Another "which Cruiser" thread...

[jlm43]

I've been out of the LC scene for a few years and I'm looking to grab another since selling my factory locked LX450.. I'm getting some information overload and I'm looking for some guidance.

Do I go with the 100 series or the 200 series? LX vs LC? The 100's I'm finding are in the $15k to $20k range while the 200's are $25k to $30k ($30k is my max). Either will be rust free and under 100k miles. Would you pick a 2003-05 with 85,000 miles for $18k or a 2008-09 with 90,000 for $28k? Obviously the cost savings is nice on the 100 series but the mileage on either will be similar so reliable should be wash. The 200's are obviously newer and "nicer" but that doesn't always mean better. Am I missing something or will it just boil down to personal preference?

I'm not a serious off roader so any mod's would be 2.5" lift max and then accessories for car camping.

 

[collk22]

It's going to be a personal preference. If I were in your shoes, I'd get the 200 series. Newer, nicer, better technology, more power in the drive train, etc.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Buy the newest LC you can afford.

 

[jlm43]

Buy the newest LC you can afford.

Thanks for the replies. So this is the root of my issues. “Afford” and “justify” are two different animals. I’m really liking the sub $20k price range and I’m having a hard time justifying an extra $10k just to get a newer LC. But they are definitely nice and the kids would like the heated seats in the back.....

 

[krice118]

@jlm43 afford > debt and justification

 

[MTBJosh]

I've had my 100 for a couple years and I love it. 190k miles for 10k and have put another 15k on her and 9k into mods. I do kinda regret not looking more into the 80 series tho.

 

[CanyonLX]

If you have to tow, do the 200. If not...

 

[jlm43]

@jlm43 afford > debt and justification

And that's probably going to be my decision maker. As much as I would like a 200, it will require a bank loan as the wife won't let me "borrow" that much from the savings. We agree that any money taken out is paid back at 2%. It keeps us honest and helps us save a little bit more. It would be nice to just take the money and run but that would require me sleeping in the new LC.

I'm just checking with others to see if I'm going to regret not getting the 200.

 

[Julian Stead]

Considering the 200 is still nearly 3 x the price of a 100 over here in the uk then I would have to say the 200 for that money difference. But then again we don’t get the rust free examples you guys have.

 

[jatree]

I've had my 100 for a couple years and I love it. 190k miles for 10k and have put another 15k on her and 9k into mods. I do kinda regret not looking more into the 80 series tho.

What do you regret about not looking more into the 80 series?

 

[MTBJosh]

That I've been chasing "overlanding" and in reality I'm just pretending. Really, I'm just camping and wheeling and I don't want to be limited by 33" tires and somewhat limited wheeling ability, although my 100 has exceeded expectations. But I'd be a little more confident in the 80s ability in more difficult trails.

 

[Aggie04]

I was in the same boat when I bought my 100. I test drove an 08 for 24k or so and put a deposit down on it, but wound up letting that one go.

Most of the 100s near me were selling for 14-18k with 100-150k miles. I wound up finding an 05 with 199k miles on it for 11k. It needed new tires and was on its stock suspension, but I had planned on replacing those anyway.

The miles were higher than I originally wanted, but after seeing all of the ones on here at 400k+ miles, I had no issues with the higher mileage. If I were to do it all over again, I’d go the same route. Plus, more money for mods.

 

[WillW]

After having both, get the 100.

 

[jhanley]

Unless you're doing some serious off roading, the advantage of an 80 versus a 100 on the trail are negligible. 200 series Cruisers are double the price of a 100, if money meant nothing, of course I'd have a 200. But for the money, the 100 series is the best Land Cruiser of all time

 

[MTBJosh]

Well.. There's plenty of 100 vs 80 threads, go check them out, I won't argue about it. But u certainly can't beat the price of a 100 cause you're definitely going to add some accessories to it.

 

[ckkone]

After having both, get the 200.

 

[jlm43]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm not sure I'm any closer to making a decision though.
I guess it will probably come down to the actual deal that I can find. I want to stay under 100k miles and while the price of the 100 is nice, so are the features of the 200.

80 vs 100, I've had an 80 series. And as much as I would like to get another, the 100 series suits my needs better. Kids, camper, etc....

As for serious off-roading, we have a 2014 JKU Rubicon that would get most of those mods. But when the top isn't off, it definitely isn't the best SUV. Hence my wanting to go back to a LC as it's a far superior family SUV / wilderness explorer / camping buggy.

 

[mstakacs]

If you have an FJ40:
1. People will stop you at every light and say "Nice Jeep" or "I knew someone in high school that had one of those".
2. You will never get a speeding ticket.
3. You can do all of your own maintenance - you can't hurt a tractor.
4. Exhibition insurance (under 5000 miles) is only $200 a year @ $40k coverage.

If you have an FJ80:
1. Maybe one person a year will say "Nice Cruiser".
2. You have a Toyota. Nothing fancy. Everything works and is logically laid out.
3. You can do most of your own maintenance.
4. Collector insurance is only $200 a year.

If you have a 100 series (2004 LX470):
1. No one will stop you, ever, and say "Cool car".
2. It is a Lexus and is the most plush and comfy ride.
3. You can do basic maintenance comfortably, T hoses, brakes, some troubleshooting.

If you want to have the absolute best time driving no greater than 50mph, with no AC, drive with no top or doors in a rain storm, weak heat, rattles, and a general death-trap, the FJ40 is incomparable. If you want to get somewhere, the 80 is fine. If you want to stomp on the gas and get there in total luxury with modern amenities, take the 100/200. The Lexus stays outside because it is worth the least. You will get the most bang for the buck with a post-2003 100.

 

[allan man]

Having both, when i get into my 80 its a special occasion...

 

[jlm43]

2 vehicles I'm considering
2004 LC one owner 110k miles, $16k ( a bit high but in great shape)
2008 LX570 110k miles, $26k, 2 owners, great shape.

I'm still no closer to making a decision. I am glad that I'm in no rush and can travel to get one but the wife is getting tired of me showing her possible candidates.