lookin at a 2k, 100 series

[kodiak1232003]

hey all,
lookin at a 2000 uzj100(is that correct?)

here's the rundown

1. i'd be the third owner, it was a lease return(po had it for a year and then traded it back in for a sienna ??? lol

2. asking price is $21k

3. ext. is a muted gold color

4. seems like a non-smoker vehicle

5. drove it and seems very tight, quiet, etc.


questions

1. any problem areas to look for in that year? i've seen and digested the 100 series buyers guide, just need any year specific info.

2. i'm a bit worried about not having a warranty, are there any major costs other than the alternator issue and/or the 60k maintenence?

3. my dad had this same rig and reportedly got around 10-12 mpg around town AND on the highway ....is this common? i love these rigs, but i'm gonna DD this and need something closer to 18-20mpg.

don't get me wrong, i've read a lot and understand the reasons (weight, gearing, general beefiness/tanklike build quality) that they get poor mileage, but i might go another route unless some can give me hope...

p.s. i'm NOT going to mod this right now, so other than possibly sliders and skid plates, it WILL NOT be getting bigger tires, lift, etc.

(i know, y'all are like "yah right", but gas mpg would suffer and if i'm scraping 15mpg average on this thing, i'm not gonna mess with it...lol)


thanks
brian

 

[kodiak1232003]

hehe...that censored word is s.c.r.a.p.i.n.g...


retarded...

 

[drsales]

Bought mine for $17k last summer. You can do better. I would be concerned about maintenance. All fluids should be base lined etc. You might be a canidate for the timing belt because of the age. Use the cost to drive down the purchase price. Check the exhaust system, brakes, tires etc. It all adds up.

Good Luck!

 

[firetruck41]

That's a decent price, around here. I doubt you'll get 18-20mpg. If gas cost is a make or break factor, you'll have to forget about full size SUVs or trucks.

 

[DoctorJay]

$21K is a bit high, unless you're in a market where they never come up. I got my '01 a year ago with 84K for $21.6K. How many miles? Also, if you really want 18-20 mpg, you may be barking up the wrong tree. I've consistently averaged 12-14 on mine, and I got 15 once after the 90K (new plugs and all) on the highway. My mileage is a bit on the low side from what I hear from the others around here, but I think 15-16 is pretty typical, at best. We all just accept immodest gasoline consumption as the price of a truck that really has no other faults.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Sounds like you already talked yourself out of it, because you are not going to get 18 unless your on flat highway and you have a very easy right foot. It is just not going to happen in town. Find yourself a Honda Pilot - next best thing and better at the fuel pumps.
60K tune? how many miles - if it is near 60K then the price might be close, I got my 2000 for much less and you could do better as the previous notes indicated. Down the road you are looking at intake, starter, timing belt and all fluids, battery?, etc.

 

[kodiak1232003]

sorry, i thought i posted the miles...it has about 65k on it...


and no, i haven't talked myself out of it, i was just looking for a real response(which you gave) when i mentioned wanting a certain mileage...

other considerations for me are:

seating capacity
safety
offroad ability
maintenence cost
durability
good mpg

(not in any order)....i'm just trying to find the best ride for me. it seams that the 100 has every one of those covered accept for mpg, and other trucks with good mpg, DON'T have all the others covered.

"still thinking about it in san diego"...lol

regards
brian

 

[KathmanduCruiser]

$21K is a bit high, unless you're in a market where they never come up. I got my '01 a year ago with 84K for $21.6K. How many miles? Also, if you really want 18-20 mpg, you may be barking up the wrong tree. I've consistently averaged 12-14 on mine, and I got 15 once after the 90K (new plugs and all) on the highway. My mileage is a bit on the low side from what I hear from the others around here, but I think 15-16 is pretty typical, at best. We all just accept immodest gasoline consumption as the price of a truck that really has no other faults.

This weekend, on my 1500 plus mile trip, I averaged 14mpg. In one tank, I got 15, which is the best I have gotten from my 100 since I bought it in early January.

 

[KathmanduCruiser]

sorry, i thought i posted the miles...it has about 65k on it...


and no, i haven't talked myself out of it, i was just looking for a real response(which you gave) when i mentioned wanting a certain mileage...

other considerations for me are:

seating capacity
safety
offroad ability
maintenence cost
durability
good mpg

(not in any order)....i'm just trying to find the best ride for me. it seams that the 100 has every one of those covered accept for mpg, and other trucks with good mpg, DON'T have all the others covered.

"still thinking about it in san diego"...lol

regards
brian

The seating capacity is 8 on mine. However the last row is not comfortable for full-size adults. Safety wise, I think it is a good choice. Maintenance cost - high for 90K service, but not significant for other regular maintenance. It is as durable as it gets - possible twice as durable as most other SUVs. MPG - pretty bad. Off-road ability - one of the best. So I think you are right in your assesment as it checking out well except for gas mileage.

