2000 versus 2002

[skywalkerguy]

All right, quick question: Given the choice between a 2000 LC with 74,000 miles with a clean Carfax and a 2002 LC with 79,000 miles and a minor accident report on the Carfax which would you choose? The 2000 is about $4,500 less than the 2002. - Thanks.

 

[e9999]

not enough info


depending on the accident, could be a toss up, but in general newer is better

did the 2000 already get the better front diff? don't remember...

Nav Sys etc?

options?

condition?

 

[LXPearl]

Carfax gives general info, but generally captures only the big stuff - and that varies by the state in which the "event" happened.

I would look over both closely, drive both, and attempt to uncover any hidden things - rust, flooding, unreported accidents, possible long periods of no use (sitting in a body shop?), evidence of maintenance - good/bad, overall condition and feel.

My inclination is to favor the 02, but the 00 could be a creampuff if it looks well cared for. With the mileage on either, they should drive similar to a new vehicle, assuming the tires have good tread.

 

[skywalkerguy]

not enough info


depending on the accident, could be a toss up, but in general newer is better

did the 2000 already get the better front diff? don't remember...

Nav Sys etc?

options?

condition?

Accident was "minor damage to right side". Evidently the driver turned into another car or something. So it's obviously been repainted, etc at least on part of the right side.

Yes, 2000 has the 4 pinion front differential. The 2000 does not have Nav system, the 2002 does have it. Both have very similar options including rear air, heated seats, etc. The 2000 is beige and the 2002 is white both with taupe leather. Both show a lease and then a second owner. 2002 is from a VERY big dealer while the 2000 is private seller. The 2000 has a broken CD changer and only about 5k left on the tires. The 2002 has supposedly been through the 8,000,000 point dealer service group check system, blah, blah, blah. The 2002 does come with a 2 month, 2,000 handshake guarantee that if something goes wrong you can trade for an equal or lesser value vehicle.

 

[skywalkerguy]

Carfax gives general info, but generally captures only the big stuff - and that varies by the state in which the "event" happened.

I would look over both closely, drive both, and attempt to uncover any hidden things - rust, flooding, unreported accidents, possible long periods of no use (sitting in a body shop?), evidence of maintenance - good/bad, overall condition and feel.

My inclination is to favor the 02, but the 00 could be a creampuff if it looks well cared for. With the mileage on either, they should drive similar to a new vehicle, assuming the tires have good tread.

Both vehicles are several states away and it wouldn't be cost effective to travel for a test drive. The 2000 is in the 18k to 19k range and the 2002 is in the 22k to 23k range So, I guess it's closer to a 4k difference.

My thought process is that with the 2000 I'm not paying a dealership overhead fee and I have some money left for minor mods.

 

[spressomon]

IMO if I was looking at a 2002 I would up the ante and push for an '03 with the 5-speed. If not I would opt for the 2000; no nav system to repair/replace; no known accident/fender damage; put the difference to mods.

 

[skywalkerguy]

IMO if I was looking at a 2002 I would up the ante and push for an '03 with the 5-speed. If not I would opt for the 2000; no nav system to repair/replace; no known accident/fender damage; put the difference to mods.

That's my gut feeling. The 2003 is pushing the budget. I'd actually keep 96 LX450 but I want more power to pull my boat and I'd like a little newer vehicle to mod. Plus I'm a pink panty at heart and really like the heated seats, mirrors, etc. Plus the cupholders suck in the LX and the armrest or lack thereof makes my back hurt...

 

[aedgington]

Well you've just got to ask yourself if $4500 is worth it for nav, a few months less mileage, 2 year newer hoses, belts, and leather.

I personally would probably get the '00, and wait to see if a deal could be had on an '03+ in a couple of years when the LX570 makes people trade in theirs.

 

[e9999]

don't forget the cost of tires, close to $1000

2 years, NavSys, warranty and better tires is easily worth $4K on the street IMO - still the repair issue though

 

[spressomon]

don't forget the cost of tires, close to $1000

2 years, NavSys, warranty and better tires is easily worth $4K on the street IMO - still the repair issue though

Assuming the nav system keeps working...based upon a few others here that can be a costly repair.

 

[e9999]

Assuming the nav system keeps working...based upon a few others here that can be a costly repair.

yes, but that's not the street, that's us knowing about that...

although in all fairness, I think that's one thing we all talk about but I don't recall very many failing so far....

