Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here (2 Viewers)

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As I'm looking for a diesel, the 97 80 series and the 98 100 series have the same motor - 1HD-FTE. So no change there. That big of a $$ Difference Really does not make sense to me.

This will be a daily driver not a heavily modified off roader. (That 85 is nice but too old for me, I need some creature comforts)

Can anyone out there tell me the MPG difference between the diesels and the gasers? I know the 4.7 is a bit of a pig, but not sure what the comparison is, it's been a few years since I owned my 80...

I'm a bit torn here, I love diesels, and my 80's were really easy to work on. A newer LHD LX470 would really be nice, but I can't do anything with a computer, and from the outside they look like a PITA to work on. Resale on the diesels seems to be much higher, and hold their value much longer...

Thoughts?
 
100 or gx

Opinions. Clearly I realize I'm in the 100 section here so opinions will be biased slightly.

With addition of a second child I'm looking at getting something with more room. My fj cruiser just wasn't cuttin it any longer.
I've looked and researched and looked even more at a lot of options and basically have narrowed it down to these two.

100 or gx.

I've been an avid Toyota guy my whole life and they've proven their reliability time and time again.

I know the 100 is slightly bigger, gets worse gas mileage, and has better aftermarket support. I also like the fact that there seems to be a lot more knowledge about the 100s.

I like the gx a lot too. Size wise it will fit my bill( although more room never really hurts), and the fact that they do get better mpg would be nice seeing as I put about 25000 miles a year on a vehicle.

I'm looking at spending about $15000, and with that in mind, if I went with a 100, it probably would be a couple years older.

I've heard you guys mention that the 4.7 in the 100s are different from ones in tundras and whatnot. Is that also with the gx?

First and foremost I'm looking for longevity and reliability. I'm often in pretty much the middle of nowhere in cold cold. (-30)

Both would probably be mildly built (33's) but I do have a built 80 for the hard stuff.

Any opinions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
 
Based on your description you can't really go wrong with either. For 15k, you'd be hard pressed to find an 03+ model Cruiser with the 5 speed auto which is highly recommended. Regardless, if you go for a cruiser - you want at least a 2000 - because that's when they received VSC - as it sounds like snow is a regular thing.

At that price, I'd look at the GX or V8 4Runner. They have identical drive trains (engine and transmission - yes "better" 2UZ's than the Tundra) and very advanced AWD systems with the torsen center diff - more so than that of the cruiser.

I have both. The LC is more comfortable but the 4R is more fun to drive as it feels and is substantially quicker. I've routinely hit the 120mph limiter and it still has lots of life left. Size wise, the Cruiser is NOT that much bigger storage wise than the 4R. Extra interior width is the most notable difference. Personally, I would not consider the Crusier a full size SUV based on interior space.

Lastly the 4R of that generation is the last "quality" Toyota, IMO. The interior and exterior construction and material choice is of higher standards than those found on the newer one.

Make sure proper maintenance has been done on both if mileage is 90k+.

HTH
 
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I'm a ex FJC owner and current 06 LC owner.
Having a second child and having the grand parents visiting more made it a necessity to find a bigger vehicle. Both a 100 series and a GX were considered.

When we were looking for a new vehicle for my wife we test drove a used LX 470 before the GX 460 and my wife felt the 470 was too big for her to daily drive so we ended up with the GX. The 3rd row seating in a GX is not really big enough for a full sized adult in my opinion but I guess it's okay for short distances. Other than that, no complaints and honestly it reminds me of FJC in internal size. She is pretty happy with it and I enjoy driving it also but I did not think it was big enough for 4 adults, two kids with car seats and luggage for extended trips. So I knew I had to buy a bigger rig. It was tough because I loved my FJC. After test driving a few I ended up with a 06 Land cruiser.

