CrispyCracker
Roamer
I've been a member of EP for quite some time over in the Montero forum. I've been looking for a new vehicle for my wife and after extensive research settled on an LX470 that will soon be converted into a family trip hauler. I'm down to two options: a black 2004 with 160K miles for $13500 that needs both new timing belt and water pump, or a gray 2002 with 235K miles for $7500 with timing belt and water pump freshly done. Maintenance records on both are very good and both are very clean garage queens that have never been modified. In fact, the older truck's paint and interior are in shockingly good shape. Obviously the newer truck is the safer bet but will cost twice as much (actually considerably more than that once I do baseline maintenance). I'm leaning toward the older rig. Am I on crack?
That is -- and I know this question has been asked a lot in here -- is 200K+ miles on a 100 Series truck (that has been maintained well) not a deal breaker? Can a high-mileage LX470 actually be a dependable rig I can trust on long road trips and/or deep in the backcountry with family along for the ride? I keep reading about 300+ mile specimens that are running strong and that still feel tight. I mean...really? How much of that is hyperbole orchestrated by secret Japanese operatives engaging in collusion with 'Yota fanboys as opposed to fact? How many of those 300+K mile trucks are really just limping along on a few cylinders as opposed to playing the part of a robust, mountain-scaling overlanders?
If I buy the older rig I will go well beyond the PO's timing belt and water pump switch by replacing all hoses, tensioners, accessory belt, heater Ts, fluids (including diffs), etc. while also flushing the AHC system and installing a new radiator. I'll buy new tires and chant incantations and have a local priest drizzle motor oil on the hood and offer his blessing. But CAN I REALLY TRUST A 235K MILE TRUCK TO BE MY MAIN OVERLANDING VEHICLE? Or should I pony up and buy the newer, lower-mileage truck and sink even more dough into maintenance after purchase?
Do tell. And thanks.
That is -- and I know this question has been asked a lot in here -- is 200K+ miles on a 100 Series truck (that has been maintained well) not a deal breaker? Can a high-mileage LX470 actually be a dependable rig I can trust on long road trips and/or deep in the backcountry with family along for the ride? I keep reading about 300+ mile specimens that are running strong and that still feel tight. I mean...really? How much of that is hyperbole orchestrated by secret Japanese operatives engaging in collusion with 'Yota fanboys as opposed to fact? How many of those 300+K mile trucks are really just limping along on a few cylinders as opposed to playing the part of a robust, mountain-scaling overlanders?
If I buy the older rig I will go well beyond the PO's timing belt and water pump switch by replacing all hoses, tensioners, accessory belt, heater Ts, fluids (including diffs), etc. while also flushing the AHC system and installing a new radiator. I'll buy new tires and chant incantations and have a local priest drizzle motor oil on the hood and offer his blessing. But CAN I REALLY TRUST A 235K MILE TRUCK TO BE MY MAIN OVERLANDING VEHICLE? Or should I pony up and buy the newer, lower-mileage truck and sink even more dough into maintenance after purchase?
Do tell. And thanks.