Yeah feel: I led into the post with “hunch” and that is not steeped deep fact just my observation through researching numerous service histories and paying attention to consumables replaced at very low mileage, warranty claims and the various posts on this forum.
My point was mainly my impression of OES part durability replacement interval between the two platforms- starters, brake pads, rotors, suspension components etc. I noticed looking at service records the early replacement of starters on 200 platform (at around 100k) vs 200k+ on the 100, and on LX's several warrantied leaking shocks under 60k, many brake pad replacements at 30k etc. So not a scientific study just observation of a small ownership sampling. Makes me wonder if the quality standard for OES parts on production 200's is lower than it was 10-15 years ago on the 100 platform.
I owned my 100 series til it was 16 years old...and my 200 series is now 11 years old—and I’ve beat the living poo out of it...not to mention it’s well over 8000 pounds on 35’s.
I just TODAY replaced my front rotor...but only because I was in the complete boonies when I realized how bad my brake pads were...meaning inevitable damage of metal on metal. Otherwise, I’d still be on all four original rotors at 115k miles.
The starter, water pump and radiator on my 100 series all failed EARLIER in it’s life than the same items on my 200.
My 200’s weight and the strain of 35” tires mean the OEM rotors are EXTREMELY robust.
Compared to my 100 series...which I did NOT beat as hard as my 200...and did not have massive weight, nor 35’s went through waaaay more rotor by now and it’s not even close
My 100’s CV boot had burst twice by now (115k) with less lift and less abuse—even with a diff drop to help CV angles...and yet my 200 CV’s are original with zero issues and boots are fine...and without help from a diff drop
The 200’s coilover front suspension is FAR preferable to my 100’s torsion bars.
The 5.7 V8 on my 200 vs. the 4.7 in my 100 is night and day. 5.7 is an absolute beast...compared to the 100’s merely adequate 4.7.
All that to say... I actually think you’ve got it backwards. The 200 is every bit as reliable if not more, and in my 19 years LC experience, it bests my 100 in every category I can think of.
I LOVED my 100 til the day it was gone...but would never trade my built 200 for my built 100–even if I could magically make them the same age. That’s not a knock on the 100. Rather just a compliment to two fantastic trucks.
You don’t have to agree with my personal assessment...but I am speaking from many years experience with the 100, and quite a few now on my 2008 200.