We took a trip down to the Outer Banks this summer in the 100 and all I have to say that all my doubts I had moving from my FJC to the hundy were erased. What a pleasure to drive and just the added bonus of full size windows in the back and increased storage space made it easier with the two kids in tow.

Not sure if you still own your FJ and if you modded it, but I think some suspension components are compatible. It may factor in your decision to which one you choose.

I am pretty sure my hundy will be my daily driver, kid hauler and expedition rig for years to come.

Good luck with your decision!
 
I've owned four 4Runners, generations 1-4 and I've owned four Land Cruisers (40, 80, 2-100 series) and I have driven the U.S. based Prado (GX) and driven/wheeled a couple of the the foreign Prado's while living abroad - so there is my experience with the vehicles.

Since you didn't offer the 4R as an option, I'm just going to stay away from that one for the most part. However, they are good vehicles but they aren't as robust as a LC. Just pop your head underneath and look at the parts - linkages, suspension, etc. The LC's were originally engineered for 25 years of severe use, the 4R is not designed for that same type of use. The 4R will still take a beating though because I have put a few of them through hell.

If you aren't really using it for off road that much and you have an 80 for that purpose, then go with the Prado (GX). It's a nice vehicle, especially the U.S/Lexus versions. You will save money on the purchase versus the 100 and save on fuel. There isn't nearly as much out there for customization though, so beware of that if you really want to add-on to the GX.

Price - I just purchased another 100 series, 2002, one owner, 129k, and got a great deal. You can find deals on these and all gas guzzling 4wd's right now. 4R's will probably be the most expensive as far as residual value or resale. More people want them since they get mileage in the 20's and aren't full-time 4WD. It just depends on much searching you want to do and how far you are willing to travel to get one at a deal. I rented a car and drove 7 hours to get mine.

Either way, you can't go wrong with any of these vehicles.
 
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If mpg is a concern, the gx or v6 4Runner might be a better option. All are solid choices, though.
 
Thank you all.

I have considered the 4r too. While I understand that the gx is basically the same dimensions, the headroom felt substantially better in the gx, which really makes it feel bigger.

I suppose something also to keep in mind is that I drive A LOT of dirt roads. So I want it to hold up to washboards and whatnot.

Though it won't be my primary wheeler, I will take it off-road and explore. My fj had 33s, a lift, snorkel and such and routinely used the locker.

Reason I'm trying to get a lot of opinions is I can't really go test drive them. I've driven one gx, one v8 4r and haven't gotten a chance to drive a 100. There's ZERO for sale where I live. I've been looking and reading for months and have seen one gx and one 100 for sale locally.

Test driving in certain matter, through you guys.
 
Just a friendly reminder, I know there can be multiple conversations going on at once, if you have a specific response, just simply post "@user ID" in the beginning of your post to point out who you're directing your comments at. Easy peasy.
 
The GX is a nice truck however it seems way smaller inside and has the 'door style' tailgate. It drives great but if you don't need the additional room of the 100 I'd go for a V8 4Runner and save a few bucks. Just my $0.04.
 
Talked with our benevolent leader about the buy/selling questions thread. He pointed out the new changes to the classifieds section and that the vehicles for sale are now broken down into model specific sub sections. So, I will be starting a thread over that way in which questions about value/features/etc. can be posted. Future threads of that flavor here will be moved there.

As he said, if you need value information you can search the classifieds (even easier now that it's model specific) and get everything you need. The tech section should be just that, tech.

Thanks all.
 
LC100 2004 ~76K miles

Hi all,

I did try on the classifieds, but honestly do not know where to post this...

Local, for $22K a 2004 One Owner with ~76k miles with Navigation system, Towing Package, DVD Package, Running Boards, Full sized spare tire, Sun Roof. He says all the maintenance was done, but there is nothing in Toyota Owners. I asked about leaks and he says that there is a small spot on the garage floor where the car is always parked which likely means there is a small leak, but he does not know where it is coming from, and that never needed to add oil.
Ask to take it to an inspection, and he is ok with it.

