Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here

[wareagle]

If you''re into BMWs, you might find the toyota land cruiser a bit clumsy and spartan. After owning a number of premium vehicles, the interior seemed a bit lacking. I'll admit that I was a little disappointed with the fake wood and lesser quality leather. That said, I'd strongly suggest the lexus version of the 100 series. Their interior furnishings compare very well to my gs430 or a 5 series. Regardless of which model you choose, the 100 series is built like a tank. They're almost hand built if you pick up an ARACO finished model year.

 

[FOPLawyer]

I have had 3 BMWs, a 3 coupe, a 5, and now another 3 coupe. Never drove the X3 or X5, but I can say that the BMWs I have owned are hothouse orchids compared to the TLC. Beautiful and fun to drive but delicate flowers when it comes to maintenance with dealerships that are used to fanatical owners who care not about cost. The TLC (and to a lesser extent the LX) seems to be owned by people willing to pay for service but also wanting the ability to DIY. I value the longevity and low cost of ownership, my wife likes the BMWs. I have also noticed that you will not run into another TLC in Ohio for weeks at a time. I kinda like that exclusivity.

 

[BROKEROB1]

I have a 2000 LX470 with 82k miles that was dealer maintained since mile 3 and cared for with an open wallet with Lexus. I added up all of the dealer receipts today and totaled less than $3k! I didn't see tires on the receipts, but still... I could sneeze at the BMW dealer when my 7 series was in the shop and spend $1k.

As for performance, I can't speak to the the X3 in comparison to the LC platform.

 

[SoylentGreen]

Wow, finally something I have expertise in...BMW and LC ownership. Bottom line? Dump the X3 and get the LC asap. Currently sitting in my driveway is an X5, in the garage is the LC and I have owned a couple of 4Runners in my time. I bought the X5 and as soon as the warranty is up, this car is gone. I bought it from carmax about a year and a half ago. It has spent so much time in the shop that we ended up getting the LC to serve as our family SUV and our reliable car. I don't have the receipts in front of me, but the bimmer has spent about 60 days in the shop for about $9-$10k in repairs in the last year and a half. Here is a partial list of things that have broken on the X5 in the time that I've owned it: Dash display, traction control, two power windows, wipers staying on all the time, steering tilt/telescope, radiator leak, random engine shut off, ABS, air conditioning, currently the heat doesn't work...there is more but it's not coming to mind right now. Luckily BMW service (with the warranty) is decent at fixing it, loaner cars, etc. Toyota service? Dunno, never had the LC in the shop!

As far as driving? The X5 is awesome to drive, fast, sporty, handles great, crazy powerful brakes. LC has great power, good brakes and interior fit/finish is less than stellar. BMW is like a vault, LC is like a Toyota. Cargo room in the LC is great, X5 is poor due to the sloped hatch window. AWD X5 gets stuck in slippery parking lots, LC drives effortlessly through snow up mountains. Pros and cons to each, but LC is overall a far superior vehicle. Why don't I sell the X5 right now? Resale on them is atrocious. Can't wait til the warranty is up to trade it in.

Good luck!

 

[willgabriel]

Wow, finally something I have expertise in...BMW and LC ownership. Bottom line? Dump the X3 and get the LC asap. Currently sitting in my driveway is an X5, in the garage is the LC and I have owned a couple of 4Runners in my time. I bought the X5 and as soon as the warranty is up, this car is gone. I bought it from carmax about a year and a half ago. It has spent so much time in the shop that we ended up getting the LC to serve as our family SUV and our reliable car. I don't have the receipts in front of me, but the bimmer has spent about 60 days in the shop for about $9-$10k in repairs in the last year and a half. Here is a partial list of things that have broken on the X5 in the time that I've owned it: Dash display, traction control, two power windows, wipers staying on all the time, steering tilt/telescope, radiator leak, random engine shut off, ABS, air conditioning, currently the heat doesn't work...there is more but it's not coming to mind right now. Luckily BMW service (with the warranty) is decent at fixing it, loaner cars, etc. Toyota service? Dunno, never had the LC in the shop!

As far as driving? The X5 is awesome to drive, fast, sporty, handles great, crazy powerful brakes. LC has great power, good brakes and interior fit/finish is less than stellar. BMW is like a vault, LC is like a Toyota. Cargo room in the LC is great, X5 is poor due to the sloped hatch window. AWD X5 gets stuck in slippery parking lots, LC drives effortlessly through snow up mountains. Pros and cons to each, but LC is overall a far superior vehicle. Why don't I sell the X5 right now? Resale on them is atrocious. Can't wait til the warranty is up to trade it in.

