On the fence

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azcromntic

10 Year 15 Year
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Jan 21, 2010
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So I own an 80 and I see in the near future the need for one of two things:

$7K engine rebuild on the 80
$7K invested as down payment on 100 Series

My question is though, thinking down the road a few years and considering a 100 Series in my price range comes with about 130K miles on it already, how much is a rebuild on a 2UZ?

R & R of an engine is probably going to be the same cost between the two right? e.g. If I found a low mileage 2UZ and just took old out and put other one in. I've had quotes for this on the 80 series, with head gasket fix and head work for about $3K.

All of these numbers are with someone else doing the work. I have the skill to do it but definitely NOT the time. There might be some tasks I could do myself to make it a small amount cheaper but I'm not factoring those in at this time.

I did a search in the 100 Series forum and found only one post that said a rebuild on a 2UZ would be $9K but I believe they were talking about a performance build. So what about just stock?
 
You shouldn't have to do a rebuilt on the 2UZ for 500,000.. haven't even heard of one occurring yet.
 
I don't know whether to laugh or cry at that statement.

Really?

500K miles or Kilometers? Still, that's A LOT!!!

I think there is a thread on here about mileage. I'll see if I can find it.
 
Seriously I've never once seen a rebuild thread about any 100 series unless it was damage caused by a water crossing that was over the roof or some mechanic that forgot to put oil after an oil change. There are numerous instances of the original engine going for 300k, 400k, 500k..basically it will last as long as you can afford gas!
 
Part of the reason I pulled the trigger on a 100 myself is this reason exactly. I've been lurking for a while and have yet to come across major engine problems not caused by some extreme abuse/negligence. Hell even with abuse and negligence I dont know that I can recall seeing a dead 2UZ...

I've done many engine rebuilds and head gaskets in the past and it's an odd feeling knowing I may never need to do one on the 100.
 
You should browse the "High Mileage" Hundy thread... Some have over 700k if I recall correctly.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/270848-post-your-high-mileage-100-series.html

There are several 'mud members with 400k+.

Here's a LX that was for sale on Autotrader with 457k on it. Asking $8k too!

Screenshot2011-03-31at102810AM.png
 
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I just finished browsing that thread actually. There was one in Germany that was over 500K (not sure if that's kilometers or miles) but hey, that's a huge amount.

I guess if I get one with about 100K to 150K on it (within my price range) then I'd be good to go.

So tell me about the year 2000 100 Series. Did all of them come with the integrated "Nav and A/C" or was it just late model 2000's?

There was a thread about exhaust manifold problems. It seemed like most of the people who posted had 2000 and later model Toytota 100 Series. Is that a reason to stick with pre-2000 models? Can't remember if it was just in Toyotas or Lexus also?

What's the easiest way to buy one that is like 800 miles away?

Are the factory lockers worth it? Seems like finding one with factory lockers is DIFFICULT! (I've been looking).

Where's the best place to look for one with "goodies" already on it?
 
azcromntic said:
I just finished browsing that thread actually. There was one in Germany that was over 500K (not sure if that's kilometers or miles) but hey, that's a huge amount.

I guess if I get one with about 100K to 150K on it (within my price range) then I'd be good to go.

So tell me about the year 2000 100 Series. Did all of them come with the integrated "Nav and A/C" or was it just late model 2000's?

There was a thread about exhaust manifold problems. It seemed like most of the people who posted had 2000 and later model Toytota 100 Series. Is that a reason to stick with pre-2000 models? Can't remember if it was just in Toyotas or Lexus also?

What's the easiest way to buy one that is like 800 miles away?

Are the factory lockers worth it? Seems like finding one with factory lockers is DIFFICULT! (I've been looking).

Where's the best place to look for one with "goodies" already on it?
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98-99 LCs were the only ones with factory rear locking diff and most did come with it here in the US. I think 99s are the best year because they have both the locker and rear AC. I have a 98 though and have zero complaints.
 
2000 MY 100's came both ways. Seems like there weren't as many with NAV in that year as there were without NAV. The Lexus NAV has separate HVAC buttons above the top of the screen on 2001-02 (maybe others). That way you can put in an aftermarket head unit and still control the AC.

