Decisions, decisions: '07 FJ Cruiser vs '01 LX 470

[BManning`]

Yes, sir, uzj100. That is exactly what I thought too. I emailed the dealer back and said I had cash and would not pay more than $14k tops - if that considering fair market values, and expert advice. We'll see. I do think the vehicle is solid (no wrecks, etc) otherwise.

Good move on your part. Even if the thing is absolutely perfect, they're WAY too high at $17k. And, IF they really did over-allow a ton at trade-in time and are in the vehicle for too much money, why should you be the one to bail them out?

I used to sell (got out alive!) so I know the game a little bit...don't believe them when they say they're "out of room"...and again, even if they are, don't help them undo a mistake they made by giving the previous owner too much to make their deal. And even more likely than that, they probably gave $10-11k for it and are trying to hit a HR.

Don't let them bully you-- stick to your number ($14k), which is a very reasonable offer for a 10yr old vehicle, even a Lexus in great shape.

 

[willgabriel]

BManning,

Great info and insight - thanks! I emailed back saying if they wanted it out the door by the end of the week, I had no more than $14k to give.

Considering the thread topic, and the original 2001 LX470 -88k miles- I am also looking at, what price would you look to negotiate on that? It is being sold by a Lexus dealer. They have come down to $18k thus far ...

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

but the 88k miles vs the FJC's 43k miles is a factor.

but the FJC is seemingly more rugged

88 vs 43 is a NON-factor. 128 vs 43 is also a non-factor. Though both models are reliable, the LC is even more so.

"Seemingly" is the key word. The build quality of an FJC is not a rugged or durable as the LC.

You couldn't give me an FJC.

 

[willgabriel]

88 vs 43 is a NON-factor. 128 vs 43 is also a non-factor. Though both models are reliable, the LC is even more so.

"Seemingly" is the key word. The build quality of an FJC is not a rugged or durable as the LC.

You couldn't give me an FJC.

I agree (though I would take a free FJC ... and resell it!). So, what price would you pay for each of the two LX470's I am looking at?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I agree (though I would take a free FJC ... and resell it!). So, what price would you pay for each of the two LX470's I am looking at?

Well I'm not a price whiz on these though owning a 2001 LC, I'd pop for that $18.7K price on the LX in a heartbeat! Wow, and white...no pinstripes!

 

[dfrelich]

Two great vehicles, two different 'specialties' in my mind.

If was 20 again and going camping & off-roading with buddies all the time, I'd go for the FJ. At 37 with my current lifestyle and the amount of time I get to 'play,' the LC is the best choice for me.

* = where it fits!

It appears you've made your mind about buying the 100s. FWIW, I agree on both counts made by BManning. I used to own FJ for a year half before trading it in for LX470.

FJs are nice. Very capable and fun to drive. More modern technology vehicle for the money. Newer FJ over older 100's for same money.

Anyway... ONLY ONE REASON that I decided to trade up for 100's because I have two kids and two dogs. Suicide doors are pain in the butt to open when at the parking lot (especially between two cars). You're boxed in with two doors open when accommodating kids to get out of the car. Takes longer to get out, etc.

To the point where I just let my kids crawl through the front rather than open the back doors. It gets old fast and my kids started to complain. That was it. Traded it up and I have no regrets.

 

[willgabriel]

Yes, the white 2001 LX470 is really sharp (have you seen it? Not sure I ever said it didn't have pinstripes ...). Anyway, the snag with the '01 is the dealer is claiming it 1) has not had the 90k mile service, and 2) doesn't need to be serviced until 120k miles. That doesn't seem right from what I have read in this thread. Considering Edmunds.com and the dealer's $400 fees, I have counter-offered them $16.5k.

I may be getting a better, more fairly-priced deal on the '99 with 59k miles. It is gold, and lacks wood and Levinson, but if I can get it for $14.5 ...

 

[pman]

It seems Im a little late to this discussion.

FWIW Im starting college in a week and when I was looking at my choices for a car, it came down to an FJC or 100 (i couldnt find any 80s that were worth buying).

I choose the 100, an LX470 actually....clean, good price, etc, etc

WHY?

The FJC has some problems that I think are embarssing for Toyota especially since is called an "FJ"

check out the blue forum about body panel cracking, also compare some other more minor details between the two. Look at the wheel wells on an FJ, they hold mud like theres no tomorrow. The roof has almost no insulation which is annoying when its raining hard, and the windsheild likes rocks.....alot.

My point with all this, is the level of engineering and thoughtfulness in design that went into the vehicles. The 100 spent over 5yrs in testing alone.....the FJC went from concept to production in about 3yrs. If you really look closely at the two you'll start to see more and more why the 100 is designed and built better than the FJC.

 

[willgabriel]

Appreciate your input, pman. I have not bought anything yet, so every bit of info helps!

Fyi:

On the 1999 LX470, the latest "breaking point" counter-offer I was given after being shown that the auctions for '99 Lexus LX470's with twice as many miles are bringing $14k is $16.5k (I had replied earlier that the auction price was speculative; I was offering cash this week).

