Need some help finding my first 100 series

[mjc6119]

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!

I’d be content with that. Once I baseline, I’m thinking I’ll be set for a while since I won’t be putting crazy miles on it. The $15k budget is the biggest hurdle, so I’ve debated a mediocre option to get my foot in the door and upgrade to my ideal specs in a few years-I just hope the 100 market doesn’t explode like some speculate.

 

[Neuner]

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.

I think this is the most important. I don't think you'll really know about the major items until after you've owned it awhile. I'd price the major things and hold that as a contingency. I'd price a new timing belt, brake mc (~$2-3k), alternator, wiper motor, etc. and then deduct 50-75% of that from what you can afford. So if your budget is $20k, then you might hold onto $3k for repairs and only have $17k to spend.

My wife had always wanted a 100 series and so I spent years scouring for one within a decent budget and condition. When I saw it, I knew it, and surprised her by jumping on it. Great find with 280k miles. Well taken care of with a low price. The owners were almost reluctant to sell but knew they had to and were crying out of love for the vehicle as we drove away. Even still, we had those major repairs pop up including typical other big expenses like tires, but I was prepared.

I got a good enough deal that even after the purchase price, registration, taxes, and repairs, I could sell it and make money.

In addition, be prepared to do some of the repairs yourself and know your limits. If you have a shop do everything on an old vehicle, you'll find a big hole in your pocket very quickly.

 

[Couvi]

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.

I wanted an 03-05 model year LC and was told by my mechanic at the time to avoid the VVti engines - he told me he had seen a few failures of the secondary air systems and were costly to fix. While that may be somewhat true, in hindsight I don't think I'd worry too much about that. We picked up a first gen sequoia for my wife and it has the VVti and it feels a bit peppier. I really believe that all 100 series are good and you just need to look for the one in best condition and maintenance history. Mine was a one owner and was driven by an older woman for the first 10 years of it's life, garaged as well – when I got it, it looked brand new with 100k.

 

[mjc6119]

I wanted an 03-05 model year LC and was told by my mechanic at the time to avoid the VVti engines - he told me he had seen a few failures of the secondary air systems and were costly to fix. While that may be somewhat true, in hindsight I don't think I'd worry too much about that. We picked up a first gen sequoia for my wife and it has the VVti and it feels a bit peppier. I really believe that all 100 series are good and you just need to look for the one in best condition and maintenance history. Mine was a one owner and was driven by an older woman for the first 10 years of it's life, garaged as well – when I got it, it looked brand new with 100k.

That’s been my assumption, so I probably will jump on the cleanest option under $15k I can find and save my “grail” for later on down the road. It will rarely see an interstate, so I probably shouldn’t worry so much about the extra power anyway. Thanks!

 

[terryscott621]

Any opinion on VVT-I versus non?

I don't have any experience with the VVT-I engine. What I know is that you get more HP and Torque vs the Non-VVTI, but you also get a slightly more complicated engine. I think just find the nicest LC or LX in your price range and buy it. They're great trucks all around.

 

[mjc6119]

I’m not sure if everyone gets alerted, but I may have found my grail sooner than expected.

2007 LX470, Black Onyx, 258k miles
$8,500

Appears to be in decent shape, but I assume some of the larger maintenance items will need to be handled soon at that price point. He said it “drives great” and AHC working properly. Do I jump on this deal with minimal review accepting that I could have $5k in repairs, or still put it through the paces?

 

[SteveH]

Never jump on a truck with 'minimal review'. Even with significant review, there will be things to fix. Price almost seems 'too right', which is a concern.

 

[mjc6119]

Never jump on a truck with 'minimal review'. Even with significant review, there will be things to fix. Price almost seems 'too right', which is a concern.

That’s my concern, but figured it could be had at such a discount that even a couple large repairs (outside of drivetrain) would be manageable. Am I naive to believe some sellers are ignorant of the market?

 

[SteveH]

No, this could be a real deal. Some don't know the market, and some don't know their trucks. But, don't do something rash like FedExing him money without seeing the truck, etc., as that is how people get burned. Use all your good discipline and go over the truck like you would any other. If it's way too cheap, so be it. If I hadn't done the repairs on my 100, which was very clean and well maintained, I would be $10K upside down on it. At 308K, mine immediately needed a brake booster assembly, and soon needed a steering rack, and needed all the usual suspension bushings and HVAC button repair, heater tees, etc.

Let us know how this one pans out.

 

[Neuner]

That’s my concern, but figured it could be had at such a discount that even a couple large repairs (outside of drivetrain) would be manageable. Am I naive to believe some sellers are ignorant of the market?

Yes. This is how I found my wife's which is in great condition. Also how I found a killer deal on my boat. 5 years old and still had some of the sales tags on it. Priced as "too good to be true" but so happy I gathered the family up and drove 5 hours to check it out.

Some of those major repairs just pop up out of the blue like any other vehicle. You, the seller and even a service tech most likely wouldn't even be able to tell. Our brakes didn't give us any warning before they immediately went soft. Our alternator was perfectly fine until a rectifier arc flash left us stranded in the middle of nowhere.