The Exhaust Tick is a crap shoot. Not all will do it, but some do. If they do, you either put up with it or you get headers. Not sure if the LXs are prone as well but I imagine they are.

800-miles away? I would rent a car, one way. Something with good gas mileage. Drive over and check out the hundy. Like it, then buy it, turn in the rental, and drive the Hundy home. If you're sure you'll like it and the budget works, then fly. I've done that several times. I've also borrowed a company truck (2500 HD Chevy) and rented a U-Haul Flat Bed trailer a couple times as well.

I personally prefer the 2000+ ATRAC to the factory rear locker in the 98 & 99. Main reason is that ATRAC works so well, but also the 98 & 99 years had 2-pinion front diffs. The locker in the rear is great, but you use it when you lift a tire, and most of the time it's to push up an incline and you're lifting a front tire. Well, the tire that's lifted will spin like mad and then if it makes solid contact at an inopportune time, you may be looking at diff repair. With ATRAC, it controls the spin of all 4 wheels, plus ATRAC rigs are also 4-pinion as well.

The best place to search for built rigs is here on mud in the classifieds. Maybe expedition portal too. Not going to find much for modified trucks on Autotrader or Ebay. https://forum.ih8mud.com/uzj100-lx470/
 
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bamachem said:
...The Lexus NAV has separate HVAC buttons above the top of the screen on 2001-02 (maybe others). That way you can put in an aftermarket head unit and still control the AC....
Click to expand...

You would have to tell me that wouldn't you. Now I have to go edit all my searches to include up to 2002. Thanks a lot man!

just kidding.

Thanks for the other locker info and exhaust info.

I'm starting to think "Why didn't I buy one of these instead of the 80?"

I have the wife and kids convinced in getting a 100 (they like the 80) but they said only if I get one that's black. Hmmm...if I find a good deal then they'll have to pony up for some paint. ;)
 
I went and rode in a 98 LX tonight. I did not try out every gatchety specialty it had. Mostly I just wanted to see one up close, drive it and play around with the AHC. This vehicle had 197K on it.

I'm not sure of the weight difference between my 80 and the LX 100 but the motor moved the vehicle along MUCH better than the 1FZFE. It did seem more stable as far as lean around corners. No locker (not even sure 98, 99 LX had locker at all; I know it was offered for the Land Cruiser but LX???).

I went onto the dirt and locked in the center diff, low range, just to see what it was like. Seems like it could use some more gearing. Was a lot like the S10 Blazer as far as "crawl speed" or whatever you want to call it. Not a bad thing just not what I had expected.

One huge difference is the ride. Holy mama sita, the 80 is like riding in a horse cart compared to the LX. The LX was quieter.

This particular rig is priced about $2K below recommended retail but I'm not sure I'd buy it. Too many little things to fix on it. The $2K would be gone in no time.

Top of back door I could tell the clear coat was about to go "chippy". The hood shocks would not hold up the hood. Pulleys and such in engine bay were rusted. Battery was old. The clear coat on the rims had come off in the center and were starting to get that "tar" stain. Lug nuts were rusting. Bolts on rear latch handle were all badly rusted. When I opened some of the doors I could feel and hear clunking. It needed new tires (that's $1K right there).

The short skirt at the bottom of the front seats (on back side) were ripped on the side. There was a strange smell, kind-of like walking into one of those old hotels. A mixture of pine-sol, alchohol spill, dog sweat, old dorritos and aging leather. I even found the corner of a dorrito resting comfortably underneath the center seat belt latch. Don't tell the dealer but I ate it; still had crunch. (just kidding...that's sick)

The muffler was very rusty so there's another $$$ taker.

I walked away thinking "Dang, my 94 FZJ 80 is in better shape than that thing."

But hey, I finally got to see one!

I think I'll opt to go a bit higher in price and see what happens.
 
If you can afford it, the 2003+ 5 speed transmission makes a huge difference and it comes with ATRAC

You should drive one to see the difference. Lots of us just up the road in Denver
 
FYI, no OEM lockers ever offered on the LXs. 98-99 LCs only.
 
