Need feedback - keep my '99 or get a newer model

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J

Jrod

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Feb 11, 2010
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74
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415
Location
Eagle, ID
Hey guys, I need some feedback. I currently have a 1999 LX470 w/ approx 185K. Truck runs well and has all preventative maintenance done. AHC has been removed and replaced with Ironman suspension.

My question is this: our family is starting to grow and I'm wondering if I should get a newer model with more airbags, ASC, latch system, and the extra safety goodies, or should I just keep what I have and replace what it needs until it finally gives up the ghost. The biggest pro to keeping the current rig is that it's paid for. I'd love to have a 200 series, but that's ridiculous money for a used car. Is it worth buying the last year model 100 to get all the interior upgrades/safety features, plust the VVT motor and 5 speed transmission?

All input is welcome and thanks in advance!
 
It's always cheaper to keep what you got and fix the stuff than buy something newer, especially if it's paid off. The LC is inherently pretty darn safe for a family regardless of what year. Personally, my '04 makes me nervous with the airbags all over the place and my small kids.
 
Stick with what you have. I too came close to replacing my 98 100. My wife loved the latest 200 with the DVD players, nav, etc. However, this is my daily driver. So I decided it was better for my family to keep driving my 16 year old LC that was paid off when Clinton was still president. The extra $70k in the bank beats a fancy new truck any day.
 
My wife and I are very happy with our '99 (101K miles). It would be great to have the 5 speed, but that is not enough of an upgrade to have a car payment. Next LC would probably be the 200 series, about 7 years from now.
 
Another vote for keeping the 99...

I've had periods of car payments, and periods of no car payments. I have formed the opinion that having a car payment make sense if a) you already have a nice amount of savings and/or investments, b) your job is 100% stable with extremely little chance of it going anywhere, and c) you "need" something new & low miles (i.e., you use your vehicle to transport clients for work or similar situation).

We have 2 autos- just purchased 99 LC (cash) and a 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 for which I make payments- and once the Volvo is paid off (it'll be a while :frown:) I plan to never have a car payment again (unless circumstances change). I'd rather spend that money on things for my boys or wife, and I can accept a few repairs a year to keep 'em tip-top and doing the job.
 
I'll be in the minority. I say go for the new model. The features you listed--airbags, traction control, LATCH, etc. are all big pluses with a family, IMO. VVTI & 5 speed are the icing on the cake.
 
I'll be the obnoxious one here. I've seen a few threads lately all with the same subject. should I keep my 100 or get something else. or should I keep my 100 or upgrade to a newer one. my family is bigger and maybe a sequoia is better. most people just get tired of the same vehicle and want to get something new a fresh. if that's what you want, go for it. but you can't honestly justify it by saying that your 100 has too many miles or isn't big enough or safe enough. add the third row seats and just keep it. no one on this club has too many miles in my opinion unless they are staring 350,000 miles in the face. these trucks as well as many Toyota products will continue to provide safe and reliable transportation into the 300,000 mile range. our 1998 Camry has not been taken care of very well by previous owners. but we are on the verge of 300,000 miles with it. still drives so nice that my friends with newer cars ask to borrow ours for trips. add the third row seats, keep your 100 in good shape, rust proof it, take care of it, and if you really feel like a new vehicle, just say you feel like a new vehicle. but you can't justify it by saying your 100 is tired or has too many miles. it ain't so. if your family out grows the third row, then you need a van.
 
Muddy Bean said:
I'll be the obnoxious one here. I've seen a few threads lately all with the same subject. should I keep my 100 or get something else. or should I keep my 100 or upgrade to a newer one. my family is bigger and maybe a sequoia is better.
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I wouldn't say that's obnoxious - there does seem to be threads nearly daily with the same question over and over while a lot of legitimate tech hardly gets any attention or replies. One guy even posted a "build thread" for a truck that he not only didn't own, but he ended up buying a Dodge Durango! Ok go ahead and delete my non-tech reponse :doh:
 
I almost swapped my 2000 out for a 2006 with 100K less miles. I really, really liked the extra power, I really, really liked the 5spd. However it didn't feel like a "Cruiser", it was too refined. It felt to American...IMHO. I know I sound ridiculous, but the earlier 100's just feel so much tougher to me.
 
When's the next t-belt due? If it was recently done, that's more money for bushings and other PM. That helped make my decision earlier this year.
 
adrenalinefjz80 said:
When's the next t-belt due? If it was recently done, that's more money for bushings and other PM. That helped make my decision earlier this year.
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It's almost time for the next timing belt change - probably within 10k miles.

I'm not looking to upgrade because of gadgets, or just for a "new" car. The body style didn't change, and I can put navigation/dvd in the current truck if I need/want to. I was asking everyone's opinion on the safety aspects of the newer 100's vs. the older models and the newer motor/transmission for towing.

I think I'll probably keep the current one and replace stuff as it needs it. I've got so much time invested in it now that I'd probably regret getting rid of it anyway. Plus, it runs great for 185k miles.
 
Keep it and if you need to scratch the new car itch do some fun mod you've been putting off. I drive a 99 lc with 425k as my daily driver SAR truck, and family camper. IMHO , An old car with known history and maintenance is always better than a new used with the expected surprises.

Posted via IH8MUD app
 
ryanundertrees said:
Keep it and if you need to scratch the new car itch do some fun mod you've been putting off. I drive a 99 lc with 425k as my daily driver SAR truck, and family camper. IMHO , An old car with known history and maintenance is always better than a new used with the expected surprises. Posted via IH8MUD app
Click to expand...

Wow, 425K miles or km? If miles, that has to be the highest I've read about for a Hundy here on mud...
 
His location is MT, so pretty sure that's 425K :)
 
I'm always on the hunt. If I found a nice local 03-05 I'd probably be all over it, especially if it were an LX. Lots of parts to move over...
 
Safety differences you will have with a newer LC:

VSC
LATCH
RSCA airbags in rear seats

Are these great features to have for a families protection, yes. If I owned a 99 would I get rid of it for these features, probably not. Keep the 99 for a few more years then get a 200.
 
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