Need some help finding my first 100 series

[mjc6119]

Hey everyone! I’m new to the LC world, and I’ve pretty much made up my mind that I want a 100 series. The issue? My budget (~$15k) is dictating some compromise on the truck. Below are a few options I’ve come across, and I’m having a hard time determining which one will suit me long term. This will be a daily driver (~5k miles/year) with little to no off-roading. Really trying to get a feel for what’s a good price once I decide to pull the trigger.

Which would you choose and why? Any other tips for tracking down a reliable rig I can drive for another 200k?

1. 2006 LC: 295k miles, 4-owner, full service record, southern owned, minor accident - $15k
2. 2004 LC: 257k miles, 2-owner, full service, minor accident - $14k
3. 2001 LC: 254k miles, 2-owner, minor accident - $13k
4. 2006 LX: 180k miles, clean car fax, IL owned, rust will need to be addressed/plates replaced - $17k
5. 2006 LX: 236k miles, 2-owner, Oregon-GA, $16k

I’ve seen some C&B/BaT go for less with similar specs, but just curious what the experts here suggest. Is the VVT-i and AHC worth it on the newer models? Is there a significant performance improvement with the 5-speed? LX vs LC? I’ve also thought about purchasing much lesser option (or even a 4Runner/sequoia) now, with the expectation of upgrading in a couple of years. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[2000UZJ]

I would not purchase a 100 Series, with an accident reported. These trucks are already entering the "nickel & dime" phase. #5 sounds promising, as long as the maintenance is acceptable. I drive mine ~5K per year, and don't really offroad anymore. Mine is an '06, and coming from a 2000, I love the extra power. Is it fast, nope, but it does the job with all the weight I have on it.

Is this #5 local in Atlanta?

 

[Manhattan]

I'm (mostly) with @2000UZJ on this one. I like #5. But, I'm not as quick to rule out "minor accidents" IF (big if) you can verify it was superficial, e.g. a bumper and fender repair, no (!) frame/suspension damage, etc. I'll take paint work and/or miles over rust any day.

Also, you're right up the road from one of the best Land Cruiser shops in the country - ACC Garage. A few bucks ($150? 175?) on a pre-purchase inspection goes along long way.

 

[mjc6119]

@2000UZJ @Manhattan Thanks for the feedback! #5 is local - haven’t seen a carfax but no accident has been mentioned.

I assumed if carfax said “minor accident, air bags didn’t deploy” that would imply superficial damage. Is that a bad assumption?

I’ve scoured BaT, C&B, CarGurus, and Facebook. Any other suggestions? I’m probably splitting hairs at this point, but I want to find a quality example that I can enjoy for the next decade. Is that possibly at the $10k-15k price point?

 

[Manhattan]

I think you're looking in all the right places. But, those data points - miles, CarFax, etc. - only tell part of the story. Once you're in to the 180k + range, maintenance is a HUGE factor. Two seemingly identical 100s, e.g. 200,000 miles, rust-free, no accidents could actually be very different animals. If one of them just had the full 180k service, and new coils, and a steering rack and a radiator... and the other didn't - you're looking at a difference of thousands (and thousands) of dollars.

I do think $10-15k (closer to the $15k) will get you a solid 100.

 

[Exiled]

In GA I wouldn't be looking at an IL-owned LC, too much risk of expensive rust repairs and 100's aren't rare enough that you need to be considering that. #5 (assuming a strong maintenance history and good interior condition) seems like a strong candidate.

 

[TCEd]

I'd continue shopping and consider expanding your budget to 17k and you should see some better options. As winter approaches the market may slow down also I bought our 100 last January shortly after the holidays. 170 k miles, excellent service, no rust, mild lift, bumper and winch in Texas for $16.5. Did a fly and drive back to Michigan.

