I actually just went through the process of getting a 100 in the past 2 months, so I can try to share my thoughts and we can go from there.
First, finding one - it is damn hard! You need to make craigslist your best friend and search often, or be prepared to shell out big money at a used dealership, likely in another state. I spent 3 weeks searching for mine, and was almost to head to Colorado to buy one there before
@Ramathorn15 found a LX470 locally for me before it even went on sale. I worked a deal direct with the owner, and found a nice clean vehicle to start making my own. It seems the LX were not only cheaper, more easy to get as your average person doesn't know they're the exact same as the Toyota. And everybody trusts Toyota trucks, which is why Tacos are so GD expensive.
In picking one, it seems there is a huge variance on price related to mileage and year. Before settling on mine, I drove everything from a $6k 99 with a bazillion miles to a $20k 06 model with low miles. What I found was that, as a daily driver, I really wanted the 5 speed gearbox instead of the 4speed. Its not that its much more powerful or better built, but the engine stays in the power band so much better with the 5spd whereas the 4 speed seemed to always want to search for a gear. This was a big deal as I was buying a daily driver, but if you're looking for a weekend 100 series, a 4spd should suit just fine. The 2UZ engine is not only pretty torque-heavy, it has proven very reliable over the years. This is why if I were you I'd concentrate more on overall vehicle condition and maintenance history than miles. Part of the reason I went with the 100 I have is because it had been serviced since new at every service interval by the dealer (with reciepts), and there was barely a scratch on the entire vehicle. People are still blown away its got over 160k. Also pay attention to when the timing belt was done - that's the one major expensive maintenance item that can get you.
Other general things your'e supposed to worry about on a 100 series. Overall, the list is small. 1) The AHC on the LX models and late LCs can eventually fail. I found one with AHC and it works great. If it fails, I'll put an OME lift and be done with it. There's a way you can quickly evaluate the AHC when test driving to make sure the globes (the expensive bits) are ok. 2) Another thing to be concerned with on the 100 series is the rack and pinions can either loosen up or leak over time. This can be a $1k job. 3) Others have warned about a starter issue, which I think is less a problem on new models? Perhaps I should order a spare now to ensure I'm not stranded. Other than that, things seem pretty bullet proof on the 100.
For mods, basically you can fit 33" tires stock with no lift. Some have fit 34s no lift. Once you want to go to 35s, you will need to replace UCAs, lift, and probably hack at some sheet metal to fit it. I went with 275/70/18s which are metric 33x11 and I've been very happy, no rubbing. I did learn that the newer 100s have 18" wheels which look cool but mean more expensive tires, so do take that into account. I also just finished getting some custom sliders built so I don't fudge up the pretty rocker panels on my next wheeling trip, courtesy of
@bomb69tech. With AHC, I've decided to not lift, as I can get body clearance with AHC when I want and still fit 33s, which for me is a good mix of everyday driving and weekend capability.
Next steps for my build are along the same lines as any expedition build - bull bar bumper, winch, roof rack, and rear drawers. We'll see if I bother with a rear bumper - maybe only if/when it gets damaged wheeling. Add smaller stuff along the way. I've been impressed with ATRAC and good tires, so I'll probably save a locker for next year.
I'm just over 2 months in and I'm still loving it. If you're looking for an all-around great reliable vehicle that will always get you to work and then have to head out on the trails, the 100 series is it. Just try not to worry about the terrible fuel economy too much (the only downside I have realized) and enjoy the gobs of torque that all the 80 series and minitrucks crave.
