'99 LX470 or 2000 LC ?

[Limey]

My first post,

I have a '69 FJ40 - 327 V8, Lockers .....

I am looking for a rig for the wife and kids - I have found a 2000 LC - 77K miles - $20K - no service history available - drives fine but a little "worn".

Also found a '99 LX 470 - 135K miles - ALL the service history from the local Lexus dealer - 1 owner - $14K - drive good - looks good - interior is 98%.

Opinions would be appreciated on these rigs. Go for the newer/ lower miles or for the older - more miles - but well maintained.

Old story I'm sure.

I haver a '98 GS400 and have had 0 problems with it so I lean to the Lexus but......


Any opinions would be welcome.

Cheers


Limey

 

[SWUtah]

The 2000, because it has ATRAC which will keep your family safe. The 99 doesn't have it and could flip. I wouldn't want my wife and kids in a non traction control LC/LX. JMHO

 

[firetruck41]

We've got a 98 LX and it is the wifes DD. The only thing I would really miss about it vs. an LC would be the adjustable height/active suspension. Even with that missing, I would probably go with the 2000 LC for the traction control.

 

[LXPearl]

I would pass on both and look for an 2000 or newer LX for the wife, especially if she is short. The AHC is very popular with my wife and daughter because they can set it on low for easier access and loading. TRAC will provide effortless control in winter weather and better peace of mind. Also, it seems in 2001 the LC/LX was no longer required to use premium - just recommended.

If you insist on the two, I might favor the LX as long as your wife knows its limits. Consumer Reports did not recommend the new LC in 1998/99 because it was poor in emergency handling until TRAC was added in 2000.

 

[NMuzj100]

Did the LX get ATRAC in 2000 also or did it get it earlier?

I lean towards the 2000 LC for the VSC and ATRAC? No service history is no big deal at only 78k as long as it got oil changes.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I would avoid both. My guess is the interior condition gives a good indication of how the vehicle was maintaind. I have a friend who has a '01 LC...has done practically zero maintenance on it for 80K mi other than oil changes every 7.5K mi and an air filter change (no lubing d-shafts, no coolant change until 80K, no ATF change yet). Likewise, he's done no interior maintenance...no cleaning/conditioning of the leather, etc. And it shows...leather is hard as cardboard on the door, fading, etc. As far as the 99 Lx is concerned, I'd get something newer w/ < 100K mi (135K mi is a lot, about half life), but would avoid the '00 LX as a precaution since there have been a couple of cases of tranny failure for that year only. That means get a '01+.

 

[Limey]

Thanks for the opinions - didn't know about the Traction control not being available on the '99 LX...

I guess I will do some more looking..

Limey.

 

[uzj100]

00 or newer for the family.

 

[470clutch470]

00 Lx470 is da BOMB!!

 

[Limey]

OK - really have the '99 on the brain - it drove perfect - no traction control - I know but... It has a perfect history - I mean the service history is 2 pages ... of 5K services - owner is a Dr. and a Car guy.

Anyway, sorry for the blah blah - just think I will run this one by my Master tech tomorrow - He told me on the phone that the'99 are OK IF maintenance is done ....

Anyway - for $14K - worth a ride on the wild side ....? ( I'll drive it - Family can drive the GS.. Hee hee)

Opinions welcome.

Cheers

Limey

 

[spressomon]

If it is a rig for the road and family I would wait for a clean '00 LC/LX. The TRAC and VSC is worth the extra time it will take you to find one worth investing in (hands down a safer vehicle as others here have mentioned). Having said that...I love my '99...but it isn't a family rig...unless they happen to be in it when I'm on trail .

 

[Limey]

Thanks for the input.

Limey

 

[Ting]

I would avoid both. My guess is the interior condition gives a good indication of how the vehicle was maintaind. I have a friend who has a '01 LC...has done practically zero maintenance on it for 80K mi other than oil changes every 7.5K mi and an air filter change (no lubing d-shafts, no coolant change until 80K, no ATF change yet). Likewise, he's done no interior maintenance...no cleaning/conditioning of the leather, etc. And it shows...leather is hard as cardboard on the door, fading, etc. As far as the 99 Lx is concerned, I'd get something newer w/ < 100K mi (135K mi is a lot, about half life), but would avoid the '00 LX as a precaution since there have been a couple of cases of tranny failure for that year only. That means get a '01+.

Tell your friend to atleast change ATF.

 

[hoch]

I'm looking for an LC/LX, myself. I was looking into 98-99's, but with a little research, I'm going to opt for a 2000+ model, mainly because of the traction control. This will replace my 4Runner as a winter/daily driver.

Also, don't mean to jack your thread, Limey, but does anyone know how reliable/troublesome the adjustable suspension is on the LX? Is it just one more thing that will need to get fixed later on? Thanks.

 

[LXPearl]

I narrowed my search for the 2000+ models because my wife would be driving it a lot and she did not want a 4wd she needed to get techincal over. TRAC has been great for her and I have liked it as configured in the 100, more than in the other Toyota products.

There are a number of posts on the AHC system. In general it works well and there are very few problems. It needs a fluid change at 60K miles, and the primary problem with AHC appears to be the use of windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, or power steering fluid by mistake. Use the Toyota/Lexus AHC product only.

 

[Limey]

With all the discussion I have decided to look at the '00 + as well.

I had a '95 mits Montero - No TRAC and I never had an issue in the snow - and we were in the snow alot back then ( Skiing on Mt Hood).

Seems in the NW the prices are a little higher than other areas.

Didn't I read something about some bad transmissions on the 2000's ?

Cheers

Limey

 

[hoch]

Yeah, a few posts up, Jim Chow said that there have been cases of 2000's with bad tranny's. Hmm...

Another reason why I am looking at 2000+'s is because they've got stronger front diff's. I guess if you don't wheel much or at all, it won't matter.

I'm going to look at a 2000 Land Cruiser today. List price is at $17,988 with 126k miles on the clock. This is at a Toyota Dealership.

There is another one at a private dealership. 2001 w/ 85k miles. $19,995.

They seem to be a little rare around here. Not too many listed.

What are the prices looking like in the NW?

 

[Limey]

P-nut

Prices seem to be in the following range in the NW (Asking price ):

'98-99 - $14-22K depending on mileage etc....
'00-'01 - $22-26K
'01+ - 22k+

In regard to the front diff - Yes the '99's have a weaker design. But I have a '69 FJ40 - Locked - Torque splitter - 327 FI V8 for the "dirty" work. I'm just looking for a nice family ride.

Well - the search continues.....



Limey

 

[SWUtah]

I sold a 99 LC with 68K miles on it a couple of months ago for $16K. It had the timing belt water pump done at 58K because of time (years). Changed all the hoses and belts on the engine (I mean all rubber hoses where changed) synthetics in the entire driveline. Wheel bearing repacked, and new Bilstein shocks and new tires. The body had some paint pealing on the bodyside molding ( common for 99) and the interior had some wear. From a dealer this LC would go for $18K, hope that gives you some pricing help. I can tell you that my 2004 LX is like a different vehicle with the AHC and adjustable suspension. Plus the Lexus is just nicer more luxury and my 2004 looks like it is a brand new vehicle. Good luck

 

[Limey]

SWUtah,

The LX is definitely nice. I have a GS 400 and it's tight @ 100K miles.

I work for a Japanese firm and know how they build stuff - it's a matter of personal honor to do the job right - it shows in the product.

Limey