3rd Gen 4runner vs LC100...

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J

jpeaslee

10 Year
Joined
Jan 15, 2015
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3
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I know, I know, there are tons of comparisons out there between 4runners and Land Cruisers, but very rarely do I see a LC 100 and a 3rd gen T4R compared. I realize the TLC is 2x expensive. I'm at a point where I really have to make a decision between the two. My initial plan was to get a small loan, about 3-5k and combine it with about 2k cash I have saved up and get a T4R. A few years down the road I'd reinvest in a newish sedan, giving me a more economical DD. In time I'd build it up to be a light duty camping/expo rig (I live in south GA, so not a TON of offroady stuff here... mostly just mud). This would be probably bumpers/sliders, 2-3in lift, and bigger tires. Then I finally test drove a 4runner and remembered how small the back seat was. I really don't actually do that much hauling of people in the back seat, so it's not THAT big a deal. Right after that, my cousin visited with his 04 TLC and I remembered how much I like that truck. It's bigger, and just plain nice. I end up borrowing my parents suburban about 4 or 5 times a year, and the LC would also keep me from doing that.

As far as my daily uses, I drive a 90 mile commute 3 days a week. In the spring/summer/fall, I usually end up riding my Suzuki one of those days. There's also a good possibility that will be reduced. I'm not loaded, I'm single, no kids, and none in the near future. I do tow on occasion, but it's usually a 4x8 trailer with a couple bikes on it. I also strap 2 kayaks to the roof sometimes to make the 2 hour trek to the beach to fish.

So, I'm trying to decide between the two. They both have a great toyota reputation of reliability, but it seems like the t4r seems to get a slight nod when it comes to overall lifespan. Also, I've never seen a $$$ figure attached to this, but the TLC seems a bit more costly when it comes to repair. I wouldn't think general maintenance costs would be a whole lot different.

Can anyone give me their comments, likes, dislikes, etc directly between a 3rd gen 4runner and a lc100?

P.S. I will likely keep this car until it is entirely cost prohibitive/illogical to keep due to $$$
 
I loved my 3rd Gen 4runner. If I could go back in time I'd probably keep it and never have bought my 80 series. Mine was a SR5 4x4 5spd V6 with e-lock and was incredibly reliable and much more enjoyable to drive then my 80 series.
 
So you went to an 80, but not 100? Is it the lack of power in the 80 that makes it less enjoyable to drive?

I will probably be on highway/road 90% or more of the time, but I'd like to ultimately have decent offroad capability. I know either of these are easily capable offroad with little to no modification, so the Highway ability of both is pretty significant.
 
jpeaslee said:
I know, I know, there are tons of comparisons out there between 4runners and Land Cruisers, but very rarely do I see a LC 100 and a 3rd gen T4R compared. I realize the TLC is 2x expensive. I'm at a point where I really have to make a decision between the two. My initial plan was to get a small loan, about 3-5k and combine it with about 2k cash I have saved up and get a T4R. A few years down the road I'd reinvest in a newish sedan, giving me a more economical DD. In time I'd build it up to be a light duty camping/expo rig (I live in south GA, so not a TON of offroady stuff here... mostly just mud). This would be probably bumpers/sliders, 2-3in lift, and bigger tires. Then I finally test drove a 4runner and remembered how small the back seat was. I really don't actually do that much hauling of people in the back seat, so it's not THAT big a deal. Right after that, my cousin visited with his 04 TLC and I remembered how much I like that truck. It's bigger, and just plain nice. I end up borrowing my parents suburban about 4 or 5 times a year, and the LC would also keep me from doing that.

As far as my daily uses, I drive a 90 mile commute 3 days a week. In the spring/summer/fall, I usually end up riding my Suzuki one of those days. There's also a good possibility that will be reduced. I'm not loaded, I'm single, no kids, and none in the near future. I do tow on occasion, but it's usually a 4x8 trailer with a couple bikes on it. I also strap 2 kayaks to the roof sometimes to make the 2 hour trek to the beach to fish.

So, I'm trying to decide between the two. They both have a great toyota reputation of reliability, but it seems like the t4r seems to get a slight nod when it comes to overall lifespan. Also, I've never seen a $$$ figure attached to this, but the TLC seems a bit more costly when it comes to repair. I wouldn't think general maintenance costs would be a whole lot different.

Can anyone give me their comments, likes, dislikes, etc directly between a 3rd gen 4runner and a lc100?

P.S. I will likely keep this car until it is entirely cost prohibitive/illogical to keep due to $$$
Click to expand...

One thing to consider is the 100 will probably be worth $5k today's dollars when it has a ton of miles and needs some work.
 
I've had both a 3rd gen and a 100 (LX). 3rd gen was more manageable on the trail (size), got better gas mileage, and parts were a little cheaper. The LX fits my family better, feels sturdier and safer on the road, and is in a league of it's own.

They're both great rigs that'll last forever if maintained but from your description you may also want to consider a pickup.
 
