Purchase advice - what would you do?

[Lefty]

First let me say how great of a resource this forum has been. The depth and breadth of the knowledge posted here has been incredibly helpful. (I don't even own a 100 series, yet I am already addicted to the site. I think I've viewed every post related to what year to get, 4 vs 5-speed transmissions, AHC, and cost of ownership.) Anyway, as you can see from the title of this post I am looking for some guidance and would hope that you'd be willing to offer advice based on your own purchase and ownership experiences.

I am looking to purchase an LC or LX470 that will serve as my wife's daily driver and our primary road trip vehicle. We live in Denver and love exploring Colorado (now that our two kids are old enough, we want to do a lot more of it). Based on what I've learned from the forum, I'm focusing my search on 2000+ model years due to the traction control. And while I'd ideally go with a 2003+ to get the 5-speed, I'd consider a 2000-2002 if it had the right combo of price, mileage, and maintenance history. Goal is to spend under 20k.

Which brings me to my question. Knowing what you know now, if you were buying (and financing) your 100 series for the first time, would you spend more (20k) to get a lower mileage 03+, or spend much less (<13) and get a well maintained 2000-2002 with 150k (still low by many standards) on the clock? I'm not looking to make any serious modifications and am planning on owning the vehicle for at least 5 years, hopefully more.

Any insight is very much appreciated.

 

[hankinid]

First let me say how great of a resource this forum has been. The depth and breadth of the knowledge posted here has been incredibly helpful. (I don't even own a 100 series, yet I am already addicted to the site. I think I've viewed every post related to what year to get, 4 vs 5-speed transmissions, AHC, and cost of ownership.) Anyway, as you can see from the title of this post I am looking for some guidance and would hope that you'd be willing to offer advice based on your own purchase and ownership experiences.

I am looking to purchase an LC or LX470 that will serve as my wife's daily driver and our primary road trip vehicle. We live in Denver and love exploring Colorado (now that our two kids are old enough, we want to do a lot more of it). Based on what I've learned from the forum, I'm focusing my search on 2000+ model years due to the traction control. And while I'd ideally go with a 2003+ to get the 5-speed, I'd consider a 2000-2002 if it had the right combo of price, mileage, and maintenance history. Goal is to spend under 20k.

Which brings me to my question. Knowing what you know now, if you were buying (and financing) your 100 series for the first time, would you spend more (20k) to get a lower mileage 03+, or spend much less (<13) and get a well maintained 2000-2002 with 150k (still low by many standards) on the clock? I'm not looking to make any serious modifications and am planning on owning the vehicle for at least 5 years, hopefully more.

Any insight is very much appreciated.

I'd opt for an 03+...5-speed.

Check sleeoffroad.com for pre-purchase inspection points.

steve

 

[Lefty]

Thanks for the quick reply, Steve. Appreciate the advice.

 

[PADDO]

I'd opt for an 03+...5-speed.

Check sleeoffroad.com for pre-purchase inspection points.

steve

x2, and '03 has side and curtain shield airbags standard on LX, optional (?) on LC.

 

[hankinid]

Lefty, you're very welcome.

I bought an '01 LX in 2009 with 90K. One owner, maintained by the book, never off-road (perhaps) based on undercarriage appearance and PO's lifestyle...I couldn't quite swing an '03 at the time.

She needed a timing belt/water pump right-off...that was ~$800 from a local experienced mechanic...parts were from Toyota.

I use it as a DD, but I give it to in the winter if the roads are el crapo. Neither of us has seen / used a vehicle more rock-sold in snow or slush or icy road conditions.

Be patient...it took me about 6 months to find mine...drove from SW Idaho to Bend, OR to get it.

Save as much as you can going in...avoid financing if at all possible.

You can also check the Toyota or Lexus owners' web sites. Plug in the vin number and see what services have been done.

If you can get a service writer at a dealer to print you a service history, you'll also see what scheduled or recommended services were declined by the PO.

Enjoy.

Steve

 

[Lefty]

Paddo, thanks for the feedback.

Steve, thanks for the additional insight. I've been using the Lexus website to check service histories, but haven't taken advantage of Toyota's. The nice thing is that I'm in no hurry -- despite the fact that I'm chomping at the bit to get a 100-series -- so I can take my time finding the right truck.

I know a fair amount of members use their rigs as daily drivers. Based on your comment re: financing, is that advice based on an aversion to debt (smart) or is it more to do with financing a vehicle that is 7+ years old, despite the 100's reputation and service life?

 

[hankinid]

Paddo, thanks for the feedback.

Steve, thanks for the additional insight. I've been using the Lexus website to check service histories, but haven't taken advantage of Toyota's. The nice thing is that I'm in no hurry -- despite the fact that I'm chomping at the bit to get a 100-series -- so I can take my time finding the right truck.

