Shopping for a 100 series

[cdbridges1]

I am looking to purchase a 100 series for my wife. We currently have a 95 FZJ80 that we will be selling and also had a 92. There are two we like right now one is a 99 with about 94k for just under $12k, and the other is a 2000 with about 97k and is about $14.5k. I have been pouring through the threads and was really leaning to the 2000 but now the transmission issues have me concerned for the model year. Is the transmission failure fairly wides spread? The 99 has rear a/c and diff lock. Both are supposed to be really clean, and the 2000 I know has had a lot of service done. This will be for family duty for some time, so what do you all think?

Thanks for the advice. I am having a bit of trouble turning loose of the 95, but think in the long run the 100 will be a better choice.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You've got to realize that your hearing a concentrated source of information regarding the trannies. On the whole, I don't think there's a "widespread" issue. It's just like 80s and the head gasket. If you only listened to Mud, you'd think that it's the most common failure in the world. But there are many, many more 80s out there that have never had a problem.

 

[Topmounter]

Personally, for the wife I'd stick with the '00+ for ATRAC. At that price, with those miles and in this market the '00 better be pristine.

 

[uzj100]

Get the 00 for family duty and for SAFETY. Work them on the price considering the current market. VSC is worth it.

 

[cdbridges1]

What kind of pricing should I be looking at for a good clean 00 with under 100k on the clock? Are there any options I should be looking to get, I know the locker isn't available. Any maintenance a must do with those kind of miles? I am at 209k on my 95 with original head gasket and probably timing belt.

 

[uzj100]

Timing belt is required at 90k. It is about 500 to 800.

 

[Tri-C]

Given the age and mileage of the vehicles under consideration, I really think that more emphasis should be placed on overall condition and documented service history (90K service and starter replacement are two pricey items). If the better one is the '00, great. If not, don't hesitate to buy the '99 if it is nice.

As for pricing: assuming clean units with documented service histories, 11 for the '99 and about 13 for the '00 would be fair (not great) prices in the present market.

For comparison, I bought a '99 LX470 in July for 10. While it had somewhat high mileage (134K), it was a one owner exclusively and extensively serviced by Lexus stores and was in as close to new condition as a 10 year old vehicle could be. As a bonus, it had spent most of its life in Southern California (a big plus here in the rust belt).

 

[Topmounter]

I bought my '01 from a local BMW dealer w/ 95k about 3 months ago for $16k'ish (TBelt, Serp & Water pump serviced)... it was a 1-owner, female, trade-in, apparently no kids and never off-road and it had never been registered outside of Colorado.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Far far far too many reasons to only consider a 2000+.

Added safety, capability, pleasures....did I say safety?


Then, depending on where you live the benifits of the 2000+ could even increase.

You've got to realize that your hearing a concentrated source of information regarding the trannies. On the whole, I don't think there's a "widespread" issue. It's just like 80s and the head gasket. If you only listened to Mud, you'd think that it's the most common failure in the world. But there are many, many more 80s out there that have never had a problem.

And fixing a 99's front diff could run 1/2 a tranny replace price.

 

[slimbuddha]

Or you can get the 99, and get an ARB locker in it, for less than the 2000. I would look at the two, and see which you like better. Either one will need the 90k service (if it hasn't already had it). Unless the Atrac/newer vehicle is more important, I would just go look at them both and get the best on of the bunch. Also, don't settle on those if they aren't what you are looking for. It seems more and more 100's are on the market lately.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

2003 or newer in my opinion on the 100 series.

 

[pint]

My opinion is buy the newest one you can afford. There are no "bad" years. 1998-99 gets a rear locker but maybe no rear A/C? 2000+ gets std rear A/C , ATRAC, stronger front diff. 2003+ gets the 5 speed and updated dash. Check them all out and buy what fits you and your budget the best.

 

[ginericLC]

I think you guys are over stressing the front diff difference. In reality the carriers of both the early and late model 100s are weak.

Also, I think the ATRAC could be important but really it depends where you live and how you intend to use it. The locker could be a better fit depending upon where you live and how you use it.

 

[SWUtah]

Personally, for the wife I'd stick with the '00+ for ATRAC. At that price, with those miles and in this market the '00 better be pristine.

X10 the ATRAC is a safety issue I would not want my wife driving without it if I had this choice.

