Anyone go from a 200 back to a 100? (1 Viewer)

[NE Snowman]

Anymal, started a thread that got some people up in arms. He’s replaced quite a bit on his 200. He seemed to get a lot of more frequent problems all on his truck. Post has been quiet for awhile so maybe it’s been running fine. Long read, lots of banter, others chiming in saying they’re problems with the 200, plenty defending the 200 as well.

Help me understand the appeal.

Hey guys, Mal here, been out of pocket for a hot minute. Sorry, ive been really dealing with a lot personally. I kind of need to get a sanity check though, can you remind me why I purchased this vehicle? Is this platform really that reliable anymore? This is my first go around "long term...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[SaturnAscends]

The updated 200 series radiator is actually like $100-150 cheaper than the '03+ 100 series radiator. If you concerned with costs and are paying somebody to make repairs, I don't think I'd recommend a 25 year old vehicle. I'd say the sweet spot for most Japanese vehicles is 100-200k miles and 5-15 years old. Maintenance costs and frequency of repair go up after 15 yrs and 200k. It's when all the bushings, bearings, hoses, little motors and plastic bits go out. The parts aren't expensive but the labor is.

KDSS is not on LX and it's only in rusty climate? From all that I read in 200 forum there is no real issues. Of course mine is only 33k miles so far, but I am looking for another 100k (at least) with no actual repairs.

Well the starter job on the 200 makes the 100 series look like a walk in the park. They're not very DIY-friendly in general with that big V8 stuffed in there, and are more complex electronically simply due to being newer and requiring more safety features, emissions, etc. Not to mention they lost the excellent greenhouse-like outward visibility of the previous generations.

Furthermore, any savings in repairs due to them being newer than a 100 or 80 would probably be wiped out by the preposterous process people are asking for 200s - 30 grand for a 15 year old vehicle with 200k on the clock? I don't care if Jesus built it, it's not worth that, not to me at least. The pre-2001s seem to be more reasonable since there were more of them produced before the Sequoia came out.

Anymal, started a thread that got some people up in arms. He’s replaced quite a bit on his 200. He seemed to get a lot of more frequent problems all on his truck. Post has been quiet for awhile so maybe it’s been running fine. Long read, lots of banter, others chiming in saying they’re problems with the 200, plenty defending the 200 as well.

Help me understand the appeal.

Hey guys, Mal here, been out of pocket for a hot minute. Sorry, ive been really dealing with a lot personally. I kind of need to get a sanity check though, can you remind me why I purchased this vehicle? Is this platform really that reliable anymore? This is my first go around "long term...

forum.ih8mud.com

I'm not an expert and I could be wrong, but from what I've seen, I'd tend to agree. The diesel 200s appear to have more issues (see below). I think very few will say they prefer the newer V8 diesel to the 1HD-FTE in terms of sheer reliability and durability.

 

[katit]

To summarize first half of video above(stopped watching afterwards):
Guy crosses water windshield deep, hauls what looks like heavy trailer. Complains that:
1. Electrics failing (air pump, etc) - all what sounds like non-factory stuff or I bet related to mods.
2. Started failed(after water crossing)
3. CV axle failed (aftermarket)

I mean.. OK.?

 

[krice118]

2013 LX and 1998 LC here.

I would get rid of the LX first simply bc it’s easier to replace than my 1998- it’s built and well maintained.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

To summarize first half of video above(stopped watching afterwards):
Guy crosses water windshield deep, hauls what looks like heavy trailer. Complains that:
1. Electrics failing (air pump, etc) - all what sounds like non-factory stuff or I bet related to mods.
2. Started failed(after water crossing)
3. CV axle failed (aftermarket)

I mean.. OK.?

I agree. Also, when folks buy old cars and complain about how much it costs to pay someone else to fix it for them... they probably shouldn't have bought a new rav4 or a new 4runner.

 

[Kabanstva]

I think the 200 is the last reliable land cruiser we will see in the US. These new 3.5 turbo V6 motors are dog s***. I’ve heard plenty of stories from my brother that has seen several new lexus vehicles with less than 30k miles they needed a full engine replacement.

 

[NE Snowman]

preposterous process people are asking for 200s - 30 grand for a 15 year old vehicle with 200k on the clock?

I agree but there’s 100s priced above 20k as well.

Katit, you really need to just make a list of pros and cons for 100 vs 200. My big points towards the 100 are…

I don’t tow, don’t need the extra HP
It’s a bloated highlander shape
3ur common problems
Valley plate leak
Cam tower leak
Timing chain (I prefer the 2uz belt, call me crazy)
Rare but deadly valve spring break(death of 3ur, on ih8mud, this has been seen in tundras/sequioa as well)
Extra emissions/saip
Price to get in a clean vehicle (30kish, I spent 15 on a 03 CA cruiser, which has some of its own small quirks but it’s been loved)

None of those are good reasons to not buy a 200 but it pushed me towards a 100, age be damned. Also 100 has one of the best views from the drivers seat imo.

no matter which is bought, they’ll both keep costing you money. Most cars are liabilities not assets

 

[katit]

I agree but there’s 100s priced above 20k as well.

