Buy a 2006 now?

[Wannabe77]

Greetings all!

I have long wanted a Land Cruiser and may be in a position over the next year to buy one! I've been eyeing a 2006 or possibly an 07. This will be my every day driver.

Honestly, I'm probably the guy you laugh about as I intend to use it mainly for getting my three sons to various sports games/practices. I do romanticize about possibly going off roading, although I've never been. I also really like the idea of this being a vehicle I own for a very long time.

So with all that said, is a 2006/07 (figure 125K miles plus) a wise purchase?

Thanks all for your input!

 

[Sandroad]

Yes.

 

[Manhattan]

...I intend to use it mainly for getting my three sons to various sports games/practices.

psssst... ^that^ applies to 90% of us. Don't let all the snorkel and bumper talk fool ya... Most of us get off road a couple times a year - and usually on trails the 100 can do bone stock.

It's a great time to buy that '06.

 

[SmoothLC]

 

[Traskew3]

Yep!

 

[timberwilde]

I bought a 2006LC last year with 162K miles on it and I have been very happy with it. It was a one owner rig with all maintenance done at the stealer and I've put only about 12K miles. I also have a 2000LX and bought my son a 2002LX so I am a little partial to the 100s. I think they're tanks on and off the road. I am sure you'll be happy with it.

 

[RND1]

So with all that said, is a 2006/07 (figure 125K miles plus) a wise purchase?

In general you're going to get a wholehearted YES on this forum, but of course that depends on the price and condition of the actual LC you're considering. Most of the '06-'07 LC's have AHC and since you reside in the salt belt, beware of rusty undercarriages if you're shopping locally. AHC globes don't like rust and that system is expensive to fix and/or replace.

My son will be driving in 2 years and he will get my 100 as his first vehicle and I will search for another 100 or early 200 depending on prices at that time.

 

[Larch Tree]

Yes, a wise purchase if u find one for a reasonable price. I bought an '06 in '09 with 45k miles and now has 130k. Other than routine maintenance, the brake actuator was the only needed repair (at 125k miles). It's otherwise been flawless, dependable and nice/fun to drive on road and off. My only (minor) complaints: low gas mileage, no memory front seats, no manual transmission option. '06 or '07 will likely come with AHC suspension, which I like a lot but some here have had troubles with and/or have decided to delete in favor of a suspension lift. I think you'll be very happy with the purchase. LCs at 125k miles are higher quality than most others brand new IMO.

 

[BullElk]

Absolutley !!! I got my first 1992 model of eight LC/LXs in 1996. At the time, I thought that was the best vehicle on the 3rd rock. The general consensus here usually states..."Get the newest you can afford" That is soooo true. The next seven that I have owned have only gotten better with absolutely no Lemons in the bowl.

My latest addition for my wife is the 2006 that you're asking about. Our '06 LX is the finest vehicle by far that we've had. Just stinkin awesome. How can they get any better? I have no idea.

 

[Couvi]

I have dreams of taking mine off-road, one day. Bought it last November at the local Toyota dealership with just 100k on it. I was looking off and on for about 2+ years -- researching and learning the differences in models, test driving everyone that became available in my area. Then finally it happened, a one-owner, dealer-serviced 2004, galactic gray. Had it inspected, put down a deposit and bought it. Great truck, better than I ever imagined it being. I have 4 kids, and we manage to squeeze in just fine (thanks to my cargo box for long trips). It's the most solid vehicle I've ever driven -- even at 12 years and, now, 114k on it. People that ride with me can't believe the age of the car. I hope to give it to my daughter one day as a first vehicle. You will not regret it.

 

[Wannabe77]

Thanks all! And good info in this thread.

I figured this was the sort of positive response I was going to get!

I am not overly familiar with the "AHS suspension system" Is that the Air Suspension? How regularly does it fail?

Also, are there any other concerns with buying a 10-12 year old LC? I am not a handy guy when it comes to cars, so much of what would need to be done would go to a dealer. I know to look for a timing belt replacement, and other basic maintenance things.

Someone mentioned rust in this thread. Is that something to be concerned about? I live in the NE part of the US. Is it wise to buy out of the region?

I am a regular on a few photo forums and I know that some people get hold of some issues with cameras and they become HUGE issues that in all reality arent that big a deal.

I appreciate any and all advice/words!

TY!

Wannabe

 

[jon91581]

I just picked up a locally owned 2006 non-AHC LC, and I couldn't be happier. I've been lurking on this forum for awhile and just officially signed up recently, but I've been looking for a 100 for a good year or so.

My best word of advice is to be patient, but be ready to pull the trigger quickly when you find the right one. I like to try and get a solid PPI on any used car I buy, but with the demand these trucks are commanding, sometimes, to get a good deal, a buyer just doesn't have the time to have an independent shop look over the prospective truck. That's where I think this forum becomes a HUGE asset. There is so much information, anyone with a little knowledge of motor vehicles can conduct a basic inspection by themselves with some simple tools/gadgets, and while that doesn't ensure that the truck you buy is going to be 100% trouble-free, I think it does substantially mitigate the risk that you purchase a car that requires an amount of work that the buyer isn't comfortable with.

 

[Larch Tree]

I am not overly familiar with the "AHS suspension system" Is that the Air Suspension? How regularly does it fail?

AHC = Active Height Control is a self-leveling system that automatically compensates for added weight with height adjustment. You can also manually set to high height (an extra 2" clearance, at lower speeds) or low height (ostensibly to ease ingress for grandparents ). It also self-lowers at highway speeds for better gas mileage and control. It's a very robust system; mine has worked perfectly for 130k miles. AHC also comes together with an electronic suspension control that allows you to switch between Sport and Comfort modes. The whole thing is pretty cool and works great IMO but some will swap it out for traditional shock and springs setup for added lift, different ride quality or if AHC malfunctions/fails. I'm not sure how prevalent that latter phenomenon occurs but there are posters here w/ high mileage who've had problems, and evidently costly to fix. If u get chance to test drive an AHC, have a few people sit back in the cargo area and u will see/feel it in action. It's pretty cool. Good luck.