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

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BMWSTOY said:
Save yourself all the research time and effort and confusion. You can better spend your time focused on one vehicle. I had sold my 2nd Gen 4runner and was looking and driving 3rd and 4th Gen 4runners and evaluating pricing too at one time, then I drove a 100 LC and a 470 and I was then only spening my time on the newest one I could get for my budget.

Advise on here is fantastic if you end up with a hundy, but take opinions for what you pay for them.
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Good advice. And hoser, I wish that '03 LC were closer. By the time I paid to get out there and back, any savings over getting the '01 LX would be lost.
 
4Peanut said:
Having just purchased that exact same vehicle, in similar condition, with similar mileage, I would book yourself a one-way ticket to Seattle TOMORROW!
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Hmm, if you will pay for the ticket ....


Otherwise, I have located a '02 white LX470 w/ 92k miles in Raleigh for $18k ... much closer!
 
spressomon said:
If it wouldn't be the total nightmare it would be to move all my parts and mods over :crybaby: I'd jump on that one; assuming it checks out of course. That's the best deal on an '03 I've seen yet.
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I PM'd the owner. We'll see ... the '02 LX in NC with 89k miles for $18k (also white) seems just as appealing ... is an '03 LC that much better than a '02 LX?
 
willgabriel said:
I PM'd the owner. We'll see ... the '02 LX in NC with 89k miles for $18k (also white) seems just as appealing ... is an '03 LC that much better than a '02 LX?
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I have not actually driven an '03 or later. But a wheeling friend that has owned both a modded '99 and now an '03 LX told me the 5-speed makes a large difference. In stock configuration it might not matter too much. However with additional weight and/or pulling a trailer the more efficient/closer RPM shift ranges of the 5-speed are a large benefit as told to me.

I do know, with my heavily laden/modded '99 especially when pulling a trailer, the big gaps in shift RPM points of the 4-speed are bothersome. Again if you are going to leave it stock it might be moot.

Some have voiced their opinion here the '03 and '04 were the best two years for the 100-series FWIW.
 
I would not trade my 100 for anything, just turning 60K

And I have inherited my wife's FJ, too tough to accomodate the baby seat so now she's in a 4d Rubicon (don't start w me - but it is a blast to be able to drive w the top off and has a great nav/sound combo in the MyGig).

I had a series of 80s that I loved and was looking for one to get reacquainted with until I started driving the FJ - which is a joy to drive. Shorter wheelbase, better acceleration/braking than the 100, seems very nimble to drive around, great power to wt ratio, shorter turning, noisier at highway speeds, miserable blind spots and rear vision in general, typical Toyota quality and tight feel, I really do enjoy it. It has great potential for building a serious off road vehicle if that's your deal, or it is a low maintenance everyday with rinse out interior that somehow does not feel cheap like the Jeep's interior.

Point is you can't go wrong with whatever you choose, you will love. Granted, there is nothing like a LC, period, it is a classic in any model that I'll never be without.

Most appealing to me is going to the left coast and enjoying the adventure of driving it home, there is some incredible country to pass through between SEA and you. Have fun with your choice and no pressure as you'll be pleased with whatever you end up with.

BTW - I'm a Bimmerphile too - drive a M5 for the power fix - another one I couldn't part with unless it starts raining taxes....
 
My opinion is the LC/LX. FJ is cool, but it is basically luxury vs utility. The choice is yours.
 
willgabriel said:
Hmm, if you will pay for the ticket ....


Otherwise, I have located a '02 white LX470 w/ 92k miles in Raleigh for $18k ... much closer!
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I test drove this one. Transmission shifts hard and the 90K has NOT been done. THis is the one I asked you all about in this forum. I passed... Check out my thread.
 
Gebo said:
I test drove this one. Transmission shifts hard and the 90K has NOT been done. THis is the one I asked you all about in this forum. I passed... Check out my thread.
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Hey, thanks. I noticed he lowered to $17900 (wow). He doesn't seem too anxious to answer my questions either (the ones you asked about in your thread).

Since then, I have found a 2000 LC with 79k miles. It is in Cleveland and I think the owner will take $13,400. The issue I know of with that one is some surface rust on the front bumper and tailgate. I haven't seen pics yet. The owner says he was told it would cost $500 to make "right". We'll see. He is the original owner, and it seems all needed work has been done. Otherwise, there is another 2000 black LC with 96k miles on a dealer lot here in KY. Asking $14,895. One owner vehicle.

Any thoughts on these 2000 LC's?
 
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Yep. Just wanted to save you a trip. I offered him $17,500 before driving it. Funny, he hasn't called me back even though he has dropped his price. I guess when I found out from his mechanic that he hadn't done the 90K as he said and questioned him about it...Oh, another interesting point he made at least 3 times was to "not talk to my wife about the LX." I found that very strange since, hmmm... it was her ride. Wouldn't you think you would want to talk with the actual driver of the SUV? You obviously picked up on the same vibes.

Regarding your questions about the 2000. I looked at a 2000 but I really wanted the NAV and the Levinson stereo. I knew if I saved $2000 now I would regret it later. My wife reminded me of who I am and that 3 months from now I would be "bitching" and complaining about why I didn't go on and spend the extra money. I gave it another day of praying/thinking and went with a 2002.
 
Willgabriel, there's something else I don't understand. I can't seem to find any of these "deals" people in this forum speak of. I shopped for 2 months but the real world for me was a lot more expensive than what many people said. Not whining. My experience. On the other hand, I possibly would have bought the one in Raleigh without doing a lot more checking had the people on this forum told me I should hold off. What I'm saying is just expect to pay a little more. That's all.
 
Gebo said:
Willgabriel, there's something else I don't understand. I can't seem to find any of these "deals" people in this forum speak of. I shopped for 2 months but the real world for me was a lot more expensive than what many people said. Not whining. My experience. On the other hand, I possibly would have bought the one in Raleigh without doing a lot more checking had the people on this forum told me I should hold off. What I'm saying is just expect to pay a little more. That's all.
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Yeah, I think the "deals" seem to require a willingness to travel (often to the West coast). Time and money would eat up the benefit for me ... for the most part. I do think there are deals in our area too, but waiting months to find them seems to be the requirement (and I would want a LC/LX from below the Rust Belt if I am getting a 6-9 year old one). Like you, I would be willing to pay a bit more for the year and features I want. There are several 2003's to be found, but if I do that, I really, and truly better be sure I want to keep it for 4-5 years (instead of my normal 2-3 years) ...

-Will
 
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