Good luck!

Ditto. I have owned many Bimmers (525i, 540iT, 528i, 540i manual) including my current go 'round with an '05 X5. I also have a 2000 LX470 that I have owned for about three weeks (I have owned two 80 series in the past). I need to sell either the X5 or the LX470 now that I have not been able to sell the X5 as I thought I would be able to. Here's a clue as to which vehicle is preferable: I was offered what I paid for the LX470, but wouldn't sell it. The X5 does drive better from a firm, sporty stand-point, and the panoramic roof is nice, BUT it is a constant nuisance to maintain with parts wearing out (failing, IMO) left and right since the vehicle crossed 90k miles. Basically, if you want a BMW stick to their older cars; I think their SAV's are quite inferior - at any mileage considering how much they cost. Buy a LX470 or LC ... you will not regret it!

 

[saricbell]

Thanks for all the comments - keep them coming! You are confirming what I expected and hoped.

What do you guys see from a gas mileage perspective? I know it'll be worse than the X3 which currently gets about 19 mpg between 70% city/30% hwy. Is 15 mpg optimistic?

Of the years 2003-2006, is there a preferable year I should zero in on (significant changes, less issues, etc.)?

 

[willgabriel]

Thanks for all the comments - keep them coming! You are confirming what I expected and hoped.

What do you guys see from a gas mileage perspective? I know it'll be worse than the X3 which currently gets about 19 mpg between 70% city/30% hwy. Is 15 mpg optimistic?

Of the years 2003-2006, is there a preferable year I should zero in on (significant changes, less issues, etc.)?

Well, as for gas mileage, I think you can expect 16 mpg combined, maybe 17 mpg, from a LX/LC. Otherwise, per the year that is preferable, many people on here are better-equipped than I am to answer that question. IF you are attached to some of the X3 amenities that make it a "luxury" vehicle, I'd seriously consider the 2003 Lexus LX470 (its leather, memory seats, wood, projector headlamps, etc make it nicer than the LC of the same year; it was more expensive, so it should be nicer). Otherwise, the 2003 LC is great too. Later LC's (2005?) add AHC, but you'll pay more than you would for a 2003 LX470.

 

[mtnracer]

2003 has the new interior with updated dash, gated shifter, nav, etc.
2004 adds bluetooth
2005 - about the same
2006 - updated the V8 engine with VVT-i which is good for 30 more horses
2007-2008 no major changes

(I think most of this is right)

The max MPG I have EVER got out of my 2003 LC is 17.5 cruising on the interstate at 65mph. Going 80+ really eats gas.

 

[SoylentGreen]

Will has a great point about the lexus, I bought an '04 LC which is stupid-nice...it has leather, bluetooth, power everything, and the touchscreen nav package (btw, toyota's nav is head and shoulders better than the X5's-even with the 'must use while stopped' feature...override is money). If you want all the LC performance/reliability with nicer leather and other gucci stuff, I would go with the Lexus. You would get the best of both worlds. mtnracer listed the differences, I think the power in the '04 is great but haven't driven an '06. You can never go wrong with more power.

 

[pheasbo]

99 with 155K on the clock.
diagnosis and cost to fix this:

can't see it from the small pic, but there is fresh red fluid in the mess.

diagnosis and cost to fix this:

Looking at buying, a bit concerned on mileage, s*** wears out and needs replaced. Seems to have been taken care of and comes with a ringing endorsement from the PO. Timing belt done at 120K. Wish I could afford a 2001 or newer, but can't. The rig is at a dealer and the dealer took the pics.

If you're getting the red X, here is a link: http://libertymotorsidaho.com/ViewAuto.aspx?AutoID=491

 

[MEMCruiser]

I am thinking if getting rid of my 100.
It has 170k miles on it. I am really torn but I am not much of a mechanic
and don't have lots of time to work on it with small kids.
Was thinking of getting an FJ that is newer and not such a maint
pig.

My 100 has lockers all around, 2 inch ome kit with slee diff drop and slee sliders.
Inside is average. No big blemishes. Outside is pinstriped. Stock bumpers.
Has an ac problem not freon related. It's either hot or cold.

How much should I ask?

 

[mpho]

Decide

OK...my 100 odyssey might be coming to an end...help me decide and/or give me guidance...

99 with 90k miles on it, blue, 90k service not done...two owner...replaced starter...window on driver's side a little slow...
texas car...$13.5

99 with 120k mile on it, white, 90k service done, chrome 16 inch wheels...original owner...california car...13K

both have rear locker...

