New potential buyer

[lcrain]

Hey fellas!

This is my first post, and I am looking for some insight. I am considering a new to me daily and a 100 series is atop my list. This car will be my every day car, and occasional tow vehicle which leads me to my first question. How capable of a tow vehicle is a 100 series? Are any years a better buy for this purpose? It will be asked to tow a track car on an aluminum trailer, so 3500-4000#s loaded up with tools/gear. Is there a "tow package" I should look for when buying?

My next question has to do with "infotainment." I really enjoy Bluetooth and Xm radio. I assume some of the later vehicles had both as options. Are the stock Bluetooth/satellite radio units acceptable? If not, how easy are they to update/install?

I am leaning towards an 03+ mainly due to the transmission upgrade. I have some seat time in an '05 when I dated a chick who had one a few years ago and I really enjoyed it.

Last question: there is a local LC that I plan to look at on Saturday. It is an '06 with 161k for sale at a used car dealer. Miles are a little high, but I don't drive a ton myself and I like the color. Assuming it has a solid maintenance history and there aren't any stories, what is the going rate for a car like this?

I look forward to learning more on this forum. Thanks in advance!!

 

[TXLX100]

If you are going to be towing often, I would definitely go for the 03+. My 98 can barely get out of it's own way.

The worst thing about those years is the nav/audio/climate control. You might be able to get Bluetooth working. Phone manufacturers change their Bluetooth platform software over the years. It's a real shame the later models nearly all had that setup.

On price, get on Craigslist in your area, ebay, all the car websites and see what they are going for. Google "CUDL blackbook" it's a good indicator of worth.

 

[RND1]

First of all, these are great rigs. Very well engineered and will last a long time if properly maintained (especially if you can avoid road salt).

I haven't towed with mine yet, but I plan to purchase a boat in the near future so I will be towing. That said, I believe the tow rating with the factory hitch is 6500 lbs. It should pull your race car with no problem. The bigger issue may be braking. These LC's are heavy and don't stop on a dime by themselves so I would want my trailer to have brakes to assist in a sudden stop situation.

Can't help with the sat radio / bluetooth except to say that my '03 doesn't have it. The NAV / bluetooth is outdated in the 100 series. The '06, '07 years are probably your best chance to have bluetooth work.

Couple of things to consider - most of the '06 and '07 LC's came with AHC suspension. Adds a level of complexity and maintenance cost to the suspension, but could be very beneficial when towing (no rear sag). If the AHC needs replacement, figure on several thousand $$ so get a PPI on the '06 you're looking at. '04+ have back up camera which also might be beneficial when towing.

Personally, I think the '03 - '05 is the sweet spot, but I would buy the cleanest, most well maintained '03 - '07 LC I could find within your budget. Happy hunting!

 

[Sandroad]

Here are a couple of info threads from the forum FAQs. Also, run a search for towing on this forum and you'll get lots of threads about the 100 as a TV.


http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm


https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ho...ke-controller-to-a-late-100-series-tlc.18675/

 

[lcrain]

If you are going to be towing often, I would definitely go for the 03+. My 98 can barely get out of it's own way.

The worst thing about those years is the nav/audio/climate control. You might be able to get Bluetooth working. Phone manufacturers change their Bluetooth platform software over the years. It's a real shame the later models nearly all had that setup.

On price, get on Craigslist in your area, ebay, all the car websites and see what they are going for. Google "CUDL blackbook" it's a good indicator of worth.

Thanks! It seems that lower mileage cars are selling for ~25k of similar vintage. KBB is 17.9, CUDL is 20.5 in average condition.

First of all, these are great rigs. Very well engineered and will last a long time if properly maintained (especially if you can avoid road salt).

I haven't towed with mine yet, but I plan to purchase a boat in the near future so I will be towing. That said, I believe the tow rating with the factory hitch is 6500 lbs. It should pull your race car with no problem. The bigger issue may be braking. These LC's are heavy and don't stop on a dime by themselves so I would want my trailer to have brakes to assist in a sudden stop situation.

Can't help with the sat radio / bluetooth except to say that my '03 doesn't have it. The NAV / bluetooth is outdated in the 100 series. The '06, '07 years are probably your best chance to have bluetooth work.

Couple of things to consider - most of the '06 and '07 LC's came with AHC suspension. Adds a level of complexity and maintenance cost to the suspension, but could be very beneficial when towing (no rear sag). If the AHC needs replacement, figure on several thousand $$ so get a PPI on the '06 you're looking at. '04+ have back up camera which also might be beneficial when towing.

Personally, I think the '03 - '05 is the sweet spot, but I would buy the cleanest, most well maintained '03 - '07 LC I could find within your budget. Happy hunting!

It does have AHC...not sure if that is better or worse. Need to do some research on this option. We have similar taste in toys...I have a '98 hellrot sedan, 5mt that is heavily modified

Here are a couple of info threads from the forum FAQs. Also, run a search for towing on this forum and you'll get lots of threads about the 100 as a TV.


http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm


https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/ho...ke-controller-to-a-late-100-series-tlc.18675/

Thanks for the research, I have read the slee info, but admittedly need to do some digging on this site. Just now starting my research/search. This one popped up for me early and seems to be a solid lead.

 

[uzj100]

My 2000 with DT headers tows 4500 lbs pretty well. I do wish someone could figure out a 5 speed auto conversion for the 98 to 02 trucks. I am thinking there are tons of these trannies and tranny ECU's in junk yards from tundra's.