Purchase advice - what would you do?

[Lefty]

So far I've been scoping out the Mud classifieds and checking Cars.com and AutoTrader.com multiple times a day. Most of my search has been centered around Denver, the DFW area, and the southwest. Ideally, I'd like a ride that hasn't been subjected to northern winters and the mag chloride and salt that goes with it.

It's good to know that this network exists. It'll give me that much more confidence in my eventual purchase.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

@OP, I had to make that exact decision when replacing my first 100. My first 100, I spent more than I should have trying to find the lowest mileage I could. We decided we'd rather have a cheaper one with more well documented miles that we wouldn't mind scratching up on trails. So I went from a 80,000 mile to 167,000 mile 2000 and it's not much different. But mine was bought for offroad trips and occasional daily driving. Considering your budget you shouldn't have a problem finding an 03+ with under 150k for under $20,000.

 

[Zer0]

I'd just like to toss in a vote for the non-5speed. This is due to price. Spend the ~12-13k and then take the extra money you would have spent on a 2003+ and toss it into mods.. You'll have a way more interesting truck at the end of the day.

Service records/quality is key. I purchased a 2001 LX470 from a Lexus dealership. It was originally purchased there, driven around by a woman for it's entire life, serviced there, and traded in shortly before I purchased it. Not my ideal color(black) but everything else has been great. I had to fix a small oil leak(valve covers) that was known about at the time of purchase.

The extra cash? Light bar, f/r bumpers, sliders, tires, ham radio, etc.

 

[Kofoed]

I'd just like to toss in a vote for the non-5speed. This is due to price. Spend the ~12-13k and then take the extra money you would have spent on a 2003+ and toss it into mods.. You'll have a way more interesting truck at the end of the day.

Service records/quality is key. I purchased a 2001 LX470 from a Lexus dealership. It was originally purchased there, driven around by a woman for it's entire life, serviced there, and traded in shortly before I purchased it. Not my ideal color(black) but everything else has been great. I had to fix a small oil leak(valve covers) that was known about at the time of purchase.

The extra cash? Light bar, f/r bumpers, sliders, tires, ham radio, etc.

I am looking for a 100 for trips and really wanted the 5spd. But for the $$$ it is not worth it for a non-dd IMHO. The premium I'd be paying over a 98-99 (I want that locker) would buy a lot of stuff...

 

[2001LC]

5 speed with VVT may get's a little better mpg, other say 5sp shifts smother, I'm not sure about either. 4 speed shift smooth with Mobil 1 synthetic ATF, in-fact i don't feel anything on shift.

Navigation system if it fails, must be repaired and is pricy$$.

Some feel height control is a nice addition, but a pain to maintain$$.

If cost of ownership ie: purchase price, maintenance & parts is important then get the LC with no options.
If not, the LX with all the bells and whistles, but you'll pay for it with 20 to 30% in higher cost per mile.

Maintained to a T (with records), no rust or corrosion and no major accidents is key once make and option have been decided on. Then just buy the newest mall-crawler your budget allows.

 

[Lefty]

More and more I'm thinking that finding a rig at the lower end of my budget would be the smarter play. Whether it's a LC or LX is becoming increasingly less important.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[cardyjones]

Lefty I went through the same dilemma 2 years ago when 03/04 prices were always 8-10k above an 02. I decided money saved on the 02 was more important than an extra gear, new dash and slight impact on MPG.

2 yrs later, no regrets. So many nice rigs for less than 13k.

 

[fireball]

You originally stated that you weren't looking to make any serious modifications to the truck which is why I believe most pointed you towards the '03+. Many a foolish man has made the same comment, only to slowly and surely pour 1000s of dollars into lift, tires, armor, electronics, etc!

So if you really mean that comment, I think you're better off buying an '03+ with as low mileage as you can find.

If you are the type who might be tempted down the slippery slope of vehicle mods, it's certainly a lot more fun to buy a nice truck for $10k and dump another $10k into it!

 

[SWUtah]

I bought my 2005 2 years ago for around $23k, Nevada LX with all service records from Lexus maintance 90k done with all belts and water pump. Had some road rash on the front because most of the 107k miles were highway. I only wanted a SW rust free 100 series. Since buying my 100 series I now have 127k miles and I have based lined everything, T's, all fluids synthetic, 120k service which means new plugs, also new fuel filter. I also took mine to Slee off road and had him replace my AHC with a OME 2" lift and Slee step sliders. I have how spent around a total of $27k but I have had it for 2 years. This 100 series is my 4th. My recommendation is #1 NO!! Rust. #2 service history and condition, remember minor cosmetics mean nothing, but gives you a good indication of use example road rash equals highway miles. I do have some cracked leather on the drivers seat but Nevada is very hot and dry. Love the look and feel of my Slee lifted beast with the sliders and 33" tires, now when I see stock 100's they look squatty to me . Good luck on your search.
PS- remember once you get your rig and start the mod's you will never get that money back out!! Consider mod's as a hobby expense.

 

[Lefty]

Thanks to all for the advice. Researching these things is like taking a step into the rabbit hole. You've given me a lot of good options to consider, all of which have merit. As much as I hate admitting this, the new ride will primarily be a mall cruiser. It'll get a workout doing light trails around Colorado, but no serious off-roading until it's paid off in a few years. As such, getting an LX or LC that doesn't require much reconditioning beyond initial baselining is important, especially considering that our other daily driver is an '07 Xterra with 85k on the odometer (it's well-maintained so I'm confident that I'll be able to get another 100k out of it).

All that said, I'll be shopping for a sub 125k, '03+ LX or LC with solid maintenance history. Ideally, I can find one for under 20. If I have to go a bit more, I'll do so for the right truck.

 

[SWUtah]

Thanks to all for the advice. Researching these things is like taking a step into the rabbit hole. You've given me a lot of good options to consider, all of which have merit. As much as I hate admitting this, the new ride will primarily be a mall cruiser. It'll get a workout doing light trails around Colorado, but no serious off-roading until it's paid off in a few years. As such, getting an LX or LC that doesn't require much reconditioning beyond initial baselining is important, especially considering that our other daily driver is an '07 Xterra with 85k on the odometer (it's well-maintained so I'm confident that I'll be able to get another 100k out of it).

All that said, I'll be shopping for a sub 125k, '03+ LX or LC with solid maintenance history. Ideally, I can find one for under 20. If I have to go a bit more, I'll do so for the right truck.

Your lucky being located in Denver. Have Slee Off-road located in Golden, checkout any potential purchase and baseline your new rig for you. They are the best!

 

[Lefty]

Don't know if having Slee in my backyard is a good thing or not I guess i could always have some of my paycheck direct deposited into their accounts.



...via IH8MUD app

 

[SWUtah]

Don't know if having Slee in my backyard is a good thing or not I guess i could always have some of my paycheck direct deposited into their accounts.



...via IH8MUD app

I'd go ahead and set that up

 

[RCFJ]

In the 03+ every truck has the NAV touch screen setup correct? Thats what ive seen anyways. I'd like your opinions but that seems like something I would like to avoid like the plague. The 5spd tranny sounds nice but this truck for me will never be a DD and I would rather have a base model 00-02 with a stock stereo w/o fake wood trim etc. Oh ya and they are way cheaper.

 

[fireball]

03 w/o nav are out there, but about as easy to find as a unicorn. I saw one in my nationwide 3+ month search when I was purchasing.

 

[RCFJ]

What are your thoughts of the 03 nav? Something to avoid? Anybody want to share thoughts on the 01 Nav?