Best year model LC100 or LX470?

[Brandon966]

Potentially looking to step into the 100 series from our current 200 series (not in love with the 200 platform, but thats another story). For a mild overland build (sliders, lift, rack, winch etc) what would be the best year models of the 100 series to consider? Any years to stay away from? I was naturally looking 2006/2007, but if there are other years to consider that are better I'm all ears.

As far as mileage, what would be safe to say is a "max" mileage (maintenance obviously being important) to stay under? This would likely be our daily kid runner so I'd like reliable. I've had a Gen 1 Tundra and tons of other Toyota products and trust the 4.7 completely, hopefully the 100 series will live up to expectations.

 

[LC Lurker]

Most people agree with you on the ‘06-07 being the best because of the extra power, including myself.

‘03 and on have rear curtain airbags if that matters to you. They also get the 5 speed auto transmission vs the 4 speed in the ‘98-02. Model years 2000+ have ATRAC vs ‘98-99 had an optional rear locker.

To be honest, Idk if there’s a max mileage that would even bother me as long as it has no rust and good maintenance records. I bought my LX with 230k and I’m approaching 245k - no issues outside of rust related crap.

Avoid rust, verify maintenance records, and ‘03+ imho. If you gotta have that extra HP then by all means, hunt down that ‘06-07.

Edit: All those features I mentioned were based on the U.S. market. I’m not sure about anything outside of the country or imported.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

S

Thread 'What year is best.....2024'

Oct 23, 2024

Just totaled my 2000 with 305k.
Offender ran a red light
I searched and saw and read older threads about "what year..."
Looking for 06-07 but due to premium wondering if it's worth the price of admission?
Plus reliability in 06-07 vs 98-05...in late 2024.

• steelynorm
• Replies: 44
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[GTV]

03 LX

 

[rexington14]

whats wrong with the 200?

 

[excessive]

98-99 are the best. simplest, cheapest, elocker,

 

[Comet]

@Brandon966 I have a ‘99 with 305K. Maintenance is key. Steering racks are underpowered and crap out with higher mileage. Anything rubber will need love (read heater T’s) and valve cover gaskets need routine replacement. Mine regularly goes from Roanoke to Pittsburgh a couple times a year. Also to Uwharrie and all the gravel roads you have mentioned in the area. It will not be great for any extreme wheeling like a 80 but it goes most places you point it (Not Potts Mtn). I will be replacing it eventually with another 100 just because the platform is great to travel in. I prefer the rear locker vs ATRAC but both are fine. They do not like extreme lifts and will eat CV joints if you have to go extreme. VVTI does get you more horsepower but if the timing belt breaks you could be in serious mechanical trouble. The earlier Gen 1 Tundra’s are great but the Land Cruiser is so much more (I had a Gen 1 Tundra and loved it). There will be a Lexus for sale local soon if memory serves. I think someone in SCLS (Star City Land Cruisers).