On the 2001 LX470, their best price as of today (and they seem much more firm with this) is $18k ...

Updated or new thoughts? If I could get the '99 with less miles to $15k, I think I would go for it.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Appreciate your input, pman. I have not bought anything yet, so every bit of info helps!

Fyi:

On the 1999 LX470, the latest "breaking point" counter-offer I was given after being shown that the auctions for '99 Lexus LX470's with twice as many miles are bringing $14k is $16.5k (I had replied earlier that the auction price was speculative; I was offering cash this week).

On the 2001 LX470, their best price as of today (and they seem much more firm with this) is $18k ...

Updated or new thoughts? If I could get the '99 with less miles to $15k, I think I would go for it.

Considering the drawbacks of the 98-99 years...paying that small a change more for a 2001 is a no-brainer to me. The upgrades are big ones between those years.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Trenton, KY? You get some snow and ice, yes? That's another huge reason for the 2001!

 

[willgabriel]

So, I thought there were hardly any differences in a '99 and '01 Lexus LX470 (other than the stereo and woodgrain steering wheel). What are the differences, Shotts?

 

[pint]

So, I thought there were hardly any differences in a '99 and '01 Lexus LX470 (other than the stereo and woodgrain steering wheel). What are the differences, Shotts?

The 2000 model year of both LC & LX added VSC & A-Trac. Search is your friend, but basically the vehicles computer over rides you and helps control the vehicle in potentially dangerous situations, snow, ice, loose sand, etc. There are countless threads that debate these systems. The long and short of it is 2000 + are safer vehicles. With that being said, there are some killer deals out there on 98/99's. Millions of people are driving vehicles everyday without VSC & A -Trac and are still alive. Your choice. Make sure you look at Landcruisers and not just Lexus. You will save a few bucks! Have you driven the FJ, LC or LX??? For most people, that alone will make up your mind! Lastly, do you want an FJ like the 12 other ones in your neighborhood, or a LC/LX which is much more exclusive, holds it s value, etc? Happy hunting.

 

[uzj100]

VSC (Vehicle Stability (SKID) Control) and A-TRAC were added in 2000 to the LC and LX. Highly recommended for safety reasons.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

So, I thought there were hardly any differences in a '99 and '01 Lexus LX470 (other than the stereo and woodgrain steering wheel). What are the differences, Shotts?

Answered by others already though I have one more "cost-related" plus for 2001....FAR STRONGER FRONT DIFF.

Now not all 98 and 99 diffs break however there's plenty of reports or failures even from LIGHT four wheeling. It takes A LOT to mangle a 2000+ diff. This one failure on that '99 could wipe out your investment savings. Just one more thing to consider. I'd not own a 98 or 99 myself.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Oh, and since you're looking at an LX rather than a LC. I DON'T THINK the LX's came with a rear locker like some LC's did. LX EXPERTS CONFIRM THIS!

This means a TRAC-equipped 2000+ will BURY a 98-99 on the trail...even moderate ones.

 

[willgabriel]

The 2000 model year of both LC & LX added VSC & A-Trac. ... Make sure you look at Landcruisers and not just Lexus. You will save a few bucks! Have you driven the FJ, LC or LX??? For most people, that alone will make up your mind! Lastly, do you want an FJ like the 12 other ones in your neighborhood, or a LC/LX which is much more exclusive, holds it s value, etc? Happy hunting.

I appreciate the info (I did a search, but did not see this posted; maybe my search parameters were poorly worded?). Anyway, I have owned 2 80's, and have driven the FJC. I loved the 80's ('95 and '97), and the FJC was fine (side pillar was a bit intrusive when backing up).

Otherwise, I am definitely not against getting a '01 or '02 LC. However, it seems that I am seeing better values on the '01 LX "'round these parts." (didn't the '01 LX offer something of importance not found on the LC?) ...

Anyway, I am definitely going for a LX/LC. Though I know mileage is not a big deal when you consider 59k vs 88k, if I could get the '99 LX with 59k miles for $15k ... that would seem like a solid deal (though reading Shotts' post about the '99 diff gives me pause to reconsider). The 2001 LX with 88k miles for $18k is an okay deal too ... however, isn't the dealer wrong in saying the PM isn't needed until 120k miles?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I know this sounds weird....I'd think long-term when it comes to cost. $15-18...on a vehicle you could have for 10 or 20 years. You get too much in the 2001...and safety-wise the 98-99 are out. No savings could make me settle for one.

 

[pint]

The 2001 LX with 88k miles for $18k is an okay deal too ... however, isn't the dealer wrong in saying the PM isn't needed until 120k miles?

The 90K service will run you $1-$2K at the dealership - either LC or LX. Timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, etc. I also did ALL fluids, plugs, and wheel bearings to keep rolling without worry for many more miles. Like most vehicles, buy the newest, cleanest one you can find. Like Spresso said, the market is in your favor right now if you're not in a hurry.

 

[willgabriel]

Good points. I agree. Is $18k for a '01 LX470 w/ 88k miles worth springing for ... IF they will throw in the 90k service? I can wait, but it seems like a solid deal on a white, well-kept LX.