Suggestions, comments?

Cheers,

MWLC
 
Hi Mudders. Been lurking and researching.

Since I got back from the Jeep Jamboree a few weeks ago, I have been dead set on a Land Cruiser. Not sure why, other than a few days in the mountains was an amazing experience. And I think that a Land Cruiser would be a good way to see more. My current vehicles are older, I am not afraid of turning a wrench on my 4x4s and keeping them maintained.

So I have narrowed my search to a 1998 LX470, and a 2002 100 series, both basically in my city. Tomorrow I am going to drive the LX. It has 160k miles, full service records from the dealer that sold it. It was owned by a dentist who sold it to his buddy. It is pristine, just had cats and O2 sensors, and cv shafts replaced. My jaw dropped when I read the service history. It would be hard to find a 15 year old vehicle with better records.

The 2002 LC looks great as well, although the exterior is not as polished, and the interior is not nearly as sweet as the LX. But it has the navigation and is a great dark grey 100. I love the idea of having ATRAC. Part of me likes the simpler look of the LC as well. I am aware that there are improvements in the front differential on the 2000+ models.

Anyway the links to the ads are at the bottom here. Thanks for any advice or input. I'm 41 and my family consists of me, my wife, and a golden retriever. My goal is simply to get out and see nature, I love trail riding, camping, and hiking. I think the 100 platform would be really great for our adventures.

I love to modify 4x4s :cool:

http://www.nelsonautogroup.com/profile.asp?VIN=JT6HT00W8W0022990&xMake=&FilterMake=0&zip=&distance=

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ecords=50&searchRadius=50&maxPrice=20000&mmt=[TOYOTA[LC[]][]]&listingId=341777628&listingIndex=2&Log=0
 
brevitything said:
Hi Mudders. Been lurking and researching.

Since I got back from the Jeep Jamboree a few weeks ago, I have been dead set on a Land Cruiser. Not sure why, other than a few days in the mountains was an amazing experience. And I think that a Land Cruiser would be a good way to see more. My current vehicles are older, I am not afraid of turning a wrench on my 4x4s and keeping them maintained.

So I have narrowed my search to a 1998 LX470, and a 2002 100 series, both basically in my city. Tomorrow I am going to drive the LX. It has 160k miles, full service records from the dealer that sold it. It was owned by a dentist who sold it to his buddy. It is pristine, just had cats and O2 sensors, and cv shafts replaced. My jaw dropped when I read the service history. It would be hard to find a 15 year old vehicle with better records.

The 2002 LC looks great as well, although the exterior is not as polished, and the interior is not nearly as sweet as the LX. But it has the navigation and is a great dark grey 100. I love the idea of having ATRAC. Part of me likes the simpler look of the LC as well. I am aware that there are improvements in the front differential on the 2000+ models.

Anyway the links to the ads are at the bottom here. Thanks for any advice or input. I'm 41 and my family consists of me, my wife, and a golden retriever. My goal is simply to get out and see nature, I love trail riding, camping, and hiking. I think the 100 platform would be really great for our adventures.

I love to modify 4x4s :cool:

http://www.nelsonautogroup.com/profile.asp?VIN=JT6HT00W8W0022990&xMake=&FilterMake=0&zip=&distance=

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ecords=50&searchRadius=50&maxPrice=20000&mmt=[TOYOTA[LC[]][]]&listingId=341777628&listingIndex=2&Log=0
Click to expand...

The second link got garbled. Here is a link to the dealer site.
http://www.germaintoyota.net/used/T...+Cruiser-4f3cdbc10a0a000200ad23881d00e268.htm
 
Not me. The 02 LC would be much more preferred due to ATRAC. 98-99 LX's don't come with a rear locker nor ATRAC. Not that it's not still capable, but given the 40k less miles and only $2,400 difference in sales price, 02 is a better buy, in my opinion.
 
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