I just went through this process. My $0.02 - to figure out how best to inspect one and the differences between the years/ models, this SLEE cheatsheet is helpful.
100 Series Newbie Guide - Slee Off Road - https://sleeoffroad.com/tech-zone/100-series-newbie-guide/
TB/WP replace is good - it is necessary and probably an $800-$1200 job depending.
All years of LC's are good years. 2002 will have the 4 speed transmission. You'll read opinions about why that makes a big difference or none at all depending on the user and use. Probably not as good a mileage as 5 speed, and maybe less power at start, but many say they don't care and don't notice. In my shopping 98-99 with locker gets a premium, 98 (without locker) - 02 is the cheapest, 03 - 05 slightly more expensive, '06-'07 more expensive due to more HP/ VVTI. Also, there were less LCs made over time and more LX 470s over the 100 life cycle, so newer ones are actually harder to find than older ones (they made less). Many people prefer the LC for cosmetic/brand/personal reasons and they bring more than LXs all things equal.
Depending on the options, it might have the old style controls and radio that is very easy to replace with aftermarket (a big problem 2003+). That's a big plus for the '98-'02 era for some.
There are thousands of condition/ care/ cosmetic reasons that impact value. You have to decide what you care about, nobody here can tell you (and there are some REALLY smart people here when it comes to this issue). I'm not one of them, so take this all with a grain of salt.
