Coming from a 3rd gen--is the upgrade to a LC100 worth it?

[128keaton]

Hey guys,

I've been driving a new-to-me 3rd gen for about 5 months now and I've decided I don't _really_ like it.

Its lifted and locked, but I do more commuting/highway traveling (much more than wheeling sadly)

I'm considering a 100 series, but I'm worried that I'd be in the same position in a few months, as I've never driven or used a 100 series

My current 4Runner has a 3" lift with 33s, but I don't plan on modifying the LC if I get one.

Has anyone done the same move and regretted it?

 

[jfrench]

I did the move and did NOT regret it. Went '01 supercharged 3rd gen to '03 100. Ride comfort in stock form is not even comparable (I've since lifted and loss some comfort). Cruiser feels more solid/stout while being a more plush ride. Not uncomfortable 3rd row for kids is a big plus for carrying friends of my kids around. HP and torque are significantly better. It's just all around better...and more expensive. I would recommend a test drive but would bet A LOT of money that you'll be much happier with the 100. For the record, I liked my 4Runner, but it's no Land Cruiser.

 

[MongooseGA]

I've always loved the 3rd gen 4Runner, but no, they're not close to a 100 series in terms of comfort. I'm lifted on 34s, ran the trails yesterday then drove home with a cushy ride, a warm butt, and ample passing power, and a great stereo.

Had I not bought a 100, I'd probably be content in a 3rd gen. Now, nah.

 

[128keaton]

I did the move and did NOT regret it. Went '01 supercharged 3rd gen to '03 100. Ride comfort in stock form is not even comparable (I've since lifted and loss some comfort). Cruiser feels more solid/stout while being a more plush ride. Not uncomfortable 3rd row for kids is a big plus for carrying friends of my kids around. HP and torque are significantly better. It's just all around better...and more expensive. I would recommend a test drive but would bet A LOT of money that you'll be much happier with the 100. For the record, I liked my 4Runner, but it's no Land Cruiser.

Thank you for the input! So there is a noticeable difference in the power? How "fun" is it to drive? I'm worried that with the extra weight and size it will not even be somewhat nimble. I am trying to setup a test drive with a buddy. I am aware that it will not be as nimble as a 3rd gen but I don't wanna get burn out like I did on my 3rd gen..if that makes sense?

I originally came from a 2nd gen 4Runner which was fun and capable. I've found the 3rd gen to be less fun, but more capable with a locker.

I've always loved the 3rd gen 4Runner, but no, they're not close to a 100 series in terms of comfort. I'm lifted on 34s, ran the trails yesterday then drove home with a cushy ride, a warm butt, and ample passing power, and a great stereo.

Had I not bought a 100, I'd probably be content in a 3rd gen. Now, nah.

Thanks man, will keep this in mind moving forward.

 

[suboptimusprime]

Just another vote for the 100 from someone that had (and loved) a 2002 Sport Edition for 6 years. The 100 is just a much more refined truck and so much more comfortable. It's got a bit more passing ability especially at highway speeds which I really like. Only places the 100 loses out to the 4runner are gas milage and the size if you're on tighter trails.

That said, I like trucks and Toyotas in particular. Both the 4runner and the 100 are slow, inefficient and fairly trucky. What do you not like about the 4runner? What other cars have you had that you liked or regretted selling?

 

[128keaton]

Just another vote for the 100 from someone that had (and loved) a 2002 Sport Edition for 6 years. The 100 is just a much more refined truck and so much more comfortable. It's got a bit more passing ability especially at highway speeds which I really like. Only places the 100 loses out to the 4runner are gas milage and the size if you're on tighter trails.

That said, I like trucks and Toyotas in particular. Both the 4runner and the 100 are slow, inefficient and fairly trucky. What do you not like about the 4runner? What other cars have you had that you liked or regretted selling?

What is typical "highway speed" for you? I feel like my 3rd gen struggles at 75mph and SUCKS at passing. Some of that is due to the tire size and gearing, but once again, its still a 190HP V6 hauling around 3600lbs.

I have a 5-speed in my 4Runner and I really dislike it for around town. It just feels like the engine mated to it is not enough to move itself very well. I also just do not care for the harsh ride I get with my 3rd gen--granted it is lifted, but my friend's 3rd gen isn't too far off. I dislike the styling very much. It does not look proportional and its too long looking in my opinion. I'd like to sit in my seat and be comfortable too.

I had a 2nd gen and wanted to upgrade to a 3rd gen when the engine let go at 250k (after a rebuild too). I liked the 2nd gen since it was pretty small and sat high up. Was hoping that the 3rd gen would feel the same, but it just feels too big for the engine its mated to. I get to drive an 03 suburban sometimes with a Chevy 302 in it, I really like it, just not how wide and long it is. Plus the interior is falling apart.

The MPG isn't a huge concern, especially coming from the 2nd gen 4Runner. Fully loaded with camping gear for 1 person it got 15ish MPH on the highway, and 13ish around town.

I AM considering dropping the 3rd gen down to stock height, but the truck is so full of rattles it feels cheap to drive.

 

[mrahc]

I was in the middle of a very large decision, same as you, except it would be my first forte into 4WDs (at least in terms of ownership). It was a huge toss-up between a 3rd or 4th Gen 4Runner, an 80 Series, or the 100 Series I stumbled upon.

