Seeking advice on my LC/LX purchase

[stevema1214]

I've been drooling over this sight for about 6 months now thinking about all of the upgrades I'll make when I finally get my own truck. Plan A was to just take over my wife's 2000 LC when it hit 100K miles. Well, two things have happened since then: 1) she tells me she's not going to give it up then because she loves it too much, and 2) I can't wait till it reaches 100K anyways - she's currently at 85K miles.

Oh yeah, and I recently told her that we're all going to Pismo Beach in November this year for a toyotoa landcruiser Surf N Turf event, and she replies, well then I guess you better have your LC by then because mine's not going "offroad". Hers is strictly for mall duty.

So there you have it.....the green light is on.

Plan B was to start looking for a 96/97 LC or LX since I thought it wouldn't make sense to have two of the same trucks, and then I also got lured back to the 80 series becasue of the locking front/rear diffs. (sorry 100 owners). Well after about a month of looking at lots of high miles, no lockers 80's, I'm starting to think I was right along with wanting to go with a 100.

Plan C: I'm back looking at 100s and didn't realize it before, but I guess the 99's had rear locking diffs. So that got me thinking, maybe I should look at a 99, and there are quite a few around with low miles and in really nice shape. Afterall, this is still going to be my daily driver.

And by the time I get done with it (lots of slee stuff), its not going to look like my wifes 2000 anyway.

Other than reading about the weaker front diff and no trac control, anything else to be concerned about in going 1999 vs. newer. Plus I really don't want to spend more than what a 99 goes for since I'd like money left over for upgrades.

There currently two 1999 100s for sale in my area: an LX470 with 69,000 miles for $22,500 and a white 99 LC with 75,500 miles for $22,000. The price on these seems high, but maybe its because of the low miles. I was hoping to keep it in the high teens as far as price goes. I reallylike the white on an LC. I used to own a white 89 FJ 62 and it was awesome. Unfortunatley got rid of that 6 years ago before I really appreciated what I had.

Sorry for such a long post....and thanks for any advice you guys have.

Steve

 

[hoser]

The biggest difference between the '99 and '00 is the ATRAC/VSC vs. rear locker. The initial cost difference is about $3k. With that money, you can get an ARB front locker and regear to run 35's or larger. The 2-pinion differential will no longer be an issue.

So, now you are at the point at which both vehicles are the same cost. Do you want ATRAC/VSC with 33's or do you want Front and Rear lockers with 35's and a better front diff?

 

[uzj100]

Why not take your wifes 2000 and get her a lexus with lower miles. There are much better prices out there. Keep looking.

uzj100

 

[89s rule]

I agree keep looking those prices are too high. You should be able to get one with under 100K miles for mid to high teens. Look at the over all picture as far as miles and costs. Usually its liek 3-4K more for one with 30-40K less miles. Well maintained it should not matter either way. SO you have to weigh the options.

Remember 98's if you dont mind not having rear air you can usually find them cheaper than the 99's. '00 can be found at times for the same price as 99's so just search and be patient.

Maybe good advice on a LX470 as well has the wife ever driven one of those? Maybe you could make a switch.