Smart move or not?

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4RunnerTRDPRO

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Big fan of the forum.

My wife has a 2006 4.4l v8 BMW X5 with 85k. Not to long ago we spent 3k+ on repairs: leaking radiator box, washer fluid pump, freon, and a set of new tires. It seems like every oil change, they find something that needs replacing. We usually opt out because there's only one dealer here, and I am certain we all get robbed! I prefer the 6 hour trek to Atlanta where we bought it because there are 3 Bmw dealers there. However, that's if the car can make it. So my idea is to trade this vehicle valued at $10k (if I'm lucky) for a 1999 Land Cruiser $10k with approximately 150k. I prefer a land cruiser with the least amount of electronics as I'm aware that too many could go wrong and I also like the older model look. I know these LCs can go 500k easily. However, I'm not sure if my wife will appreciate driving an older vehicle so I'm content with her taking my trdpro. Knowing that owning this BMW will cost $$$ in repairs, do you think trading for a LC a smart move or not? Also, Is it expensive to maintain a used LC?
 
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My opinion on most german cars is that I don't want to own them outside of a warranty period for the reasons you listed. Land Cruisers are typically listed as having incredible reliability, sometimes even more so than our 4Runners. There was a report recently and they had the Land Cruiser listed as the most reliable Toyota and one of the if not the most reliable vehicle out of all makes.

As long as you are OK with giving up your TRD PRO to her then it sounds like a solid plan.
 
4RunnerTRDPRO said:
Big fan of the forum.

My wife has a 2006 4.4l v8 BMW X5 with 85k. Not to long ago we spent 3k+ on repairs: leaking radiator box, washer fluid pump, freon, and a set of new tires. It seems like every oil change, they find something that needs replacing. We usually opt out because there's only one dealer here, and I am certain we all get robbed! I prefer the 6 hour trek to Atlanta where we bought it because there are 3 Bmw dealers there. However, that's if the car can make it. So my idea is to trade this vehicle valued at $10k (if I'm lucky) for a 1999 Land Cruiser $10k with approximately 150k. I prefer a land cruiser with the least amount of electronics as I'm aware that too many could go wrong and I also like the older model look. I know these LCs can go 500k easily. However, I'm not sure if my wife will appreciate driving an older vehicle so I'm content with her taking my trdpro. Knowing that owning this BMW will cost $$$ in repairs, do you think trading for a LC a smart move or not? Also, Is it expensive to maintain a used LC?
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The LC can be pricy if you don't wrench yourself. Not as sure about the 100 series you are looking at but my 80 series takes some repairs every now and then. They are not going to leave you stranded but they aren't spring chickens either. My 80 has about 250k miles on the clock and I'll rock it for the rest of its useful life and beyond! The 100 is a darn great rig but it's getting older and parts are getting a little harder to find. Head over to Ih8mud.com and look through the 100 series portion to get an idea of what you are looking at getting into.
 
bimrunner said:
The LC can be pricy if you don't wrench yourself. Not as sure about the 100 series you are looking at but my 80 series takes some repairs every now and then. They are not going to leave you stranded but they aren't spring chickens either. My 80 has about 250k miles on the clock and I'll rock it for the rest of its useful life and beyond! The 100 is a darn great rig but it's getting older and parts are getting a little harder to find. Head over to Ih8mud.com and look through the 100 series portion to get an idea of what you are looking at getting into.
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Thanks. As long as I don't have to make any $1k and up repairs at every 3000miles, I'm golden! Now time for more researching. 80 or 100??? You got me interested.
 
4RunnerTRDPRO said:
Thanks. As long as I don't have to make any $1k and up repairs at every 3000miles, I'm golden! Now time for more researching. 80 or 100??? You got me interested.
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80 if you want an all-around overland machine. 100 if you want some overland but also a comfy DD. 80 was last stock Toyota with solid front axle and available front/rear lockers. 100 was first IFS LC. It's a matter of use and desire. I personally like both. Can't really go wrong with either. 80 series is slightly less expensive, and easier to build a hard core wheeling/overland rig.
 
bimrunner said:
80 if you want an all-around overland machine. 100 if you want some overland but also a comfy DD. 80 was last stock Toyota with solid front axle and available front/rear lockers. 100 was first IFS LC. It's a matter of use and desire. I personally like both. Can't really go wrong with either. 80 series is slightly less expensive, and easier to build a hard core wheeling/overland rig.
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They both sound great!
 
