I need to make a tough decision, what's your gut say?

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LandoCalruiser

LandoCalruiser

Joined
Feb 12, 2017
Threads
8
Messages
26
Location
Laguna Beach CA
I jumped on 127k mile 1999 LX470 in perfect condition (literally almost no wear inside, smells/looks new) all Lexus dealer oil changes and maintenance. CA car with zero rust, and it was cheap!

But being my first 100 series purchase, i failed to realized I'd probably rather have a 2004 or newer after reading up on this forum. So I've been on the look for a 2004 with low miles in my price range here in CA and I've found the closest one in my same price range.

2004 Lx470 164k miles. CA car, same dealer maintained, but shows signs of wear in the leather and stains in carpet etc.

I am sure I'll be able to sell my 1999 since it's so perfect (maybe even make 1 or 2 grand on top) so I'm fine buying this one now and not worried about selling our current LX on craigslist. But I'm not sure if i'm going to be kicking myself later for jumping ship on such a perfect lower mile 100 just for the 5th gear and newer styling inside. They are just about the same price give or take 1/2 grand. So im tradeing 30k miles + a little dirtier car for a 5th gear, back up camera and newer styling.

What would you do?
 
imho your better off looking for a land cruiser up to 2005 so you won't have to deal with the ahc suspension and if you ever lift it, it won't have the extra cost of taking out the entire ahc setup. I sold an 04 with 182k, I have an 02 with 162k picking up a 05 with 221k as we speak.. If you were in the east coast is sell you one.
 
My vote is to stick with the older year truck in better condition. In my experience its easier to mod a truck to gain the goodies you want, vs trying to eliminate them as a factory option because they fail, or you don't like them. If you're stuck on the 5th gear and styling thats one thing, but if you can live without it keep the one that has been well taken care of. Invest the funds you would spend on the newer truck to make the 99 a little more bulletproof. Either way post pictures of this "perfect condition" rig. Its always nice to see a well taken care of stock truck.
 
Unless you plan to put a lot of highway miles on it, I think you'd be crazy not to stick with the '99, the 4 speed tranny is fine.

You'll want to 'freshen up' the AHC on either vehicle (fluid flush, check globes, and set pressures).

Sounds like the mileage, condition and maintenance of the 99 is excellent, very hard to find specimens like that.
 
Don't the 98-00 have a 2 spider gear or whatever its called in the diff instead of 4 upfront that are known to break?
 
beerock said:
Don't the 98-00 have a 2 spider gear or whatever its called in the diff instead of 4 upfront that are known to break?
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The '99 (if OEM) does have a two pinion front diff. Not a problem if reasonable off-roading is practiced. You can break anything (including 4 pinion diffs).
 
beerock said:
Don't the 98-00 have a 2 spider gear or whatever its called in the diff instead of 4 upfront that are known to break?
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Yah, 2 pinion diff instead of 4.
 
bamabrock said:
Going from the 4 to 5 speed made a huge difference in highway driveability to me. The change in gear ratios from 4.3 to 4.1 helped keep the rpms down as well.
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^^^^^^^ Agree that a lot of highway driving....would be a valid reason to consider the 5 speed. Otherwise, not.
 
Funny that everyone mentions the "highway driving" as the big difference between the 4spd and 5spd. The biggest difference that I notice between my son's 4spd and my 5spd is pulling away from a stop. From my experience 33" tires on a 4spd 100 make a considerable impact pulling away from a stop. On a 5spd 100, not so much.

new_gear_chart-jpg.842500

(Stolen from 4 sp vs 5 sp)

Even though I prefer (and own) the 5spd, if I already had a 4spd in good condition, I'd be reluctant to swap a "known" 4spd vehicle for an "unknown" 5spd vehicle.

I'd say put an aftermarket stereo (w/ backup camera & bluetooth) in your 99 and poke at the 5spd owners, on "Mud", and their antiquated nav systems.
 
RotorHead04 said:
My vote is to stick with the older year truck in better condition. In my experience its easier to mod a truck to gain the goodies you want, vs trying to eliminate them as a factory option because they fail, or you don't like them. If you're stuck on the 5th gear and styling thats one thing, but if you can live without it keep the one that has been well taken care of. Invest the funds you would spend on the newer truck to make the 99 a little more bulletproof. Either way post pictures of this "perfect condition" rig. Its always nice to see a well taken care of stock truck.
Click to expand...
Cell phone pics aren't gonna make a good case for how clean it is, but it really is pretty perfect.
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ACH was just serviced before I bought it and I did the H/L fluid test and had 13 units between each, so ACH is good for now with new fluid.
 
I thought I'd miss 5 gears when I bought my 2001, but I don't. It's geared tall enough on the highway for me, and the engine is nice and torquey, so it does fine with fewer ratios at slower speeds. The four-speed has a dipstick too, which I like.

The only thing that would give me pause about the 99 is the front diff, which was strengthened from 2000 on.

I vote for the older one. If you intend to offroad it, preemptively change the front differential, otherwise leave it.

Kept it, change those heater Tees, and don't look back!
 
As mentioned above by SoCal Dan, really depends on what you're using the truck for. We all have different priorities. Personally, I wanted a local CA 2003+ that was mechanically well maintained and wasn't going to pay the premium for immaculate exterior/interior condition as I intend to use it and have fun with it. I'm of the opinion that if I'm going to be spending so much time and money with a ride, it will have a base that I'm happy with and doesn't leave me wanting more.
 
Good grief man....that one is sweet! I'd never cast away a pearl like that.....for something you can't be sure of.

It shouldn't even be a question. Keep it, or at least give someone here a chance to buy it if you decide to sell (which would be crazy IMO).
 
OK- I'm keeping the 99, you guys settled it. I'll have a pro do the backup camera and double din since the Nakamichi is a complicated switch.

You're right, I should have mentioned my intended use. I bought this for my wife to be an around-town-mom-mobile. Not to say we will never take it on some trails during a camping trip to Yosemite or something but I already own a locked 80 to go get dirty in.

I appreciate all the input, and thanks for all the expertise :cheers:
 
That's really looks well kept. Not many of those left. It would be a keeper for me.
 
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