Buying advice: 2001-2004 Cruiser, Sequoia or GX470

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Nuttysquirrel

10 Year
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
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New to the thread I am sure my question is beaten to death out there but here it goes. Debating between '01-'04 L.C. Similar years Sequoia or even a Lexus gx470. I buy my cars used and drive them for a long long time. I know the differences between all three vehicles so no need to rehash but wondering what forum members would buy based on the following. Purchasing used with 90-130k miles and want it to go 250k. I am Not a rock crawler at all but drive to trailheads hiking, logging roads, skiing in winter and some steep snowy unpaved roads in PNW. Tow a boat about 3k lbs. And haul 2 kids and dog. Occasionally seat 7 but not often. (4runner is out since I am 6'4"). Concerns
About each vehicle: Land Cruiser: going to break the bank on long term maintence; Sequoia: won't make 250k without falling apart. Gx470: maintence costs and a
Lot of electronic doodads to break. Any thoughts are appreciated
 
GX and LC have essentially the same number of electronics. I'd choose the LC, 03+ for sure, with the GX a close second. I have both platforms, FWIW.
 
LC by a nose, more space for family, dog, and gear. GX and LC are the same in terms of capability and won't notice the boat behind either. I have owned both. I went with a GX because I have 3 kids, wife, and plan on pulling a camper with it vs. trying to fit it all (no boats or other tow needs).

I wouldn't even look at a sequoia.
 
The 100 series LC has about 10 cubic feet more than a GX. That is all there is extra. It weighs more than 800 lbs more. The GX is a great truck, but I am biased for sure, even after owning 40, 55, 60, 80, 100, and GX I would rather have the GX over anything I have owned.

(I might take the Avocado back pre-tornado if I could, but that isn't possible and would cost too much to recreate).
 
Thanks for the input. I love the LC and don't realistically need the space of the Sequoia more than once or twice a year for road trips but that's what roof racks or Rocketboxes are for on a LC. My only concern about the Seq. vs. the LC is being crushed by parts/labor costs on an aging LC but maybe the cost difference isn't as I think it is. Any problem areas to be aware of on the 2000-2005 LC's.
 
What labor costs? The Sequoia needs the same 90k service. Besides, it's made in the USA. Yuck.

2000-2001's have a transmission shim out of spec that leads to a sudden and complete transmission failure. Although others are optimistic, I, (in capital letters), would avoid them like the plague.
 
The rule of thumb on 100s is to get the latest model you can afford.

LC labor and Sequoia labor are often the same...same dealership!
 
FWIW I'm 6'4" and fit in my '03 4Runner Limited just fine.
 
Land Cruiser by a nose like others mentioned, unless you dont care about the 10 cubic feet and want something a bit smaller.

If you plan on wheeling it, the slightly smaller body and less weight does have it's advantages. I learned that this past weekend, but honestly you couldnt go wrong with the LC or the GX. I wouldnt consider the Sequoia, though, when comparing against the others.
 
I also own 04 LC and 07 GX. Agree with most posts. Few more thoughts:
1. You can service GX at Toyota dealership (at least for the most part). So maintenance cost is comparable.
2. My repairs. CD/DVD player was broken in GX when I bought it - cost to fix $700 (for refurbished one); . LC - replaced ABS sensor in the front wheel (about $300), exhaust (under extended warranty), EVAP canister (under extended warranty). I would not worry about either GX or LC if they were reasonably well maintained.
3. You mentioned occasional seating for 7. It might be very tight in GX and reasonable in LC.
4. Lexus vs. Toyota badge factor - could be a plus or minus for either one based on your situation.
 
2003-2005 LC it is. 10cubic feet makes a difference when hauling with 2 kids and a dog. My budget probably limits me to a '03-'05 but having a hell of a time finding one that has hasnt had 2-3 owners and clean car fax in the Seattle/PNW area. Keep holding out hope that I find a gently used LC owned by a mall mom but not having any luck. Any thoughts fair price for '03-'05 in PNW. Everyone's asking about 19-22k for LC's here with 110k-135k miles. Seems really high $ to me or am I off base?
 
I wanted the LC but was choking on 14mpg and the fact that I looked forever and couldnt find a clean 1-owner with less than 100k for <$35 - $40k. Super high-demand trucks out here and people pay out the ass for them.

Found a number of GXs that were CPO at 40k miles for $35k out the door and took a perfect 1-owner example. It wasn't even on my map for a long time. Wife's decision ultimately as we're a family of 3 and she thought that 18mpg was an easier pill to swallow. Dealers were telling us that soccer moms were trading in their GXs for Highlanders - in fact we found better-example used GXs with lower miles for same year/same mile Highlanders (that cost significantly more!). Go figure.

I HATE that stupid barn door. HATE IT. Otherwise a nice, comfortable - and quite capable SUV.
 
Hey Nuttysquirrel, you seem to be on the right path with the LC. With two kids and 1 dog that will be just the right size. The GX would be a bit tight and the Seq too big.

I've got 2 kids and the 100LC is just perfect. There's still room for an adult or dog in the 2nd row with 2 car seats. Then on winter trips there's plenty of room for all the bulky gear, and that fold down rear hatch has a million great uses. Try to go for 2005 if you can, many 2004's have MFD issues which can cost about $900 or more to fix. Plus you'll get the extra horsepower.

Your also right about maintenance. It's not cheap on the LC but long term it would most likely have fewer issues than the Seq. Fit and finish on most Seq's with 250k looks ratty, things just tend to start popping off. Plus an old LC looks 10x cooler than an old Seq. For the most part, the doodads in the LC seem to be pretty reliable and long living, it was designed with a 25 year lifespan.

The GX is a great truck but I think it might be a tad tight with space for your needs. Unless you road trip very efficiently or get a big roof box.The GX gets just a touch better gas mileage, so no major savings there.
 
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What a great question. I too have been looking for an LC/LX470 but recently discovered the GX. It seemed to fit what I need, wife and 2 kids. However after reading several forums, I noticed postings concerning cracking dashboards. It has kinda scared me away from the GX. Seems like a lot of owners are having this problem and Lexus doesn't seem to want to fix them. Do those of you who own a GX470 have this problem? For those of you thinking of buying a GX does this sway you either way? It seems that it is not a question of "if" the dash will crack but "when".
Thanks
 
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