Former 80 owner in search of 100 series

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C

cwininger

Joined
Sep 10, 2010
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Ok, I know this question get's asked periodically, and I did search and read through all the older threads that are similar. But I figure, as time goes on and the 100 series trucks get older, the question can be revisited from time to time and maybe reveal different opinions.

i frequented this forum a lot a couple years ago when I bought my '97 lx450. it was our dd for two years and was the best vehicle I've ever owned. i loved that truck, but sadly my wife wanted something newer, so I had to sell it (fortunately found a buyer who is really giving it the love it deserves).

i'm back in the market for a cruiser, and this time i'm looking at 100 series. i have two main questions I would like opinions on:
  • 2000-2002 or 2003/4? from what i read, the older ones have less electronic maintenance concerns, and easier mods to sound system. the newer ones are a little more tricked out, have the 5-speed, more hp, but more electronics to worry about, and a difficult proposition to mod the sound system.
  • lx470 or lc? lc seems a little more utilitarian, lx more posh. the AHS in the lx is the obvious main difference- worth having, more trouble than it's worth, or irrelevant?
this truck will be my daily driver, no wheeling, urban setting. the extent of my mods would be maybe a lift, wheels and tires, and maybe sound system. minor cosmetic things too, but that's it.

i'm looking to spend between $9k and $12k but i might be willing to go up to $15k for the right truck.

so that's it, in a nutshell. i would love some opinions on which way to go on this. i've always found this community really helpful, and i respect the feedback immensely.

oh, one more thing- is it possible to do a badge change/grille change from lx to lc?
 
By your comment about the sound system, I'd say pre-03. Otherwise, get an 04 or newer. This is my opinion. If I had to do it over again, I'd buy an 06 or 07. (Just my opinion and preference)
 
I'd look for a 03+. The earlier ones are getting up in age.
 
i think my price range is going to barely put me in an '03, if i can find a good deal. the sound system thing isn't a huge deal to me. i guess i would like bluetooth, but finding an '04 with that option in my price range is probably not going to happen. anybody know if the factory bluetooth head unit from an '04 will plug and play on an '03?
3D FJ said:
By your comment about the sound system, I'd say pre-03. Otherwise, get an 04 or newer. This is my opinion. If I had to do it over again, I'd buy an 06 or 07. (Just my opinion and preference)
Click to expand...
 
I have a 99 lx and it is an amazing vehicle. I wish I had that extra gear and vsc though. Go 03 or newer if you can. The Lexus interior is choice over the cruiser IMO.
 
2003 LX. Other than the other obvious differences, one big difference is that for most or all of its life it was owned by someone who bought a Lexus and treated it like a Lexus. A Lexus is much less likely to have been beaten on and driven off road than a LC. This is an important reason to go with the Lexus.
 
Like someone said before, find the nicest, cleanest, lowest mileage, best maintained and documented LC or LX in a color you like that you can afford. How's that for advice? :)

If it meets this criteria, you will love it. There is no better or worse between any of these. All personal opinion. I've had an LX and LC, I didn't prefer one over the other. I've had VSC and non-VSC, I prefer non. Others would think I'm crazy. Is 5 speed and more hp, better than 4speed and less hp? I suppose. Does it really matter to you driving around town? I doubt it but only you can decide. See how helpful I'm not? :)

You can buy a great LC/LX for $12K and a really sweet one at $15K. Sometimes that means patience or willing to fly and drive, but they are out there.
 
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