What would you do?

[SWUtah]

Have a 99 LC with rear air and rear locker. It has 65K miles on it and I have replaced every hose and belt water pump and every fluid and filter within the last 5K miles. Also has new tires and bilstien shocks and new brake pads and wheel bearing repack. It was a AZ vehicle so no rust looks new underneath. No starter or intake manifold problems knock on wood , shouldn't have to do anything but grease and change oil/filter for the next 30K miles and won't need the timing belt/water pump done again until 150K miles. Saw a pretty white 2005 LC with only 18K miles on it that I can pick-up for around $45K. Am I crazy to even think about the 2005 when mine is good to go for the next 30K? Should I just drive mine until it hits around 95K and then look for the low mileage late model LC. I looked at KBB and it looks like I will lose another $4K by driving mine for another 30K but I guess that is cheap drivng compared to what the depreciation on the 2005 would be. Only difference in the 99 and 05 is Nav and traction control, plus less wear on the interior.

 

[e9999]

absolutely keep the 99 IMO.
there is very little meaningful difference between the 2 that you can't go around in one way or another.

 

[LXPearl]

You have a great vehicle in great condition and the difference between it and the 05 would make it tough for me to justify the price on the 05. I drove an 06 this week during service and I really enjoyed the added power, but when I got mine back there just was not that much difference for the upgrade cost. My suggestion, hold off a year or so and go for an 06 with 275 HP.

 

[hoser]

Agreed, I don't think the '05 is worth $20-25k more than a '99 (though I still want one). Have your leather seats refinished and get yourself a nicer aftermarket Navigation system and be happy. If that's not enough, slap a turbocharger on there.

 

[spressomon]

Mainly depends why you think you want the '05. If you use your rig on-trail and have gotten it "pin striped" are you going to mind the same treatment on the '05...or is it used off-trail only? And...if the money isn't a factor get what you want

 

[jamesg]

I also say keep the 99. The only difference worth some thought would be the two pinion vs four pinion up front and TRAC. I have a 2000LC with 97,000 on the clock and I love it. I would consider an 06 two or three years from now; also I am curious to see if they put the new Tundra engine in future Landcruisers. That would be sweet

________________________

2000 LC
2002 G500

 

[SWUtah]

Thanks guys, The only think wrong with my 99 is the body side moldings need to be repainted. Seats look pretty good. Guess I will just get the local body shop some business on the bodyside moldings and mine will look near new. Should be good for another 30K miles.

 

[aedgington]

I'd keep the 99. I think you have to weigh the cost vs. what you're getting.

We did a couple of swaps, and I think we made good choices:

99 LC, 78K, paid $16.2, sold @ 79K for $17.5 then went to:
00 LC, 43K, paid $21.2, sold @ 49K for $19.8 then went to:
02 LC, 42K, paid $26.0, keeper

The first switch we did to go to ATRAC & VSC since the vehicle would be shuttling the kids a lot; we also halved the mileage. So we paid $4K for 1 year newer, ATRAC/VSC, & 30K less miles. The second switch cost us $5K to get 2 year newer, factory navi, 7K miles and the "L" for my wife instead of the "T". Since I was looking at spending $1500 plus to put an Eclipse navi in the 00, that was a huge factor.

In your case, to pay $25K + to go from a '99/65 to an '05/18 just doesn't seem worth it. Just do a retrofit of the grill, lights, and rear emblem & paint your molding!

 

[calamaridog]

Drive the 99 till it falls apart then buy an 06 with VVTI or wait for the 130 series. My .02.

Like some have suggested, you can freshen up with a nice new audio/nav system. Replace or repair the trim pieces. Pay a professional to detail the interior, etc.

 

[ff347]

Drive the 99 till it falls apart then buy an 06 with VVTI or wait for the 130 series. My .02./QUOTE]

With the kind of attention to maint. that he is taking he will be driving it a long time! Other bonuses, less money for insurance/taxes (if taxes applies).

 

[hoser]

Here's a better deal at $45k

 

[aedgington]

dude what's up w/ that cool box. is that a cooler in the console?

 

[hoser]

Yes. Cool, huh!

 

[subspd]

I really, really want one of those!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[siglo]

I thought the US specs 100s came with the cooler in the center console.. It's actually quite effective especially on long trips when its set to max.. it gets as cold as an ARB fridge/freezer set on 1.5 after an 40 minutes or so depending on the weather.. I remember that the 94 80 series had a similar cool box with a small slot for an ice tray.. didn't try it at the time though..