The Perfect Second Vehicle?

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Joined
Nov 19, 2022
Threads
11
Messages
79
Location
Central Texas
Love my 100 series! Daily driving it now with 225k on the clock. It needs some maintenance, it's a PITA to have it at the shop and not have another vehicle. I have some family in town for a month sharing a car with my wife, they plan on visiting more often. We just had a baby. All of this has me thinking, the time is near for the extra vehicle. And I like cars/trucks, so much of this is justifying.

I'm thinking maybe get a 2004-2006 LS430 to just cruise around town. Would be easy for my in-laws to drive when they stay with us, would be safe enough and roomy enough for the baby. It'll probably need a fair amount of maintenance because it's 20ish years old, but it and the 100 series could take turns and I'd always have something to drive in theory. Cool factor is there (to me). I'd probably spend $10k.

OR

2014-2016 Tundra
. Probably a 4x4. Daily Drive. Plenty of room for a dad mobile. I own some property and often think, I wish I hadn't sold my old 2000 Silverado when I have something big or dirty to move and want to keep my LX clean. I drove a Tundra recently and liked it, but wonder if it would be to big and bulky for everyday driving and I'd get annoyed with parking it. Probably less maintenance required because it would be 10 years newer and I assume a simpler machine than the LS 430. Not as in-law friendly I wouldn't say based on size. I'd probably spend 18-20k on a Tundra.

Any third options? My wife and I are talking about a 40k budget
, but I think I might be a little cheap by nature. I'm thinking how could I spend 1/2 or 1/4 that amount... and then get LASIK, go on vacation, pour some money into the LX 470... Stuff like that. I will keep my 100. Probably only drive 5-7k miles per year, so the cars are part transportation, part hobby. I'd love to get a classic or a coupe, but I feel like I want the flexibilty to safely transport the baby in the extra vehicle if needed.
 
I've got a 2001 Mercedes E55 AMG as my other daily driver. I was cross shopping a similar vintage LS430 but wanted something while also having a reputation for reliability.
 
So many options depending on what’s important.

BMW 328d x drive would be a pretty sweet all rounder

Highlander if you need more room for kids

VW GTI is a great smaller all rounder

LS is sweet, but will drive like a less off roady LC
 
Might be an Oddball...but Buick Regal TourX ...Basically a rebadged Opel Insignia in AWD station wagon form.
2018-Buick-Regal-TourX-White-36.jpg
My Sister and BIL got one used a couple years ago, they've been really happy with it.
 
Love my 100 series! Daily driving it now with 225k on the clock. It needs some maintenance, it's a PITA to have it at the shop and not have another vehicle. I have some family in town for a month sharing a car with my wife, they plan on visiting more often. We just had a baby. All of this has me thinking, the time is near for the extra vehicle. And I like cars/trucks, so much of this is justifying.

I'm thinking maybe get a 2004-2006 LS430 to just cruise around town. Would be easy for my in-laws to drive when they stay with us, would be safe enough and roomy enough for the baby. It'll probably need a fair amount of maintenance because it's 20ish years old, but it and the 100 series could take turns and I'd always have something to drive in theory. Cool factor is there (to me). I'd probably spend $10k.

OR

2014-2016 Tundra
. Probably a 4x4. Daily Drive. Plenty of room for a dad mobile. I own some property and often think, I wish I hadn't sold my old 2000 Silverado when I have something big or dirty to move and want to keep my LX clean. I drove a Tundra recently and liked it, but wonder if it would be to big and bulky for everyday driving and I'd get annoyed with parking it. Probably less maintenance required because it would be 10 years newer and I assume a simpler machine than the LS 430. Not as in-law friendly I wouldn't say based on size. I'd probably spend 18-20k on a Tundra.

Any third options? My wife and I are talking about a 40k budget
, but I think I might be a little cheap by nature. I'm thinking how could I spend 1/2 or 1/4 that amount... and then get LASIK, go on vacation, pour some money into the LX 470... Stuff like that. I will keep my 100. Probably only drive 5-7k miles per year, so the cars are part transportation, part hobby. I'd love to get a classic or a coupe, but I feel like I want the flexibilty to safely transport the baby in the extra vehicle if needed.
I recently figured out that I need a reliable 4x4 pickup. I also wanted one that is close to being a 100 series 2UZFE pickup.

I found a locally owned (e.g., unsalted) 2000 Tundra pickup from AR that was one owner before my friend and Toyota lead tech bought it and refreshed it with new suspension components. I'm having a blast with it on mountain roads. It weighs 1,000 lbs less than the LC.

Hagarville_Grocery_01.jpg


Engine_00.jpg
 
I recently figured out that I need a reliable 4x4 pickup. I also wanted one that is close to being a 100 series 2UZFE pickup.

I found a locally owned (e.g., unsalted) 2000 Tundra pickup from AR that was one owner before my friend and Toyota lead tech bought it and refreshed it with new suspension components. I'm having a blast with it on mountain roads. It weighs 1,000 lbs less than the LC.

View attachment 3803845

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That thing is sweet! A nice double cab 4x4 almost costs as much as the 2014+ 4x4. Wouldn’t mind either though
 
I recently figured out that I need a reliable 4x4 pickup. I also wanted one that is close to being a 100 series 2UZFE pickup.

I found a locally owned (e.g., unsalted) 2000 Tundra pickup from AR that was one owner before my friend and Toyota lead tech bought it and refreshed it with new suspension components. I'm having a blast with it on mountain roads. It weighs 1,000 lbs less than the LC.

View attachment 3803845

View attachment 3803846

05 RCLB here. It’s my work truck, daily driver, tow pig, etc. And a total hot rod compared to the LC.

IMG_7043.jpeg
 
2004 LS430 is my second (rather, first) vehicle. Similar bright airy interior with big windows, very quiet, incredibly roomy and comfortable (far superior to the LC/LX in both factors), huge trunk, similar ML sound system, tons of power, gets 26 mpg on the highway. Mine only has 90k miles, bought it at 69k for 11k in 2020. They still sell for around 9-10k for a nice one. You can't go wrong with this era of Lexus.

If mine were totalled I would just buy another one.

Edit: it's been very reliable and I haul my family with two carseats long distance with no issue.
 
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05 RCLB here. It’s my work truck, daily driver, tow pig, etc. And a total hot rod compared to the LC.

View attachment 3803939


I had an 06 tundra double cab, it was significantly faster than my LX. Wish we had that kind of get up and go from the heavy beast
 
2001-2006 Lexus LS430 is the pefect second vehicle for the 100 series owner. Lots of interchangable parts, and you only have to keep 1 type of oil and filter on hand.

I love my 2004, paid $6k for a FULLY depreciated luxury car that rides and drives absolutely amazing, better than most new cars even with 20 years of age on it.

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