100 series vs 80 series (1 Viewer)

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The big word of OP is KIDS: That dictates the 100 in my mind. It's all about safety w. the family.

You may want to consider a 200 just because of the newer protection technologies and longer parts availability.

If it's still the 100 series, get the 01 with full records. Full records means something in this world...also helps in the resale if/when..

If there is a wrencher in the family, then the '00 will do.

Note that the 80, though there are a gazillion out there, will have a OEM parts phase out sooner than later. Ask me how I know....did I say '87 fj60 and parts...started getting the "no longer available" @ around 20+ year mark:bang:

Final note: this is a "plug and play" world. Decent mechanics (especially @ the dealers) are getting far-few-between. My favorit test for the 100 is "tell me how you will adjust rear brakes". 90% fail that when compared to the "right way to do it" as spelled out in the factory service manual, and that matters.

Keep on keeping on....
 
Live to Ski said:
The big word of OP is KIDS: That dictates the 100 in my mind. It's all about safety w. the family.

You may want to consider a 200 just because of the newer protection technologies and longer parts availability.

If it's still the 100 series, get the 01 with full records. Full records means something in this world...also helps in the resale if/when..

If there is a wrencher in the family, then the '00 will do.

Note that the 80, though there are a gazillion out there, will have a OEM parts phase out sooner than later. Ask me how I know....did I say '87 fj60 and parts...started getting the "no longer available" @ around 20+ year mark:bang:

Final note: this is a "plug and play" world. Decent mechanics (especially @ the dealers) are getting far-few-between. My favorit test for the 100 is "tell me how you will adjust rear brakes". 90% fail that when compared to the "right way to do it" as spelled out in the factory service manual, and that matters.

Keep on keeping on....
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Definitely leaning towards a 100, kid wise they are in my car (hello universal mom SUV...Honda Pilot) 99% of the time just because of his work schedule, but every now and then he might do drop off and pick ups. I’m thinking a 200 is going to be out of the range I am comfortable spending on this. I’m looking to keep it under 12k.


One more question, I feel like I have read something about built in nav and 2001 models? Pretty much all my reading is running together these days, but I’m thinking there was an AC issue with nav in some models? another 01 LC, one owner, with records has popped up in my area and I plan to check it out, but it does have navigation.
 
Figure on at least $1k of maintenance to get it up to speed. These trucks are incredibly durable and reliable but you are purchasing a 17 year old vehicle so it may or may not need some maintenance up front
 
Nav/air ?: Later model 100 series (2001+, Mud-members correct if demarcation year is wrong) came with a nifty/not-so-nifty big ol screen in dash. This combined environmental controls (air, etc), gps navigation, rear camera viewing, stereo controls etc.

This screen CAN be problematic if 1) it goes south (this is a relatively rare event), 2) you want to upgrade the stereo head unit/amp, etc.

If either 1 or 2 occurs, it is a VERY BIG DEAL. It is incredibly expensive to replace and almost impossible to update stereo (search will reveal only 1 person who pulled this off.....bazillion banana job).

The pre Nav units also have benefit of rear locker from the factory (consensus is not really needed due to ATRAC). Also there are issues with charcoal emission system on the later years. again may not be a big deal as rarely causes issues except in high altitude, hot offroading.

TIP: include in your search the LX versions of the LC: typically, these are mall cruisers and therefore in much better shape than the often abused LC. Many more were sold, thus supply is greater in the used car market. Plus, most buyers don't know the offroad value they are getting. Upside: more cush, more sound proofing, downside: factory height adjustability......can be problematic if not cared for/serviced. If working correctly, people swear by it, can be removed by throwing $.

If it were me: newest model WITH documented regular servicing....again lexus probably fits the service history requirement. If lucky, can see full service history of both 100 and lexus on Lexus/Toyota service website (just enter vin #).

That's the short of the long.....
 
I wish he would go for the Lexus! Again, he doesn’t know I have been putting away money for this for awhile, but prior to this when he browses LC’s and I have suggested the Lexus equal he says “I know it’s the same, but it isn’t, I just really want a LC.” Granted, I don’t think he would be upset if one arrived in our driveway, but for this I’m trying to actually get what he wants vs what I think
 
How about a 200? Its newer, comfy, significantly more powerful and newer. Toyota has a bad habit these days of discontinuing critical parts in the FI system. So with a 200, you'd have 10 extra years of availability and a nicer truck. The reality of a Land Cruiser is, you're likely to own it for decades, so investing a bit more now on a really good one, will amortize to nothing over 20 years.

Both a 100 and 200 are hard to modify. That's the real advantage of an 80 which is easy. I would say as a hobby vehicle the 80 has particular advantages. But for the uses you describe, a 200 would be perfect. I don't see any particular advantage to buying a 100 these days except that they are getting fairly cheap.

And there are enough reports on this forum of failed 2000 transmissions, that I would avoid that year for sure. Whatever year they went to the 5 speed auto (maybe 2003?), would be the oldest one I'd look at.
 
