Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
1) What major maintenance costs should I expect for TLC '97 with over 80K miles?
2) Any major equipment on the '97 model that have failed?
3) Any personal comments about the '97 model are appreciated?
This is my first time to post on this website. I appreciate any feedback anyone can provide me.
In no particular order:
Brakes-pads/rotors
Birfields (axles)
Startter contacts
Small heater hose near fire wall (really hard to get to)
Above items apply to 80 series LCs in general. With the mileage ranges you're looking at, I think these might be areas you'd be most interested in.
Just my .02 based on my own 80 series and some inputs from others with 80s as well. I'm sure others will post things for you to consider as well.
I did put on a set of Ferodo's Spectra One's on one TLC just to A/B test them. So far I like them and they seem to stop a tad more aggressively. Not too sure about how rotor friendly they are, but obviously will find out down the road. The vendor says they are very rotor friendly.
Will get one and get to work to see if I can find the mistery connector...
thanks again
Eric
Any experiences and fixes?
Thanks,
TLCMAN, Glad to hear no serious injuries!
Steenh
It's unusual that both of yours would do this in a short period of time. Do you think someone's screwing with your antenna? Just wondering.
Hank
Thanks for the info. Is it an hour or an afternoon fix?
Screwing with the antenna? To be so lucky!
HiC
I have not yet been able to fix or diagnose the dashboard buzzing. I'm currently trying to build up enough courage to start ripping apart the dash to find out what is causing it. My current plan is to try and first remove the instrument cluster to see if I can visualize the source of the noise that way. I'll let you know whatever I find out. Please do the same.
Ironside
Thanks for responding on the maintenance type issues on the TLC. I appreciate your feeback.
I am also very sorry to hear of your horrible accident. I am glad you and your sister are safe. I am sure you will be able to replace the TLC soon. Blessings to you and your sister.
Thanks again for your generous comments.
Scott
Thanks for the helpful guidance. This was the most detailed and direct information about what to potentially expect if we buy one.
I am wanting a TLC for safety, reliability, and style. Also, if we get one at a lower price due to age and mileage, we can save monthly payment dollars. I just want to make sure that the monthly savings compared to a BMW car payment, will not be offset by increased maintenance bills during the year.
Thanks,
Scott
I suggest you get the Factory Service Manual and do as much maintenance as you can yourself because you can save a lot of money and pick up a new hobby in the process )
But, get an LC and fix it up like you want it and I think you'll be ridin' high and enjoying life!
So, if I do the math right, I'm looking at $130 and 6 beers to do both antennas... the kid will certainly help! Thanks for the info.
Steenh
Wonder what some place like Meineke would charge? Hopefully, there are some non OEM alternatives that would be easier on the wallet. Sorry I don't have any first hand info or suggestions for you.
This is in no way a wind noise as it does it while setting still.
Thanks
One suggestion is the gas cap, as it has a vent and it could be faulty,will check it out the next time the whistling starts.
Thanks
HiC
Thanks,
Scott
Owner's Handbook has Do It Yourself section and recommended change intervals, oil, gear lube specs etc.
I'm using Valvoline in the crank and Redline in the TCase and diffs.
To ease your mind a bit, you might check with your dealer
HTH
Scheduled Maintenance Guide suggests inspect at 15K and replace at 30K for special operating conditions.
There are 4 "notches" on the dip stick--two near the bottom and pretty close together, and two a bit further up the stick and with more space between them. If you look closely at these upper marks you'll see HOT etched in to one side of the stick. Fill with fluid until the level is at about the middle of these two marks. Again, this is done with the engine running so that you get the proper level.
I like to compare the color of the old fluid to that of the new by putting a bit of the old on a clean paper towel. If you do the pan drain and fill about every 10K, the color of the old fluid should be pretty close to the same red as the new fluid.
And, yes, I use Toy ATF.
HTH
I have a pretty basic question. I want to pick up a used 100 series and want to spend in the $25-30k range. It seems like I have a choice of older ('98/99) with lower mileage (<60k), or a '00/01 model with higher mileage (>85k). What is the accepted wisdom, is it preferable to go with lower mileage, higher age? I'm planning on keeping it for a loooong time, with minimal off-roading (so locking differentials, etc. isn't quite as important), but with lots of driving in the mountains in the snow. It appears that features that became standard in 2000 are usually also found in the earlier models, so that doesn't seem to be a differentiator. Any thoughts on which one would be the better buy as far as reliability and service/maintenance costs go? Thanks!
I was in the same boat till yesterday. I picked up a 01 LC with nav + 4 tv screens in headrests and 69K miles for around $26K. This is my second LC. Earlier one was a '00 which I had bought it when it had 26K miles. Honestly, I cannot make out the difference in my 00 LC with 26K miles and this 01. In my case too I plan to keep it for a long time. One feature that you may want if you drive in mountains and especially in snow is Vehicle Skid Control (VSC). This was introduced only in 2000. This is a great feature to have while driving in snow. It totally controls the vehicle and does not let it skid. You would know what I am talking about if you are driving on ice in the middle of the night and come up on a stop sign. Instead of vehicle stopping it just skids thru the stop sign. I had a similiar situation and VSC immediately took over and brought the vehicle to a total stop without skidding.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck
If you'll be driving other vehicles or not putting on a lot of miles per year, the higher mileage doesn't seem like a big issue. It's very helpful if you can review the vehicle's service history.
Let us know when you get your "new" LC
Enjoy!