Expedition vehicle: 80 vs. 100

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docbluedevil

docbluedevil

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Well, my "new" 97 LX 450 is going back to the dealer...my trusted mechanic gave the vehicle a look and expressed concern over the mechanical reliability of the particular vehicle. He recommended to ask the dealer to take it back; fortunately the dealer had a return policy. Oh well....but I'm glad I have another chance to buy another more reliable vehicle.

After reading many threads here, I've concluded that I'm an expedition type of guy, rather than a rock-crawler. I also want the vehicle to be a good daily driver.

While searching for 80s, I can't help but find some 100s in the '98-99 range that are not too much different in price. Although I prefer the look of the 80s, I don't mind the look of the 100s. And I do appreciate some of the creature comforts of the 100s (e.g. CUPHOLDERS, rear vents for kids).

So...

For EXPEDITION/DAILY DRIVER use, what do you all think about a 100 series over an 80 series?
 
100s will find the edges of the trails a bit easier, but if you are not getting into the wilds too much I would say it could be perfect for you.

I love my 80, and if you ever transition to anything other than your current offroad style, an 80 would support any path you took.
 
So...
why does your mechanic think that the 80 has reliability problems???

The 100 is more kid friendly, gets better mileage, has more power, and looks like a subaru forester on steroids....
 
IMO, the 80 series has the features to make it a great expedition rig.



What was wrong with the LX 450?
Is your mechanic familiar with the 80 series?
 
just my .02 worth.

I searched for a 97 cruiser over the 100. When I found one, the dealer gave me better offer on a 100. Did not take it. The 97 is the only vehicle I have ever owned that I have not had buyers remorse or wanted to up grade to the next model.

You mention a daily driver/expedition for use. That is a huge spread. Yes there are many rock crawlers on the board. Rocks are in the way, we dont have to go around them. I am not a huge off roader but I do like to take it where others can not. Mine is my daily as well and I have to be careful not to lose it in the river.

Lots of history and help for 80 owners.

Most of us would be curious to just what was wrong with the 80 that your mechanic said send it back.

Boz
 
I'd choose the 100. It's a newer vehicle, and you don't need the extra capability that the 80 offers. To take advantage of the 'newer vehicle' part, I'd get an '02 or newer, with less than 50K on the clock. Anything older than that and you might as well get an 80 and put your repair dollars into a better machine.

The starter contacts on a 100 aren't any harder to change than the head gasket on a 1FZ. However, you should know up front that the front diff on 98-99 100's is prone to grenading. Throw an ARB in there to solve the problem.

-Spike
 
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Just to chime in as another 80 owner. The 80 is a great vehicle. If you are are not doing hard core off roading, the 100 is a better vehicle. Just make sure if you are looking at a 98 or 99 to find one with the factory rear locker.
 
Skim said:
80.......they are the best of everything.
Click to expand...

I used to think that too. However, after wheeling with a few 100s I see that they are pretty darn capable and they do have a bit more room which is nice when a family it involved. And the one place I think it kicks the 80s hiney is in towing.
 
I've owned an 80, a 100, and am now back to a 450 and I agree with Eric - the 100 has more room, better amenities for the road trips, and is a decent tow rig. I used to tow the 40 on a trailer behind the 100 - won't do that with the 450. I've seen the 100's on the trail and they do just fine.
 
well, the term "expedition" can mean a lot of things...
if you mean dirt roads with the occasional rough spot, the 100 is probably better.
if you mean rough rocky roads with big boulders that stop you from getting to the next mountain that you want to go camping at, then maybe the 80 but then it's gotta be modded and armored.

all around if you're not going to be going on very technical trails very often, the 100. Yes, it can be modified to be about as potent as the 80 (a la John S), but that's more expensive and harder than doing the 80.
 
One advantage of the 100 is the huge amount of room under the hood. I'm not sure if it's all years, but the 2006 has enough room for almost anything you can think of.

Getting new accessories into the front of an 80 is more challenging.
 
Having owned two 80s and a 100, I'd say that for hard-core expedition work (a-la crossing the Kalahari Desert), the 80 is a better vehicle. For most expedition work you can do in the U.S., the 100 is perfectly capable and much more comfortable. Newer models are safer as well (greater mass, better crash protection, electronic driving aids, etc.). Better gas mileage. Smoother and more refined ride on-road. And if also used for daily driving, no contest, it's the 100 hands down.

My $0.02,
 
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The only comfort downside of the 100 is the distinctly lower windshield. If you're tall, the 80 has a lot more head and "face" room, and you don't have to duck down to see streetlights.

I think the biggest advantage the 80 has in hard core offroading is mental. You can sink the thing in a river, rip up some sand, and push it to the brink of rolling, and your downside is still less than $10K or so (assuming you live).

The newer 100's are just too nice to kill, unless you're a Saudi shiek or something.
 
tech_dog said:
One advantage of the 100 is the huge amount of room under the hood. I'm not sure if it's all years, but the 2006 has enough room for almost anything you can think of.
Click to expand...


Yup, one of the benefits of the V configuration of the cylinders vs. in-line, even though there are two more of them. One other reason is the smaller, car-type air filter housing versus the much larger (and much superior IMHO) cyclonic assembly in the 80.

I love working in the engine bay of our 100. I absolutely hate it in the 80 (though admittedly part of the reason is because I have to use a ladder to get up there...). Routine maintenance is so much easier on the 100. No more threading my arm down to the side of the block to get at the oil filter, just open up the access hatch underneath and it's right there! :cheers:
 
docbluedevil said:
Well, my "new" 97 LX 450 is going back to the dealer...my trusted mechanic gave the vehicle a look and expressed concern over the mechanical reliability of the particular vehicle.


I've concluded that I'm an expedition type of guy, rather than a rock-crawler. I also want the vehicle to be a good daily driver.


For EXPEDITION/DAILY DRIVER use, what do you all think about a 100 series over an 80 series?
Click to expand...

As a daily driver, you should pick the newest, best maintained vehicle you can find and don't modify it. That can most easily be done with the 100 plus it has more power and more modern convienences.

I don't know how you define expedition-there are alot of expedition-built rigs that do not work well as a daily driver.
In expedition travel, there are different kinds of obstacles to overcome (durability being one of those obstacles)- and I still appreciate the SFA & build of the 80 in these situations. It's simple and tough. That is what 99% of suv's out there cannot say.
Once you hit the dirt, the 80 is just in it's element. Everything is easy and the only issue is width.

My only bottom line is you have to drive what you love. If you are going to build it up, that's alot of investment of time. Do it on a truck you really like, so that's a personal choice. jmho
 
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