Help choosing the right truck

[overlandpersia]

Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and this is my first post in here. I actually need your help for making the right decision and here is the current situation:

I own a 2003 Tundra 4x4 (TRD Offroad Package) with 299K miles on it and a couple month ago replaced the whole timing belt package and did the 100k services. It still needs new front shocks and steering rak total cost about $1000) but other than that it's in solid shape.

Now I got some cash (about $8k) and it's been a while since I'm looking for a GX470 or a 100 series LC. The vehicle I'm looking for will be my daily driver as well as adventurer/overlanding vehicle, but I'm not going to do tons of modifications. I think only some good wheels and tires and that's it for now! Yes I'm a minimalist!! Just to mention we travel together with my wife and my daughter.

Now these are my options:
1- Keep the Tundra, fix it (with wheels, tires, shocks, and steering rak (total about $2500) and drive it for another 100k miles.

2- Trade/sell the Tundra (it worth about $5k) for a high milage and older (over 200k miles) LC 100 or GX570 and probably spend the same amount (around $3000) on possible issues and wheels/tires.

3- Trade/sell the Tundra (it worth about $5k), put my cash on top of it (total about $13k) and buy a lower mileage / newer LC 100 or GX470 which possibly won't have any issues and won't need anything fixed / changes at least for a year and drive it as is.

The thing is I keep the cars almost forever, so please consider that in your advise and I really appreciate your thoughts.

Best,

 

[Mr. Merk]

Well it sounds like you're wanting an SUV.

I'd keep rocking the reliable Tundra that you know and love.

 

[Todd n Natalie]

Welcome to the site. My first thought is to keep the truck you have. But, that is coming from a minimalist as well.. My truck is stock except for the tires.

 

[borison]

The devil you know vs the devil you don’t.

 

[borison]

That being said, you really want a lc. And you’re gonna have to buy one sooner or later. May as well just get it over with.

 

[tennesseewj]

You mentioned that you, your wife, and daughter travel together. If my primary concern was traveling with three people, an Access Cab Tundra would not be my first choice of vehicle due to its small, rather vertical rear seat.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[idriveabox]

Throw some 5100s and a reman rack on the tundra. Should be less than 1k. Also consider adding the energy suspension bushing kit in the rack.

 

[overlandpersia]

Ok, here it goes! Found this 1999 LX470 with 230k miles on it. It just got the timing belt, radiator, coolant, thermostat done plus brand new tires and brakes. I checked the car and didn't notice any issue. It's been a WA car with zero rust and runs super smooth. All the power / electrics works perfectly. Also checked the CarFax and there wasn't any accident in the history with about 27 service records. The dealer had it listed for $7400, then dropped it to $6900, but after the negotiation he agreed to drop it to $6700. So I payed $7600 out of the door (TAX, doc fees, etc). Annnnd yesterday I sold the Tundra! Still can't believe everything happened so fast!!
As the air suspension still works perfectly and the tires are new (even though they are some sort of Michelin Defender and not my ideal tires), I'm not going to do any modifications until the suspension breaks!! and will keep it simple for now.
Right now looking for some floor mats, stereo, and a key fob. So please let me know if you have any recomendation.

 

[Owyhee H]

Congrats, nice LC. Other than the load rating, those are great tires. Not cool looking or good in the mud, but everywhere else they are great.

 

[Tex68w]

I'd get some sliders and maybe some better tires and call it a day. Congrats on the LC, take care of it and it should take care of you.

 

[borison]

That did escalate quickly. Called it.