 

[drsales]

I can also confirm that 16 mpg is very good. I average combined around 14-15 mpg. You might want to consider the 80 series first. This is what I did before the purchase of the 100. Both are great vehicles and ride differently. However the cost of the 80 is much less than the 100. So in the event that you did not like the 80 after a few months your out of pocket cost would be limited.

That said, for highway driving with little or no off road the 100 wins hands down. If you choose to take it more to the dirt the 80 is the one to buy.
Plus more mods are available and the knowledge base is broader for the 80. Furthermore you are in an area that generates little or no rust.

Either way I was very pleased with both. That is why I kept the 80 after purchase of the 100.

 

[kodiak1232003]

thanks for all the great responses....off to work, but i'm gonna reread 'em all once i get there...lol.

i'm also gonna crunch some mpg numbers between my current ride and the bigger suv types that i'm considering (tacoma double cab, jeep liberty, jeep cherokee, etc.)

notice i'm only sticking to vehicles that have an actual low range option...no cute-utes or crossovers for me. i know i'd just be disappointed when i tried to go to my local playgrounds (glamis, truckhaven,ocotillo wells, corral canyon, etc.)

regards


p.s. the 100 is really selling itself since its the only one in that price range (around $18-20k, financed) that has seating
for 7-8...all the others are 5-ups.

 

[mikesurfs]

I paid 19,500 for a clean and straight 2000 with 75000 miles. My best tank was 15.6 mpg and I average 15 mpg around town. I baby it, drive real easy, and in the last 1500 miles haven't been able to break the 16 mpg barrier. I'm running 37 psi on stock size Michelins, empty truck without a roof rack, a clean air filter, and regular unleaded.

Mike.

 

[dakota1975]

I use a scangauge 2 in my 99 uzj and average between 14-15.5 mpg, depending on wind, doing 65 miles a day at an avg highway speed of 70-75. I have gotten readings in the 16.5 to 17.5 mpg range, but its rare. Im on 285/75s as well.. fwiw.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Gas mileage ignored, it is truly a dream vehicle. I though it was too big for around town and I would not like it for small jaunts - I was wrong and it was love at first ride. No regrets for me, but mine is not a DD.

My thoughts on alternatives. 4Runner - 3rd Gen: too small. 4th Gen: too expensive. FJ Cruiser: too expensive - not enough seats for you. Honda Pilot: too boring - no off road prowess, but plenty of seating. Jeeps: not reliable - IMO and others.
Best of Luck Brian,
Brian - Colorado

 

[EdsCruisin]

I can say that the best mileage I ever got was 17 on WV mountain highways with 5 adults and gear. Around town I average 13-15. My V8 4Runner gets 17 around town and better on the highway. However, the 4Runner is definitely smaller and "apples to oranges" comparison for long distance comfort (unless you are short). The newer 100's likely get better mileage with lower octane fuel, 5 speed tranny and variable valve timing.

I recommend you check out the long term costs of purchase plus ownership to project whether the 2000 is right for you or maybe a newer model? You may find it cheaper to buy newer.

 

[kodiak1232003]

Gas mileage ignored, it is truly a dream vehicle. I though it was too big for around town and I would not like it for small jaunts - I was wrong and it was love at first ride. No regrets for me, but mine is not a DD.

My thoughts on alternatives. 4Runner - 3rd Gen: too small. 4th Gen: too expensive. FJ Cruiser: too expensive - not enough seats for you. Honda Pilot: too boring - no off road prowess, but plenty of seating. Jeeps: not reliable - IMO and others.
Best of Luck Brian,
Brian - Colorado

great insight, brian...thats very close to my assertions as well. i know what you mean about dream vehicle...

if i can just get around the mpg somehow..i.e. taking the trolley some days to work/school (master's architect program) or some other creative solution, it would be a slam dunk...

i've actually looked at every one of those and had very much the same reaction...lol

 

[kodiak1232003]

HEY EDS,
I'm definetly NOT a small guy @ 6' 260lbs...lol, but the 4runner actually works o.k. for me.

i agree abou the 4runner...apples to oranges (other than toyota quality)
A. it isn't as capable offroad
B. there's the fact that it only sits 5 like you say...
C. 4th gens demand a premium around here...they price themselves outa my budget...lol

i just can't swallow the idea of spending thousands mildly building a truck and investing in maintenence when our long term family plans preclude me from keeping it...

good idea on a later model, i'll have to run the numbers...thanks

 

[justimaginejack]

ok, lets look at certain numbers real quick. Just facts no emotions.
a new LC runs 63K+, the 00 models were 48k to 55k
The LC is the best built SUV in the world. And as much as some of us would/will/do balk at certain things, it works better than anything else out there and they keep improving it. To be a wise frugal individual, we, the many on mud are buying these Rigs 3-7 years old in great shape. They will still save your life in an accident and get you to where you want to be. most 7year old SUV's are death traps. That said 3-7 year old vehicles need maintinance. I don't care how well the previous owner took care of it. Things wear out, hoses get warped, belts crack and fluids get grimy and need to be changed. It is "upfront price expensive", But the long term benefits in savings and "true cost to own" is Amazing. The Only other vehicle that comes close is the LS430 by Lexus.

