General buying/selling specific questions - values, features, etc.

Ask your general questions here about buying and selling 100 series Cruisers.

- What years are better?
- What features changed?
- How much should I pay for this rig?
- How much should I sell my truck for?

You can get a great idea of values for the 100 series by browsing through the ads posted here.

For model information, Slee's guide to year-by-year changes to the 100 series is a great place to start:

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

 

[FJ80 Rob]

I've been window shopping alot lately but am hoping to pull the triger soon on a car. My short list is down to 2000-2002 4runner, 96-97 FJ80, and 2003 Tahoe. My budget will be around 7k. I know this is a long shot but are there any 100's out there for this price? If so, I would imagine they would be in poor shape, right? Maybe I should hold off until i save more money to buy a 100? Are they that much better than the choices I am considering? Thank you.

 

[mcgaskins]

I've been window shopping alot lately but am hoping to pull the triger soon on a car. My short list is down to 2000-2002 4runner, 96-97 FJ80, and 2003 Tahoe. My budget will be around 7k. I know this is a long shot but are there any 100's out there for this price? If so, I would imagine they would be in poor shape, right? Maybe I should hold off until i save more money to buy a 100? Are they that much better than the choices I am considering? Thank you.

You can find a 100 series with about 350k on it for $7k. No joke I just saw one in Denver with 320k sell for $8500 (asking price no idea what it went for) in a day. A 3rd gen 4runner or 80 series can be had for $7k, but I wouldn't touch a Tahoe.

 

[FJ80 Rob]

Thanks! Tahoe is last on my list but like that its the "newest" truck i can afford with 2002-2004 selling in that range. Im looking for good cargo space and can accommodate family but want it to be capable off road as well. Im leaning towards the 4runner 3rd gen over the FJ80, is that a mistake?

 

[mcgaskins]

Thanks! Tahoe is last on my list but like that its the "newest" truck i can afford with 2002-2004 selling in that range. Im looking for good cargo space and can accommodate family but want it to be capable off road as well. Im leaning towards the 4runner 3rd gen over the FJ80, is that a mistake?

I understand on the newest model year but to be honest it doesn't matter with these Toyotas. My last three vehicles before my 1998 LC were a brand new 2012 Acura TSX, a 2004 BMW X5 that I had for 6 years, and a 2002 Honda S2000. I prefer the 1998 LC over them all which shows they hold their own. We also have a 1997 4runner, and it is seriously tight for camping trips with only 2 adults and 2 dogs. I can't imagine what it would be like with kids as well. You'd definitely need a good roof rack and utilize it extensively. I think you'd be much happier with an 80 if you're ok with picking up something older. I saw a nice 80 with lockers here locally for $6k with 165k miles on it, so I think that you can pick one of those up for a good deal nowadays. Have some money saved aside for getting it up to speed maintenance wise though because a lot of people neglect normal maintenance due to how reliable they are.

 

[FJ80 Rob]

I understand on the newest model year but to be honest it doesn't matter with these Toyotas. My last three vehicles before my 1998 LC were a brand new 2012 Acura TSX, a 2004 BMW X5 that I had for 6 years, and a 2002 Honda S2000. I prefer the 1998 LC over them all which shows they hold their own. We also have a 1997 4runner, and it is seriously tight for camping trips with only 2 adults and 2 dogs. I can't imagine what it would be like with kids as well. You'd definitely need a good roof rack and utilize it extensively. I think you'd be much happier with an 80 if you're ok with picking up something older. I saw a nice 80 with lockers here locally for $6k with 165k miles on it, so I think that you can pick one of those up for a good deal nowadays. Have some money saved aside for getting it up to speed maintenance wise though because a lot of people neglect normal maintenance due to how reliable they are.

Hey, thanks for the input. I've removed the Tahoe from my short list and replaced it with a Sequoia. I think they def provide the room i need but may sacrifice a bit of agility in off road ventures. What's this forums take on the Sequoia? Good? Bad?

Thank you

 

[mgoblue]

Maybe it's the time of year, but I'm finding some really good deals out there:

2003, one owner (being sold privately), 61k miles - asking $21k
2005, 141k miles - asking $19.9

Those are some pretty aggressive prices aren't they?

 

[Bushmaster6]

visions of 'Cruisers dancing in my head

multiple paragraphs turned into one unending stream...

 

[Bushmaster6]

Living on the CO front range. House in Co Springs, work in Centennial.2 kids: 3 and 1. Oldest is just getting to the age where his activities require travelling in packs (taking somene else's kid along). My wife and I are just starting

UGH, don't know what I'm doing wrong on formatting, all my paragrpahs and line breaks are compressed...?

 

[Bushmaster6]

.Gray '06 with 90k, asking $30k. Love the looks, but thinking price is high. My target on this would be 25 or less

Reader's digest: feedback on this?
http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3448310291.html

 

[Bushmaster6]

or this Gray '04 in Ft Collins: http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/cto/3466904783.html

 

[Bushmaster6]

or this white 04 in Denver http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/3339684190.html

 

[Prado]

Maybe it's the time of year, but I'm finding some really good deals out there:

2003, one owner (being sold privately), 61k miles - asking $21k
2005, 141k miles - asking $19.9

Those are some pretty aggressive prices aren't they?

