Help for choosing the right truck (2 Viewers)

[overlandpersia]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and this is my first post in here. I actually need your help for making the right decision and here in the current state:

I own a 2003 Tundra 4x4 (TRD Offroad Package) with 299K miles on it and a couple month ago replaced the whole timing belt package and did the 100k services. It still needs new front shocks and steering rak total total cost about $1000) but other than that it's in solid shape.

Now I got some cash (about $8k) and it's been a while since I'm looking for a GX470 or a 100 series LC. The vehicle I'm looking for will be my daily driver as well as adventure/overlanding vehicle, but I'm not going to do tons of modifications. I think only some good wheels and tires and that's it for now! Yes I'm a minimalist!! Just to mention we travel together with my wife and my daughter.

Now these are my options:

1. Keep the Tundra, fix it (with wheels, tires, shocks, and steering rak (total about $2500) and drive it for another 100k miles.
2. Trade/sell the Tundra (it worth about $5k) for a high milage and older (over 200k miles) LC 100 or GX570 and probably spend the same amount (around $3000) on possible issues and wheels/tires.
3. Trade/sell the Tundra (it worth about $5k), put my cash on top of it (total about $13k) and buy a lower mileage / newer LC 100 or GX470 which possibly won't have any issues and won't need anything fixed / changes at least for a year and drive it as is.

The thing is I keep the cars almost forever, so please consider that in your advise and I really appreciate your thoughts.

Best,

 

[z00t3ch]

When I was shopping for my GX, I came across and test drove a blue 2006 with 126k miles that the dealership was only asking $8000 for. Truck was from Georgia, clean CarFax, all the services completed. Reason for the price? They originally were asking $12,500 but after a month on the lot the "Christmas lights" came on the dash and the mechanics there said it was likely the suspension and that it'd cost around $4500 to fix, so they were taking a $2k loss just to get it gone. I happened to notice the power mirrors did not work and knew right away it was the TSB for the auto-tilt that blew a fuse also associated with emissions for whatever reason. So anyway, a 15-cent fix once the mirror was sorted. I highly doubt that truck is still available, but goes to show a little patience + diligence can go a long way. That was a lot of good truck for $8k...

 

[HomersCanyonero]

I guess a lot depends on how much you want an SUV vs a truck. If you are happy with your truck, then fixing it up would be the cheapest option and you already know the history of its maintenance.

I like SUVs and wanted a 2004-2005 100-series but they were too expensive when I was looking, so I went with a 2003 gx470.

On the gx470, I do wish I had waited for a KDSS one for the mild to medium off-roading I do. There’s a thread on here about the things we like or wish we had on the gx470. Three things you love or wish you had about your GX470

Looking at your tundra, you will go with a mild build. There’s another thread about mild build for about $3k. Basically pizza cutter tires aka skinny tall 32.1”x10” tires (255/75R17) on stock oem wheels, a basic 2” lift, and rock sliders. GX470 Primer for the Ideal Mild-Build for Under $3000

$8k to buy the gx470 and sell the tundra for upgrades and maintenance.

 

[overlandpersia]

Ok, here it goes! Found this 1999 LX470 with 230k miles on it. It just got the timing belt, radiator, coolant, thermostat done plus brand new tires and brakes. I checked the car and didn't notice any issue. It's been a WA car with zero rust and runs super smooth. All the power / electrics works perfectly. Also checked the CarFax and there wasn't any accident in the history with about 27 service records. The dealer had it listed for $7400, then dropped it to $6900, but after the negotiation he agreed to drop it to $6700. So I payed $7600 out of the door (TAX, doc fees, etc). Annnnd yesterday I sold the Tundra! Still can't believe everything happened so fast!!

As the air suspension still works perfectly and the tires are new (even though they are some sort of Michelin Defender and not my ideal tires), I'm not going to do any modifications until the suspension breaks!! and will keep it simple for now.

Right now looking for some floor mats, stereo, and a key fob. So please let me know if you have any recommendation.

 

[z00t3ch]

Nice! Clean unit. Always makes me happy to see the higher-mileage units so clean and running strong. I'll never stray from the Toyota lineup.

 

[NomzMatter]

Congrats on the clean truck! You may want to migrate to the 100 series cruisers forum. They'll have a lot more info on your new purchase over that way.