I've driven 7 hours one-way to review and purchase parts for my Jeep CJ, check out boats for sale, and to purchase a boat engine. I have friends and co-workers that have taken day flights to review a vehicle purchase.

If it were me, I'd jump at checking it out. If you don't please send me a link to the ad.

 

[mjc6119]

Yes. This is how I found my wife's which is in great condition. Also how I found a killer deal on my boat. 5 years old and still had some of the sales tags on it. Priced as "too good to be true" but so happy I gathered the family up and drove 5 hours to check it out.

Some of those major repairs just pop up out of the blue like any other vehicle. You, the seller and even a service tech most likely wouldn't even be able to tell. Our brakes didn't give us any warning before they immediately went soft. Our alternator was perfectly fine until a rectifier arc flash left us stranded in the middle of nowhere.

I've driven 7 hours one-way to review and purchase parts for my Jeep CJ, check out boats for sale, and to purchase a boat engine. I have friends and co-workers that have taken day flights to review a vehicle purchase.

If it were me, I'd jump at checking it out. If you don't please send me a link to the ad.

Happy to share if it doesn’t work out for me. I’m optimistic it’s a first car situation from parents and he just wants to offload it for another vehicle purchase. That, or he knows major components are about to fail/already have failed.

I have 2 toddlers and a newborn at home. So driving 5 hours to see this one isn’t quite in the cards anytime soon. If all checks out the plan would be to have it shipped, but not quite sure how I could setup a hand off that leaves us both comfortable that I’d get the car and he’d get his money.

 

[Neuner]

I have 2 toddlers and a newborn at home. So driving 5 hours to see this one isn’t quite in the cards anytime soon.

1st, congratulations. 2nd, most of our trips were when my kids were that age. We had 3 under the age of 3. Those trips wound up being some great memories. We scooped them up out of bed at 3am and they'd sleep most of the way. After meeting with sellers, we'd check out the local attractions and play areas. Worn out, they'd then sleep on the way back during our late return.

 

[mjc6119]

1st, congratulations. 2nd, most of our trips were when my kids were that age. We had 3 under the age of 3. Those trips wound up being some great memories. We scooped them up out of bed at 3am and they'd sleep most of the way. After meeting with sellers, we'd check out the local attractions and play areas. Worn out, they'd then sleep on the way back during our late return.

Thanks! And I love that. Not quite sure I’d get my wife onboard for that, but we’ll see how things play out.

 

[terryscott621]

Never jump on a truck with 'minimal review'. Even with significant review, there will be things to fix. Price almost seems 'too right', which is a concern.

^^^^This. Always do your due diligence.

 

[mjc6119]

^^^^This. Always due your due diligence.

Off the rip, it appears the VSC/CEL lights are on. ChatGPT said it’s probably O2 sensors, cats, or SAI. He said he’d have me more information later.

Thoughts?

 

[terryscott621]

I think you'd have to get the seller to pull the codes to be able to try and diagnose.

Just wanted to also point out some things in the picture you attached. Of course, this is all speculation by me analyzing a picture on the internet so take it for what it's worth. It's hard to tell from the picture, but maybe something is going on with the passenger front door. From top right box moving clockwise maybe a wire hanging out from the tweeter? Maybe some signs of water damage near the window switch, the leather looks to be wrinkled here. Maybe some signs of water damage/water intrusion on the lower speaker grille. Pretty common for clogged sunroof drains or a faulty replacement windshield installation to let water in these areas. Steering wheel has some wear, not uncommon for the miles (my LX has this too in the same spot). The carpet, dash, and center console look to be in good shape from what I can see.

 

[Neuner]

Off the rip, it appears the VSC/CEL lights are on. ChatGPT said it’s probably O2 sensors, cats, or SAI. He said he’d have me more information later.

Thoughts?

Yes, I think that is a horrible sign, you should stop pursuing and send me the sale ad.

Our Toyota Sienna had most of the warning lights on. 230k, ran great. It is when they went off that we worried.

BTW, my wife wasn't necessarily on board with the initial trip either but I planned around the family, activities, and their interest instead of what I was wanting to view, and after they had a great time, they wanted to go again.

 

[ace10]

You live in the a rust-free area. You NEVER buy rust.

If you're up against a hard budget, you need to fully-understand the state of maintenance on a prospective rig. ESPECIALLY the timing belt service.

 

[Vthelexus]

Off the rip, it appears the VSC/CEL lights are on. ChatGPT said it’s probably O2 sensors, cats, or SAI. He said he’d have me more information later.

Thoughts?

View attachment 3990104

Cats can be very expensive ($3k+). Buying such an old vehicle site unseen can be scary. I'd spend $200-$300 and higher a local mechanic to go check it out.

 

[SteveH]

Maybe some signs of water damage near the window switch, the leather looks to be wrinkled here.

I think that's a flash (cube) reflection from the shiny wood surface onto the vinyl face of the door card.