Pull trigger on mint '02 or hold out for ''03-'05? Advice please ?

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sPaulp

sPaulp

10 Year
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Oct 28, 2014
Threads
42
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500
Location
Upstate NY
Hey everyone, my deal a couple of months ago fell through, so I've been back in the market to find my first 100. I found a 100 in Florida that was a 2 owner and has an incredibly extensive service history including the timing belt 2 years ago (water pump was not changed ironically). Anyway, it's pristine and I can get it for $15400. Should I pull the trigger or hold out for a '03-'05 for the updates? I pan to make this a weekend off-roader eventually, but will drive often and keep for a long time. Thanks for any advice.
 
I have an 03, and am in the market for a 98-07 LC. I think the advantage of the 98-02 is the possibility of a locker, if you think you need that , but air lockers are better, so keep that under consideration. The non-gps ac/radio set up is a nice thing, as the audio/video can be upgraded to anything you want. The main advantage, IMHO, is the desert beige metallic color choice. Also you can easily remove the reartail fin on top of the truck, which is nice since generally, it looks like crap.

The dash gauges are a little nicer looking on the 03-07, and the GPS can be updated, the audio cannot. The speakers can, however.
The new timing belt is a nice to have, and wouldn't be a deal maker or breaker. Not doing the water pump was a rookie move, as you have to take it off anyway to change the timing belt. I'd get more info on why it wasn't done.

Depending on the mileage, your price sounds pretty good. If it really is mint, I personally would jump on it if it meets most of your needs/expectations.

You can always sell a land cruiser very quickly (unless it is all rigged up and has a high add-on price point...in those cases it takes a bit more time usually), if it turns out its not your cup of tea, or you find something you like better. Prices are pretty stable, and if mileage is reasonable, prices won't fall much.

If you decide to wait, PM me. I may be interested in it! I am serious!
 
I love my 2000 but if I ever upgrade it will be an 03' or newer for the five speed transmission. For some reason I feel like they are better than the four speeds like I have. Not sure if I made that up or if there is some truth to it.
 
I did not know about the 4 v 5 speed trans. What other mechanical things are there that are different? I thought the only differences were aesthetic. Hopefully others will chime in on this, as it may be useful for OP to know as well.

I absolutely like the 5 speed in my 03 when I'm not on hills or mountains. Gas mileage is terrible no matter what, but I suspect it would be even worse with a 4 speed (but at $1.75 a gallon who cares!). In the 03 I Get about 10-12 around The city, and 12-15, and occasionally a little better on highway (not city freeway, but long distance 80mph family trips).
 
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Sorry, the best price I've worked out with the dealer is $15600. It's a Florida vehicle. Exterior/interior is mint and is has 125k miles. Service history is impeccable...and I mean impeccable. The lady who owned it was very thorough and the Lexus service rep told me that she never missed an appointment and always forked out the $ to ensure all maintenance including fluids were changed...she even had the new navigation disc installed last year for $200. Also, she had the timing belt changed in '12, but apparently chose not to do the water pump...I can only assume it was in great shape? Anyway, I'm aware of the aesthetic changes and it seems that jumping up to '03 models with similar miles runs $20k or more on average. Is it worth it? Will I ever REALLY notice the difference between transmissions?
 
I took a look at an '03 LX 470 local to me for another MUD member. It only has 97K miles on it and one owner. Used car dealer has it and asking $16,9K. I bet it can be had for the same price you're looking at. They have a folder full of receipts and timing belt was done at 84K miles. Body in very nice condition, but typical undercarriage rust for New England. Drove very nice and engine was whisper quiet. No driveline clunk and very smooth 5sp tranny. I would hold out for an '03 5sp tranny and more modern interior. Good deals are out there.

http://www.cstreetauto.com/for-sale/4560000/lexus/141206/

Also, it sounds like the FL truck might be a long distance transaction? Just because it's FL, don't assume no rust. Def check it out in person and have a PPI done before purchase.
 
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Bull Moose said:
I have an 03, and am in the market for a 98-07 LC. I think the advantage of the 98-02 is the possibility of a locker, if you think you need that , but air lockers are better, so keep that under consideration.
Click to expand...

There's only the possibility of a locker in a 98 or 99.... Not 98-02.
 
Do it. Dont wait.
 
FWIW, I bought mine (a 98) in Naples, FL with very low miles and I only paid 14k cause a wealthy old couple was done with it. Not a bit of rust underneath with impeccable Service done at Germain Lexus.
 
Perfect and complete maintenance records sounds great. The 5 speed adds an extra gear between 2nd and 3rd which is helpful when towing on the highway on steep grades. If you're going to tow heavy often, the 5 speed is more useful. For me, I went with earlier largely because i dont like the 03+ nav/radio/climate control and I don't tow heavy.
 
I just bought a 2000 LX with 175k miles for 5800. It does need a little routine maintenance work but thats okay. If I could go back, I would probably buy either a cheap LC/LX from 00-01 or a mint 06/07.
 
@aedgington - I agree when's it too good to be true, there's usually a reason. In this case, I'm not so sure. I checked out this LX for a fellow mudder and the dealership had all the maintenance history from the original owner. They even gave me the bodywork receipt. It was a side swipe where they had to sand, fill, and repaint when the truck was barely a year old. 10 years later and I couldn't tell which side was hit. All the vin tags were present confirming no panel replacement. Wheels didn't even have curb rash. This was/is a well cared for LX.

Salesman said he's only sold 1 other LC in the last 10 years so it's not a vehicle they're familiar with. I think they bought it right and have priced it accordingly. My only negatives with it are rust forming in the upper clam shell (bit more than I like to see) and the drivers seat edge was beginning to crack. AHC worked (as far as I could tell) and it drove really nice. Much smoother than my '03 LC with Bilsteins! Being a New England truck I'd be leery of the pending cost to fix/replace the AHC down the road.

The bigger issue is when the CARFAX comes back clean, but there's been a significant accident as was the case when I looked at another LC.
 
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First off, mad props to you for doing that kind of legwork for people! :thumbsup:

Sounds good, I was just pointing out dirty CF impacts value. About the only body damage that's a turn-off for me on 100s are when the quarter panel is smacked and it splits the seam. Opening the tailgate and looking at each lower edge is where that usually happens. For some reason (cost?) I've noticed a lot of repairs tend to just run a bead of glue or even leave that split/cracked seam open. As long as it's not that, pfffft.

But it's (dirty CF) definitely something useful to beat a stealership up on.
 
Put the screws to them and see if you can work that $15.4k price down a little. Do a little research on Kelly Blue Book (kbb.com) and AutoTrader for comparable prices. Then if you can get it cheap enough, buy it and if you should come along what you "really" want, sell it, make a small profit and put it towards the newer one.

Personally, I like our 1998's. Both mine and my wife's came with the factory rear e-locker so I only had to add a TJM to the front of mine so far. My wife's is next. Not having to deal with such a complicated head unit in the newer LC's and LX's makes it easier to put in a head unit that may be better suited to your needs. Personally, I hate factory installed navigation. You never know if it's up to date! I'll take my Android phone with Google maps and Sigalert for my navigation and traffic, thank you...
 
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