 

[Couvi]

Great advice above, I'll add that it took me almost 2 years of looking and becoming familiar with them before I knew I found the right one. I think patience pays off especially since you plan to keep it long term and daily drive it (same as myself, 10 years in now). Take your time. I wanted to 03+ with the 5 speed and upgraded interior – my mechanic at the time got me scared of the 06-07's due to the VVti, but I don't think that's really a warranted concern. I've never been happier with a vehicle. Good luck.

 

[mjc6119]

I think you're looking in all the right places. But, those data points - miles, CarFax, etc. - only tell part of the story. Once you're in to the 180k + range, maintenance is a HUGE factor. Two seemingly identical 100s, e.g. 200,000 miles, rust-free, no accidents could actually be very different animals. If one of them just had the full 180k service, and new coils, and a steering rack and a radiator... and the other didn't - you're looking at a difference of thousands (and thousands) of dollars.

I do think $10-15k (closer to the $15k) will get you a solid 100.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the larger maintenance items: timing belt, water pump, CC, brakes, tensioner, radiator, etc. I feel like I’ve got a good idea of what’s been taken care of and what hasn’t been. Ideally I’d like something around 200k, but that typically comes with more cosmetic issues.

I guess my main question is what mileage should be avoided? I don’t imagine that you’d want to spend a significant amount on a high mileage even with substantial service records, but maybe I’m stuck in the mindset of what should be avoided with GM/Ford.

I see the guy on YT that talks about his 2000 LC with 300k that he loves (single owner with all the service records). He paid $8500, which is much more desirable on a high mileage truck versus the $15k+ I’m seeing.

 

[mjc6119]

In GA I wouldn't be looking at an IL-owned LC, too much risk of expensive rust repairs and 100's aren't rare enough that you need to be considering that. #5 (assuming a strong maintenance history and good interior condition) seems like a strong candidate.

I agree. IL wasn’t my first stop, but when I start searching the radius goes from 50 to 200 to nationwide. Realistically, I have another month or two before I have to make a decision, so I’ll focus on the southern owned vehicles. There have been a few decent options pop up this week, and I imagine more will over the next couple of months. Thanks for the input!

 

[mjc6119]

Great advice above, I'll add that it took me almost 2 years of looking and becoming familiar with them before I knew I found the right one. I think patience pays off especially since you plan to keep it long term and daily drive it (same as myself, 10 years in now). Take your time. I wanted to 03+ with the 5 speed and upgraded interior – my mechanic at the time got me scared of the 06-07's due to the VVti, but I don't think that's really a warranted concern. I've never been happier with a vehicle. Good luck.

That was my other thought. We turn in the company vehicle in December, and I have considered just finding a beater civic or Corolla to get me to and from work until the right LC comes available.

Coming from a Tahoe and Expedition with all the creature comforts, I am definitely in on the upgraded interior. That said I do like the nostalgia of the analog controls in the earlier models. Thanks for chiming in!

 

[TCEd]

That was my other thought. We turn in the company vehicle in December, and I have considered just finding a beater civic or Corolla to get me to and from work until the right LC comes available.

Coming from a Tahoe and Expedition with all the creature comforts, I am definitely in on the upgraded interior. That said I do like the nostalgia of the analog controls in the earlier models. Thanks for chiming in!

With the 100 you'll laugh or cry the first time to use the navigation. The front seats on these 100 series are usually ready for new leather and padding with the mileage they've seen.

 

[mjc6119]

@TCEd I figured as much lol. Is the CarPlay adapter as seamless as people make it out to be?

I’m not AS concerned about the seats since it seems there are a few higher end aftermarket options (hotrod) for replacing. I just want to be sure that it’s been mechanically maintained properly to avoid any catastrophic repairs, but I assume that can never be 100% avoided.

 

[2000UZJ]

@2000UZJ @Manhattan Thanks for the feedback! #5 is local - haven’t seen a carfax but no accident has been mentioned.

I assumed if carfax said “minor accident, air bags didn’t deploy” that would imply superficial damage. Is that a bad assumption?

I’ve scoured BaT, C&B, CarGurus, and Facebook. Any other suggestions? I’m probably splitting hairs at this point, but I want to find a quality example that I can enjoy for the next decade. Is that possibly at the $10k-15k price point?

