Thinking about trading in my prerunner for a 100 series

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GoodisYota

10 Year
Joined
Mar 3, 2014
Threads
1
Messages
4
Hello All,

I was hoping to get some advice on a possible new truck that I've been looking at, and I though Mud would be a great resource.

The truck in question is here:http://www.leesburgautoimport.com/2000-Toyota-Land-Cruiser-Leesburg-Virginia-20175/4791432

It's a 1 owner 2000 with 160k on the clock. The carfax has records of dealer maintinence since purchase here: http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=JT3HT05J7Y0113567&partner=CDM_U

I currently have a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner with 65k miles but I really feel like I need a 4x4 especially given the winter we've been having here in the mid atlantic. My PreRunner is in superb condition with 0 rust which is amazing since I'm in the rust belt, the only issue is that it's only 2wd. Here is the KBB report on my current truck (I know KBB is usually a bit high but it sounds reasonable). http://www.kbb.com/toyota/tacoma-xtracab/2000-toyota-tacoma-xtracab/prerunner-pickup/?category=&intent=trade-in-sell&pricetype=trade-in&condition=very-good&persistedcondition=very-good&quizconditions=&options=268634|true|268688|true|268546|true|268539|true|268562|true|268579|true|268710|true|268725|true|268800|true|4234024|true|268800|true&path=&vehicleid=7114&mileage=67000

I plan to use the truck as more of an overlanding vehicle than a rock crawler, and just want to be able to get out into the backcountry a bit.

Now if I could trade the truck even up that would be great, but who knows if the dealer would go for that. This whole thing might seem a bit foolhardy but I've always wanted a cruiser and this seems to be a nice 100 series in good shape.

Any and all wisdom is greatly appreciated.
 
Not sure why you think it's foolhardy, sounds like a pretty sound reasoning and if you feel you'd need it and would use it then get the 4x4. Also, that particular truck looks great, and so does the price if you ask me. Some may chime in saying "beware of the 2000 trans issue", but you can decide if that will be a factor in your decision process. Coming from a 4Runner (tacoma size) I can tell you this: You're going to love having a bit more elbow room in the front seats, and your passengers in the back seats will be much happier over all as well. You're also going to love having 2 more cylinders, the road noise will be quieter, etc... The LC is the flagship for a reason, I doubt you'll be disappointed if you decide to trade, even if you have to pay a bit on top for the upgrade. Also you'll get to hang out on 'Mud as much as you like.
 
The 100 Series is going to be a nice step up for you. They are very capable rigs for their size. For your intended purposes of using the 100 as a overland vehicle is is going to be perfect. I have only owned a 100 Series, but moving into a 100 Series from a 2WD PreRunner is going to be quite a nice step up in terms of refinement, power, size, and capability. These rigs are rare (compared to other SUV's), but they have a wonderful aftermarket following. There really aren't any cheap, lightweight, or bad modifications. These trucks are purpose built and many of the aftermarket manufactures realize that.

The CarFax shows consistent brake changes, timing belt/WP at 87K make me think it was a well maintained vehicle. The fact that it has been located in the north its entire life, and zero photos of the under carriage or engine bay makes me think they may be hiding a little rust. I'd have them send you some pictures. These trucks like to rust, and when they do it's a nightmare.

I think a 100 will suite you very well. I say make the jump and never look back!
 
At that price, I really do not see you going wrong with this one. I do not recall ever seeing that comprehensive maintenance record on offer from a Carfax. Mighty impressive provenance. The all around experience is going to be a profound upgrade over your Prerunner. Really could drive it a few years and pretty easily get your purchase price back. That price makes me wonder about whether or not this truck has some corrosion going on. If not, that truck is gonna sell quickly I would think.
 
I think I remember reading that you can 4x4 convert your pre runner taco. I hear the 4wd parts bolt right on. I'm not trying to steer you away from an LC upgrade, just throwing out food for thought.
 
TwiceWithHair said:
I think I remember reading that you can 4x4 convert your pre runner taco. I hear the 4wd parts bolt right on. I'm not trying to steer you away from an LC upgrade, just throwing out food for thought.
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While the prerunner adapter is totally an option for him, you've got to think that your making your truck into something that it originally was not. That's much more of a buildup than just upgrading to a 4x4, but if you're attached to your vehicle that's definitely an option... Good call on the possible rust, didn't consider that but the pics do conveniently leave that all out.
 
x2 on checking for rust. Those guys had a few LCs for sale during the time I was looking for mine. I inquired about 2 of them and asked for detailed photos, they were reluctant and slow in getting them to me and both times I could tell why.....east coast trucks that looked pretty rough.