Romer said:
If you can afford it, the 2003+ 5 speed transmission makes a huge difference and it comes with ATRAC

You should drive one to see the difference. Lots of us just up the road in Denver
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My budget is about 12000. If it already had goodies I might be able to justify more. The goodies are expensive too. I'll look into it though and thankyou for the wisdom.

When do the people in Denver gather together?
 
A grand will buy you the locker. Then add the compressor, all the plumbing and other components and you'll spend 1200-1500$ assuming you do all the labor yourself.

Adding lockers is expensive!
 
Good thread, axcromntic!

I recently ran into the same conundrum you are having...except I already own a 100 series. I started looking for a second LC and seriously debated the 80 series / 100 series pro/con list again. Did more research on FF axles and solid axle swaps and 2UZ-FE conversions and the list went on and on.

Looked on Autotrader and a 1997 LX450 popped up...right here in Eugene. A little over 100k miles, two owner, well maintained. Went a took it for a drive...gosh, what a nice LC! In absolutely mint condition. Told the guy selling it I had to visit my bank and run the VIN. Well, a few days later, what pops up on Craigslist but 2001 LX470...115k miles, two owner, here in Eugene, well maintained. I called them up and test drove it. Yup, just like the one I have...perfect motor, transmission, etc. A little rougher around the edges than the LX450 in terms of condition. Decided right then and there that the LX450 was a step back and what I wanted was another LX470. Passed on this particular one because of a few small things, but I am on the lookout for another one.

To me, it's all about the motor. I can add a solid front axle if I ever get the burning desire for a solid front axle...and it will be stronger than the one in the 80 series. I truly believe that the 2UZ-FE is one of Toyota's top three motors...it is an absolutely impeccable, over-built heart for our beloved LC's. And the biggest thing that keeps drawing me back to the 100 series.
 
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Romer said:
If you can afford it, the 2003+ 5 speed transmission makes a huge difference and it comes with ATRAC You should drive one to see the difference. Lots of us just up the road in Denver
Click to expand...

I have a 2000 and often wish I had a 5 speed auto. While highways are comfortable, the three speed just works harder. I can only imagine towing would be easier with the 5 spd. That's my only real complaint with the '00' and will weigh in on what travel trailer I purchase.

That said, I use the OD button ( off position) for downhill braking assistance in the mountains and a plus.
 
I originally bought my 80 for the classic look and capabilities and have built it to a point where I am ok with it. I'd love to add even more but turns out with the kids and what I eventually use it for a 100 series is a better bet.

I have already sold my 80 to someone nearby for a price I am comfortable with (guy loves LC's and is taken with it so thats a plus) and will be buying a 100 of some sort by early December at the latest. Actual pickup of the truck for him is in early November.

Wife doesn't like the "truck" ride that much to keep it and would like the more power and more amenities.

When I got the 80 I dreamed of all these off roading adventures and it just never came to fruition so time to move on for me.

My "offroading adeventures" are now more in tune with what the 100 excels add (dirt roads, beach driving) and not rock crawling

:)
 
GaFJC said:
I have a 2000 and often wish I had a 5 speed auto. While highways are comfortable, the three speed just works harder. I can only imagine towing would be easier with the 5 spd. That's my only real complaint with the '00' and will weigh in on what travel trailer I purchase.

That said, I use the OD button ( off position) for downhill braking assistance in the mountains and a plus.
Click to expand...
....AND, the 03+ models have variable-ratio power steering (VGRS). Normally, you wouldn't think that would be a big deal, but having had both, I can tell you it makes a NOTICEABLE difference in driving (both on and off road).

To the OP: I think you discovered the main differences/improvements from an 80 to a 100: virtually EVERYTHING! I've got an 80 now, and I love it....and will probably never sell it, unless to get another one. That being said, I also have a 100, and it's just an order-of-magnitude better vehicle than the 80 in virtually every way. They're just two different vehicles, and I like them both for what they are. But irrespective of liking them both, the 100 is just a better all-around vehicle (especially since the aftermarket has picked them up in a big way)
 
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