I recommend having a functional bathroom vs waiting. No one knows if installing a toilet now vs later will cause a problem, it could.

Known problem, vs the possibility of a problem later? You may die before your remodel is complete.

When do you want a toilet that is not leaking big time?

What does ASAP mean.........

Where is it leaking? You can probably replace whatever is causing the leak without replacing the whole toilet.

Unless it’s cracked, fixing a toilet is an easy DIY. Other than having to go to the hardware store for parts..

Install the toilet you want for your bathroom remodel. Pulling it and reinstalling it for the remodel is easy. May cost you a new wax ring, but I doubt that.

Joseph-

I always splurge and pay $1.89 for a new wax ring. I know it's self-indulgent, but I'm addicted to luxury....

I'm cheap so I buy the $1.78 wax ring.

I'll put a wax ring in the microwave for a couple minutes. Softens it up for a good seat.

OP,

We have remodeled all 5 of our bathrooms in recent years. In 3 of them, we had already replaced the toilets for one reason or another. When each of those bathrooms got remodeled, the toilet was uninstalled and reinstalled. In the other 2 we bought new toilets at the time of the remodel. We never had an issue with the 3 new-ish toilets being uninstalled and reinstalled. I can't think of any issues, except you just need to have a place to put the toilet during the remodel, or if you change your mind on the type of toilet you want based on a new layout.

In light of the current pandemic and run on toilet paper, you might strongly consider getting a bidet toilet, toilet seat, or attachment. Now is the time to prepare for the next one.

@dchall_san_antonio: "In light of the current pandemic and run on toilet paper, you might strongly consider getting a bidet toilet..."

Or you might keep that old telephone book you were planning to throw out.

wdcruise-

I'm selling my old phone books on eBay at premium prices ;-)

The answer is to replace your toilet now. It's generally an easy swap out. If you know you are going to change it anyway, don't bother doing any fixes on the old one. It will generally cost you a new wax ring and possibly a supply line.

You can always use the old wax ring to make a scented candle.

I concur with Jake's comments.

You should also measure the distance from the drywall to the center of the flange of your current toilet. The most common size is designed for 12" rough-in from the drywall to the center of the toilet flange (use the two bolts as the approximate center). There are also toilets designed for 10" and 14" rough-in, but you will have fewer choices.

Many folks also now choose toilets that are comfort height and with an elongated bowl, but its up to you. I have found that the big box stores have a decent selection on hand, and you can order other models online with free shipping.

Bruce

"Comfort height" (aka "right height") has got to be the biggest lie in the toilet business. Westerners aren't going to switch to squatting, but high toilets just lead to straining with unpleasant and unhealthy consequences.

• Don’t Just Sit There! How bathroom posture affects your health
• Comparison of Straining During Defecation in Three Positions

wdccruise-

I agree with you on the mechanics of the issue. But I think you are misinterpreting what is meant by “comfort height.” I believe it’s just another advertising euphemism for: if you have trouble sitting down or standing back, up this is the toilet for you (even if it interferes with the main task).

"comfort height" should be "comfort sit, uncomfortable go".

"right height" should be "right to sit, wrong to go".

wdccruise-

I think that was a slam dunk... ;-)