Buying the 100, asking for Opinions

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gray rider

gray rider

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
May 17, 2011
Threads
126
Messages
1,379
Location
Western NC
"Upgrading" from an 80 to a 100.

Deciding between the following:
1) '03 $12,000 190k miles TimingBelt/WaterPump complete at 160k, individ seller has owned for 4 years
2) '03 $15,000 140k miles TimingBelt/WaterPump complete at 140k, individ seller has owned for 10 years
3) '04 $16,000 140k miles TimingBelt/WaterPump replacement unknown, dealer is selling, 4 prev owners

All trucks have decent access to service records (not great, but decent). Rust on all is negligible.

I will be using this vehicle as daily driver and hunt/fish, minor wheeling, 25k per year for 4-5 years.

Should I pick door #1, #2, or, #3? As always, your collective opinions are APPRECIATED!!
 
Those are all pretty similar Mileage wise and description. I'd pick your favorite color of the three and go for it. Or decide if one has attributes you like better, i.e. New tires you like or worn out tires that you want to replace and can negotiate with.
 
I would start with #2 and try to get him down in price. I like that the TB and WP was just done. I hope there are receipts. It is nice the current owner that has had it for 10 yrs, but it could have been owned by a bad car owner for 10 yrs. At least that means probably nothing major has failed prompting a sell off.

If negotiation fails I would move onto #3 and do the same, but make it clear your price reflects that the TB and WP had not been changed. If it is a dealer they'll say there is no way to know, but I say if no sticker it has not been done.

Looking at Slee's 100 Newbie Guide I don't see significant improvements for '04. In fact they get rid of the transmission dipstick, which I would prefer to have.

However, '03 gets you the 5-speed.

From Slee:

2004

Interior

  • Added power lumber support for the passenger seat.
  • A Bluetooth hands-free function was added to the multi function display
  • The backup camera system was added as an option.
Exterior

  • The color of the windshield and front door glass has been changed from bronze to green.
  • The privacy glass for the rear door, rear door quarter, quarter, and back door has been changed to dark-gray tempered glass.
Drivetrain

  • SLLC (Super Long Life Coolant) accepted and service interval increased. The color of this coolant is pink and the initial change interval is 100 000 miles, and every 50 000 miles thereafter. Previous interval was every 30 000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. The coolant comes pre-mixed and does not require diluting.
  • The transmission dipstick was removed. The fill position is now checked at the overflow plug.
  • ATF-W (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is now specified instead of the ATF-T-IV. The ATF WS is not interchangeable with other types of ATF (ATF type T-IV, or D-II).
 
If you plan to put 100,000-150,000 miles on it, I'd go with #2 or #3, because #1 has about 2 years worth of your annual driving to start. Work the dealer on #3 to get all the PM stuff (and T-Belt if needed) included in the price, as well as tires if needed. That way you'll be ready to go enjoy it.
 
Concurrance is bliss. I have also been leaning at choice 2. You guys are golden and giving me good thoughts for my pending decision. The irony is that i would be happy with any of the 3 more than likely. Hair splitting is an acquired trait, uh "curse"....arrgh...
 
spammer said:
I'd go for #3. Lots of important upgrades in 2004.
Click to expand...

Hey Spammer, I'm thinking the only worthwhile upgrades are built-in bluetooth and the back-up cam. Am I missing others?
 
The vote tally so far is:
1) 1 vote
2) 2.5 votes
3) 1.5 votes
Other: 1 vote (a wash on all three pending color and/or gut feeling)
 
You want an 03+ for the 5 speed, all three meet this criteria. I would go with #2 hands down. The 50K mile difference is well worth the 3K delta IMO. And it's a plus that it's the same owner for so long and the TB was just done.

I would also ensure that your future truck is as rust free as possible. This is critical to ensuring the cruiser longevity and lower maintenance cost.
 
Roger that on the rust issue!
 
What colors are 1-3 btw?
 
arcteryx said:
What colors are 1-3 btw?
Click to expand...

Now we are letting our heart rule aren't we?
1) Thundercloud metallic
2) White (good) with fender flares (dammit)
3) White with no flares
 
The vote tally so far is:
1) 1 vote
2) 3.5 votes (including a "hands down" vote!)
3) 1.5 votes
Other: 1 vote (a wash on all three pending color and/or gut feeling)
 
White probably won't shows scratches near as much as other colors. Hopefully, it will look fine after removing the flares. My Blue Mica scratches like a Mother F'r.
 
nmatcek said:
I like number 2

Sent from my HTCONE
Click to expand...

The vote tally so far is:
1) 1 vote
2) 4.5 votes (including a "hands down" vote!)
3) 1.5 votes
Other: 1 vote (a wash on all three pending color and/or gut feeling)

Maybe we should start a new thread: "Who wants to help me buy a Land Cruiser" ......final answer...etc

Thanks guys! I'm taking notes and really appreciate it!
 
What are the condition of interior and exterior? Clean, no rip in leather? Non-smoking owner? Dings? Scratches? How are the tires look like? Are they matched - same brand and models, same thread depth? Tires are not cheap to replace.

Another way to decide, is to put an offer very low from the price, lets say 30% lower, and see which one you can get the best deal. Then slowly increase the offer until one of them agree to a deal.

My order of preference is no 2,1,3 - assuming everything else are the same. I just dont like dealing with dealer, so I am a bit biased here.

Good luck. Not often you can pick and choose. Usually there is only 1 vehicle and several people who wants to buy.
 
Ah fender flares, that's a good sign believe it or not. They were only sold by Gulf States Toyota so the odds are it's Southern truck that is rust free. And either of those colors are good. Mine is thundercloud but I do like white vehicles.
 
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