Thanks, mike

 

[Elijah]

OK...my 100 odyssey might be coming to an end...help me decide and/or give me guidance...

99 with 90k miles on it, blue, 90k service not done...two owner...replaced starter...window on driver's side a little slow...
texas car...$13.5

99 with 120k mile on it, white, 90k service done, chrome 16 inch wheels...original owner...california car...13K

both have rear locker...

Thanks, mike

Tough one. I like 30,000 miles less for same price, but I don't like dark colors on my vehicles. All things being equal mechanically I'd go with the white one.

 

[firetruck41]

99 with 155K on the clock.
diagnosis and cost to fix this:

can't see it from the small pic, but there is fresh red fluid in the mess.

diagnosis and cost to fix this:

Looking at buying, a bit concerned on mileage, s*** wears out and needs replaced. Seems to have been taken care of and comes with a ringing endorsement from the PO. Timing belt done at 120K. Wish I could afford a 2001 or newer, but can't. The rig is at a dealer and the dealer took the pics.

If you're getting the red X, here is a link: Liberty Motors

Looks like pics of a well maintained vehicle. AFAIK, that is just grease that flings off from greasing the driveshafts. If there were no grease, it would probably mean it had not been lubed in a looong time.

 

[sirhc]

Looks like pics of a well maintained vehicle. AFAIK, that is just grease that flings off from greasing the driveshafts. If there were no grease, it would probably mean it had not been lubed in a looong time.

I agree with firetruck. I test drove that truck a month or so ago when I was on the hunt... drove nice, and felt just about as tight as my 03.' Brian at Driven Automotive in Meridian did the timing belt and overall servicing on it, you can call him and discuss the truck with him. He's a good friend of mine who knows his Land Cruisers. For what its worth, they said they would sell it for $11,900 when I was there.

Good luck.

 

[uzj100]

Mike - Where are you located? Do both of these 99s have the rear AC option? Very important in hot states. Also, sunroof was not standard.


99 with 90k miles on it, blue, 90k service not done...two owner...replaced starter...window on driver's side a little slow...
texas car...$13.5

99 with 120k mile on it, white, 90k service done, chrome 16 inch wheels...original owner...california car...13K

 

[NCYooper]

I think my search may be over, but I've got one nagging concern. Will be inspecting an 03 LC with nav tomorrow. 89k on the clock and final price is $23k. FL vehicle, 3 owner, will need 90k service and new rubber.

My concern is that I can find NO service records on Toyota Service for this VIN. Should I be worried?

 

[hoch]

Debating between 100 and 4th Gen 4Runner

Just sold our Corolla and was wanting to get an SUV for the wife. I was looking at 3rd and 4th Gen 4Runners only, but completely spaced about the 100's. Few questions for those that have or had both.

Prologue: This will be the wife's daily driver. We have one child (infant). She has a home-based business, so no commuting, therefore, MPG really doesn't matter. Will be used for her daily errands and family camping/road trips. While it's the wife's rig, it will most likely not be modified. But I will most likely inherit it after 3-4 years? when it will see modifications. The price range is $10-12k, which means 98-00 model years.

Size wise, how does it compare to the 4th Gen? The paper dimensions only tell half of the story, IMO. Some rigs just feel so much bigger. Does it feel like a tank compared to the 4th Gen 4Runner? I'm sure it's heavier.

Maintenance. I know this being a Land Cruiser, certain parts will be more expensive. What have you noticed the cost of ownership being between the two? 2:1 ratio?

Comfort. I'll admit, the 4th Gen 4Runner is so much more comfortable than a 3rd Gen 4Runner and my current Tacoma. How does the 100 compare? More comfort, the more I can push the LC on her.

Any other inputs would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Anthony.L]

I went searching for a 4Runner originaly, found a Land Cruiser instead, haven't look back since. Enough said!

Size and comfort, the Land Cruiser wins in both departments. I personally do not like the 4th gen seats whatsoever, they are not comfortable to me in the least bit. There is WAY more passenger and cargo room in the Land Cruiser. It does feel larger driving the Land Cruiser, but not like a semi truck feeling. The Land Cruiser is technically a mid-size SUV. If you want to feel like you are driving a semi, test drive a Sequoia.

 

[T4RBoarder]

I had a 4th gen that I absolutely and through some bad luck I ended up with a hundy and I actually am glad that I had that bad luck cause i now absolutely LOVE my truck compared to the 4th gen...Yes the 4th gens rides a bit nicer (I think) but the size and functionality of them cannot compare to the 100s. If it is gonna be your wifes car then I would look for a '00 or '01 (VSC is a nice addition) LX, I like them a lot better than my moms LC.