At least get a 2000 100.
From Consumer Reports:
Tricky emergency handling was improved with standard stability control for 2000. A five-speed automatic became standard for 2003.
The 100 is safer, more power, quieter, nicer to drive on the open road at 75mph.
The few time I have taken it offroad it did real well. And was real comfortable. But I do not like the size of it for offroading. The 80 is a better balanced tougher offroad machine.
If you can afford both go for it. I to was going to get a 2003 but I found a supper deal on a 2004 and it had Nav with bluetooth which for a DD is way cool!
Good Luck
PS Now that gas is going to $4/gallon you should find some good deals out there.
I had a 2001 Toyota LC...which I gave to my Mom because I wanted an 80 Series.
However, after driving it once, my girlfriend sold her Toyota RAV-4 and took the 2001 Cruiser. She named it "Tom" for "Tom Cruiser".
I sold "Tom" ... the 2001 LC ... because I was offered a great price for it as the vehicle was pretty much in showroom condition. My girlfriend was really upset.
So, I then had to purchase a brand new 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser ... which she named "Tommy."
I have to say it took my Girlfriend several months to forgive me for selling her "Tom". She was really upset at first, but after a while, she got used to the air suspension system and updated navigation and a few other improvements that Toyota made to the vehicle. I still say the 2001 LC had better leather. However, she now happily drives the 2006 LC and loves it.
I then purchased a Lexus LX-450 for myself, but my Mom took that because she never really forgave me for taking her 2001 LC away in the first place.
Now I am stuck driving a 2007 Infiniti M-45...but that comes off lease in 12 months, and I plan on buying the new and improved (hopefully) 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser 50th Anniversary Edition or a 2008 Lexus.
I will then give my GF the 2008 LC / Lexus, which she wants after seeing at the NY Autoshow ... and then give my Mom the 2006 LC ... and finally ... I will get to drive my 80 Series.
Me, I am happy with the 80 Series...because it feels more like a truck to me. However, you can't beat the 2006 LC on the road....it is awesome and it is a better ride on the highway.
However, I will stick with my 80 Series with the LandTank Seat Mods .... I love it.