With 33s and a front bumper, with all roof rack stuff removed I got 17.5mpg (adjusted for tire size) on my last all highway tank.
Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here
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With 33s and a front bumper, with all roof rack stuff removed I got 17.5mpg (adjusted for tire size) on my last all highway tank.
re_guderian
SILVER Star
I routinely get 11-12 in town. 14-15 (mostly 14) on the highway. I got 11-12 MPG on the freeway all the way from VA to AZ this summer
but was packed with the family and I was pulling a trailer full of crap and had no regard for speed limits, I was just in a hurry to get home. Both AC's blasting 11.75 months/year, 295 Nitto TG's, 1.5" lift, sliders, TJM bumper, new plugs, O2 sensors, etc. Mix of premium/regular. Roof rack removed. If you obsess about MPG's you'll be forever stressing out in a LC. Just use the skinny pedal and be glad you're not driving an FJ60! 
At least the 100 moves when you goose it. Honestly, not to offend, but I'm skeptical of the repeatable nature of people's MPG claims here. I'm sure they happened as described, but are typically the exception, not the rule. I did get close to 20 MPG between fillups once, but it was a 50 mile drive at ~50 MPH and mostly flat along the Gallatin river between Big Sky and West Yellowstone. 
I would never hold that out there as "typical" though.
I don't have a ton of data because I wasn't recording for quite a while, but I do have some. All of the numbers below are multiplied by 5% for difference in tire size from stock, which is consistent with what I see as the difference between speedo and radar signs.
My only two highway-only tanks total 540 highway miles and average 17.22 mpg.
Then I've got six tanks with roughly a 70% city, 30% highway mix, totaling 1500 miles that average 15.3.
The one real anomaly that I've seen so far is a single tank of mostly city driving when I had a bad injector that averaged 12.63.
re_guderian
SILVER Star
On my phone I can't see your sig, is your truck stock except for tires? FWIW, my 295's Nitto Terra Grapplers are right around 5% over stock comparing GPS to OBD II digital speedo readout. Nominal tire sizes, both OEM and aftermarket vary widely, so adjustments based on advertised sizes are sketchy.I don't have a ton of data because I wasn't recording for quite a while, but I do have some. All of the numbers below are multiplied by 5% for difference in tire size from stock, which is consistent with what I see as the difference between speedo and radar signs.
My only two highway-only tanks total 540 highway miles and average 17.22 mpg.
Then I've got six tanks with roughly a 70% city, 30% highway mix, totaling 1500 miles that average 15.3.
The one real anomaly that I've seen so far is a single tank of mostly city driving when I had a bad injector that averaged 12.63.
I understand the 100 isnt a gas saver. I've owned an avalanche, Silverado w/6"lift and 35's, built 4runner w/ 35's and my current Tacoma. I'm not exactly used to a gas sipper. I'm just trying to figure out what to expect if I do end up with a 100.
Tires are 285/75/16. It has 1.5" lift. And it has a custom front bumper (no idea how much it weighs, probably less than an ARB and more than the stock one).
If you're comparing theoretical differences in size, it's a 5.4% difference. Actual difference is difficult to say for the reasons you describe, unless you use GPS. I figure 5% is close enough. I don't have a navigation GPS to check with, just my Forerunner for running and biking, but maybe that would be adequate.
No opinions?
re_guderian
SILVER Star
If you have an Android smart phone, $25 gets you a bluetooth OBDII module and the free Torque app will let you use your phone's GPS and get digital speedo readouts. If you're off by 3%, that's close to .5 MPG, which, when we're trolling the bottom of the MPG tank, is not insignificant...
I'm using an iPhone, unfortunately.
It really depends on your use. If your rig will see more hard wheeling time, rear locker of 98-99 will be better. If not, general consensus is ATRAC/VSC is better. There are plenty of threads on this.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/360883-lockers-versus-atrac.html
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/592376-advice-rear-locker-vs-atrac-newb.html
2003+ LandCruiser/LX compared to GX470 - Build Quality?