 

[ginericLC]

X10 the ATRAC is a safety issue I would not want my wife driving without it if I had this choice.

These kinds of statements always get to me. People have been driving long before there was ATRAC and made it from point A to B without harm. Knowing your vehicle and how it handles in various conditions will allow you to drive in a safe manner. Not having ATRAC isn't SAFETY ISSUE! It isn't like a Ford Pinto with an exploding gas tank. The Land Cruiser sitting in my driveway doesn't have ABS, it doesn't have ATRAC, it doesn't even have rear disc brakes. I better make sure I hide the keys when I'm away for fear my wife might take it. If you want to talk about a real safety issue, it is that 110,000 lb (overloaded with s***ty tires and driver high on meth) semi going down the road that doesn't have ABS, ATRAC, or any other safety devices on it who is out driving in the same terrible conditions you are facing with your ATRAC 100.

I like ATRAC for the most part, but really folks you can't go around stating that vehicles that don't have it are unsafe.

 

[pint]

These kinds of statements always get to me. People have been driving long before there was ATRAC and made it from point A to B without harm. Knowing your vehicle and how it handles in various conditions will allow you to drive in a safe manner. Not having ATRAC isn't SAFETY ISSUE! It isn't like a Ford Pinto with an exploding gas tank. The Land Cruiser sitting in my driveway doesn't have ABS, it doesn't have ATRAC, it doesn't even have rear disc brakes. I better make sure I hide the keys when I'm away for fear my wife might take it. If you want to talk about a real safety issue, it is that 110,000 lb (overloaded with s***ty tires and driver high on meth) semi going down the road that doesn't have ABS, ATRAC, or any other safety devices on it who is out driving in the same terrible conditions you are facing with your ATRAC 100.
I like ATRAC for the most part, but really folks you can't go around stating that vehicles that don't have it are unsafe.

Generic, I agree with you that you must know your vehicle, and it's unfair to claim that vehicles are unsafe without all the fancy electronic safety equipment. The reality is, there are far more cars on the road without all this stuff than there are with it! However, I think those making "blanket" statements here are only saying if you have a choice, and the price is close, why not choose the one with more safety features?

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

By thw way...it's VSC that's the safety enhancer. (Not TRAC)

And it's BS that vehicles equipped with it are not safer than ones without it. It's a proven fact that VSC saves lives no matter the driver's skill. CRAP happens, ready or not...and VSC can save your ass especially on a top-heavy SUV.

And my god.....more vehicles don't have it so that means it's not a worth wild enhancement. It's newer tech....duhhhh....it costs money.....duh....BUT...it's being added to almost ALL new models and for a reason. It's being demanded by buyers and it saves lives.

Let's end the denial? You want your stock 98-99 on two wheels while swerving (like the testing)? Or, do you want all four wheels on the ground like in the 2000's testing? Now imagine a lift and bigger tires. Good Lord!

 

[hoser]

"I would NOT buy a non-VSC 100" could probably be better worded as "I would prefer a 100 with VSC."

I think most all 100 owners would prefer VSC but if they owned one without it, they wouldn't feel like they are endangering their lives or the lives of their loved ones. If that were the case, there would be no 80, 60, 50, etc owners on this board, as they have no VSC either.

 

[MetroWest]

One thing I overlooked when buying my 01 TLC last Dec was the windshield. The vehicle had a new one installed and I thought I was all set. With the spring rains it started leakng with the end result of eventually shorting the horn circuit. I have tried resealing a number of times without complete success and am about to bite the bullet and have a shop do a complete reinstall.

Look carefully at the at the seals around the windshield and check the carpet under the dead pedal (and pass side too) for any dampness, smells, discoloration, etc. There have been a few posts over time on the issue.

Not as expensive as a potential drivetrain issue, but a real PIA.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I think most all 100 owners would prefer VSC but if they owned one without it, they wouldn't feel like they are endangering their lives or the lives of their loved ones. If that were the case, there would be no 80, 60, 50, etc owners on this board, as they have no VSC either.

The older series provide something not found in the newer series. So, owners (like myself) live with the trade-offs. That said...I am certain my '97 LX450 w'7+ inches lift and 35's is one hell of a dangerous vehicle to drive on the highway. It's my dedicated trail rig...other wise it sits. We rarely take it on the freeway. We choose two lane roads when possible.