Dealer Opinions wanted: 99 LX470 w/ 77k miles

Location

United States

I've been searching for an '03-05 (maybe an '06) dd for a while now, but came across this LX in Spokane . Its listed at $17, 900 but I'm sure it could be had for less...

So my questions are...
1. Should I hold out for an '03+ with low miles (my budget is $30k)

2. I have never driven an early 100 series... would I be dissapointed in performance/interior goodies compared to an 05/07?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm learning a lot her here on mud and can't wait to own a 100 series.

 

[marshotel]

There is no difference in the fundamental design of the vehicles between 1998 and 2007.

The main difference is the updated (5 speed) transmission that was added in 2003. The new transmission is great: it gives the vehicle more torque off the line and allows high speed cruising (100 mph +) while maintaining reasonable engine speed.

The only other major change is the dashboard design, and frankly, I prefer the old style dashboard with the three big knobs for the climate control. The newer-style dashboard with integrated navigation is already obsolete and it is much harder to replace the integrated nav unit compared to the old style unit without navigation.

Apart from the better transmission and the worse dashboard design in newer models- there is not much difference between the model years.

To answer your questions:

1) $30,000 is a lot of money in the world of used cars. You should be able to get almost any 100-series Land Cruiser you want for that amount. Me personally, I would have a nice 1999 model and $13k+ in the bank, rather than a similar but more expensive vehicle of newer vintage.

2) I have driven newer 100s and older 100s and there is not much difference between the model years in terms of performance / interior goodies. If you are disappointed in an older one you'll probably be disappointed in a newer one too. The Lexus LX 470 has a decidedly more luxurious feel to the interior (wood steering wheel; better acoustic damping) compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Me myself, I dont care much for the wood steering wheel, and I like my 1998 Land Cruiser.

In summary, the main thing is to find one that has been taken care of. Hold out for a vehicle that was maintained by the dealer and kept in a garage in Arizona and polished with a baby diaper by an elderly dentist and you will not be disappointed.

The level of care and maintenance provided by the previous owner(s) far outweighs the differences between model years or the effects of mileage.

 

[Est1980]

Thanks for the advice and expertise! I actually like the looks of the older dash as well. Unfortunately they just sold the LX... looks like I'll have to keep an eye out for something that's been well taken care of.

 

[gearguywb]

I would have given the opposite advice. I am looking for another LC and would not consider anything less than an '03 (some special rig exemptions ), and would prefer an 06-07. Having driven a variety of model years, the transmission makes a huge difference, and I was surprised at the power feel difference between my 04 and 06….especially if you are going to lift it and go with bigger tires, etc.

 

[Est1980]

I would have given the opposite advice. I am looking for another LC and would not consider anything less than an '03 (some special rig exemptions ), and would prefer an 06-07. Having driven a variety of model years, the transmission makes a huge difference, and I was surprised at the power feel difference between my 04 and 06….especially if you are going to lift it and go with bigger tires, etc.

Thanks! I've only driven the newer models (and really like how they drive) but at this point in my search the price premium for the newer model is becoming less attractive. I actually just made two offers last night on two low mile 2005's in Eugene. $31k and $35k... They didn't even make a counter offer.

There is however a '00 in Seattle with 100k miles for about half of the price I offered to pay for an '05 with 65,000 on the clock.

This is by far the most frustrating car search I've been on... But I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.

 

[krnnerdboy]

just a heads up, I sold my 01 land cruiser, pristine , original owner, 88k mi for 11750, 6 month ago...And that was posted for 3 month before anyone even offered anything. tradein was appraised at 9k from multiple dealers

Im now shopping for an 03 and up as well, and it seems that dealers are more realistic than private party sellers with these cars. for example 03 @ 90k mi should be 15k, and the dealers that have them are selling at 17k and private parties are listed at 20k

 

[VidereStudios]

2) I have driven newer 100s and older 100s and there is not much difference between the model years in terms of performance / interior goodies. If you are disappointed in an older one you'll probably be disappointed in a newer one too. {snip}

I concur with this statement entirely after today. I got to drive a 2001 LX up in Washington yesterday and it was exactly like my '01. Today, I test drove a 2005 with the five speed transmission. Not much different...definitely not to the extent that people have said that there is with the five speed. I will never get up to 100mph, so that is definitely not a factor for me. Interior was a little bit nicer on the '05, but I hated the integrated nav / audio / environmental controls. I was seriously shopping for a 2006-'07, but after today, going back to the 2000-'02. Plus the prices out there for the latest vintage are pretty ridiculous. Ten to fifteen thousand dollars will buy a lot of mods...

 

[LittleRock80]

$30K budget?

Bypass 100-Series and go directly to 100K+ mile 200-Series. Multiple CLEAN examples have been floating around private owners and dealers for $29--$31K the last 2-3 months.

Just another suggestion/opinion/my2cents.

Good luck with your search.

 

[bamachem]

I would look at an 03/04 or a high mile 08 and search nationwide. Hold back $2000 of your budget for airfare, fuel, and a few nights hotel and have an adventure. Fly out, drive home.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

just a heads up, I sold my 01 land cruiser, pristine , original owner, 88k mi for 11750, 6 month ago...And that was posted for 3 month before anyone even offered anything. tradein was appraised at 9k from multiple dealers

Im now shopping for an 03 and up as well, and it seems that dealers are more realistic than private party sellers with these cars. for example 03 @ 90k mi should be 15k, and the dealers that have them are selling at 17k and private parties are listed at 20k

I appreciate the head's up. I'm searching now and I feel like the weather here in Chicago (a lot of snow) is driving up the prices. I think I may halt my search until spring for this very reason. I know I can get a low mileage 98/99 for under $10k if I'm patient enough.