I'm considering an eventual replacement for my trusty 3rd Gen 4Runner and the 100 Series tops the list. Some other considerations are a 4th Gen 4Runner and the GX470. One big consideration for me is build quality as whatever vehicle I choose, I'm gonna have it for a while, and rattles and bangs drive me nuts! The 3rd Gen has proven to be very very reliable, and despite being a lighter built rig then my 80 series (currently for sale), I feel like its got a good quality build. Contrast that to the newer Tacoma's and 4Runner's I have driven recently, which have left me feeling like although they are newer, just not as *nice*. That leaves the 100 series, they still seem to have a nice fit and finish and solid feel .... but I have never driven a GX470, are they more in tune with the 100 Series or 4th Gen (I realize they are related) in terms of quality? Thoughts?
I'm considering an eventual replacement for my trusty 3rd Gen 4Runner and the 100 Series tops the list. Some other considerations are a 4th Gen 4Runner and the GX470. One big consideration for me is build quality as whatever vehicle I choose, I'm gonna have it for a while, and rattles and bangs drive me nuts! The 3rd Gen has proven to be very very reliable, and despite being a lighter built rig then my 80 series (currently for sale), I feel like its got a good quality build. Contrast that to the newer Tacoma's and 4Runner's I have driven recently, which have left me feeling like although they are newer, just not as *nice*. That leaves the 100 series, they still seem to have a nice fit and finish and solid feel .... but I have never driven a GX470, are they more in tune with the 100 Series or 4th Gen (I realize they are related) in terms of quality? Thoughts?
FinallyGotOne!
SILVER Star
Good question! I am actually interested in the answer as well, having recently lost the tranny in my LX-470.
While I was waiting for it to be replaced, I considered buying a newer LX or LC, but couldn't find an '06 or '07 in the area. Then I decided to look at the GXs, both 460 and 470. I didn't know anything about them and was surprised to read that they had significant off-road capability, especially with the detachable torsion bar and some electronic assist features. They also have some of the features found on my cousin's 4Runner Trail Edition like a power inverter. So I took a drive...
I drove both an '07 GX470 and a '10 and an '11 GX460. They all seemed solid, of a high build standard, and well finished, but the '07 GX 470 struck me as more of a "truck" - more like my LX. I doubt it was just the 4H/4L gear shift in the '07 compared to the button in the later models...both my friend and I decided the '07 was a better replacement than the newer ones.
Got my LX back from the dealer two days ago and she is running great...no need to replace her, but sooner or later I will want to get a newer vehicle and I am wondering if, in the absence of a late model LX-470, the GXs are the way to go.
Opinions/experience from anyone else? Thanks!
While I was waiting for it to be replaced, I considered buying a newer LX or LC, but couldn't find an '06 or '07 in the area. Then I decided to look at the GXs, both 460 and 470. I didn't know anything about them and was surprised to read that they had significant off-road capability, especially with the detachable torsion bar and some electronic assist features. They also have some of the features found on my cousin's 4Runner Trail Edition like a power inverter. So I took a drive...
I drove both an '07 GX470 and a '10 and an '11 GX460. They all seemed solid, of a high build standard, and well finished, but the '07 GX 470 struck me as more of a "truck" - more like my LX. I doubt it was just the 4H/4L gear shift in the '07 compared to the button in the later models...both my friend and I decided the '07 was a better replacement than the newer ones.
Got my LX back from the dealer two days ago and she is running great...no need to replace her, but sooner or later I will want to get a newer vehicle and I am wondering if, in the absence of a late model LX-470, the GXs are the way to go.
Opinions/experience from anyone else? Thanks!
This looks like a pretty nice 100 sans the chrome wheels. Someone spent a lot of the right mods.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...6577368?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337c2bccd8
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...6577368?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337c2bccd8
My 2000 replaced a 1996 4R limited back in 2000. Any time I get in a 3rd gen Im reminded what a good decision that was.
A GX470 is a land cruiser prado with fancy Lexus additions. The 4R is the same running gear but not the same truck (you hear that ex-boss?!?). The GX has higher quality fit and finish than the Toyota 4Runner but it's still not the same level as a 100 Series(LC/LX). Ive heard from some people who've made the switches in both directions that the 100 is just plain better. I tend to agree. While the 5spd in the GX/4R is appealing, you can get that in a later 2003-2007 LX.
What your decision should come down to is use of the vehicle. The 100 is definitely heavier than a 120, and for daily driving could become a factor depending on your commute. I'll go out on a limb and say there's no way, driven the same way, a 120 would last as long as a 100. I feel like rattles and squeaks would show up much sooner plus the 120 is already a louder vehicle inside the cabin.
