Looking for a 100 series

[lowtops]

Guys,
I am sneaking over here from the 80's section in hopes of joining the ranks soon. After this fiasco was resolved:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=93519&highlight=is300
We decided that with kids in the near future an IS300(replacement) or a 91 FJ80(mine) would not be up for the task. I had my wife looking at the '97 fourtieth editions. After shoping for awhile we decided to get something not so long in the tooth and I am eager to drive the V8.
I am a regular lurker so I have already read the FAQ. I am aware of the 90k service which seems to be the jumping off point for some 100 owners from what I have seen for sale. I have read the threads on model year preference. Thanks for all of the great information.
We are looking at '99-'01 model years. I know there were some changes between those years but condition, maintenance, and price will trump options for us. Although I did notice there seems to be a higher percentage of locked models than the 80 series.
This will be a mall cruiser so no mods in the near future. I haven't even started on the 80 yet.

Feel free to comment on model year preference, anything I should keep in mind while shopping, or just a good ole MUD flame job.

 

[wareagle]

Well, I'm probably the least informed on the board, but everyone told me to staart the model year seach at 2000. Apparently, there are lots of mechanical goodies (beefier front diff, active trac, skid control, etc) that hit in 2000.

 

[calamaridog]

The best advice given has always been to buy the nicest and newest Cruiser you can afford. If your budget allows an 00+ vehicle, then I would go that route so you can have the 4 pinion front diff and the TRAC goodies. Don't forget to look at the LX470 too.

All the 98 and 99's LC's I looked at came equipped with the rear elocker. Not positive if they all have it? The 98 and 99 LX's have a limited slip rear. All the 00+ LC and LX have TRAC.

The good news is you can most likely swap your tires and LED's onto the newer Cruiser

 

[spressomon]

Guys,
I am sneaking over here from the 80's section in hopes of joining the ranks soon. After this fiasco was resolved:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=93519&highlight=is300
We decided that with kids in the near future an IS300(replacement) or a 91 FJ80(mine) would not be up for the task. I had my wife looking at the '97 fourtieth editions. After shoping for awhile we decided to get something not so long in the tooth and I am eager to drive the V8.
I am a regular lurker so I have already read the FAQ. I am aware of the 90k service which seems to be the jumping off point for some 100 owners from what I have seen for sale. I have read the threads on model year preference. Thanks for all of the great information.
We are looking at '99-'01 model years. I know there were some changes between those years but condition, maintenance, and price will trump options for us. Although I did notice there seems to be a higher percentage of locked models than the 80 series.
This will be a mall cruiser so no mods in the near future. I haven't even started on the 80 yet.

Feel free to comment on model year preference, anything I should keep in mind while shopping, or just a good ole MUD flame job.

Well...in a perfect world I sure would like to have the 5sp! The ratio gap on the 4sp between 2nd and 3rd is annoying. But other than that I really like my '99. I concur, especially for a mall cruiser and especially if you live in an area that gets icy road conditions the benefits of traction control on the 2000+ probably make the newer models justifiable just on that alone.