VVTI vs non VVTI trucks

[Bismarck]

Soooo we're super happy with our 03 LC. Very much stock except 33s and sliders, family truckster and camping rig.

However it's now at north of 160k miles. While I have no reason to think it's going to have any issues anytime soon (or apparently ever), I've been considering replacing it with either a 06-07 LC or LX or possibly a 200.

Anyone have feedback on how 'different' the VVTI trucks are vs. the 'regular' 5 speed 03-05s in terms of power or any other measurable or perceptible difference? Having trouble justifying the price of admission of a low mile 06-07 vs. a 200 (especially the LX and it's added goodies),

 

[Sligex]

I can't speak on behalf of the VVTI variant (I have an 05, 1 year before VVTI), but I have driven an LX570 (200) and can testify that its unbelievable the difference in power between the two. To put it in perspective, the 470 is rated at 9.7 seconds 0-60 while the 570 has been seen to do 6.5 seconds.

I honestly think you're better off moving up to a 200 series vs an 06-07 LC/LX, the 06/07's are just so expensive compared to how much a 200 is. As always, that's just my opinion though.

 

[aging fleet]

I'm not sure the jump to vvti is significant enough to warrant the cost of selling the '03 to buy a nice '06-'07 (sales tax, baseline, timing belt if needed, etc.). If it were me, I'd keep the current 100 a bit longer then start the search for the right 200. It seems like early, high mileage 200s still carry a significant premium.

My highly tentative plan, drive the 100 until I can afford a '13. With 3 kids and a number of other priorities, that may take a long time.