FinallyGotOne!, Toyota is no longer the company that built our 80s 100s and 3rd gens. I've been in many newer toyotas and would much rather go buy a ford raptor to replace my 100 than anything else sitting on new dealer lots.
A GX470 is a land cruiser prado with fancy Lexus additions. The 4R is the same running gear but not the same truck (you hear that ex-boss?!?). The GX has higher quality fit and finish than the Toyota 4Runner but it's still not the same level as a 100 Series(LC/LX). Ive heard from some people who've made the switches in both directions that the 100 is just plain better. I tend to agree. While the 5spd in the GX/4R is appealing, you can get that in a later 2003-2007 LX.
What your decision should come down to is use of the vehicle. The 100 is definitely heavier than a 120, and for daily driving could become a factor depending on your commute. I'll go out on a limb and say there's no way, driven the same way, a 120 would last as long as a 100. I feel like rattles and squeaks would show up much sooner plus the 120 is already a louder vehicle inside the cabin.
FinallyGotOne!, Toyota is no longer the company that built our 80s 100s and 3rd gens. I've been in many newer toyotas and would much rather go buy a ford raptor to replace my 100 than anything else sitting on new dealer lots.
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
Bingo! I can first hand confirm this statement. I own a 2004 100-Series LC, but currently borrowing and driving my mother's 2004 GX470. The GX is very nice, and a great car for my mom. However once you get in and out a couple times and drive it any length of time you will know right away. The 100-Series LC/LX is just a superior vehicle in every aspect. The GX feels like a really nice 4Runner.
The only major plus for me on the GX is it has the exact same motor at the LC/LX but with way less weight. The result is way more "pep" when driving around town, the GX gets up and goes. For my mom it's all about ease of getting in and out of the GX, driving a smaller vehicle means easier parking in urban areas, etc. And in those aspects the GX really shines.
APKhaos
Unfixing the unfixable
Some well respected parts guys we all know here have told me exactly that. When talking about my '99 with 240K miles, they've commented that the recent product from Mr T is not in the same league.
FinallyGotOne!
SILVER Star
Great comments - thanks much. Glad I stayed with my LX. Four new 285s, some new mats, and some speaker grill covers (!) and she'll be like new and ready for another 155K! Thanks!
I went through this same consideration when replacing my '05 V8 4Runner Limited for a 7 passenger SUV. My parents own an '06 GX470 which I've driven many times, so I knew it could meet my needs which obviously put it high on my list.
Now that I own an '06 LX470...
A lot of what I read during my research turned out to be conjecture on 'supposed' relative qualities based on product positioning.
Note that all 3 vehicles used the exact same 4.7 VVTi drivetrain.
As a quick aside about the '05 4Runner, it is quite luxurious for a toyota product with excellent fit and finish. Beyond what you'd find in common toyota's, Tacoma included. I find that the current generations toyota's have cheapened in interior quality significantly.
As for quality, I wouldn't question any one of the models as they will each wear over the long term very well. It's an innate Toyota trait independent of product positioning. IMO, complexity will eventually dictate which lasts longer as it invites more opportunities for issues, as well as cost to maintain. The GX fits nicely in the middle in this respect.
The GX (and 4R) of my generation feel tighter overall than my similar vintage LX. Even though they are similar model years, the LX architecture and design is older by roughly 5 yrs. That itself gives the GX an advantage in fit and finish. The LX gets slightly higher fitments for sure, but not necessarily better fit and finish. The GX ride quality and NVH is beyond reproach, and can stand on its own, and maybe even better, my my AHC equipped LX470.
How I see it that the LX470 is built to a heavier duty standard. Heavier duty doesn't mean higher quality. Just heavier duty in terms of capacity and ability to withstand abuse. Positive qualities for sure, but these attributes also have negative impacts on other desirable qualities, such as handling, acceleration, mpg, etc.
Some GX vs LX observations:
- GX is a straight line speed demon by comparison
- GX KDSS wins for comfort and handling
- GX Mark Levinson is several times better than my LX Mark Levinson
- GX advantage for 'tightness' of interior with respect to rattle/squeaks
- GX has altimeter
- GX has invertor
- GX has more storage nook capacity
- GX has dual zone climate (LX does not)
- LX advantage in space/weight capacity
- LX interior comfort advantage
- LX has 4 wheel height control (rear only in GX)
- LX is top of the food chain if that makes you feel better
- LX has slight more usable 3rd row. Roughly the same leg room as GX, but it's wider.