 

[skywalkerguy]

Well you've just got to ask yourself if $4500 is worth it for nav, a few months less mileage, 2 year newer hoses, belts, and leather.

I personally would probably get the '00, and wait to see if a deal could be had on an '03+ in a couple of years when the LX570 makes people trade in theirs.

Actually the 2002 has 5k more miles...good points though.

 

[BMWSTOY]

They are both too expensive not to test drive and look for the potential real problems like un-cared for rust and/or abuse. Like noted already, check the accident and repair record - if you can not tell the shop and warranty, listen to the carfax and stay away - it could be all bondo and if the side accident dented the pillar - sometimes things need to be professionally replaced, not repaired according to Toyota guidelines. If done at a good shop - no worries, if not - stay clear.

Invest in a test drive and detailed inspection after you decide.

 

[Jim_Chow]

A clean carfax title does NOT mean it hasn't been in an accident. My honda got t-boned in the rear quarter a couple of years ago, inner and outer quarter panels replaced (spliced in), new bumper cover, tail light, etc. Over $3.5K in damage, but does not register on Carfax at all (I checked when I had the subscription for 1 month). The carfax only tells you if the odometer readings conflict over time. Each time the vehicle is registered or taken to a state facility (like to get smogged), the mileage is recorded. Whether or not accidents appear depends on whether its reported to the state dept of motor vehicles.

 

[skywalkerguy]

They are both too expensive not to test drive and look for the potential real problems like un-cared for rust and/or abuse. Like noted already, check the accident and repair record - if you can not tell the shop and warranty, listen to the carfax and stay away - it could be all bondo and if the side accident dented the pillar - sometimes things need to be professionally replaced, not repaired according to Toyota guidelines. If done at a good shop - no worries, if not - stay clear.

Invest in a test drive and detailed inspection after you decide.

Good idea. Actually I just had the 2000 pre-purchase inspected at the Toyota dealership near where it's for sale. It came back as a great clean vehicle with the following:
1. They suggest changing the spark plugs.
2. The tires in the front are wearing a little off.
3. The D light is burnt out.
4. The wiper blades need replaced.
Other than that they said it was in terrific shape except for a dinged up rear bumper. Their were no other indicators of problems. I would think they would want to pick up anything so they could offer to fix it. I talked to the service rep who has handled the vehicle for the last almost 2 years. I'm feeling a little better about the 2000. I worry about the accident on the 2002 for my problems and a red flag when I go to sell it later.

 

[ATLcrusher]

Get the 2000. If you like the nav that much (the only benefit I can see to the 02), buy a factory one off eBay and install it.

 

[Brit]

Don't trust a Carfax Report

All I see carfax good for is knowing where the vehicle has been registered.

I've had two cars that still show clean carfax reports that were in major collisions - one a Land Rover Defender 90 that was t-boned and rolled over and had over $20K in repair and shows up clean and a BMW 528i that was sandwhiched between a Chevy Cavalier in the back and a Lincoln Navigator (ouch!) in the front - $12K to repair and a clean carfax

I wouldn't keep a car after it has been hit and I wouldn't knowingly purchase a car that has been involved in any sort of accident. Newer vehicles have too many electral gizmos and my BMW was a good example of crap getting knocked loose and problems arising months after it was repaired.

 

[drsales]

Do the 2000, I am bias!

 

[SWUtah]

All I see carfax good for is knowing where the vehicle has been registered.

I've had two cars that still show clean carfax reports that were in major collisions - one a Land Rover Defender 90 that was t-boned and rolled over and had over $20K in repair and shows up clean and a BMW 528i that was sandwhiched between a Chevy Cavalier in the back and a Lincoln Navigator (ouch!) in the front - $12K to repair and a clean carfax

I wouldn't keep a car after it has been hit and I wouldn't knowingly purchase a car that has been involved in any sort of accident. Newer vehicles have too many electral gizmos and my BMW was a good example of crap getting knocked loose and problems arising months after it was repaired.

It's not prefect but it picks up most of the accidents and problems. I've used it and it's been a good tool. I would also "checkout" the vehicle for paint problems, have your mechanic look it over and get an extended warranty if you are concerned.

 

[skywalkerguy]

Well I just got the 2000 delivered this weekend. The tires need replaced and/or balanced along with an alignment but other than that it's sweet. What a world of difference from my LX450.... Thanks for the sounding board help.