Need Advice: Fix current '00 LC (270K Miles), Start fresh with '01 (100k miles)

[Cruiser Dad]

Hey All,

For some background, my first car was a '73 FJ that was restored over many years by my father. He drove an 80 series followed by a 100 series and a 200 series, so I have been around LC's most of my life and caught the bug if you will.


I currently own a '00 100 series, which I unfortunately have neglected over the past 8 years. The vehicle has sat in the sun and was rarely driven due to work from home and we drive our new vehicle when we go anywhere.

The '00 does drive(beast of a machine), and will get me point A to point B, but will require a good bit of maintenance to get it up to par (gauging this off how my wife doesn't feel comfortable driving it lol)

Needs new tires, new windshield, dash is cracking, paint on the hood/roof is peeling, seat/lock batteries (or motors) need replacement, steering seems loose, A/C is loud, interior trim is degrading, and I'm sure more that I haven't initially noticed.

Very soon I will need to start commuting to work (45 miles each way 5 days a week) so I'm left with a few options:

1. Take on the project of fixing this vehicle up to standard (guess is I'll need to put $6k-$8k into it)
2. Sell the '00 and purchase another 100 series with 100k miles that is already in great shape (around $23k). Would be my daily driver.
3. buy a commuter vehicle and work the LC on the side.

I really love the 100 series, but I am not sure I have the time for such a large project (and not sure if the money I put in is worth what I will get out). I feel like I'm in over my head with not alot of knowledge regarding where to start.

Additionally, I know 100 series gas mileage is awful to be driving that much on it weekly... but the drive is so nice I may just deal with it.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you advise?

Happy to answer additional questions that may help.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Bisho]

Where in Texas are you? Doing the work yourself, or paying a mechanic?

 

[Cruiser Dad]

Where in Texas are you? Doing the work yourself, or paying a mechanic?

About an hour north of Austin.

Will probably be a mixture of self-repair and paying for mechanic work!

 

[Bisho]

About an hour north of Austin.

Will probably be a mixture of self-repair and paying for mechanic work!

A bit far away to bring it by for an eyes on opinion. You don’t say how many miles, but I’m seeing likely similar vehicles around here in the $6-9k range. You will not be able to put $6-8k into it and expect to recover it in a sale, but what you will have is a known condition vehicle. There’s no guarantee you won’t have to put in just as much into the 20+ year old 100k mile truck, although it will have better cosmetics. Only you can decide the best use of your time and money.

Gas is cheap in Texas. You’ll only save about $2k a year in gas getting a 30mpg commuter car, which doesn’t justify the cost of having it.

 

[rexington14]

I'd vote option 3. Bringing a 100 back to life is usually worth it but takes time and money. Best to take your time, learn and DIY what and when you can, and view it as more of a medium / longer term ongoing project. I've found having another vehicle I can always turn to really helps with this approach.

 

[Rhetoric]

Just because you find a different truck with lower miles doesnt mean it also wont be a project that needs money put into. I can almost guarantee it will need a bunch of stuff.

Thats a solid commute and miles are gonna pile up fast. Even the best kept examples are just getting old now and need attention, systems closely monitored, etc.

Go #3. Find a daily whatevermobile for the commute. Keep the 100 you have and work on it when times allows.

 

[Cruiser Dad]

Appreciate all the responses.

Think I'm gonna bring this baby back to life.

 

[Exiled]

100s with low miles command premiums, sometimes stupidly so. I think people get seduced by low miles but there are often lots of maintenance/baselining issues to take care of. $23K seems pretty high for a 100 series in this (soft) market, especially in Texas (lots of them available if you take your time looking). I agree with @Bisho , though, I don't think I would buy, insure and maintain another vehicle to commute in if you can get your 100 back on track. For years I used to drive weekly for work from Round Rock to Plano in my 100, never had an issue.