You can see that that GX has some great qualities. For my purposes, I wouldn't trade my LX for a GX. But I can definitely see where a GX may suit others better - such as doubling for a daily driver - as my LX is a weekend only family car.
Hope that helped and good luck.
Now that I own an '06 LX470...
A lot of what I read during my research turned out to be conjecture on 'supposed' relative qualities based on product positioning.
Note that all 3 vehicles used the exact same 4.7 VVTi drivetrain.
As a quick aside about the '05 4Runner, it is quite luxurious for a toyota product with excellent fit and finish. Beyond what you'd find in common toyota's, Tacoma included. I find that the current generations toyota's have cheapened in interior quality significantly.
As for quality, I wouldn't question any one of the models as they will each wear over the long term very well. It's an innate Toyota trait independent of product positioning. IMO, complexity will eventually dictate which lasts longer as it invites more opportunities for issues, as well as cost to maintain. The GX fits nicely in the middle in this respect.
The GX (and 4R) of my generation feel tighter overall than my similar vintage LX. Even though they are similar model years, the LX architecture and design is older by roughly 5 yrs. That itself gives the GX an advantage in fit and finish. The LX gets slightly higher fitments for sure, but not necessarily better fit and finish. The GX ride quality and NVH is beyond reproach, and can stand on its own, and maybe even better, my my AHC equipped LX470.
How I see it that the LX470 is built to a heavier duty standard. Heavier duty doesn't mean higher quality. Just heavier duty in terms of capacity and ability to withstand abuse. Positive qualities for sure, but these attributes also have negative impacts on other desirable qualities, such as handling, acceleration, mpg, etc.
Some GX vs LX observations:
- GX is a straight line speed demon by comparison
- GX KDSS wins for comfort and handling
- GX Mark Levinson is several times better than my LX Mark Levinson
- GX advantage for 'tightness' of interior with respect to rattle/squeaks
- GX has altimeter
- GX has invertor
- GX has more storage nook capacity
- GX has dual zone climate (LX does not)
- LX advantage in space/weight capacity
- LX interior comfort advantage
- LX has 4 wheel height control (rear only in GX)
- LX is top of the food chain if that makes you feel better
- LX has slight more usable 3rd row. Roughly the same leg room as GX, but it's wider.
You can see that that GX has some great qualities. For my purposes, I wouldn't trade my LX for a GX. But I can definitely see where a GX may suit others better - such as doubling for a daily driver - as my LX is a weekend only family car.
Hope that helped and good luck.
Well... I own 04 Landcruiser (95K), bought used in 2009; and 07 GX470 (75K) bought in 2011.
I can not speak about off-road comparison. So general observations:
LC - pluses: true 8 people capacity (even though I do not use third row seats in either vehicle); very large capacity inside; you can have two car seats in the second row and still comfortably seat third person; bigger so it is safer than GX, classic look, there are not that many Hundys on the road
GX - pluses: better driving dynamics, better quality of external paint and interior, much better sound from audio system, better mileage - I get 16.7.
I wanted to add another LC or LX470 but could not find a reaonable car at reasonable price. There are many GX470 up for sale (I think they outsold 100s by 10:1 or close to it).
So from my point of view if you do not need very large inside space for storage/passengers and are ok with the look of GX - it is a good alternative for every day driving.
If you are after aftermarket parts, need space and do not care about mileage - the answer is clear - 100 is a way to go.
I can not speak about off-road comparison. So general observations:
LC - pluses: true 8 people capacity (even though I do not use third row seats in either vehicle); very large capacity inside; you can have two car seats in the second row and still comfortably seat third person; bigger so it is safer than GX, classic look, there are not that many Hundys on the road
GX - pluses: better driving dynamics, better quality of external paint and interior, much better sound from audio system, better mileage - I get 16.7.
I wanted to add another LC or LX470 but could not find a reaonable car at reasonable price. There are many GX470 up for sale (I think they outsold 100s by 10:1 or close to it).
So from my point of view if you do not need very large inside space for storage/passengers and are ok with the look of GX - it is a good alternative for every day driving.
If you are after aftermarket parts, need space and do not care about mileage - the answer is clear - 100 is a way to go.
Checked with the Forerunner this evening. It measured a 4.9% difference, so not five, but awfully close.