I'm in a similar situation. I have a 2010 gmc sierra 1500. It has had little problems since was new, but the motor blew up at 40k miles. It was rebuilt under warranty, but I don't trust it and am kind of over the truck. My wife drives a 2008 bmw 328i. It went out of warranty a few months ago and we moved to a town that doesn't have a dealer within 2 hours. I can fix most anything (aircraft machinist, welder, fabricator by trade), but I HATE working on the finicky German car.

I recently bought an '03 V8 sport 4runner for my DD/hunting rig. So, we are trading the sierra and 328i for a 2014-15 4runner for my wife. Once the 4runners are paid off I think I'm going to pick another pickup for longer trips pulling a trailer and multi state hunting trips.

I have a friend that owns 2 LCs. Both have over 150k on them and they just keep going. One is his DD and the other is his hunting/overland rig.

Check his LC, hunts, and other cool stuff out on youtube. Just search Lone Star Boars. Sorry for the shameless plug, but he has a cool rig. I say get the LC.
 
After much waiting and research I have found a white 2004 LC with 140k. Private seller is asking 16,800. I have KBBed it and that's an excellent rating price. If all goes well, I plan on offering a below fair price of 13,500. Any advice on getting the price I want?? I plan on paying cash! No check no card but good ole cash! Would that make a difference?
 
4RunnerTRDPRO said:
Thanks. As long as I don't have to make any $1k and up repairs at every 3000miles, I'm golden! Now time for more researching. 80 or 100??? You got me interested.
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$1K every 3000 miles? You can get a lot of cars (hint: Toyota/Lexus)which will cost less than $1K to maintenance for every 3000 miles. Good luck with the search. If you have the fund, I would go for the 200 series LC.
 
4RunnerTRDPRO said:
After much waiting and research I have found a white 2004 LC with 140k. Private seller is asking 16,800. I have KBBed it and that's an excellent rating price. If all goes well, I plan on offering a below fair price of 13,500. Any advice on getting the price I want?? I plan on paying cash! No check no card but good ole cash! Would that make a difference?
Click to expand...

I learned one thing "The most expensive used cars are the cheapest paid cars". I rather pay couple thousand dollars more for a car that I know well maintenance, good shape and feel "comfortable" with.
 
4RunnerTRDPRO said:
After much waiting and research I have found a white 2004 LC with 140k. Private seller is asking 16,800. ... I plan on paying cash! No check no card but good ole cash! Would that make a difference?
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cash is not going to sweeten the pot any for a private seller. there's no alternative - cash is it. he is expecting that already.

KBB is a useful guide, but not the law. make your offer, but keep in mind that the lower it is, the more you must be prepared to let somebody else offer more and get it.
 
I've owned several Land Cruisers. They don't go to 500k easily or cheaply.

Kill the BMW with fire, or nuke it from orbit... just to be safe.

80 series are gas pigs and if you have zero intentions of making a killer trail tank, get the 100 series--which is still a competent 4x4.

Spend more money than you're willing to to get a "better" truck, because fixing the damn things is VERY expensive.
 
delloro said:
cash is not going to sweeten the pot any for a private seller. there's no alternative - cash is it. he is expecting that already.



KBB is a useful guide, but not the law. make your offer, but keep in mind that the lower it is, the more you must be prepared to let somebody else offer more and get it.
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Correct me if I'm wrong. If he accepted a cashiers check wouldn't that be taxable?
 
Any private seller, regardless of how you pay them, is tax exempt as long as they are not making money on the car. Which should be most used cars.
 
Found a LC and offer accepted. 2004 140k for 14k. Here are my concerns: 3 previous owners. First owner 4 years and one "engine checked". Second owner registered as police vehicle 4 years and one "engine checked". Third owner selling after 1.5 years-No carfax history since owning. The "engine checks" have me balking.... Thoughts???
 
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If we are being honest here, a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser is likely to have just as many maintenance issues and repairs as a 2006 BMW crossover...the only difference you will notice is that the Toyota's repairs and maintenance will cost at lot less (either in DIY or at a repair shop).

IMO OP, you and your wife really need to confirm what your vehicle priorities are.

The BMW crossover lineup (X3, X5) are very nice drivers on road, very comfortable and easy to live with.

A Toyota Land Cruiser (by comparison) is going to feel a lot more like a truck because, unlike the BMW, it actually is a truck. The upside is a more robust frame/chassis that is capable of taking a lot more abuse.

I'd say figure out what you want out of your vehicle and plan your purchase accordingly. FYI, BMW's really aren't known for being unreliable vehicles, and there are plenty of enthusiasts who buy them for the long term and maintain them...you just need to be willing to spend a little bit more $.
 
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