New, and looking at 07 LC

[mray]

Hello. New guy here with opinions wanted, and all are welcome- will not be offended.

Ok so learned to drive some 20 years ago on Dads FJ40. Love LCs. For the last 13 yrs I've been a Rover guy (blasphemy?). Love them as well, currently have an 01 RR, its been great. Now looking at replacement. I do 80% rd, 20% offroading. mostly two track trails, camping etc...nothing major/and daily driver. Rovers have offered a soft heavy ride, fun, but frankly, and I'm aware, they do like to be worked on. (although my dealer service is excellent, easy to forget)

So leading me to consider reliability more this time around b/c the kids will be dragged along soon. I'm looking into a new LR3 or an 07 LC. I also want some minor offroad upgrades such as tires, small lift maybe, and had an ARB front w/bumper on my older RR, nice to have again.

Bottom line is the LR3 to me, is even more computerized. My dealer is great but I as you can see I keep a car a while. So wanted to hear opinions on the 07 LC from experienced persons...not just the bluebook.com review.

(for note, the new 200 series is growing on me but frankly more than I want to spend right now, and I like the 100 series. I can get an 09 LR3 for the price of a nice 07 Crusier, which is my target $) And are aftermarket warranties worth it on LC? Any cons to the 07 yr model, and issues to come over $50k miles?

btw, the 3rd row seats on 07 are totally removable, correct?

Thanks,

 

[mtnracer]

I have an 03 Land Cruiser and I love it. The 2007 will be even nicer with some more horsepower and other updates. The 3rd row seats are completely removable.

I never had a rover but in my experience Toyota reliability is unmatched. My truck has around 106K on the clock and thus far has only been to the shop for scheduled maintenance.

Short answer: Buy the 2007 LC

 

[pman]

I have a 00' LX with 109K never had a problem of anykind in 9yrs
Also have a 01' LX with 107K no problems so far (only had it 4 months)

If you liked the service at your RR dealer, you should also consider a LX470 if you find one in your price range. You get all the capability and reliablity of the LC plus a stunning interior and the best service in the industry.

Whether you get a LC or LX you will not regret it from a reliablity stand point, these vehicles are truly unmatched by anything you can buy when considering the combination of reliabilty and capabilty.

 

[jmarlo]

I owned a Range Rover (95) before purchasing my 2002 Lexus. The two are very different. The Lexus is very reliable (even though today I had to take it to dealer for first time at 99,500 miles for non maintenance item--the hydraulic leveling system is going out), much more so than my RR was. Up until today, I really like the hydraulic leveling system of the Lexus, as I was comparing it to the air bag system I had on the RR. Its truly unfortunate that both Land Rover and LExus beleive that you need a leveling system at all. I'd prefer shocks/springs any day.

The Lexus, to me, is boring compared to a RR. It does not have the good looks, or, in my own humble opion, the off road capability that a LR3 would have in stock form, especially with the LR's solid front axle compared to the Lexus independent front suspension. But if you are looking for boring reliability, go with the Lexus. Also, there are few aftermarket options for the LC/Lexus compared to Land Rover. Aftermarket stuff can be fun and a great way to personalize your truck.

One great thing I do like about the Lexus is that it does not require high octane gas. That really helps at fillups.

 

[pman]

Your wrong about the LR3, it has IFS, IRS, and no low range transfer case. I highly doubt it will out perform a stock LX offroad.

Not to offend you, but I read your post about your AHC going out, the fact that you have front and rear bumpers as well as keeping it high using the override does reduce the life of the system, changing the ride height and ride stiffness settings excessively also has the same effect.

Also I believe that the 06+ AHC is more durable the previous years, due to some changes in the system.

EDIT: The LR3 does have a low range.....my bad.

 

[mray]

yes the LR3 has a unibody construction with ind.susp front and rear, using a dynamic electronic spring system so that it mimics articulation of live axle. The previous Rovers, Disco II and 02 RR and earlier were all live axle front and rear. I think tho the LR3 still has a low range transfer gear like the RR, but its managed by the computerized TRS. Kinda takes the fun out of it, I think. The LR2 does not have a low range.

I think for my purposes off road, both will take care of my needs easily. I've experienced the toyota light, my wifes lexus (97k) has been as expected and the dealer service excellent.

Thanks so far. this is very helpful. One difficult aspect, its hard to find many used 07 LCs for sale. I'm expecting lease returns to come in. Any other websites I should search besides the standard autotrader, yahoo, and ebay?

