2000 LX470 or 2003??? (1 Viewer)

[cobra2top]

After searching here, I have read alot about the 100's and I am IN!! I was over on the 80's board for a while but decided the 100 will better fit my needs.

I have read alot on the 00's tranny issue and the 03 Nav issues. Now I am torn about which would be the better rig to purchase. I plan on keeping the thing until the wheels fall off and that could be a long time as I dont drive a ton of miles (work out of home). I would trail ride this from time to time but nothing too serious as I live in NJ and dont have the heavy duty trails as out west.

I am thinking LX as the roads in NJ are BAD, the 1000's of potholes are like driving on old dirt roads.

Here is what I have found:

00 LX470 50K, Nak, no Nav, $16K (all serivce records done on time, older couple owned)
03 LX470 82K, Nav $19K (good records, dont know PO as at dealer)

The cost listed above is what I feel I could negotiate to. I feel they are reasonable.

Which would you buy? I am leaning toward the 00 as I could easily add the latest Nav head unit with bluetooth and like the low miles.

I do like the look of the 03 with the larger rims and of course the dash, but the Nav repairs look costly and if it does die, I am without the heat/AC controls (?).

Decisions Decsions!!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Kigiin]

Seriously low miles on that 2000. I think the transmission issue is overblown (unless I have the problem myself!). I would lean towards the 2000, with lower miles and $3k less. However, since it is only $3k difference, and I was planning on driving the wheels off it, I would get the one I like best and feel most comfortable with maintenance-wise.

 

[1loudLX]

I'd get a 2000 as I like the dash design more, plus as you stated its easier in terms of aftermarket modifications to the radio. The upside to the 03 is the 5spd which I wouldnt mind, along with the newer style tailgate which would allow me more reverse lights if I felt like installing more.

 

[pint]

Are you planning to drive it stock, or mod it out? If your gonna leave it mostly as is, I would drive both on extended test drives. They will feel very different. Both good, but different. Take your time as the market is still soft.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

No question here...... 2003 +

Nav issues aren't that common from my perspective.

The oppulence, 5 speed transmission etc of the 2003 and newer just makes it a sure bet over anything earlier.

 

[cobra2top]

I plan on keeping it stock for now. As the miles rack up and needs change, I can see that if I like it as much as I think I will (we have a GS400 with 80K and the thing is like new still. Amazing car for a 10 year old Lexus) I would just keep it, buy another DD and start the serious modding. I live in South Jersey and althought we dont have the rock crawling trails here, there are alot of trails close I would like to check out. Mostly Jeeps running them but I like the idea of taking a Lexus back there once I dont mind scratching it up and showing the Jeeps how to do it with heated seats!

Still torn over the 00 and 03. On the 03+, I read about possible CD upgrades to the Nav, is this true? Also how are your touch screens doing? I also read about screens loosing their "touch". How much would a replacement screen be? Also is the "Lexus lawyer" that annoying?

THANKS from a hopefully true 100 member soon!!!

 

[cobra2top]

2 more questions:

Does the 00 and 03 have a message center? I have one on my current DD and it is useful (mpg, miles to empty, change oil, etc)

Also both have a factory hitch, is it a class 3? Hard to tell in the pics as it has a cover.

 

[2000UZJ]

I have a 2000 (landcruiser not 470). No transmission issues.

I like the lay out better too. I don't know if the lexus's had the manifold leak issue as well. Again, a small percentage have them.

 

[cobra2top]

I just read the navi problem post that was posted today and the navi is starting to scare me a little more. Is it only a 04 issue? I assume adding bluetooth and a back up camera is out on the 03+. I also read that the screen resolution is not too good. Anyone have any issues with the resolution?

I guess a 00 would not have this issue as I would be able to add the latest resolution screen and bluetooth. Only thing I would miss (have on current DD) is the steering wheel controls and the 5 speed tranny

Thinking of keeping the rig for a long time, the Navi issue is starting to make me lean toward the 00. They are cheaper and I could upgrade to the latest electronics. 10 years from now I could upgrade again with whatever may be the latest then while the 03 would be a 16 year old system.

 

[cobra2top]

One more thought, I was thinking GX470, cost are similar for a 03-04 (smaller engine) but there are a ton on the roads here in S. Jersey. Noticed they also have the AHC and the console mounted switches look the same as the LX. Are the system the same and are the parts interchangeable when the time comes for repairs?

 

[ct005ke002]

2003 TLC has message center just like what you mentioned.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

I have an 04 and have no issues with the Nav console. Also, I have seen very few people who have had any issues with it even on here. I feel that is an overblown concern. If you get the "Lexus" in a 2000 model, it is still not as nice inside as a 2003+ 'regular' Land Cruiser. However if you are obsessed with the badge "Lexus" then by all means feed the need

As well, you might like to learn that the screen can be shut off to conserve it's lifespan while you are driving. I don't use mine unless I am travelling and shut the screen off. Good luck in whatever you choose. I am totally satisfied with my 2004 LC.

Oh yeah... Mine has the rear camera and there is no problem there. Very clear picture. Also, the 5 speed transmission is nicer to have than the 4 speed.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

03' much safer with side air bags

 

[cobra2top]

Ah yes, forgot the magic word, safety. I know the 00+ have the traction/stablility control and is why I started my search at that year. I totally forgot about the airbag issue. I am getting out of a 03 Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer with 70K and that rig has the curtain side airbags. When you say side, did you mean the driver side versions on the seat or door like my GS or the curtain airbag like my DD?

Also I agree with the dash, I like the 03+. Now I am leaning towards the 03+ because of the safety issue with the airbags, and with 2 little ones, changes my thoughts YET again!n How hard is it to upgrade the Navi down the road? Impossible with the low production numbers of the 100 (aftermarket not supporting)?

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

All you need to do is watch a crash test with the same car with and without side bags and you will spend whatever for them.

 

[BMWSTOY]

03 and this comes from a 00 owner.

 

[cobra2top]

03 and this comes from a 00 owner.

Really, if I can ask why? What do you like over the 00?

Is the 03's the last year they were built at the "top Toyota manufacturing plant"? I remember reading that somewhere here. Looking at Consumer Reports tonight I saw that the 03 had the best record. Only issue was the audio system had the dreaded black circle. Wonder why?

 

[MidTex]

2004 was the last year they were made at Arco.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Yes 2004 was the last ARACO year. Also, don't put much stock in consumer reports. I have seen them rate certain vehicles 'bad' that I had never seen or had a problem with.

 

[cobra2top]

So it was 04. I like the idea of the rig being built there so it looks like 03-04 as a option. Regardless, anything newer would be out of the price range anyway.

As for Consumer Reports, I agree, but it does give atleast a starting point.