Preference in 100 model year??

[94 TLC]

Hi All.

I currently own an 80 that I love, but my special lady finds it a lil rough around the edges. I'm looking to get a 100 and set it up for adventure travel in a lil more comfort and safety.

Is there a preferred model year that y'all like? I'm curious...

Thanks!

C

 

[Borthalomew]

check out the buyers guide in the faq, it has a link to a slee page that lists differences by model year. Much of it hasn't been updated since it was copied over from the 80 guide, but the model years and changes seem accurate.

 

[jLB]

You'll find lots of different opinions on this subject, and it really has been throughly covered more than once on this forum.

If a factory rear locker is important to you, 98-99 LC.

If ATRAC/VSC is important to you, or the 2 pinion front diff concerns you 2000+.

If the reported trans problems in the 00 MY concerns you, any year but 00.

If you have to have a modern aftermarket sound system, non-nav 98-02.

If you have to have LATCH child seat mounting 2001+

If you want the 5spd, 03+.

If you like VGRS, 03+.

If you like vvti, an 06-07.

If you're concerned about the reports of vvti being an interference engine, 98-05.

If you think the name change from ARACO to Toyota Auto Body affected quality, 98-04.

If you like AHC and memory seats, a LX.

If you hate the body cladding, afraid of AHC or you're afraid of being one of those snobs in a Lexus, a LC.​

A sample of similar threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-year-preferred-is-best.907967/

what is the best year of lc100 or lx470 to get?

Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner

What would you do?

Best year 100 to buy ?



I'm comfortable driving my stock 06 LX or my son's modified 00 LC. At 9-18 years old, I'd argue that vehicle condition and history would be more important to me than model year, but all things being equal I'd prefer 03+ and a mild preference for the newest I could find. I prefer the the looks of the LC but like the additional features in the LX.

 

[Aubie77]

best condition one you can get your hands on for the price you want to pay. I found the LX470 even though they have the dreaded AHC seem to be more available and not as beaten up as the LC's I looked at.

 

[Clunky]

You'll find lots of different opinions on this subject, and it really has been throughly covered more than once on this forum.

If a factory rear locker is important to you, 98-99 LC.

If ATRAC/VSC is important to you, or the 2 pinion front diff concerns you 2000+.

If the reported trans problems in the 00 MY concerns you, any year but 00.

If you have to have a modern aftermarket sound system, non-nav 98-02.

If you have to have LATCH child seat mounting 2001+

If you want the 5spd, 03+.

If you like VGRS, 03+.

If you like vvti, an 06-07.

If you're concerned about the reports of vvti being an interference engine, 98-05.

If you think the name change from ARACO to Toyota Auto Body affected quality, 98-04.

If you like AHC and memory seats, a LX.

If you hate the body cladding, afraid of AHC or you're afraid of being one of those snobs in a Lexus, a LC.​

A sample of similar threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-year-preferred-is-best.907967/

what is the best year of lc100 or lx470 to get?

Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner

What would you do?

Best year 100 to buy ?



I'm comfortable driving my stock 06 LX or my son's modified 00 LC. At 9-18 years old, I'd argue that vehicle condition and history would be more important to me than model year, but all things being equal I'd prefer 03+ and a mild preference for the newest I could find. I prefer the the looks of the LC but like the additional features in the LX.

Great job! That about covers it.

 

[wpsfan]

I know when I was looking it seemed the consensus was to buy the newest, best maintained one within your budget.

 

[uHu]

That would be a 2007, without navi, with the hvac controls of a pre 2002, and lockers all around.

 

[feddomw]

I have also seen many multiple 100-owners chime in that the 5spd auto is worth every penny you pay for it, meaning the premium pricing for a post-facelift 100-series. I concur with that opinion. You speak of "comfort" being a deciding factor, hence that advice.

 

[Ali M]

You'll find lots of different opinions on this subject, and it really has been throughly covered more than once on this forum.

If a factory rear locker is important to you, 98-99 LC.

If ATRAC/VSC is important to you, or the 2 pinion front diff concerns you 2000+.

If the reported trans problems in the 00 MY concerns you, any year but 00.

If you have to have a modern aftermarket sound system, non-nav 98-02.

If you have to have LATCH child seat mounting 2001+

If you want the 5spd, 03+.

If you like VGRS, 03+.

If you like vvti, an 06-07.

If you're concerned about the reports of vvti being an interference engine, 98-05.

If you think the name change from ARACO to Toyota Auto Body affected quality, 98-04.

If you like AHC and memory seats, a LX.

If you hate the body cladding, afraid of AHC or you're afraid of being one of those snobs in a Lexus, a LC.​

A sample of similar threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-year-preferred-is-best.907967/

what is the best year of lc100 or lx470 to get?

Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner

What would you do?

Best year 100 to buy ?



I'm comfortable driving my stock 06 LX or my son's modified 00 LC. At 9-18 years old, I'd argue that vehicle condition and history would be more important to me than model year, but all things being equal I'd prefer 03+ and a mild preference for the newest I could find. I prefer the the looks of the LC but like the additional features in the LX.

Great reply man. thanks!