Katit, you really need to just make a list of pros and cons for 100 vs 200. My big points towards the 100 are…
no matter which is bought, they’ll both keep costing you money. Most cars are liabilities not assets

It wasn't me choosing, as per my signature - I have 2x LXs - 2021 and 2000. 2021 I bought new, so I did pick it as I wanted last one with V8. So far I enjoy it a lot and hope it will last. 100 I love, and just got second one for my daughter. But as old car - it needs a lot.

I did no work on 200 and I did a TON of work on 100 series. Couple 200 quirks wouldn't scare me for sure. I can tell you one thing - oil change in 200 is stupidly overcomplicated. Thats it, I said it

 

[Kabanstva]

It wasn't me choosing, as per my signature - I have 2x LXs - 2021 and 2000. 2021 I bought new, so I did pick it as I wanted last one with V8. So far I enjoy it a lot and hope it will last. 100 I love, and just got second one for my daughter. But as old car - it needs a lot.

I did no work on 200 and I did a TON of work on 100 series. Couple 200 quirks wouldn't scare me for sure. I can tell you one thing - oil change in 200 is stupidly overcomplicated. Thats it, I said it

It’s nice to see someone whose both generation vehicles. Have you seen or test drove the new LX600? Curious how you thought it compares to the 570?

 

[katit]

It’s nice to see someone whose both generation vehicles. Have you seen or test drove the new LX600? Curious how you thought it compares to the 570?

No, I haven't driven it. I did see it in person but haven't been inside. My friend got new Tundra with same engine. It's definitely faster. Would I get 600? No, I bought my LX in November 2021 one of the last ones exactly because I wanted 570 after reading everything about 600. I feel like 570 is still old school and I feel confident in being able to DIY it. With 600 and especially engine - it's much more complex.

EDIT: Overall 600 looks good. But what I really, really, really dislike - they got rid of split hatch. Seriously? It's one of the things I love about this truck.

 

[newbielx470]

EDIT: Overall 600 looks good. But what I really, really, really dislike - they got rid of split hatch. Seriously? It's one of the things I love about this truck.

I told the Lexus/Toyota reps at Overland Expo East that most Cruiser fans prefer the split hatch esp. for camping, and along with the Hundy's armrest are some of our favorite features, and asked if they can help provide this customer feedback to the management. He laughed and said I was one of few people who prefer the older features, and went on giving me a bunch of b.s. about why the new style hatch and seats are superior, and how great the new powertrain is...

 

[katit]

I told the Lexus/Toyota reps at Overland Expo East that most Cruiser fans prefer the split hatch esp. for camping, and along with the Hundy's armrest are some of our favorite features, and asked if he can help provide this customer feedback to the management. He laughed and said I was one of few people who prefer the older features, and went on giving me a bunch of b.s. about why the new style hatch and seats are superior, and how great the new powertrain is...

He might be right actually. Toyota want's LX to be luxury SUV, flagship to compete with Rovers and such. They don't care about people who cross water windshield deep I guess thats why "new 2024 landcruiser".

I like simplicity, build quality and reliability. I don't know what 600 got above 570, but I know exactly why I think 570 so much better than let's say GLS (I have one in a family). I like LX because it's made good. Very nice materials, and everything just feels solid.

 

[PatrickBateman]

I have both and say I want to get rid of the LX one week and the 200 the next week. Every time I drive them, I don’t want to let either of them go though. So I just keep complaining and go on with my days. There will never be a perfect vehicle.

2005 LX470
Pros :
- seats and wayyy more comfortable
- less floaty
- don’t care where I park
- driving position more comfortable
- arm rests that fold up and down
- easy to drive and steer
- 3rd row easily removable
Cons :
- it’s old, wear and tear, rattles (main reason to get rid of)
- maintenance costs
- less available parts, everything’s expensive to fix
- lacking power but I don’t drive it hard, afraid something will break
- no radar cruise
- daughter is embarrassed when I drop or pick her up from school in it.
- no Bluetooth audio
- tire pressure display

2021 LC200 HE
Pros :
- looks
- head lights at night (one of the best)
- back up camera 10x more useful then the lx470
- quieter
- auto rear tail gate
- parking sensor, blind spot monitor, radar cruise
Cons :
- boaty
- steering is tough
- seats are uncomfortable (main reason to get rid of)
- no apply car play
- sluggish but wish it had 100 more hp.
- feels more cramped then the 100series
- always watching where I park due to door dings
- after 500 adjustments, still can never get the perfect driving position

 

[hoser]

@PatrickBateman I agree, the LC200 seating position is worse compared to the LX470. My back would hurt on long drives. The LX570 has better seats, I'm told. I did recently install the Desert Does It Seat Jackers and I'd say the position is improved. More like a Euro vehicle. But if you are extra tall, they might not work for you. Even as better as it is, I prefer the LX470 seating position.

