax available) Compared to the above mentioned LC for $17k.

I know a lot of other factors need to be considered, been on the forum a while and know how we think and rationalize, but seeing what you all think regarding the higher miles of 180k. I know they go forever but seems high to get started in one. Bought my 80 with 129k. Thanks to all.

 

[murf]

I know they go forever but seems high to get started in one.

Yes, I agree

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Save & spend your money on a low mileage 03+.

With gas approaching $4 the prices will start to fall. Once gas reaches $4 prices really start to fall mainly because now your soccer moms Land Cruiser is costly $4500 a year in gas. Something to keep in mind.

 

[lizardking100]

I'd go with lower miles if the spread is 50k. That's 3-5 years of use.

IMO the big ticket 90k service is something to be factored into the price +/-. Service records aren't worthless, but with a sub 150k rig I look at tires, brakes, the 90k sticker, overall condition and negotiate accordingly. Not much to go wrong in the first 150k and the demo for this vintage don't (yet) fit the profile for neglect.

 

[92LXAZ]

Thanks Phil and lizard, agree to both. I'll make sure the 90k service is done on one for it to be considered. The light at the end of my tunnel is my boys school looks like it will be changing next year and it's only 3 miles away.

 

[amg2y]

I got my 01 LX470 with 143K miles with prestine maintenance record at Lexus dealer for $12K 2 years ago.
First owner seller gave me those 120 or 200 points Lexus inspection check printout to me when I check out the car.
That alone cost him a couple hundred buck.
Took it to 2500 miles road trip without checking anything else the next week.
The 90,000 miles service was done at 101,000.

 

[murf]

[QUOTE="LandCruiserPhil, post: 9285990, member: 2882]With gas approaching $4 the prices will start to fall.[/QUOTE]

And Prius sales go wild until the minute it goes back down to $3.50

 

[Hayes]

[QUOTE="LandCruiserPhil, post: 9285990, member: 2882]With gas approaching $4 the prices will start to fall.

And Prius sales go wild until the minute it goes back down to $3.50 [/QUOTE]

We picked my LX and my wife's Prius within a couple months of each other, so I figure we're covered in both cases. And I can state composite combined fuel economy for my entire garage and numb the pain at the pump.
I say hold out for the LC/LX with low miles AND detailed service records.

 

[brosama]

And I can state composite combined fuel economy for my entire garage and numb the pain at the pump.

Same here. Between my wife's Yukon XL and my LX we pretty much cancel each other out.

To the OP - I was in a similar boat. 180K was just outside of my comfort zone and I didn't see much of a price drop between 130 and 180, at least in CA.

 

[92LXAZ]

To the OP - I was in a similar boat. 180K was just outside of my comfort zone and I didn't see much of a price drop between 130 and 180, at least in CA.

That was my gut feeling, just needed to talk it out. Appreciate the feedback.