 

[uzj100]

try Hank's Helper - Find your next car... Faster. and search them all at once.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

One difficult aspect, its hard to find many used 07 LCs for sale.

And plenty of Rovers. Makes you wonder why . . .

Again, you're on an LC board, so you're going to get a bias in the opinions. Just look at Toyota vs. LR owner satisfaction and repair records. Toyota is regularly #1 in both.

Rover has Toyota beat in supporting owners and the "legend" behind them. Except for the recent trail teams with the FJ Cruiser, Toyota could care less about Land Cruiser clubs. I agree, Rovers are very good looking and very well appointed, but they're just not durable. As Cruisers have added more and more bells and whistles some of those have had issues (NAV, AHC), but overall they're highly dependable and over built.

 

[mray]

I was asking for that one. I do want some clarification on something listed as "optional" to the 07s. something about a self leveling or height adjustable shocks?

Sometimes I see in photos of the center consol, next to shift lever a switch/button for this, yes? (which means it has them or not).

Is there a significant benefit to have it or not? I mean, if I found a Cruiser I liked, and it didn't have that feature? As if I found a car that didn't have parking sensors, I could care less. And make any difference to the effects of future suspension mods (granted would be small).

 

[uzj100]

07 LC had an option of the AHC just like found on the LX. Same position for controls on the center consol.

 

[BTUMAN]

I would go with an 04 or 05 model and save some cash...not much difference at all and pretty big difference in cost. Check out an 04LX or an 03 LC...both I believe are in the sweet spot for depreciation. Of course, it could be the Dave Ramsey in me since I just paid off both vehicles...

 

[2000UZJ]

Lr or rr may outdrive a lc on the street. May look better. May even look better with those new 24 inch rimz.

Maybe a better drive, could be a better offroad vehicle, comfy seats and loud radio.

The 100 can do all those perfectly. They key is, it will last.

I'm not by any means saying a rover will fall apart, nor breakdown ( maybe once a month if your lucky ). But I'll say thus, ANY Toyota, regardless of model. 100 Series Landcruiser, or a spraypainted pink Toyota tercel ... It probaly could outlast just about any America or British vehicle. That being said. For family needs, offroad adventures, grocery shopping and the flying shopping baskets into your vehicle.... The 100's always got you covered. A range rover is just a symbol of wealth ( new ones however).

I'd go Toyota. I'm biased of course, but it's such a low profile, classic looking vehicle.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[BTUMAN]

My good friend prices and knows cars more than just about anyone on the planet...regional buying manager for the biggest used nationwide car outlet. He sees them everyday and pays folks what they are worth with them having to fix them to bring them to ___max standards to resell. When I was looking, I asked him about the RR or LR and he said they are just junk after about 85k. Literally, things start falling off. Said if the end of the world was tomorrow he would find a LC and know he was good for a long time. Could not get a better opinion than someone whos job depends on him being right on values and what goes wrong and what to check. I bought an LX and love it.

 

[mray]

and if the world ended tomorrow, naturally you'll also find the oil/fluid stain where the LR was parked.

It is crazy, the most I've ever done or spent on my wife's Lexus RX was the 90k service, and thats out of the 2-3 things needed in the last 5 years besides oil.

I'm like many older model Rover owners (not necessarily older in age tho), the ones that would like to kick LR for discontinuing import of the D-90 or even a D110 for that matter. We appreciated the offroad/utility and simplicity of them. The classic RR, and Disco series the same, really pretty simple to fix, and again we enjoyed it (maybe gluttons for punishment). Mine hasn't let me down. The new ones though scare me b/c its really left up to dealer help. A guy like me willing to turn a wrench I wouldn't know where to start, they're night and day different.

Thanks again, I wanted to hear the LC bias, that's why I came here. I can appreciate a good forum. LR owners survive off them. I'll check out some 05/06yrs, I really don't want to go much older even though same build, would prefer to find something under 50k miles. And hopefully will visit again as more permanent member.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Go new enough to get the VVTi.

 

[LXPearl]

If family is involved, go with the reliability of the LC/LX. Since you have an RX, the LX is a nice fit.

The VVTi is in the 06/07 models, with a power boost and possible mileage advantage. The 04/05 are really nice, and some claim a bit more reliable. I would drive different ones and get one that fits your needs best. There aren't many 07s available and the price point with the 08 makes it very attractive.