If you drive 20,000 Miles in a year the land cruiser will cost you around $300-600.00 more per year for premium than regular and can cost as much as $3-4,000.00 for gas in a year. This does not include all the maintinance that will be required to service the vehilce and keep it in great running form. So no it is not a cheap DD. But if it was it would say HYUNDAI and you you wouldn't buy it 7 years old

If a saving's of $20,000.00 to $43,000.00 off new sticker on a well maintained vehicle that is already broken in is not enough, you might want to consider another vehicle. When a 100 breaks, which is rare, it is not cheap, and you don't want to be in a situation where you are looking for after market parts to fix the engine. If an extra 50.00 a month for gas is going to strap you, then what will you do when you hit a major service interval and need 600-2000.00 for maintinance you may or may not have time or the inclination to do yourself.
I was cheap and looked to save 20-100 on maintinance. I had to redo it with OEM parts and I paid three times what I would have saved to have it done over.

I think the main reasons most people buy is
A) Emotion/ Safety /feeling of confidence on any terrain
B) Price- they think it is a good/great deal
C)Longevity. This vehicle is built to do 200-300,000 miles.

If you kept the LC for 10 years. Paid 25K for it and got 140-200,000 miles out of it, the true cost to own would dramatically diminish. You will have extremley low tax and insurance rates on such and old vehicle. You will have it paid off in 3-6 years. The amount you saved on sales tax alone by not buying a new 25k vehicle every 3years would be at least 5K. Better yet, if and when it does stop running in the future, say 200-300K then you can part it out and make even more money. Try doing that with a jeep.
JMO but,
Why would you compare a Jeep to any Toyota Product. Jeeps Reliability factors are terrible. Now they are putting Mercedee's parts on them to fix it which is worse. BMW and Mercedee's have some of the worst long term reliability problems. Thier parts are designed to wear out and be replaced. At a dramatically higher cost than most others. Whereas Toyota has built engines/parts to last forever. Much more bang for your buck.

I hope you make the wise choice for yourself and your family. and Remember Price doesn't always equal cost.

 

[DoctorJay]

other considerations for me are:

seating capacity
safety
offroad ability
maintenence cost
durability
good mpg

That's 6 things. Pick the 4 that are most important to you and go from there. You won't find anything with all 6. (Sort of like the saying about mountain bikes: "Light. Strong. Cheap. Pick two.")

The LC definitely loses out on mpg, and on maintenance cost. I say that because it doesn't break often, but routine services are pretty expensive (all told I just laid out about $1700 for the 90K, including some stuff not in the books), and parts are priced somewhere between "Japanese" and "German." Definitely not Camry parts.

But the best thing is the durability. I may or may not keep mine past 200k, and you're probably the same. But if the truck is designed to last that long, you get to 100k with a vehicle that has no rattles or wear on the seats. The dashboard isn't all cracked and faded. These things really hold their shape if you take care of them. I'd bet that's why most of us own them. Keep in mind the equation:

VALUE = (QUALITY) / (COST)

These things are a great value, especially when they have higher miles.

As a suggestion, if gas money is tight, why don't you consider a 100k-miler that's been through the 90k service. You'll save a whole lot off the purchase price, and have all that to squirrel away for gas. You'll also save $1-2k on the 90K.

Oh yeah, you won't get many nods of agreement talking about Heeps in here. Ditto Land Rovers. Keep us posted.

 

[Swederson]

My wife and I went through many of the same decisions picking our 2001 - and compared to similar vehicles you listed. We've got 2 toddlers, a camper to pull, are planning a driving trip to Alaska, and haven't been wheeling since having kids. Here were some of our comparision points:

Does built on a frame matter to you? It did to us for pulling the camper.

Why didn't we pick an 80? The V8 of the 100 was appealing for the power and torque.

Wanted a 2000 or newer to get the VSC (our winters are snowy). Wanted a 2001 or newer to get the LATCH for the kid's seats. The 2003 or newer has the 5-speed tranny, but it went out of our price range.

Why didn't we pick a 4runner? Wanted more room to pack for vacations (had several recommendations that the 4runner with a family would get cramped). Also, the Liberty is small, and the Grand Cheroke has surprisingly not much room - for what we wanted.

We also looked at a Range and a Disco, but Land Rover's reliability (lack of) held too much weight in the decision against them.

Yes, fuel cost is a shortcoming. But I figured at 17k miles per year, and if I sold our 3rd vehicle, we'd save more in not carrying the insurance compared to the additional cost of fueling up the Landcruiser. And with that, I could take my wife out for dinner a few more times per year (good selling point!).

Hope this gives you a few more things to consider.