 

[SaturnAscends]

To summarize first half of video above(stopped watching afterwards):
Guy crosses water windshield deep, hauls what looks like heavy trailer. Complains that:
1. Electrics failing (air pump, etc) - all what sounds like non-factory stuff or I bet related to mods.
2. Started failed(after water crossing)
3. CV axle failed (aftermarket)

I mean.. OK.?

But I suspect an equivalently-built and used 80 series would put up better with that kind of abuse, or it'd at least be cheaper to fix all that.

Regardless, like I said earlier, I see the 200s go through a lot of CVs on the 4wd 24/7 show (see below at 25 minutes in). Also see a broken tailshaft on the bottom video at 22 minutes in.

I think it's mainly because they're so heavy - 6000 lbs stock; who knows how much when built up with bumpers, 35s, winch, etc. They look a bit ungainly on tight technical trails. I'm sure they make excellent long-distance tourers though.

 

[PatrickBateman]

@PatrickBateman I agree, the LC200 seating position is worse compared to the LX470. My back would hurt on long drives. The LX570 has better seats, I'm told. I did recently install the Desert Does It Seat Jackers and I'd say the position is improved. More like a Euro vehicle. But if you are extra tall, they might not work for you. Even as better as it is, I prefer the LX470 seating position.

I got those seat jackers also. Very Minimal if anything from them. I’m wondering anyone has ever put lx570 seats into the lc200. Hmm…

 

[SaturnAscends]

I have both and say I want to get rid of the LX one week and the 200 the next week. Every time I drive them, I don’t want to let either of them go though. So I just keep complaining and go on with my days. There will never be a perfect vehicle.

2005 LX470
Pros :
- seats and wayyy more comfortable
- less floaty
- don’t care where I park
- driving position more comfortable
- arm rests that fold up and down
- easy to drive and steer
- 3rd row easily removable
Cons :
- it’s old, wear and tear, rattles (main reason to get rid of)
- maintenance costs
- less available parts, everything’s expensive to fix
- lacking power but I don’t drive it hard, afraid something will break
- no radar cruise
- daughter is embarrassed when I drop or pick her up from school in it.
- no Bluetooth audio
- tire pressure display

2021 LC200 HE
Pros :
- looks
- head lights at night (one of the best)
- back up camera 10x more useful then the lx470
- quieter
- auto rear tail gate
- parking sensor, blind spot monitor, radar cruise
Cons :
- boaty
- steering is tough
- seats are uncomfortable (main reason to get rid of)
- no apply car play
- sluggish but wish it had 100 more hp.
- feels more cramped then the 100series
- always watching where I park due to door dings
- after 500 adjustments, still can never get the perfect driving position

I can't believe your daughter is embarrassed to be seen in the LX470, haha. IMO they're still very classy-looking vehicles. I think he 100 series styling has aged very well; right up there with an 80.

 

[NE Snowman]

I can't believe your daughter is embarrassed to be seen in the LX470, haha. IMO they're still very classy-looking vehicles. I think he 100 series styling has aged very well; irght up there with an 80.

But jeeps are cool . I got a whole family of people that think jeep is the off road king(none of them off road). I just laugh to myself knowing I have arguably the king of tough SUVs.

 

[Skruf]

But jeeps are cool . I got a whole family of people that think jeep is the off road king(none of them off road). I just laugh to myself knowing I have arguably the king of tough SUVs.

Very successful marketing of notorious s***boxes by Fiat Chrysler

 

[katit]

I got those seat jackers also. Very Minimal if anything from them. I’m wondering anyone has ever put lx570 seats into the lc200. Hmm…

Interesting. Didn't know there would be difference. In LX570 seats are great. I like them better than 470. Thing is - any road trip we take 570 and not wife's GLS because of seats.

Another "basic" thing about LX that I simply love. It's not widely advertised. And surprisingly, it's not on other luxury cars or I didn't figure it out? I am talking about Climate Concierge. Some people don't use Climate Control, they feel like constant adjustment needed. I do use Climate Control.

In my previous BMW: Start car, turn on heat seat(1). Turn on steering wheel heat(2). Drive. Turn down/off seat heat(3-5) (one long press will turn off). Turn off steering wheel heat(6). So. up to 6 extra pushes on buttons. It's hidden "feature" to do long press on seat heat to turn it off, instead of clicking 3 times.

In my wifes GLS: Same as BMW but you have to click seat heat 3 times to run off (no long press)

In LX: Start, drive. It turns on heat/vent when needed, how much needed. And noone talks about it. I think it's brilliant. You only understand when you go back.

This is what car needs: Good seats, quiet cabin, good suspension, good climate control and audio.