Better to have loved and lost... newbie ?s

[Koda]

Greetings from a new member in ID. I scoured this site for some time before buying a beautiful 99 LC (river rock green w/ rear lockers). Thanks to all the members for the great site and info. Unfortunately, my new prize was smashed by a red-light running Saturn. Who would have thought a Saturn could total a LC, but it T-boned the driver's front quarter panel, bent the frame 6 or 8 inches and yes the insurance company totaled it. Fortunately, no one was injured and the ins. co. was fair. So I'm in the market for a 'new' 100 in the low $20s. I would love to receive any intel on available rigs a reasonable distance from SW Idaho. 2 specific questions regarding vehilcles I'm considering:
1. 2001 LC stereo issue - I have read on other sites about the amplifier distorting the bass and needing replacement and when I tested one it did sound off - what is the fix and how much should it cost?
2. I'm also looking at a '99 LX with 115k for $18k. If my mechanic says it looks solid, how much mileage is left? Will the hydraulic suspension last until 200k?
Sorry for the long post but I'm still mourning. Thanks

 

[spressomon]

Depressing! Hopefully your insurance co will treat you fairly? I'll keep my eye open for local LCs.

 

[Travis351]

Sorry for your loss. If it were me, I would shoot for the '01 as it has the Front differential with 4 pinions. JIMHO. Stereo repairs can always wait. I have never seen any crash data or photos for a LC, if it isn't too painful, could you post a photo?

 

[NMuzj100]

Post a photo and let us know where the truck will make it's final resting place. Very few sources for 100 parts used.

I'll keep an eye out.

added to sound less like a parts vulture - Glad to hear no one was hurt.

 

[Greg B]

Sorry to hear about your accident; glad no one was hurt.

The stereo fix for a 2001 is easy, but it ain't cheap. I think a new amp from CruiserDan was about $340.

I unbolted the four bolts holding the passenger seat to the floor and leaned it back out of the way. Then it was simple plug and play changing out the old amp with the new. Whole process took less than an hour. It instantly fixed the bass problem and the stereo sounds as good as new. Good luck on your quest. I have really enjoyed my 01.

 

[LXPearl]

Sorry about the accident. Great that no one was hurt and that you are able to get another 100.

I would go for the 2001 LC. There are a number of reasons, but TRAC and VSC make it worthwhile to me over another 99. Other niceties included rear air, compass mirror, and 4 auto up/down windows.

The audio amp was replaced under warranty on my 2001 LC and the bass was much improved. It seems Toyota replaced them for free if the owner complained about it. It is worth asking Toyota to do so even after the initial warranty because it was an admitted defect. You will have leverage for an off warranty repair is you are a previous Toyota owner and have used their service department in the past. There is a TSB on the amp problem, but I don't recall the number.

 

[Koda]

Thanks for the input re the stereo and other issues. I'll try to post some pictures of the wrecked vehicle tonight