100 vs 120? Any previous owners on this board?

[feddomw]

New to this board, I usually hang out on the 100 board.

I am currently on my second LC100. Here in the EU we never got the LX, nor the GX470. All 120-series here are Toyota Prado's.

For some reason, my current 100 (4.7 V8) isn't clicking for me. I can't put my finger on it. It's a 2005, 250K kilometers. Fully loaded, with nav, 5sp auto, leather, fridge in center console, rear A/C, AHC, you name it.

Then a GX470 pops up for sale near me. First off: you have to understand how rare a gas 120-series is here in the EU, and the V8 was never sold in my country, only the 4.0 V6. Gas 100-series are also rare, but slightly less so.
This GX is a 2005, imported from the US in 2006. It has all the bells and whistles, nav, leather, seat heaters, AVS, AHC, etc. Oddly enough the nav works, which means someone poured some serious money into it for a new EU-spec HU. I haven;t seen it in person yet nor do I know the service history.

I have to say I am actually considering it.
My primary uses will be as a family hauler for long trips only (with some light towing), with the occasional trip on the beach (dry, no saltwater).

Can anyone weigh in about some personal pros and cons? I don't care about MPG's or the likes.
Input appreciated.

 

[Scat Adams]

I like to think of them as the baby 100 series. Not nearly as heavy duty as the 100 but they are rock solid without the extra weight plus they still drive and ride very similar. The GX is way more nimble but the general consensus is that a same year 100 rides a tad better due to the extra wheel base. All of them are 5 speeds autos so you dont have to worry about which trans like with the hundy's (atleast in the US). The off road accessories are slowly coming out for the GX, nothing like the 100 series though but I have a feeling it will get there eventually. I could go on but Im at work, overall they are awesome trucks and great bang for your buck!

 

[feddomw]

Thanks. As far as accessories goes: my thinking is at least that there are many more parts available for the 120 as they are farfarfar more common here. The weight difference is not that much, maybe 200kg/400lbs? That's a difference to be sure though, but not mindblowing.

Shorter wheel base is a good point, I need to look into that. I have always felt that the wheelbase on the 100 is not that long for such a large vehicle. I recently compared my 100 to a G-wagon, and it's wheelbase was longer, but overall body was 50cm(!) shorter.

I really like that the GX has the 4.7. The 2UZ is a fantastic engine.

 

[DNGRZN]

I wheel my GX often, and have found that it is more than comfortable. I like the shorter wheel base, as it is easier to navigate in tight forest areas and rocks. If that isn't a consideration, then no worries. The GX comes with a lot of stuff to make it family friendly....I ripped most of that out to make more ground clearance, and improve on the weight a little (since I carry it fully loaded often). I feel that the suspension in stock form is very nice, but fully loaded with 5 people and a few hundred pounds of gear, the rear is a little floaty and slow to respond. Aftermarket suspension is widely available and easy to install, and is next on my list. I love mine, and am glad I went this route over a different landcruiser for what I do with it. The only downside for me is the smaller ring gear is a little weak for the hardcore offroad I hope to do in the future. I essentially expect to detonate the diff at some point. Sounds like that wont be a concern for your uses.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Tailgate on a Land Cruiser versus side-opening rear door on the GX. I'd rather have the tailgate any day of the week.

 

[dnp]

I've had several 100 series Land Cruisers / LXs and 2 GXs. Generally, I've liked the Land Cruisers better, because they are somewhat more substantially built, slightly bigger, etc. My 100 series preference over the GX was primarlily due to the differences in suspension. My wife had our first GX for 10 years, and it's probably the best "overall" vehicle I've ever owned.....but it was just too soft and car-like for me to get excited about it.

That being said, as the aftermarket began to pick up the 120 platform, I decided to try another one.....and that's where my opinion changed dramatically. I performed a runningboardectomy, installed a "compliant" 2.5" lift, put on new wheels and A/T tires, and.......HOLY COW, it's a totally transformed vehicle! Not only are they loaded with creature comforts, the interior material application causes it to be MUCH quieter inside than any of my past LC/LXs. Likewise, installing the right suspension has made it ride CONSIDERABLY better than the 100s......... Don't get me wrong, I still love a 100 (and still have a 2000 model), but don't overlook a GX. Configured correctly, I'd put it head-to-head with a 100 (and in a couple of categories, it may even be better. Strength-wise, the LC will most likely win out.)

(BTW, I also like a tailgate, but there are some real advantages to the rear door.......and it's MUCH more user-friendly after doing the gas strut mod outlined in the "Best mod for under $100" thread on this site.)

I'd strongly consider a GX. (Added benefit: I don't know about in the EU, but here, a GX is a little less than half as expensive as a same year Land Cruiser)

Just one owner's opinion.....

 

[MightyBombJAC]

I really love my GX. I did like my LX though. The GX is a pleasure to drive. The shorter wheelbase and less weight is very noticeable. And mine has the KDSS so that adds even a little bit more. The biggest downside to the GX is the third row seating. You wouldn't want to put any adults back there and with the seats in place, there isn't much cargo area. I also second the tailgate opinion. I'd rather that then the swing out door.

 

[RobertD]

The Pros outweighed the cons for me in the decision of a 100 series or a GX470. I'm loving the GX470. And now that MetalTech is offering their awesome front bumper and hopefully rear bumper, I would say theres no negative to getting a GX.

The shorter wheelbase is great IMO, and there's still enough room to sleep in the rear with a platform.