Questions about a 99 100 series with less than 30k original miles

[George 2000]

All,

My beloved 2000 100 series has developed some rust just above the running boards. Thinking about replacements. I've spotted something, but need some opinions. It's a bone stock 1999 100 series with less than 30k original miles. Sunday cruiser for the family. Owner wants above 20K. So here's the deal, other than the exhaust manifold problem, and possibly the tranny, what else to look for? My own LC needed at cat at 100k, which I didn't think excessive. There were the normal things - new exhaust, brakes, shocks, wheel bearing, and a few other things - all normal. My concern is the time on this one I'm looking at, not the miles. It hasn't been driven that much, so what does that mean for electrical components, gaskets, suspension, etc.? I'd hate to pay that amount only to have to put 3 or 4k into it. This particular LC hasn't had the timing belt done, FYI. Should have, IMO. Anyway, lay it on me.

 

[LTrain0800]

Has it been garaged? I love my 1999...

 

[George 2000]

It has. It's the proverbial "only driven on Sundays by a little old lady" car. It's a New England car, though, so rust could still be an issue.

 

[hkeller]

Low miles can be a problem, just like high miles. Stuff sits, fluids run down, things rust. I'd look closely.

 

[OregonLC]

I think the real question isn't 'what to look for' but rather 'what are you hoping to achieve by spending an additional $9k on your chassis'? I say $9k because I'm assuming you could sell your 2000 for $11k. Personally rolling the clock back 100k (?) on a 15 year old vehicle that has a service life of over 300k isn't worth $9k but that's up to you. Not trying to quell your excitement with your find, just adding a little perspective.

As long as it was somewhat frequently operated and didn't accumulate all of it's miles in the first year and then sat for the next 14 years I wouldn't worry too much. The garaged question is very relevant as UVs destroy vehicles more than use. If you're not comfortable doing a thorough pre-purchase yourself they can be bought for about $150 from a Toyota dealer. Doing the 90k isn't something I'd automatically do (you'll get different opinions here) unless there were obvious signs of a problem. The only thing that I'd be a little bit concerned about is the integrity of the water pump which would be hard to see. You can remove the driver's side timing belt cover to see if there is any obvious contamination or wear on the belt.

Best of luck with your decision!

 

[George 2000]

I understand what you are saying, but in this case, it's the rust free chassis I want - assuming that is the case - provided there are no issues mechanically. That's the difference between these two platforms apart from the miles. If my LC were rust-free, I could see it going another 4-5 years. This one does have the factory rear locker which is a plus given how/where I use the truck. Also, I don't see myself paying 20k, regardless of the condition.

 

[mcgaskins]

Considering the original MSRP was around $45k I think it's a little ludicrous that they'd be asking roughly half the original selling price 16 years later even if it's perfect. These ain't museum showpieces!

 

[George 2000]

good point and good information. Most I have seen asked for a 98 - 2000 recently was 17K for a california LC with 58k on it - I'm sure he didn't get his full ask. I told him he would do well to get 15K. He did sell it.

 

[SmoothLC]

So that's between $12,975 and $15,900 around here according to NADA.

Taking clean retail at $15,900, that's at least $4,100 over priced (assuming $20k per above, but sounds like more).

 

[RND1]

Also, I don't see myself paying 20k, regardless of the condition.

May be a moot point then when your seller says "No need to sell so lowballing won't work. I have all the time in the world plus I'm still in love with her". But, even if you can do a deal, it snows on Sundays too so I would not expect a rust free chassis unless they parked it over the winter?

 

[SWUtah]

I think you have to look at it and have it checked out by a trusted mechanic and look at all the service records. Then you will have your answer. I would also run a car fax. If they expect big $$$ it should be shiny and pristine. Let us know and good luck.

 

[George 2000]

Given their emotional attachment to this one, I don't think we will make a deal, but you never know. Based on book value and what I could buy with 20K, my guess is we are going to be too far apart.

 

[phippsj]

Leave them a card with your best offer and contact info. They may snap out of their "emotional attachment" and want to sell it for what it's really worth.

However, I would look it over inside and out first, before making that offer. It may not even be worth buying for any price.

I bought a garage queen mall-cruiser that was serviced at the dealer religiously. But, they never cleaned up all the spills and food dropped down into the seats. Just had the dealer do a basic vacuum and wash.

I spent a month worth of weekends pulling out the seats, tearing them down to clean and pulling out the carpets to scrub. Once that was done, it was a cherry truck.

Good Luck.

 

[grando]

Sounds like a nice truck but I have to agree with Jim above. I recently found a '01 LX with 54k, one owner, 60k service done and timing belt replaced, all by the same Lexus dealer and got it for 15,500. The price was good by my book and it is a real nice truck. I Marvell how my undercarraige looks so clean because it was in Atlanta. These trucks are out there with low miles, be patient or pay a bit more than it's worth. The value is in the beholder. You should be able to negotiate the timing belt and try to get the rig for $18k. Good luck!

Grand

 

[Cfbrenton1]

Those NADA values can be WAY off for these trucks, especially when they are in unusually good condition.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

That price really isn't that out of whack. You might consider finding something like a 2004 with 50k miles and get something 5 years newer for not much more.

 

[cardyjones]

The owner should contact Stuart at Copley motors in Mass. A low mileage cruiser like this has huge cachet for the MV/chappy set he caters to.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Junglejack]

That price really isn't that out of whack. You might consider finding something like a 2004 with 50k miles and get something 5 years newer for not much more.

I agree. These vehicles truly do have cult status and one with 30k is a bloody unicorn. While prolonged periods of inactivity spooks me, considering the level of abuse these trucks seem able to endure, while not ideal not insurmountable.

That said, I do wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze for one who already owns one. It would be a slam dunk if it was a 2003 as you could at least justify the added expense by virtue of the 5sp. Sorta.

Provided it truly is a turnkey vehicle, I would reckon $17,000 would not be crazy at all. Especially considering the almost prerequisite reconditioning of higher mileage models. Moreover, you can put silly miles on it for years and still have one of the lower mileage 100's extant. While some here are the exception, the first thing most folks ask when looking at a used vehicle is invariably mileage.

 

[ntsaint]

You might consider finding something like a 2004 with 50k miles and get something 5 years newer for not much more.

I agree 100% in this regard. While a 99 with 30k miles sounds appealing, one of the reasons we all buy these trucks is because 'miles don't really matter.' That being said, a 99 with 30k miles is really not much different from a 2003 with 80k miles. EXCEPT the 2003 has a 5 speed, updated interior, etc. I had a 99 before my current truck, and the 5sp upgrade is a major one.

Spend your 16-18k on a 2003+ with low (<100k) miles. They are out there.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[George 2000]

now you guys have me looking at 03s! LOL. I do like the factory rear locker on the earlier models. I tow and go over sand, so it's a plus. But, a 5 speed has obvious advantages. Looking exclusively at Arizona and Texas cars now. Beauty for me is that I can wait - my 2000 runs the same today as the day I bought it - 6 years ago. my 12 year old suspects I am looking at other cars and asked me "daddy, can you put this one away so that I can drive it when I get my license?" Hmmm. 2 LCs... I like that idea.