I am planning to go look at this LC, but asked for some additional pics, including undercarriage, before driving 1.5 hrs to take a look..do these appear to be painted to anyone else?
8A294EF3-313C-4EFB-A1BC-14246CC52679.jpeg
C6F15CAD-51C9-4866-8B85-E0881515D419.jpeg
567F7A12-9100-47DB-9480-F9119555E339.jpeg
567F7A12-9100-47DB-9480-F9119555E339.jpeg
 
Looks painted, but clean enough to eat off. If that's how the prior owner cared for that LC, you have a winner.
 
rc50cal said:
I was muttering aloud, “these prices are crazy low!” Now I finally get it, 😝
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Yep, in retrospect, at those prices I’ll take both #2 & #3.
 
Hey all. I picked up a 1998 100 series in 2009 and drove it to 2022. I had to replace the ABS system which was ~5k from the dealership, I also elected to replace the motherboard to get working remote/keys which was ~2k. I replaced the factory leather from landcruiser heaven and had a local shop do the install ~4k, and replaced all the break calipers ~1k. So in 12 or so years ~1K a year. Recently I moved on to a 1997, 80 series/Lexus lx450 because I loved the styling and the handling. My 100 series was an off-roading cadilac. I loved it on long drives, but hated the heavy feeling and body roll attributed to the split axel front end computer driven setup, and the extra weight. That said we called her battle car b/c she took us through everything with ease. I think if you are a die hard for the classics, but a 40 or 60 may be too slow on the highway for you as a daily driver an 80 is your sweet spot. So far I do find my Lexus lx450 does require a bit of wrench work, but for some of us that is part of the appeal of owning these beauties.

PXL_20241228_221010729.jpg


PXL_20230423_210342147.jpg
 
Hey all! So, I picked up a 1998 100 series back in 2009 and drove it until 2022. Along the way, I had to replace the ABS system, which set me back about $5k from the dealership. I also decided to replace the motherboard to get working remote/keys, which cost around $2k. I replaced the factory leather from Land Cruiser Heaven and had a local shop do the install for about $4k. And let's not forget the brake calipers, which cost me around $1k. So, in 12 or so years, it averaged out to about $1k a year.

Recently, I moved on to a 1997 80 series/Lexus LX450 because I fell in love with the styling and handling. My 100 series was like an off-roading Cadillac. I loved it on long drives, but I hated the heavy feeling and body roll attributed to the split axle front end computer-driven setup and the extra weight. That said, we called her "Battle Car" because she took us through everything with ease.

If you're a die-hard fan of the classics, but a 40 or 60 may be too slow on the highway for you as a daily driver, an 80 is your sweet spot. So far, I do find my Lexus LX450 requires a bit of wrench work, but for some of us, that's part of the appeal of owning these beauties.
 
Seattle LX450 said:
Hey all! So, I picked up a 1998 100 series back in 2009 and drove it until 2022. Along the way, I had to replace the ABS system, which set me back about $5k from the dealership. I also decided to replace the motherboard to get working remote/keys, which cost around $2k. I replaced the factory leather from Land Cruiser Heaven and had a local shop do the install for about $4k. And let's not forget the brake calipers, which cost me around $1k. So, in 12 or so years, it averaged out to about $1k a year.

Recently, I moved on to a 1997 80 series/Lexus LX450 because I fell in love with the styling and handling. My 100 series was like an off-roading Cadillac. I loved it on long drives, but I hated the heavy feeling and body roll attributed to the split axle front end computer-driven setup and the extra weight. That said, we called her "Battle Car" because she took us through everything with ease.

If you're a die-hard fan of the classics, but a 40 or 60 may be too slow on the highway for you as a daily driver, an 80 is your sweet spot. So far, I do find my Lexus LX450 requires a bit of wrench work, but for some of us, that's part of the appeal of owning these beauties.
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Congrats, I'm actually about to do the opposite, planning on getting a 100 series/LX470. My LC 80 has been my daily driver for the past 4 months so i looking for more comfort and improved road manners. Honestly the biggest reason is my 360k mile 80 has a bad case of clear coat peeling, in CA that's a 10k fix so i figured i might as well upgrade to a 100 series and get better driver comforts as well. (i cant handle the monstaliner look or an 8k sheelman upgrade) . I do love the ruggedness and simplicity of the 80. I had a tesla for my 2 mile commute but gave it to the wife for her commuter so I'm technically down to the 80. The modern tesla is a fantastic car however, the nostalgic luddite in me preferers the analog gas chugger aka "Planet Destroyer".

Other reasons for going to a 100:
My 80 needs the 1FZFE head removed to replace a timing chain cover o-ring (oil leak) :bang:
I have to use my AC when its 55 deg outside, gets sauna hot with the windows up
 
calokie said:
I had a tesla for my 2 mile commute but gave it to the wife for her commuter so I'm technically down to the 80. The modern tesla is a fantastic car however, the nostalgic luddite in me preferers the analog gas chugger aka "Planet Destroyer".
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we have a similar household...the 05' LX is my daily, and my wife has a Tesla MY...I call my rig the "anti-Tesla" lol
 
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