I know a fair amount of members use their rigs as daily drivers. Based on your comment re: financing, is that advice based on an aversion to debt (smart) or is it more to do with financing a vehicle that is 7+ years old, despite the 100's reputation and service life?

Primarily, aversion to debt.

I spoke with banker about it before I decided to pay cash...

Although I was looking at an older vehicle, you'll find for yourself that they retain bluebook like crazy.

Per the Lexus dealer's service printout, my LX sold originally for $53K...That's WAY more than I'd spend on a vehicle.

Given the LX's reliability when properly maintained, I should be able to do, knock wood, another 100K without surprises...that would be around 250-260K miles by then.

Steve

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

An 03 is a no brainer. A tad bit more money, but an 01 or 02 is too close not to pull the trigger.

 

[Sandroad]

I'd probably vote for condition and history being the most important purchase factors. Our 100s are anywhere from 7-16 years young now and will typically have over 100,000 miles. Age and miles don't seem to matter so much on these wonderful machines (compared to other vehicles), provided they have a good history and care. On the other hand, they can be abused and neglected to point of needing $1000's in repairs, even with relatively low miles. So, look for one in your price range you know has had good care, whatever the miles and year. And look at Slee's site to see if there are any features added in later year you have to have.

 

[Bismarck]

+1 on the 03 and up. Difference in power is noticeable on a stock truck, and dare I say the extra couple of mpgs are nice.

 

[Bismarck]

Regarding financing, not to turn this into a personal finance thread, but since money is so cheap these days it may make sense to use your cash elsewhere.

 

[Lefty]

It's mighty tempting to jump on an 00-02 given the sizable price difference between them and the 03+. That said, it appears that there's enough to differentiate the 03+ from the 00-02s to justify spending a bit more. And it's good to know that I shouldn't balk at a higher mileage rig provided it's been taken care of and has the maintenance records to back it up.

Appreciate all the feedback!


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Jack90210]

Regarding financing, not to turn this into a personal finance thread, but since money is so cheap these days it may make sense to use your cash elsewhere.

Agree.

And although I haven't driven one with a 4-speed, the 5 speed is a fantastic transmission with nice ratios for a DD, and (as has already been mentioned) the extra power is a plus. Also, note that in '03 side curtain airbags became standard; not sure if this is important to you, but it was to me.

Good luck!

 

[MontanaLax]

Lefty, I'm in a very similar position hunting for a hundy. Unfortunately my cap is 15k which almost rules out the 03+ but I want ATRAC so '00-'02 is where I'm at. It's amazing the difference in seat of the pants feel by just adding the 5-speed being that the 4-speed has the same power output. The only experience I can share so far is go drive a few!!! Your decision will likely be made after driving an '00-02 and an 03+. You will either fall in love with the 5-speed or decide it doesn't matter to you and save some $$$.
Best of luck!

 

[uzj100]

Power change was in 06 and 07 with vvti.

Headers on a 00 make a huge difference in drive ability.

I would shot for a 03 or o4 lx470.

 

[twentyocho]

I'd probably vote for condition and history being the most important purchase factors. Our 100s are anywhere from 7-16 years young now and will typically have over 100,000 miles. Age and miles don't seem to matter so much on these wonderful machines (compared to other vehicles), provided they have a good history and care. On the other hand, they can be abused and neglected to point of needing $1000's in repairs, even with relatively low miles. So, look for one in your price range you know has had good care, whatever the miles and year. And look at Slee's site to see if there are any features added in later year you have to have.

This..

The 4.7L is an astounding engine.. For comparison, I have an 04 4runner with 198K and my LX has just under 90K.. They sound and run axactly the same. If I had both in my shop with one running and had the doors closed, you wouldn't be able to tell which one was running from the two.. both run smooth as silk.. All it takes is regular maintenace.

 

[Lefty]

While I could go either way with the AHC (one less thing to fix), that and the side-curtain airbags would be great things to have given the fact that it'll be the family hauler.

Thanks for all the solid advice. My search begins...

 

[fireball]

You should be able to find a relatively low mileage nicely maintained '03 for under 20k.

That's definitely what I would recommend!

 

[SC4Hundred]

I vote for 03+ as well, I had both 4 speed and 5 speed. 01 and 03, 03 is for sure much more drivable. When I had the 01, I didn't know better lol.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Another vote for the 03+

I've got a lot of drive time in an '00 and now have an '04. The updates inside the vehicle, plus the 5-speed are money well spent in my opinion.

It took a few months, but I hunted around and found a pampered '04 (110k miles) that had never left pavement and had a very long list of dealer service records for $17.5k. Considering that equally clean/maintained 00-02' were pulling $14-15k in my area, it was an easy decision.

Also consider expanding your geographic search area if you haven't already. There's a great network of folks here who would gladly check out a vehicle for you and in the scheme of things, catching a one way flight and spending a few days driving a vehicle back home to Denver is a great way to got to know the truck.