I currently own both, if you don't need the size I would say get the 4runner, they are both great vehicles but I personally feel the 4runner is more reliable and simpler, and better mpg. If money was no issue go with the lc. Either way you'll love them I have over 400k miles combined on mine and they are still running strong. Good luck.
 
You'll likely spend more in the long run buying a T4R now only to sell it and buy an LC later. If you really want an LC, save up the money until you can buy a nice one. I don't know what kind of mileage and condition $5-7K gets you in a 3rd gen T4R, but the '04 100 you mentioned is prob still worth $15K - $20K.
 
I'm pretty confident that either one will easily do everything I need of it. I the mpg difference between the two isn't overly bothersome to me. The initial cost difference is justifiable to me due to the bigger size and all the niceness. With the t4r I would be able to pay for it outright, with the TLC, I would be taking on a little debt. My biggest concern is the potential cost for repairs if something goes wrong. I'm pretty handy and while I don't have a ton of experience working on cars mechanically (Electronics i'm solid on), I've been doing a lot more myself (replacing pads/rotors, transmission mounts, motor mounts, fluid changes etc. on my Honda Element). I'm pretty mechanically inclined and with the guidance of the interwebz/forums I'm pretty cool with most things that aren't TOO involved. In general though, it seems like if something goes down on the TLC, it's 2x $$$... Is this true? Another factor that seems to sway for the T4R is parts availability. There aren't so many TLCs in the states, where at T4Rs seem to be everywhere. I'm guessing parts, junkyards, etc. all will be more available for the T4R.

The two TLCs I'm looking at are a 2000 for $11k w/ 154k and a 2004 listed at $13.5k with 190k (though I'd really have to get the dealer down to $12k on this one.

The T4Rs I'm considering are 125k-180k for between $6 and 7k.
 
I currently own both, as well.

The 4Runner is a 1998 SR5 with a 3.4 V6, 5-speed and rear e-locker. I bought it with 155K, 7 years later, it now has 240K. Other than routine maintenance the only issues have been the steer/rack and brakes (nothing has ever left me stranded - this has been a GREAT vehicle, in fact, the best I have EVER owned). Concerning the steering - I have a 2.5-3 inch from SonoranSteel in AZ, I am sure the lift is part of the problem on wearing out the rack (I purchased a used rack from the junkyard for $100 and it works great (again)) - I also invested about $30 for a new set of bushing for the rack (the bushing do wear out over time) - also, concerning the steering there is also a problem with the shaft in the column - it tends to loosen up over the course of 100K miles (makes the steering wheel wobble a little back and forth, it will NOT leave you without any steering) which makes the steering a little sloppy. A new shaft from a dealer (who gives MUD members a nice discount) is around $150-200. The other issue is the front brakes (warped rotors) - if you tow anything you need to do the Tundra brake mod (heck, if you stop fast or on a steep down hill you might warp the rotors as well). You can buy all the parts from a wrecking yard and install them. You need to find an early Tundra with either the 199mm or 231mm rotors - and you might need to slightly mod the wheels to accept the larger calipers - when you are done you will no longer have ANY brake issues. Both of these issues are pretty well documented on numerous Toyota forums, just do a search - if you come up empty let me know, I am sure I can find them.

Regarding the 100. It's a 99 LX470. I bought it about 8 months ago and have only put on about 1,000 miles. I have already invested $130-ish on a new ignition key switch (which normally breaks somewhere between 100-200K, well document on this forum, search "busted ignition"). I have had to change the fuel pump - $250-ish. I can tell my brakes are going to require the $2K (yes, $2,000) master cylinder/accumulator/pump/etc pretty soon since I am experiencing symptoms (right before they fail) like others on this forum. Also, the programming of the key and or non-start issues with the key can get expensive - expect to pay upwards of $100 for a key, and spend quite a bit of time trying to program it, unless you are extremely lucky, it took me about 10 times to get my key programmed.

The 100 series is built much sturdier. It is much heavier. And I am sure it is much safer. The 4 Runner is more reliable and gets way better gas mileage. I would not hesitate to take the 4Runner anywhere, anytime (I go wheelin' out here in the desert (and mountains) quite a bit). At this time I do not have the same opinion of the LX470 (maybe over time I might change my mind, but definitely not there yet). I am currently getting parts together of what might fail (primarily from others on this '100 series' forum, which has been one of the best forum's I have ever seen - a wealth of information second to none) while I am on the trail, I still have a ways to go.

Just my $0.02. Sorry for bloviating!
 
I've got both. For your situation I think the 4RUNNER makes more sense.
 
