A few 100 questions from a longtime FJ-62 owner

[Topmounter]

I'm considering making the jump from my FJ-62 to a 2003 LC. I've been reading everything I can to get up to speed on the 100 and these forums are the best I've found. However, I haven't found answers to a few things related to the stereo / nav system:

1) What options do I have in an 03 w/ Nav for hooking up my Ipod that doesn't involve a tape or FM interface (ie is there an aux jack hidden in there somewhere)?

2) The CD-changer has the DVD logo on it, is this capability strictly for the optional seat-back entertainment system?

3) I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the CD-stereo / in-dash does not support MP3, correct?

4) One other unrelated question... does anyone know the dimensions of the floor when the back seats are folded down and the 3rd row seats removed? All I could find was cargo capacity in cu/ft, I'll be taking a tape measure when I go back to the dealership so I can compare cargo capacity to my FJ-62.


Thanks in advance and hopefully I'll be able to get the price worked out and become a regular contributor to the 100 forums

*EDIT RE:4 - It looks like I found the answer... floor length with all seats folded down / removed is 63.6" (6" shorter than my FJ-62) and the height is 41.5" (2.5" taller than my FJ-62).

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1988 FJ-62 B/G

[dclee]

Originally Posted by Topmounter

I'm considering making the jump from my FJ-62 to a 2003 LC. I've been reading everything I can to get up to speed on the 100 and these forums are the best I've found. However, I haven't found answers to a few things related to the stereo / nav system:

1.) No aux jack. You'll have to use an FM modulator or install a separate interface (Dice, etc.).

2.) You can play movies on the front screen, but only when not moving (unless you perform a cheat which is documented elsewhere on this forum).

3.) Correct.

4.) No idea, but it's pretty big. I can't measure mine very easily because I have a Milford cargo barrier installed, but I'm sure someone else can give you these numbers.

Good luck, the 100 is a great truck!

[Topmounter]

Ah super, the DICE interface looks very nice.

Also... the reason I was asking about the cargo dimensions was because I like to carry one or two bicycles inside the rear of my FJ-62 (security / wind resistance). I have a board inside with a couple fork mount brackets. It looks like they should fit in the 100, but I'll probably have to angle them to the side a bit.

[Travis351]

With the front wheels off and the forks on a fork bracket, the bikes should fit without a problem. With both wheels on, you'll need the angle.

[Topmounter]

Originally Posted by Travis351

With the front wheels off and the forks on a fork bracket, the bikes should fit without a problem. With both wheels on, you'll need the angle.

Ah excellent... there's only a few inches of clearance in my FJ-62, but you have to set the bikes back from the gate due to the way the rear glass and roof line curves at the top. The extra height in the 100 should buy me enough space then.

Thanks!

[Campfire]

Just went out and measured for you. With the third seat removed and the back seat "folded up" and the front seat moved forward so the back seat was totaly upright, it's 65 inches seat to tailgate.
If you have the front seat moved back and the back seat is leaning rearward, it's about 62".
If you only fold down the back seats and then lay the bikes over the top of them, you can add about another 4-5" easy.

Good luck.

[MidTex]

I have the same setup you describe in your 62 in my 100. I have 2 fork mounts and 2 front wheel holders. The front wheel holders are next to the windows and the fork mounts are beside them. It even leaves room between the bikes to store any bags, helmets, small coolers, etc...

[Topmounter]

Thanks everyone, great stuff!

[1loudLX]

road bikes fit standing up with the 2nd row folded without any mods, mountain bikes would need removal of the front wheel to stand up straight...i just lay them down on their side....or use a rack on the hitch.

[Topmounter]

Well I'm still grinding my teeth over doing a deal... the 2003 is still sitting there waiting on me to buy it. However, now I'm looking at a couple 2001's that look to be in great shape.

The 2003 has 72k miles, is Toyota certified and has two years left on the 7y/100k power-train warranty.

Both of the 2001's have 95k or so miles and are listed at $8k less, not to mention neither have the nav (which I consider a bonus).

Regardless of miles and condition, there seems to be a very steep drop in price once you hit 2001 and older Landcruisers. I don't quite understand why there would be such a steep drop at 2002 since there were no changes to speak of until 2003.

[spressomon]

Typically banks will loan out to 5-years old before they either hike the rate and/or require a lot more down. I assume this is primarily why the increased depreciation on the 6+ year old rigs?

Get the '03.

[Topmounter]

We got down to brass tacks on the 2001 today, the truck has 95k miles on it and the dealer couldn't confirm whether it has had it's 90k service or not.

If the service was done, it wasn't done at the Toyota dealership that did all the previous service work since it was new. So they're trying to contact the previous owner to see if they can get a receipt or the name of the shop that did the work.

Call me crazy, but I'd like to know if I'm going to have to drive it off the lot and drop $2k in service or not

[socalsuv]

I was in the same situation a few months ago except that I did confirm that the 90k service was NOT performed. I used that as a major bargaining chip. I did above and beyond the 90k service myself for about $500 in parts.

[Topmounter]

They tried to pass it off as no big deal, that it had been done and the previous owner had signed a document confirming it, but once we pulled the service records and they wouldn't commit to me in writing that it had been done then things went a little pear shaped.

It's still probably a good deal, but I'd like to split the difference and get $1k out of the price. Even if the timing belt was replaced, I'm sure they didn't go above and beyond and replace the water pump so I'd be getting that done anyway.

[Topmounter]

I got a call from the dealer this morning and they sent the '01 to the Toyota dealership to have the 90k service done and I'm picking it up tonight

[uzj100]

The 03 does not have nav? Where is this 03? That sounds awesome. Congrats on the 01.

[Topmounter]

The '03 I was looking does have the Nav, it's at Stapp Toyota north of Denver. You can find it on Autotrader. It's in amazing shape, but +$10k over this '01 and that's a lot of toys.

[Topmounter]

Everything worked out nicely, the dealer sprung for the timing belt and I kicked in for the water pump and serpentine belt.

Thanks everyone for your help

You can check out the pics on flickr HERE

Or I'll try uploading a couple...

[Topmounter]

[LandCruisers4Life]

Nice, but you should have went with the 2003 in my opinion. 5 speed trans, nav, 4 spider gears in front pumpkin instead of 2, newer.... Good luck with your new rig. Keep us posted on your mods

[sleeoffroad]

Glad it worked out. That truck was one of the cleaner ones that we see sold by dealers. It might actually be the one that the little old lady only drove on Sundays.

[Topmounter]

Thanks Christo... I really do appreciate your help, you guys were great and I'm definitely looking forward to doing business with you. The fella at the front desk (I didn't get his name) yesterday got me to call the Toyota dealer and get them to do the water pump and serpentine belt as well.



re: 2003.... yep, the 2003 was very nice, but it just wasn't worth the extra $10k to me. That's a lot of cash for bolt-ons and unexpected maintenance Not to mention, I'm not a dedicated off-roader, most of my off-road driving is accessing trail-heads for back-country mountain biking and getting to the nice, quiet campsites

edit... It's funny, but not having the Nav was a big bonus for me. I like buttons, being able to swap out the in-dash and my mobile phone has nav built-in.

[pint]

Congrats. Looks like a really nice rig!

[Topmounter]

I got the rack setup and the hover-craft running boards removed... dramatic improvement in my humble opinion

Oh, and removing the running boards is a little more than a 15-minute job for a first-timer