Thanks for the info!

[Taomca02]

Hey thanks for all the help, its grealy appreciated. Ive been reading mud for about a month now, posts and threads dealing with mods, starter contacts, TBs, radios/navigation, lx470 vs LC, issues with trans, diffs, AHC, the good, the bad you name it. I love the overall interior/exterior of the lx470 but would rather not deal with the AHC if and when parts start to go. Also dealing with the radio or navigation if it also takes a dump. So I feel the LC would be best, and it has to be a non nav model so that leaves me with 99 - 2002. Its hard finding a non nav model after 2003. Also living in MD I havent been able to find a LC or LX under $22,000 in the state from a dealership period. All the LC and LXs have been out of state in PA and VA or even further out, all have had the rust issue except for one. I have a feeling that people in MD love thier cruiser or when they trade them in to dealerships they are far to rusted to pass MD inspection and are taken to the auction. The only LC with no rust what so ever has a whine from the transmission area, but it also has had bleach spilled on the carpet in the 2nd row, rear bumper hit, but has had the TB, front right caliper and shock replaced and maybe a sensor or two, it is white with about 133,000 miles going for $12,500. All the LCs and LXs eaither have a beautiful interior but way to much rust, nice exterior minus all the rust but a well worn interior. I love my 02 DBL Cab Taco, parking is easy, nimble, reliable, cabale of going well over 300,000 miles easy, only been stuck in snow once, I bottomed out and spun the wheels in to its own grave..... But the interior is just to small, my baby girl will be here shortly and would like more interior space and comfort. Im only 5'5'' and even I dont like sitting in the back. Cargo hauling isnt much of a concern except during camping trips but with the 60/40 seat folding forword I think I would be able to manage, also a roof bag to store cloths and a pop up tent if needed would do. During bow season I pack out all my deer due to a long walk and no place to quarter game living in a condo. I would eventualy build a drawer system like other have done in thier LCs/LXs, tubs/containers would also be ok. Anyways just rambling now, just wanted to say thanks for the info/advice about the whine.
Also does anyone use thiers as a hunting rig? Just wondering how it has faired as far as storing hunting gear etc.

 

[petrotk40]

paragraphs are your friend...

There is a ton of storage when you remove the 3rd row and roll the 2nd forward. They are great hunting rigs, but I would use a hitch platform or something to put dead game on.

 

[paflytyer]

I think you'll find a lot of guys using their rigs for hunting/fishing/camping or anything else where getting to (and from) the backcountry is a must.

As far as storing hunting/fishing gear, doing a search on here will net you many threads on storage. I'm in the process of home building a storage/dual drawer system to hold everything from fly fishing gear to hunting gear to recovery gear. I also travel with my hunting/fishing partner, a Braque du Bourbonnais Pointer so I need room for her crate when on bird hunting trips. I don't do a lot of big game hunting, but like petrotk40 said, I would use a hitch carrier for hauling larger game.

There's enough room for me to have a ceiling fly rod storage setup where I can leave four 9ft fly rods together and rigged up when I travel from river to river or section to section. I can even do all of that with 3 other adults and my 5 year old son in his carseat in the 2nd row!

What more could you want than a do evertything vehicle with do anything room? Don't get me wrong, a good ol fashioned pick-up truck is nice, but this is the rig to do almost anything outdoors, and in comfort.

 

[patrickfinley]

If you're hauling big game many people on here like a rear hitch cargo. That way they don't get blood all over their rig. The only downside is potential rear clearance on rough roads.

For rust free check out the southern states Texas to California, plan a road trip.

Use paragraphs to isolate your thoughts

 

[marshotel]

Hey Tacoma~

The 100 is great for hunting, backcountry trips etc.
extremely comfortable, but it uses lots of fuel.

The whine is probably no big deal; mine was doing it again last night at 0 degrees F, exactly what you described, but it stopped after 1.5 miles.

If the truck you are lookin at is dented, bleach-stained, etc, you might do better to wait.
Have you checked the Charlotte and Atlanta craigslists?? Some nice rust-free cruisers seem to come up for sale in those cities.

Best Wishes.

 

[TheFuzz]

Couple of things:

1. Yes, paragraphs.

2. The mods prefer that buying/selling related questions stay in the one thread stickied up top. This thread will invariably get merged with that one, so don't be surprised when it disappears.

3. Don't be afraid to look outside your immediate area to find the right vehicle for you. I'd personally look for a vehicle further south to avoid the rust issues. A plane ticket and the cost of gas to drive your newly purchased LC back home is alot cheaper and easier to deal with in the long run than settling for a rusty truck or one that is worn out....but if I had to choose, I'd take a rust free truck with a worn interior any day of the week. Carpet can be replaced, and seats can be recovered...but rust sucks.

4. You won't find a more capable hunting/fishing/camping rig with as much interior cargo room anywhere. Period. 100's are fantastic in that role, and my two munchkins love riding around in mine. The wife is jealous, too.