An 80 guy considers a 200

[bloc]

One small detail on 13+ that many people might not care about, but really made the platform feel more modern to me.

That "updated MFI display" is multi-color. It drastically changes how old the vehicle seems.


Otherwise.. I went from a built 80 with a LS swap to my 13 LC 200 and with only one trip in it so far, I can tell it'll do every trail I'll want to do so far from home, and every DD or highway-getting-to-the-trails mile will be 100x better.

 

[Markuson]

One small detail on 13+ that many people might not care about, but really made the platform feel more modern to me.

That "updated MFI display" is multi-color. It drastically changes how old the vehicle seems.


Otherwise.. I went from a built 80 with a LS swap to my 13 LC 200 and with only one trip in it so far, I can tell it'll do every trail I'll want to do so far from home, and every DD or highway-getting-to-the-trails mile will be 100x better.

My 2008 time warps 7 years newer ever since setting my screen to “Screen OFF” mode...

 

[Markuson]

3 weeks prior to purchase, I did a 650 mile overland trail following the 200 in my old 80, it’s an awesome rig! I was told it threw an emissions code when I bought it, needed an alignment and a balance.

Based on Markuson’s post it sounds like it’s not the evaporative system but the P0418 code, secondary air pump, that’s killing the low range and traction control. That’s what I am really mad about it going into “limp” for a minor emissions problem.

The PO dealt with seatbelt. I am not trying to trash the PO, he has posted a lot on the rig, I could have looked more prior to buying.

OP of this thread is asking about coming from an 80 to a 200. Driving an 80 for 17 years, I never dreamed that Toyota would lock out Low Range and Traction control for a CEL. Also getting an alignment can be much more of a chore with IFS, this the first time I had to deal with IFS and I am not impressed with my local shop. While 200s are rare, Toyota IFS is not. I need to find a new alignment shop, but it’s a valid point to know who you are going to call if you have issues with 200.

I jumped into getting a 200 based on the typical chorus above of best platform ever. I wanted to give the OP a warning about surprises I didn’t think to look or ask about. I am DELIGHTED that the other 200 owners have great things to say.

Just realized you have TopyPs truck.

We got those codes on the same trip up TOTW...

One thing I know about Tony is he is a straight shooter. So no worries there regarding P.O. honesty.

The second thing I know is that he is not a fan of electronics. So...I understand his desire to go back in time a bit to an 80/Troopy FrankenCruiser.

My codes became less frequent over time...and were most prevalent the morning after filling the tank.

But again... I am basically code free now.

 

[Volunteer]

P.S. I understand the natural first comment will be to stick with 80/100 but I'd like to make the 200 work. Is it an LC or not?

Its definitely still a LC I think you'd be very happy with the progression. I'm also coming from a built 80 I drove for 10 years to an 08 model 200 series I plan to drive the next 10. I went through the same thought process in looking for my next cruiser build and the 06/07 100 Series for the mileage and prices on the 100's it just made sense to make the bump to an early 200. I could definitely live without some of the creature comforts but after a short time you won't mind them either. The room and power with the 5.7 probably stood out most and if you spend any amount of time under it you'll notice how stout the drivetrain and chassis are. Of course like the learning curve going from a built 40 to a built 80 the 200 series has its own parameters to work around but thats what makes this forum great in that the shared resources can help you navigate them. The 13+ models seem to be the sweet spot but if you run into a clean low mileage 08 - 11 I wouldn't dismiss them

 

[KLF]

My 2008 time warps 7 years newer ever since setting my screen to “Screen OFF” mode...

He's talking about the gauge cluster and the display in the center. Having gone from an '11 up to a '15, yes the newer display is MUCH more modern and less dated.

 

[smittycrusher]

I am an 80 guy. Had my 80 since 2004. Wheeled it hard for thousands of miles. I love my 80 (I also have 100 but I never talk about it). The 80 is the king of my driveway. Here is what this 80 guy thinks about the 200s:

Events/Trails - 200s on Hole in the Rock Trail HITR