LX ‘02 vs 05

Need some advice on two LX’s. One is an ‘02 and the other is an ‘05. Both have similar minimal surface rust and same miles (175k).

The ‘02’s interior isn’t as in good shape and has more wear and tear. The ‘05 is spotless outside and in. However the ‘02 is like 9k and ‘05 is 15k. Still trying to figure out their timing belt and AHC situation.

Do you think it’s worth that big of a jump?

 

[GTV]

There’s nothing wrong with the 4 speed 100’s but IMO the 03-05 LX is the sweet spot for 100’s. You get a lot for your money. The 5 speed is very nice to have, they accelerate better and aren’t as bogged down by bigger tires and extra weight. Drive each one and decide for yourself.

 

[Kabanstva]

You want the 06+ with the updated grille and LED tail lights anyways. Keep looking.

 

[jLB]

As a daily driver, extra vehicle, or off road toy?

Mine (99 & 06) don’t exactly match the years that you’re looking at, but I’d probably lean towards the 05. I prefer the lower 1st gear of the 5 spd, and I dislike the 01-02 navigation system more than the 03+. That being said I love our 99 LX too, as it seems a little closer to my old 80 series.

Are you also allocating some money for baselining/refurbishing whichever one you buy? If not, you might be better off with the 02, and $6k for making it “solid”, instead of a $15k 05 as it sits.

 

[booradley21]

As a daily driver, extra vehicle, or off road toy?

Mine (99 & 06) don’t exactly match the years that you’re looking at, but I’d probably lean towards the 05. I prefer the lower 1st gear of the 5 spd, and I dislike the 01-02 navigation system more than the 03+. That being said I love our 99 LX too, as it seems a little closer to my old 80 series.

Are you also allocating some money for baselining/refurbishing whichever one you buy? If not, you might be better off with the 02, and $6k for making it “solid”, instead of a $15k 05 as it sits.

It would be for my daily driver

 

[krice118]

If you can afford the 05 do it.

Motto around here is. Buy the newest one you can afford.

 

[jLB]

It would be for my daily driver

Well, that answers one of my questions…

This may sound crazy, but while I do love my 100 series (enough to buy another as my kid’s vehicle, and another as a “backup vehicle”), I probably wouldn’t recommend an old Toyota as a DD, unless you have a specific love for the platform, and a willingness to spend a little money to “make a 17-20 year old vehicle right”.

 

[Patassa]

Hold out for one with zero rust (from the south) if you can.

 

[booradley21]

As a daily driver, extra vehicle, or off road toy?

Mine (99 & 06) don’t exactly match the years that you’re looking at, but I’d probably lean towards the 05. I prefer the lower 1st gear of the 5 spd, and I dislike the 01-02 navigation system more than the 03+. That being said I love our 99 LX too, as it seems a little closer to my old 80 series.

Are you also allocating some money for baselining/refurbishing whichever one you buy? If not, you might be better off with the 02, and $6k for making it “solid”, instead of a $15k 05 as it sits.

I would be able to refurbish the ‘02 but likely not the 05 - at least not soon

 

[planomateo]

Hold out for one with zero rust (from the south) if you can.

Why send a zero rust hundy to pittsburg, especially as a daily driver

 

[Patassa]

Why send a zero rust hundy to pittsburg, especially as a daily driver

Ha, well, good point.

 

[MongooseGA]

Why send a zero rust hundy to pittsburg, especially as a daily driver

Right? Y'all up north keep get what you get. Leave our nice southern trucks alone

To answer OP- Having owned 3 from a 99 to my 05, I say get the 05. The 5 speed really makes it a more enjoyable daily driving experience.