2003 or 2005 cruiser?

[eljefe83]

I need help with a Purchase decision. I’m looking at a 2003 and a 2005 Land Cruiser.
The 2005 does not have Nav and has 95K on the clock. 2 owner and clean. Will need Timing belt service. For 20K . I have not seen this vehicle as the guy that posted the ad is out of town for a month.
The 2003 has Nav, is clean and has 149 on the clock and have no idea if the timing belt has been done. The Car fax reads that it has been in a multi car accident and was towed away. I checked all of the paneling, doors and hood and all the VIN stickers are there. The two Bumpers were re-painted. But I could pick this up for 14-15K. I wasn’t really too worried about the bumpers because I would put an ARB on the front and some sort of tire carrier on the back. I drove the cruiser and it drives very nice.
I’ve read buy the newest one you can afford and while 20K is ok, the extra 6k goes a long way in accessories.
Thanks!

 

[wilburluvsyotas]

Hands down the '05. 2 years newer, lot less miles and no accident easily worth extra $6k. Seems weird that an '05 wouldn't have nav standard but honestly who cares - it's a terrible system, never use mine.

 

[eljefe83]

Thanks for the Reply. That is the way I'm leaning. I dont really care if it has nav or not. But I had read they go out and it becomes a pain since they system is linked to the radio.. Blows my mind they still put tape players in the 2005... can't wait till my daughter is old enough to ask me what it's for.

 

[aging fleet]

Why would someone put a car up for sale when they're out of town for a month?

I'd lean towards the '05 simply because it's a newer car with fewer miles, but, for all we know, it could be a beater. Are you okay with waiting a month to see it when it's possible you won't want it or someone else gets to it first/offers more money.

I'd probably focus on the cars available today, then, if you still haven't found what you want, you can check out the '05 when the guy returns.

 

[eljefe83]

I can't say why that was done.. the add was pretty s***ty, no pics. I called the guy. Talked to him and he told me about the SUV. Said he would be back in town end of August. Sent pics he had on his phone and it looks very clean. I'm leaning on waiting for a month. Ride sharing with the wife since I sold my Tacoma last week. Only thing Is I would lose out on the 03. But I'm sure something else would come along.

I'd consider an 80 series if the price was right.

Have a second kid coming in December so was hoping to keep payment down or pay cash for an 80 Series. But after seeing the offerings of 80's in my area i started looking pretty hard at the 100's.