Is this a good financial decision. 2011 w/170k 26k to daily

[fabsham]

I am looking to puchase a 2011 LC with 170k miles as my daily driver. My 05 Highlander is on its way out, Midwest rust holes, and I dont quite have enough to buy it outright in cash. Have to borrow ~10k all in. It has decent carfax service records and the frame is mint, had a new transmission put in ~10k miles ago. Is there any chance the engine explodes and im out another 10k. Its had an inspection done at a local toyota dealer and the found nothing wrong. I've driven it and all seems good.

First time poster and joiner, would appreciate any feedback.

https://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/ar20/EOgZPUuwM4nX7KuAcYcs55Y753cc0-4vMTZRw3OyTfR8PksHgiPmocgmbencvdEOlIQGmtWoAPb6VV4Z6vKP-nvaOWO2kWo4G10

2011 Toyota Land Cruiser

Only two previous owners, clean Carfax history, and documented service records at Toyota. Finished in Pacific Blue Metallic over Sand Beige leather. Equipped with a 381hp 5.7L V8, 4WD, towing package, parking sensors, running boards, JBL Synthesis premium audio system, center console cooler...

shiftedmn.com

 

[fabsham]

OP, another point towards a 4Runner for now is that trading up is always an option. Toyota trucks are very easy to sell if they’re taken care of. I knew I wanted a LC but couldn’t afford one, so instead I bought a Tacoma and drove it until I could afford a LC. Now I’m on the 100 series, and I’ll make it to the 200 series when I can afford that.

Seems obvious so I apologize if I’m not adding much to the conversation but it’s something I always tell myself to avoid making *worse* financial decisions.

Also, in terms of “bad” financial decisions, the silver lining with Toyota trucks is they are never as bad of a financial decision as a sports car or German car. I’ve personally witnessed people flush $30,000 down the toilet in a single day driving a new German car off the lot, so the depreciation curve of a Toyota truck always looks better by comparison. Even the maintenance costs for a 200 seem reasonable in comparison (but, echoing the above, they’re not nearly as cheap to own as other cars. I put probably double on a recurring basis to own my ‘06 compared to my prized ‘01 Tacoma).

Thats a very good point, you really can't go wrong with a toyota 4x4 unless its rusty. I have thought about it and was going to purchase a 2012 TT FJ today..... it was rusty and they didn't tell me. but even if I did buy it I would be putting it towards a 200 down the road. The three cars I was looking at are now all out of the picture and I just need my highlander to hang on a little bit longer so I can get my $500 trade in.


I hope you are enjoying your 100 serires, some people say they're a little more comfortable of a ride than a 200.

 

[fabsham]

Also the transmission was not replaced. Transmission range switch was replaced. After confirming with the Toyota dealer. not that this justifies buying that thing

 

[Otapnam]

When buying a used vehicle of this age and mileage you're probably looking at 3-5k to make sure things are "baselined". Like most people are saying these are great vehicles long term but they need work and need to be maintained.

I think I spent around 2k on my "13 lx570 bought at 120k miles. It was dealer maintained but there's just work and maintenance that's necessary

 

[stonepa]

#1 Do you need to tow a relatively heavy trailer? #2 Do you need to go off road?

1=Y, 2=Y ---> yes, the 200 is the right car for you
1=N, 2=Y ----> 4runner or GX is the the right car for you
1=Y, 2=N ----> 200 could work, but consider a Tundra or a cheaper domestic you can rust to pieces
1=N, 2=N ---> Rav4, subaru, another highlander or basically any AWD.

I just don't like the idea of daily driving a higher-end vehicle in the rust belt unless it really is the best tool for the job

Simple fix. Drive the Land Cruiser. Fluid film
It if concerned about rust. Even at new Land Cruiser prices they can’t be considered ‘high end’ these days. High end is $100-135k or higher for an SUV.

 

[Valgrind]

I am looking to puchase a 2011 LC with 170k miles as my daily driver. My 05 Highlander is on its way out, Midwest rust holes, and I dont quite have enough to buy it outright in cash. Have to borrow ~10k all in. It has decent carfax service records and the frame is mint, had a new transmission put in ~10k miles ago. Is there any chance the engine explodes and im out another 10k. Its had an inspection done at a local toyota dealer and the found nothing wrong. I've driven it and all seems good.

First time poster and joiner, would appreciate any feedback.

Hey, I was actually looking at this exact same one. They have had it posted for months... I would really not pay full asking price in that case.

Personally, I would go see it in person, I wouldn't buy it sight unseen. What worried me was the dealership themselves, I am always warry of the smaller ones. At the very least do a facetime with them first, see under the car. I was worried this one was rusty so I passed.

Do you have the actual inspection report from the Toyota dealer?