What would you do? (1 Viewer)

[aaronrules]

If you were looking for new to you 100 that is going to be your DD AND be the bones for building a vehicle that will support a family of four on road trips offroad trips and some expeditions. Nothing too serious, staying in North America.

What year model would you start with? Why would you choose LX/LC? Is there such a thing as a non-nav 03' or newer 100? Have we figured out how to replace the stock nav if so?

I want to get straight up truck ideas and why.

We will get into mods later. But this vehicle will not stay stock.

Thanks for all your help guys!

 

[DirtDawg]

It really comes down to personal preference. Do you want capability? Get a 98-99 with an e-locker. Do you want a somewhat fast cruiser? Get an 03+ for the 5 spd or an 05-06 with the VVTi.

For me it was simple. In my price range I was looking at 98-02 in my area and ended up with a '00 because it had non nav and was the best deal I could find. Sometimes it isn't about finding the perfect cruiser, but rather finding a clean truck that you can live with for the right price. I found a few '99s with e-lockers, but they weren't to my standards for a starting point of a build. I found a clean truck that I can eventually throw lockers in and that will support all my needs.

The reality is even if you can't find the "perfect cruiser", you can find a good starting point to build it to be your perfect cruiser.

 

[MaineiacMoose]

AAronrules,

I am in the same boat. I currently have an 03 4runner with the v8 and it has been great. I want something a little bigger and the 100 is right in the spot that I want. Just figure out what you can settle with and don't look back!

 

[jLB]

You'll find lots of different opinions on this subject, and it really has been throughly covered more than once on this forum.

If a factory rear locker is important to you, 98-99 LC.

If ATRAC/VSC is important to you, or the 2 pinion front diff concerns you 2000+.

If the reported trans problems in the 00 MY concerns you, any year but 00.

If you have to have a modern aftermarket sound system, non-nav 98-02.

If you want the 5spd, 03+.

If you like VGRS, 03+.

If you like vvti, an 06-07.

If you're concerned about the reports of vvti being an interference engine, 98-05.

If you think the name change from ARACO to Toyota Auto Body affected quality, 98-04.

If you like AHC and memory seats, a LX.

If you hate the body cladding, afraid of AHC or you're afraid of being one of those snobs in a Lexus, a LC.​

A sample of similar threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-year-preferred-is-best.907967/

what is the best year of lc100 or lx470 to get?

Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner​

Best year 100 to buy ?
​

I'm comfortable driving my stock 06 LX or my son's modified 00 LC. At 9-18 years old, I'd argue that vehicle condition and history would be more important to me than model year, but all things being equal I'd prefer 03+ and a mild preference for the newest I could find. I prefer the the looks of the LC but like the additional features in the LX.

 

[ChuckB]

A few quick other items you may want. Can remember exact years off the top of my head.

Rear (3rd row) A/C - +99?

Side Curtain Airbags - 03 or 04+?

I think the 5-speed is worth the potential pain of the navigation.

 

[Knox_Overland]

For me it was easy. Find the best deal for the money!! I would rather have a Lexus. Just my preference. The year to me did not matter!! Yeah, it would have been nice to find a 98-99. But I found a Texas rig, bone stock, LX, with under 170k, for 10k. And it is in immaculate shape for the money. Tires,lift,lockers,armor etc to come soon!!

 

[aaronrules]

You'll find lots of different opinions on this subject, and it really has been throughly covered more than once on this forum.

If a factory rear locker is important to you, 98-99 LC.

If ATRAC/VSC is important to you, or the 2 pinion front diff concerns you 2000+.

If the reported trans problems in the 00 MY concerns you, any year but 00.

If you have to have a modern aftermarket sound system, non-nav 98-02.

If you want the 5spd, 03+.

If you like VGRS, 03+.

If you like vvti, an 06-07.

If you're concerned about the reports of vvti being an interference engine, 98-05.

If you think the name change from ARACO to Toyota Auto Body affected quality, 98-04.

If you like AHC and memory seats, a LX.

If you hate the body cladding, afraid of AHC or you're afraid of being one of those snobs in a Lexus, a LC.​

A sample of similar threads:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/what-year-preferred-is-best.907967/

what is the best year of lc100 or lx470 to get?

Which 100 Series or Lexus to buy? (FJ40 owner​

Best year 100 to buy ?
​

I'm comfortable driving my stock 06 LX or my son's modified 00 LC. At 9-18 years old, I'd argue that vehicle condition and history would be more important to me than model year, but all things being equal I'd prefer 03+ and a mild preference for the newest I could find. I prefer the the looks of the LC but like the additional features in the LX.

FANTASTIC breakdown! And sorry for missing those other threads. It looks like I am going to have to deal with Navigation...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'd start one thread and keep it all in there.

 

[montegofd3s]

Just find the best maintained rig in your price range. That is what I would look for. They are all going to perform well beyond your expectations both on and off road as well as last a very long time if they have been serviced properly. That is my advice. For me, that just so happened to be a 99 with a stock locker, but if it would have been a 2000 with the possible trans issue or an A-Trac model.....it wouldn't have mattered. I have seen them all do things I didn't think was possible. (but I do like that locker, I won't lie about that )

 

[bctlex]

What @DirtDawg said "Sometimes it isn't about finding the perfect cruiser, but rather finding a clean truck that you can live with for the right price.". We ended up buying a 98 LC well below our price range with the idea we may get another one down the road. OP mentioned DD, just like ours are my wife's DD, and the one thing we like to have is the side curtain airbags in newer model. Good luck!