Any chance you could share a link or details on where I could get more info on the 2003 one? That's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for!

Cheers!

 

[mgoblue]

Any chance you could share a link or details on where I could get more info on the 2003 one? That's exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for!

Cheers!

Its on eBay now. I originally saw it on cl

 

[pwcummings]

About me, been a staunch Toyota owner all my driving life (14 years now). Most recent rigs include 2011 tundra rock warrior (just sold) and 2010 4runner sr5, before that I owned 2 tacomas (1996, and 2009). All are/were 4x4s. My brother is the GM of local Toyota dealer for 10 years now so in my extended family there are literally every single model of Toyota owned...

Anyway, a couple months ago I had an apifany and decided to sell my much beloved tundra and eventually get rid of the wife's 4runner in an attempt to buy a 100 series LC outright and buy a commuter car. This move would clear up $900/month, enable me to buy another house on some land locally, and get me into a 100 series LC which I have always wanted. I was able to the the commuter (2006 Acura TL) quickly, but have gotten bogged down on the LC. My brother dealership is small town and he maybe sells 2 LCs new each year, plus people are holding onto these 100 LCs so he hasn't been able to find me one yet. I have spent HOURS each day scouring a 1000 mile radius (I live near Portland, OR), but haven't found any sure fire deals. Here are my parameters:
I can spend $12500 without dipping into saving (which I am willing to do for the right rig)
I am wanting a 2001, primarily because of the latch carseat system, but a 2000 without would suffice for the right price.
I am steering clear of the 98-99 because although the are formidable off road vehicles, my wife will be the primary driver much of its life and we have slick snowy roads so the VSC and traction control are more applicable.
I am wanting a rig under 140k mileage with the 100k service already performed, in good condition.

This weekend I am going to travel 2 hours away to look at these two rigs, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Vehicle #1: 140k, timing belt water pump replaced at 100k, gray/tan combo. Aftermarket CD player which owner says works well. Passenger side buttwarmer not working. Come with 2 month old tires on 20" tundra wheels. Looks great. But is a 5 owner rig. Clean carfax, only 5 or 6 services done at dealership. Asking $13800

Rig #2: 2000 grey/tan, seems to look ok. Drivers side seat power up/down feature not working (owner said it failed at a higher level that he and his wife liked enough not to fix). Only a 2 owner vehicle, clean carfax (although the owner says it was in a purely cosmetic parking lot paint swap which resulted in a new bumper). Timing belt water pump replaced at 130k (it's at 140k now). Owner says he is happy with the rig, so happy with it they bought a new LC and don't need this one anymore. Asking $13900
Both guys seem open to price negotiation. Rig #1 is the more aesthetically pleasing with the wheels and fresh rubber, but the 5 owner history has me worried. What would you all do? What would be a good offer/price outcome if you were in my shoes or would you just keep looking?

 

[pwcummings]

Nm, bought a semi-built 2002 today... Went a little over budget but it was worth it considering the upgrades. (Wheels tires lift arb bumper, as well as factory 3 year warranty)

 

[mac]

I'm looking at a 2000, original owner, 75k. Green with tan leather. Current owner is unsure of options it has such as a locker but he has the original sticker. Seats have been covered since new. No real service records but timing belt was done recently. Needs a windshield and some minor rust cleaned up around the windshield that is apparently the result of a poorly installed windshield last time. Needs tires. Has only done a few hundred miles a year for the last few years- all short trips. California vehicle but has resided at the ski hill for the past few years.

He's a couple of hours from me so I haven't seen it yet but what does it SOUND like it's worth? He's asking 12k.

 

[Bismarck]

I'm looking at a 2000, original owner, 75k. Green with tan leather. Current owner is unsure of options it has such as a locker but he has the original sticker. Seats have been covered since new. No real service records but timing belt was done recently. Needs a windshield and some minor rust cleaned up around the windshield that is apparently the result of a poorly installed windshield last time. Needs tires. Has only done a few hundred miles a year for the last few years- all short trips. California vehicle but has resided at the ski hill for the past few years.

He's a couple of hours from me so I haven't seen it yet but what does it SOUND like it's worth? He's asking 12k.

I'd be wary of the rust. There are no locker options on a 2000 -- they all have the center diff lock and ATRAC. The dark green is arguably the second least desirable color after the tan IMHO. If you're fine with the color and rust issue $12k with those miles is quite reasonable.

 

[pwcummings]

In my searches (all over the west coast) I would say that if it passes the sniff test, its probably at or below market value at under $12k. By smell test, I would be particularly weary of the rust. Tires adds some cost too. Personally, I dont care what kind of rig it is, if I am spending over $10k I want it to be clean inside, have everything working properly, and have decent paint. I would offer the guy $10k and come up a bit from there.

 

[Tremek]

Hi guys, starting to shop myself and I'm wondering whether the jump from 2000-2002 trucks up to the '03+ is worth it - specifically, does the 5 speed make that much of a difference? When we're talking what looks like ~$5k+ to get an '03 versus a lower mileage '00-'02 I'd like more input on whether that, plus any other significant changes, really justify the price. Plan is to use the LC as a quasi-DD (I don't commute) and general go-anywhere vehicle. Thanks!