I'm happy to crawl through it with you. I'm in Smyrna, about 10 minutes from the Battery. You are more than welcome to drive my '06 (as long as you have insurance...) to get a feel for VVT-i and 5spd.

 

[mjc6119]

I'm happy to crawl through it with you. I'm in Smyrna, about 10 minutes from the Battery. You are more than welcome to drive my '06 (as long as you have insurance...) to get a feel for VVT-i and 5spd.

Small world, I’ll DM you. Thanks!

 

[Vthelexus]

We just bought an 06 with 177,000 miles. We had to overhaul all fluids, plugs, coils, filters, etc... Whatever you buy it for budget at least another $1k+ for basic maintenance items if you do it yourself, more if you take it to the shop. We paid a premium but we got lucky that this thing is rust free and not leaking anywhere. After all maintenance was done it now drives like a dream. Good luck in your search!

 

[HokieCruiser]

whichever direction you go, you won't regret it, I've had the pleasure of owning/driving a wide range of vehicles, but the "vibe" and experience of owning/driving/wrenching with a 100 series is just awesome...there's a reason EVERY single person REGRETS selling their 100 series...good luck!

 

[terryscott621]

1. 2006 LC: 295k miles, 4-owner, full service record, southern owned, minor accident - $15k
Price seems high (LC tax), but that's dependent on area. Get a PPI.

2. 2004 LC: 257k miles, 2-owner, full service, minor accident - $14k
This one seems reasonably priced. Minor accident doesn't scare me. Get a PPI.

3. 2001 LC: 254k miles, 2-owner, minor accident - $13k
I wouldn't consider this one. It will have the Four speed transmission. Five speed transmission feels much better. This is coming from someone with a 2002 LX (4 speed transmission)

4. 2006 LX: 180k miles, clean car fax, IL owned, rust will need to be addressed/plates replaced - $17k
I wouldn't consider this one. Lots of trucks out there with no rust.

5. 2006 LX: 236k miles, 2-owner, Oregon-GA, $16k
This one seems reasonably priced for the year and miles. Interiors are nicer on the LX's (in my opinion). Get a PPI.

 

[dbfw]

6 years ago when I bought my truck, I reached out to several local dealers and said "I'm looking for one of these, can you let me know if one comes in on trade?" I realize I got extremely lucky, but I got a call back about 3 days later, yep someone just traded one in, we're prepping it but haven't put it out on the lot yet, want to come take a look?

It was mechanically sound, no rust and had 195k at the time. I still ended up doing a timing belt, rear axle seal, etc. so they all need "something" at this age and mileage and budgeting for that is a great idea. But, once you're through with the baselining then it's the devil you know and generally is pretty good about warning you when something is about to go. I'll be rolling over to 250k at some point later today and couldn't be happier with the truck.

 

[mjc6119]

1. 2006 LC: 295k miles, 4-owner, full service record, southern owned, minor accident - $15k
Price seems high (LC tax), but that's dependent on area. Get a PPI.

2. 2004 LC: 257k miles, 2-owner, full service, minor accident - $14k
This one seems reasonably priced. Minor accident doesn't scare me. Get a PPI.

3. 2001 LC: 254k miles, 2-owner, minor accident - $13k
I wouldn't consider this one. It will have the Four speed transmission. Five speed transmission feels much better. This is coming from someone with a 2002 LX (4 speed transmission)

4. 2006 LX: 180k miles, clean car fax, IL owned, rust will need to be addressed/plates replaced - $17k
I wouldn't consider this one. Lots of trucks out there with no rust.

5. 2006 LX: 236k miles, 2-owner, Oregon-GA, $16k
This one seems reasonably priced for the year and miles. Interiors are nicer on the LX's (in my opinion). Get a PPI.

Get a PPI. Noted. Any opinion on VVT-I versus non?

I’ll avoid the rust models unless stupid cheap. I was getting a little trigger happy waiting on more SE inventory to hit the market.