Mind you, I'm pickier than most and ended up buying a CA truck, flying out and driving it back,so not exactly a typical buyer :) But the specs all sound really good, so ask for more photos and check it out! We had a 99 4R we were using as our family hauler, expo rig,camping, off roader and the LC is a huge improvement in almost every aspect! Only negatives are the larger size for the tight east coast trails, and slightly worse mileage.
 
No pics of the front driver's seat - just wonder about the wear. I have a 2000 with almost 190k and it needed attention several years ago.

With that said, front seat wear is no big deal - it's going to happen, and doesn't necessarily reflect the condition of the truck.
 
With regards to the 4x4 swap, that kind of mechanic work is so far out of my ballpark. It'd cost an arm and a leg to change it over and then I'm left with little resale value.

I reached out to the dealer about more pictures. I'm not too far away so I might head down this weekend to check it out. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? I've read over the slee buyers guide and the FAQ here so I feel like I have a pretty good handle on things.

I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten already, this seems like a great community.
 
GoodisYota said:
With regards to the 4x4 swap, that kind of mechanic work is so far out of my ballpark. It'd cost an arm and a leg to change it over and then I'm left with little resale value.

I reached out to the dealer about more pictures. I'm not too far away so I might head down this weekend to check it out. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? I've read over the slee buyers guide and the FAQ here so I feel like I have a pretty good handle on things.

I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten already, this seems like a great community.
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A warm vehicle is a lying vehicle. Make sure they don't have it running when you arrive. The most common issues with the 100 Series is the exhaust manifolds, and CV axles leaking grease. Besides that, it's a typical 4WD vehicle. Make sure you engage the CDL a few times during the test drive (if you take it out). If the CDL actuator has never been used, it may be sticky or broken. Pull all the dip sticks and check fluid condition and levels.
 
GoodisYota said:
With regards to the 4x4 swap, that kind of mechanic work is so far out of my ballpark. It'd cost an arm and a leg to change it over and then I'm left with little resale value.

I reached out to the dealer about more pictures. I'm not too far away so I might head down this weekend to check it out. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? I've read over the slee buyers guide and the FAQ here so I feel like I have a pretty good handle on things.

I really appreciate all the feedback I've gotten already, this seems like a great community.
Click to expand...

The guide and FAQ are pretty comprehensive. That being said, unless pretty comfortable working on cars, I would recommend having a PPI performed. The need might be somewhat attenuated by the dealer service history. Speaking, I would call the dealer that has serviced it. Ideally before you go check it out.
Considering just how much has been done, I have no doubt they know it well. Just tell them you are considering purchasing it and ideally have them check it out. Given the familiarity, they might not charge you for the PPI.

The lack of pictures of anywhere near the underbody coupled with Fireball's past experience definitely amplifies my corrosion concerns.
 
I was going to go look at a LC there last year when I was looking, because the prices seemed great. Then I read some pretty bad reviews on-line and decided to look other places. I think that truck has been there a while, so there is probably a reason to look closely at the condition.
 
Usually when soemthing looks too good to be true it is. i'll be calling the dealer tonight and the shop that did most of the work.

Stay tuned!
 
Let us know what you find out. It could be a great deal. I am pretty sure they buy them at auction and just clean them up and resell them....the prices on the ones they had that I asked about were pretty good. And they weren't rust buckets either, just east coast trucks that appeared to be in average shape with a recent shine-up job. If you're relatively closeby it's worth a trip.

One note on the photos, looks like the rear bumper might have two small creases in it? Hard to tell from the photos...
 
I put calls into both dealers and am waiting for responses. Hopefully they'll be able to send some pictures, otherwise it's only about an hour drive from me so I might run over there this weekend.

This thread is putting a bit of a scare into me coming from my prerunner with relatively low miles that hasn't given me any trouble.: https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/798242-cost-ownership-just-gas-oil-changes-right.html

It's probably all the same in the end and the LC is a bit more well appointed for the long term.
 
They should give you an even trade, but knowing dealers, they would try to get something out of you. Try to sell it yourself. I sold my old Tacoma in a day. They really hold their value.

But I will say if you don't need the space of the 100, keep your Tacoma. MPG will start to wear on you and general cost of ownership will be more. If I didn't have a family, I'd still be rolling in my Tacoma. Great trucks. 2wd may be an issue, but carry some chains. Or there is plenty of info on 4wd conversions. The would be tough for me to give up a 65k Tacoma for a 100 with no history.
 
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