Hello,
Budget is around 10k and was wondering which vehicle would be the best as far as maintenance and comfort for another 100k miles+. I plan to use the truck to commute 20 miles/day and haul stuff. I'm planning to start a hot rod build, so I am anticipating towing needs in the future. I live in Chicagoland.

I originally planned on the 4runner, but was worried it might be a little small down the road when it comes to hauling stuff inside the truck. Coming from a nicer vehicle, the Lexus is an attractive option but I am worried about the maintenance. Although I mention gas in cons I am definitely prepared for this cost.

Assuming all are maintained properly (and timing belt done), which of the following would you choose and why?
-03 Sequoia Limited, 138k miles, asking 10k (Pros: Size, con: poor interior console and gas)
-03 GX 470, 140k miles, asking 12,800 (Pros: Nice car, Cons: Cost to maintain and too small?)
-00 LX 470, 185k miles, asking 11,500 (Pros: Size, quality, Cons: maintenance and gas)
-04 4Runner Limited, 148k, 10,500 (Pros: reliable, Cons: too small, not as nice as GX?)

Might consider this one, but expensive
-02 LX 470, 85k miles, asking 15k (Pros: Size, quality, Cons: maintenance and gas)

Any better, even less expensive suggestions? At what point should I consider something to have too many miles, keeping in mind I want to get 100k more?

 

Not sure why you think the Lexus will cost more to maintain. The running gear is essentially the same as the Toyota platform it shares. Given a Lexus and a Toyota on the same platform, the Lexus should be a little plusher. It's all a crapshoot as far as buying something with mileage. You may get one that has been neglected until time to resell and then cleaned up nice, just waiting for everything to start breaking. Then you may get one that has been meticulously maintained all it's life and never towed or been off road. Regardless, any vehicle needs to be base lined when purchased.

 

Thanks for the update. I'm sure some off-road enthusiasts have great reasons for selecting a 4runner, however, I ended up going for the GX and have been happy. The price was right for the condition and I have had to do a little work to get it up to where it should be.