For occassional offroading the LX with the AHC is really nice, allowing extra clearance when needed, then back to normal when on pavement. Just replace the fluid at 60K miles and use OEM, it should serve well. We love the LX for trips - we load up and it autolevels. The LX handles like normal and many times I forget I have such a load, it handles so smoothly. I usually dial up the AHC a notch so that cornering and dampening are similar to an unloaded vehicle.

The LC/LX is admittedly uneventful driving in winter and off roading, especially compared to my 4x4 F150 I used to have. Since my wife drives the LX a lot, this is ideal for me. Peace of mind, safety, limited technical challenges needed to drive in any conditions; plus excellent service and durability.

When looking at the LC/LX, the ride at 60K or even 100K is not much different than when new. If you can feel an obvious difference driving one, then it has not been maintained as well as it should have been. The speed is deceptive because of the weight, the high torque engine, the quietness, and the smoothness... yet it moves out effectively, and sometimes surprisingly.

Based on your stated budget, I recommend looking at 06/07, but also checking out 05/04 if low mileage and in excellent condition. If looking at Lexus, the Certified program is very nice - bumper to bumper coverage up to 100K. Not only are these Carfax clean, they also are supposed to check repair and accident records that dealers can access, to assure no surprises.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Vehicles I have owned up til recent separation, pending divorce -

1978 FJ 40 Land Cruiser
2007 FJ Cruiser
2004 UZJ 100 Land Cruiser
2001 Range Rover
2002 Land Rover DII

Right now the Range Rover is running fine. However since owning it I have done a good bit of maintenance over what I would consider normal. Rovers eat alternators, they are electronics heavy, and you can count on replacing the alternator about every two years on the newer ones. The Disco is sitting pending a new alternator. Wife took it to dealer and dealer diagnosed wrong thing (it has a Transmission Gearbox Fault), which is the alternator.

The FJ 40 has 400,000 miles on it. Everything is original except wheels and tires, and thermostat. It needs TLC (no pun intended) however in the electrics are shot from being so old and through so much.

The FJ Cruiser was a great little vehicle. However it was too small.

The 100 series is my current ride. Absolutely reliable.

Now as to your thoughts on the LR3 ?? Whoever thinks that junker can out wheel a 100 is on crack. Not to mention it's electronics have had problems since its introduction, often leaving the owner in the 'low' configuration on the suspension to be limped back to the dealer. You couldn't pay me to drive an LR3 anyway, they're butt ugly.

 

[mray]

LC4life. thanks for the "in-common" comparisons. Oddly enough, my alternator is still original and really haven't had any electrical problems on my 01 RR. The air springs were an ongoing issue yet were removed. the future...well I could be singing a different tune of course.

I've seen what the LR3 can do offroad wheeling with some others, and in its stock form is very impressive in my opinion and will surprise people. I'm ok with its looks and it drives and handles on rd very nice, powerful.

I'm leaning to the LC simply b/c of reliability. Both, for my needs, accomplish what I want. weekend offroad trip and daily driver. I've got younger kids and what seems to be aspects of life going on regularly so visits to the Austin LR dealer although pleasant, I'm ok with NOT knowing my service guy as well.

I do have tech question ....if I were to purchase a LC with the AHS, is this an issue if I wanted to mod it in the near future as with a coil spring lift (1-2") and new shocks? Something special/unique needed?

 

[pman]

You don't need any special parts in order to lift a AHC equipped 100. You can get the override as some members have done or just switch the Shocks, coils, and t-bars with Old Man Emu ones.

If it works on regular 100 series, it will work on any of them regardless of the suspension type. Same goes for bumpers.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

No as PMAN said, nothing special. Some would try to talk you out of it, but I prefer the regular suspension over the AHC. My Range Rover has been converted to coils as the air bag system went tits up twice. Range Rover is running good, and is a tank. The newest Range Rovers are really not the ones you want for off road, they have almost no off roading parts to modify them. I have been thinking of trading my 2002 Range Rover for maybe a 1994 Classic as a toy to play with in my off time.

As to the LR3, yes they are good off road for what they are, but I cannot say they are a comparison to the LC. If you go LR3, ask them about the problems with the electronics! Tell them you know they were having lots of problems with that and if the company corrected it YET. I myself wouldn't touch one for that reason, and because I don't like the looks. I think they made a terrible mistake getting rid of the Discovery and the Range Rover Classic. Great looking vehicles and tons of off road ability. However, the Land Cruisers are still lots more reliable. I'd take my LC anywhere without hesitation. I cannot say that about my Rover.