If you have $2K and are financing the rest, I'd keep the Element for a few more years. I have 2 100's and 4th Gen 4Runner, and none could be considered "cheap" to maintain, or drive, in terms of MPG, and when something goes wrong (rare) they are pricey. Plus, with lift, tires, sliders, bumpers, etc. you're talking another $5K... Not knocking your plans, but it seems you went from $5K to $6-7K for the 4Runner, to double that for a 100 series. Maybe a better-defined budget, then consider alternatives. Early 100's are cheaper than the 2 you're looking at, there's 4th gen 4Runners that have some advantages over 3rd gen for not much more coin that you're looking at, etc. Good luck!
 
My initial plan was to go with the 4 runner and finish cleaning up the E to get it ready to sell. I ended up getting it cleaned up quicker and cleaner than expected, and it should be sold this weekend. This is where the increased budget came from. It is going to have some significant maintenance expenses coming up that I don't really care to do on a car I don't like and don't want to keep. I also only get about 19-20mpg, so I'm not losing that much on gas (especially on the T4R.

I know this isn't necessarily the most logical thing, but I really just don't like the 4th gen 4runners. I'm not sure I could get over that.

The only 2000+ TLCs I've found in the southeast under 10k have a bit over 200k and zero maintenance records, which is a combo I don't feel comfortable with.

The build on either would be pretty slow, though admittedly a bit slower on the TLC at first. No need to rush it, I can build as I get extra funds.

If my plans really don't make sense, I understand, but I don't feel that they don't.
 
My wife's DD is a '99 4R, the highlander edition, auto with e-locker. It has 32"BFGs and stubbs sliders. It is more nimble on the trail, especially through the tight trees here in the east. It's a great little truck, but with 2 kids and a large dog and a propensity to pack on the heavier side we decided to upgrade to the LC.

Most everything for the LC costs at least 50% more. Check out bumpers and armor and you'll find more options and lower prices for the 3rd gen. Same with parts, although that 50% above might be an exaggeration there.

The 3rd gen gets 16-20mpg. The LC gets 13-15. It's not a huge difference but is something to consider if you're going to DD it.

FWIW, our 4R has 133k miles, just had the TB, water pump service done at 105k and I would imagine it's worth about $6500. For the same price you're looking at a LC with twice as many miles. If you are content with the smaller size of the 4R, and won't be building it to the max I think the 4R is the better platform for you.
 
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I used to have a 3rd generation 4runner... now I've got a 100 Series (LX). I prefer the LX, but the 4 runner was great too. The 100 is bigger, which works well for me. I think the 4runners are awesome too, but if you had more $$$ to spend I'd highly recommend the 100.

That said, in your situation (and I don't mean to get too personal). I wouldn't recommend taking out debt for a vehicle. Just keep saving, and get what you really want.
 
Having had both (01 4Runner for 4 years, currently own an LC) I can tell you the difference in the way they handle on-road is significant. The LC is a much better long haul vehicle to swallow up people, gear etc. and get you anywhere you need to go. That being said, my 4Runner was a GREAT vehicle that handled many ski trips with ease, as well as plenty of off-road use. MPG difference is something to note, and yes, the LC will cost more to fix when it needs fixing, even if you do your own wrenching, because parts are going to be pricier.

However, I am usually against taking out loans for vehicles whenever possible so I will say that based on what you need, a 4Runner would be perfectly fine. If you know you will be flipping for a Land Cruiser in the next few years, I say hold out and save your money to get one that you will hold on to for years to come.

Hope this advice helps. In the end, we can talk about this topic for days but it is your decision. Either way, you will be getting a vehicle that is well above average on the reliability scale and is considered a smart decision. Now..if you were cross shopping a LC and a Land Rover, the decision would probably be much easier :)
 
before i bought my LC I was ready to buy a 2002 4runner limited with elocker, mainly for the reasons everyone's already stated - more nimble, better MPGs, better for less passengers, etc. went to a CPO lot and wife saw a LC a few cars down and we decided we needed a LC because it really isn't that much more $ for the upgrade as long as we kept with similar years and not really new. not really sure why this is, but 4runners and tacomas seem to hold their value extraordinarily well compared to the huge depreciation you see in the LC market. the 2002 4runner we looked at was $12.5k, the 2002 LC we bought was $14k - similar miles on both, but for the extra $2k we got MUCH more vehicle.

either way, you can't really go wrong with either decision.
 
I love this forum. Every other commenter owns one of each!

I've owned several 100's, currently a 2004 LX, and have owned a 3rd Gen 4 runner. I could never go back to the 4runner, it doesn't fit my family, and it lacks the one thing I love about my cruiser. The vault like feel.

Not taking anything away from the 4runner, I agree with others, you should buy one, and not take a loan. Once you save up, buy a cruiser and never look back.....
 
Hehe, I also own a 2000 4runner Limited and a 2001 LX470. In my opinion, it all comes down to size. If you don't need the extra space go with the 4runner. It's more economical and nimble. If you need the 3rd row, or need to haul or tow a bunch of stuff, go with the 100.

I will say that the LX is definitely more comfortable in terms of ride and creature comforts, though, but that is still second to the size consideration in my mind.

They are both great vehicles.
 
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