2003,4 vs 2005

[ShakyHandJeff]

Hi All:
Still shopping around trying to get into the 100 family. I have been searching for 03-05, as others have mentioned this being the "sweet spot".
Yesterday, I noticed a comment on the subreddit stating that the 2005 had problems that the 03-04 didn't have.
Is this a known thing? I thought they all had the same drivetrain.
Thanks for the support!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

What did reddit say the issues with an '05 are?

 

[GTV]

The 03 is better as it has a trans dip stick.

 

[scubadoober]

2001 is the best

 

[excessive]

i dont think you can go wrong with anything in the 03-05 range. the 5 speed transmission is a major game changer from the earlier 98-02? trucks

 

[ShakyHandJeff]

What did reddit say the issues with an '05 are?

The person said the 2004 "...is the last year of the unbreakable models. The 05s have issues and the 06+ you will rot the block if you don't change the radiator fluid every 30k miles."

So, I asked him what issue the 05 had, and he replied it had issues of blowing blue smoke. (Personally, I think his response looked like some AI generated answer. So, that's why I came to place where people would really know.)
Overall, I'm skeptical of his responses. But due diligence and all....

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'll just stick with my motto when people are asking this - buy the newest Land Cruiser you can afford.

 

[Patron100LC]

2005 here, not for sale..

 

[Couvi]

The person said the 2004 "...is the last year of the unbreakable models. The 05s have issues and the 06+ you will rot the block if you don't change the radiator fluid every 30k miles."

So, I asked him what issue the 05 had, and he replied it had issues of blowing blue smoke. (Personally, I think his response looked like some AI generated answer. So, that's why I came to place where people would really know.)
Overall, I'm skeptical of his responses. But due diligence and all....

I don't think that's true regarding the 05s. All 100 series are good. I like 03-05's because they have the upgraded interiors, the 5sp trans but no SAIS (more horses but a little more complexity). If you find any that have been well cared for, you'll be in pretty good shape.

 

[GTV]

The person said the 2004 "...is the last year of the unbreakable models. The 05s have issues and the 06+ you will rot the block if you don't change the radiator fluid every 30k miles."

So, I asked him what issue the 05 had, and he replied it had issues of blowing blue smoke. (Personally, I think his response looked like some AI generated answer. So, that's why I came to place where people would really know.)
Overall, I'm skeptical of his responses. But due diligence and all....

Completely full of sh!t.

 

[shane431]

I think everyone knows that the 99 is the bulletproof year

 

[excessive]

I think everyone knows that the 99 is the bulletproof year

I have a 98 and an 04. The major differences are the VGRS steering and the 5speed transmission. everything else is incidental. the non-navigation climate control is a major factor in keeping the early models around, and yes the 98-99 are absolutely bulletproof, minus the fusebox issue.

 

[Asanka]

When I was researching in 2015-16, I read about AHC nightmares and VVTi issues. So I limited my search to 04-05 and ended up buying a 04 in 2016. After purchasing, I learnt that AHC issues are all just maintenance and can be customised easily with tweaks to springs and torsion bars. I don't think VVTi issues are real. My advice is to go for a well-maintained late year.

 

[Live to Ski]

lowest miles w. the 5 speed....

 

[electro992]

My 03 was the best vehicle I have ever owned. Liked it more than my current 200 series. One purely cosmetic difference is the 03 is the last year with the bronze colored window glass and tint. In my opinion this visually ages the truck and it is very difficult to find an aftermarket tint for the front windows which matches the mirrored bronze factory tint on the rears. 04+ switched to a green colored glass and non-mirrored tint which is a more modern look.