Buy mint '07 or pony up for 200 series?

[sPaulp]

Ok, I have located a "diamond in the rough" IMHO. It's a '07 LX with 106k miles, but in pristine, mint condition with an impeccable service history including timing belt/water pump at 92,000 miles/10-2015. It's a southern garage kept rust free undercarriage owned by an older retired couple LX470. So, do I pull the trigger for $24,500 or pony up to $30k plus to get a 200 series in the '08-09 model years? I have found several 200's with close to the same mileage as the 100 for low $30's and realize the 200 has some major component upgrades including beefier front ends and of course, the 5.7 powertrain. So, can you all please provide insight to help with my decision? Is the 200 worth an additional $6-$10k on average for similar miles? This will be my DD and plan to do a few mods to either (lift, tires, bumper, rock rails, etc.). Thanks a bunch.

 

[NCjeff]

Its a win win situation really, but I would be taking a hard look at the 200 series. We have an 06 with around 100K miles, and its great, runs perfect, no issues. So if thats what you end up with Congrats. I have never drove or even sat in a 200 series, so I have no experience with them. My thinking is these things (LCs) get more advanced, better engine, safety stuff, etc, etc... So, I would imagine the 200 series is a pretty sweet vehicle. So, Im guessing I would be fine to pay around $10K for a newer model of Landcruiser. Why not?!?!?!?!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Buy the newest LC you can afford.

 

[bozncsurf]

Maybe get the 07 and spend the $6k saved on armor, lift, stuff

Just another way of making the decision more difficult

 

[feddomw]

Very very tough decision. I can only make it more difficult for you, in the sense that you might add the consideration as to which car will be easier to sell in a few years time? One of the very last 100's with the right options and mods will be easier to sell IMHO, as the 200 will still be the more expensive option, and many 100's will be getting very old and long in the tooth in a few years.

If you can afford it, I would go for the 200 if you're into more comfort than the 100. For offroading and modifications, I would go for a 100. More parts availability and I would just feel more comfortable in spending money on the cheaper car, as well as have less issue with daily wear&tear on the "older" car.

 

[Rigger]

I have both, and I really love the 5.7 in the 200.

 

[aging fleet]

If it were me, I'd really consider the 200 as long as $30k gets you into something other than a basket-case.

 

[mattafact]

I'd go 200 without hesitating.

 

[RND1]

Paul, don't you already have a 100 series LX? If so, what happened to it that you're hunting for another one?

I would go 200 series if you can find a good one for $30K.

 

[sPaulp]

Paul, don't you already have a 100 series LX? If so, what happened to it that you're hunting for another one?

I would go 200 series if you can find a good one for $30K.

Hey, used to have an '05 LX that I sold a year ago. It's one of my biggest regrets and miss having a cruiser. Therefore, I am fighting with the decision to get this cherry '07 LX for $24500, or try and find a '08 or '09 in the low $30-$35 range. Most 200 cruisers with 100k on the odometer are still going for low to mid 30's, so i am unsure if I can justify the extra $10k. But, the overwhelming majority so far seems to side with the 200 platform. I assume it's for the power train but aesthetically, the 100 is much more appealing imho.

 

[RND1]

Gotcha, didn't know you sold it. I grew up in Saratoga Springs so thought I remembered you living there.

I agree with you about the aesthetics - wish I could get the 200 interior, drivetrain, and suspension in a 100 series body.

 

[m3roar]

I never considered getting a 200 series. But about a year after I bought my prestige LX470. I realized I should have bought a 200. I'm a huge fan of Icon. On that premise alone I would go 200. But as the 100 platform gets longer in the tooth as someone earlier said. It developes more rattles and such. And that REALLY made me wish I had a 200. But in the long run. Buy something you can own for a long time and enjoy the whole time.

 

[sPaulp]

Gotcha, didn't know you sold it. I grew up in Saratoga Springs so thought I remembered you living there.

I agree with you about the aesthetics - wish I could get the 200 interior, drivetrain, and suspension in a 100 series body.

Agreed, that would be the perfect cruiser in my mind. I am obviously sold on the drivetrain and interior (although the 100 LX interior isn't that bad), but wish the exterior wasn't so bland and uninspiring. The classic style of the 100 is timeless, but I don't want that to be the only factor when making a decision. The 100 platform is proven and bulletproof, but a 9 year old vehicle is a 9 year old vehicle, any way you cut it. Hence, my struggle with the decision. If I could find a decent mileage 200 for around $5k more, then it would be a no brainer I think. But, is it justifiable to pay an extra $10k or more for a similar mileage 200? The LX470 is in immaculate condition, and I mean mint. Ugh..........

 

[sPaulp]

I never considered getting a 200 series. But about a year after I bought my prestige LX470. I realized I should have bought a 200. I'm a huge fan of Icon. On that premise alone I would go 200. But as the 100 platform gets longer in the tooth as someone earlier said. It developes more rattles and such. And that REALLY made me wish I had a 200. But in the long run. Buy something you can own for a long time and enjoy the whole time.

Great points and I definitely see your logic in buying something I can own for a long time. I do think the '07 LX, or '08-'09 Cruisers would last me a long time even if the 100 series is an old platform. I have a friend that has a '98 Land Cruiser that has been in his family since new, and it looks amazing and has little if any rattles. But age, as with everything, takes it's toll for sure.

 

[txtortoise]

5.7 engine is wonderful, as is build quality, but I like the ergonomics of the 100 better. Also timing chain on 200.

Also comparing AHC on 2007 vs what I assume is a LC with stock suspension in the $30s price range.

If finding LX in $30s then AHC is dramatically improved in apparent durability, though not many data points yet.

 

[m3roar]

Another thing is that I paid Slee to tear out my AHC. So calculated that into your cost of you want to even run a basic OME 2.5 Medium kit like mine. You pay extra just to remove something.

 

[sPaulp]

Another thing is that I paid Slee to tear out my AHC. So calculated that into your cost of you want to even run a basic OME 2.5 Medium kit like mine. You pay extra just to remove something.

May I ask how much Slee charges to remove AHC and install 2"-2.5" lift? The AHC works flawlessly currently, so I don't know if I would have it removed or not. But, that is a cost to consider if I go that route.

 

[bctlex]

I love the look of the 100 series. Just simple and classic line. It is hard to describe, but the 200 seems to have too much "bling". It is just like every other SUV on the road imo. I just prefer a simpler look of 100.

Having said that if I am in the market and the price difference is only a few grand between 100 vs 200, I would buy 200 series. The LC will always my wife and son main vehicle. Safety is the priority for us, and I think the 200 would be able to protect her passengers better in the event of an accident.

 

[uHu]

Get the 200. That will leave more 100s available for those who are not in doubt.

 

[DanInDenver]

This reads like an 80 series post about going to the 100. Same comments about classic styling of the 80's vs the 100's. Wonder if in 10 years we will feel the same about the 200?
Take into account your budget for mods. If it was just a DD then I would go for the 200. If your wanting to mod the 200 I think the options are limited and spendy but that will change over time just as it has with the 100. Spend some time in the 200 forum. What are the possible mods, costs, are their more options for the LX vs the LC?