See the issue that I have with the 4Runner is, I'm rally not crazy about the body styling. 4th Gens are truly a hit or a miss (and still very expensive for what you get), and the 3rd Gens are too difficult to find in the condition I wanted; or, once you find it, it's already sold. The 80 Series, well, it's hit classic SUV status and everyone wants an arm and a leg for it (rightfully so, I still want one), or they won't give it up.

Now, as far as the 3rd Gen to 100 Series (or really just 4Runner to Land Cruiser) comparison goes, it's night and day... But at the same time they're both older 4Xs and have their quirks. You aren't winning a race in either, though the 3rd Gen would most likely gap a 100 in the 1/4 just because of the weight difference. With that being said, I daily drive my 100 40+ miles round trip every day, even more on weekends, and it doesn't phase me. You get used to it, and learn to stick to the right lane and budget a few extra minutes to get to where you're going. On top of that, you're getting all the luxury amenities the LC offers, and you don't have to go searching for a "Limited", they all come the same way (for the most part)...

Honestly, just yesterday I saw a pretty cool 3rd Gen and thought "yeah, I still really like those;" but the issue is I only like them when modified... and that is a lengthy process for someone like me. My 100 is basically stock, and I still love it, and can't wait to keep modifying it and daily driving it.

This is all personal preference -- and the novel I just wrote might even make the decision harder.

In short, life is too short to drive something you don't like every day -- I did it for two years (but now I can say I miss that car, as life goes). If you aren't happy, find something that fits you and your needs better, especially if the budget allows. I can say, and I know the awesome community here can as well, I absolutely do not regret my 100, even with all it's faults and issues. I know I can walk outside right now, fire it up, and drive (pretty much) anywhere without hesitation, with ease, and in comfort.

ahem.. /rant(?)

 

[suboptimusprime]

My highway speeds are usually 65-70 but if traffic is going 80 I'll roll with it--no problem. If I stomp on it, I can easily get around people so much better than with my 3rd gen. Plus the V8 sounds so nice. Truck really only feels slow getting off the line--a sensation that is worse with E-rated 33's on it than when I had stock tires that were P-rated.

I've got an LX with the AHC still intact and in the sportier settings, it handles well enough. The 100 is a big truck and you know it when you're driving... That said, I think my 3rd gen is "sportier" in the handling department it is just miserably slow especially at speeds over 40 mph which takes a lot of the fun out of it.

 

[Kabanstva]

I got plenty of seat time in a 3rd gen and it does not begin to compare to a 100. They’re great vehicles and amazing off-road but for daily driving the 100 series feels like a Bentley in comparison.

 

[TXLX100]

I had a similar 3rd gen as an extra car. While the 3rd gen 4runner was probably the most fun, the 100 series is in a totally different class. It is heavily constructed and weighs probably 2,000 lbs more. Comparing an automatic 3rd gen4runner on 33's to a 100 series with a 4speed on 33's, expect similar acceleration / power feel. The 100 series is a very heavy vehicle with not a lot of HP (1998 at least).

 

[128keaton]

I had a similar 3rd gen as an extra car. While the 3rd gen 4runner was probably the most fun, the 100 series is in a totally different class. It is heavily constructed and weighs probably 2,000 lbs more. Comparing an automatic 3rd gen4runner on 33's to a 100 series with a 4speed on 33's, expect similar acceleration / power feel. The 100 series is a very heavy vehicle with not a lot of HP (1998 at least).

What is the stock tire size of a LC100, if you don't mind me asking?

Is there a certain year of LC100 that I need to watch out for (like on the 4th gen 4runners the 2005+ had the VVTi which meant more HP, or on the 3rd 1999-2000 have the best features before the new/strange ABS setup)?

 

[jfrench]

Check this out:

Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

 

[128keaton]

Check this out:

Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

Perfect! Thank you. Looks like a 2003 is what I should be looking for in terms of engine/transmission.

 

[jfrench]

When looking to make the switch that's exactly where I started my search...'03 and up

Edit: If you're an audiophile but don't want to deal with the hassle of doing the nav delete, some would recommend looking at the earlier models. I was more interested in powertrain.

 

[128keaton]

When looking to make the switch that's exactly where I started my search...'03 and up

Edit: If you're an audiophile but don't want to deal with the hassle of doing the nav delete, some would recommend looking at the earlier models. I was more interested in powertrain.

Thanks for the info. Stock should be good enough for me provided I can get sound from my phone into my car.

 

[MongooseGA]

IMO, I wouldn't let the 4-speed/5-speed be a deal breaker. If you find a really nice clean 4-speed truck, you won't be missing out on much from the 5-speed. The 06/07 trucks had a 30-40HP bump with the VVTI, I'd be more interested in that.

 

[128keaton]

IMO, I wouldn't let the 4-speed/5-speed be a deal breaker. If you find a really nice clean 4-speed truck, you won't be missing out on much from the 5-speed. The 06/07 trucks had a 30-40HP bump with the VVTI, I'd be more interested in that.

Fair point. I was told that the 5-speed made a pretty big difference in cruising/acceleration. I'll keep my eyes peeled for an 06, but so far, everything seems almost double what I want to/can pay, which sucks.

I am still in college, unfortunately, which makes this a bit tougher.

Regardless, I need something reliable, trustworthy, and comfortable, and I am willing to do whatever possible.

 

[WillW]

Hell, I'd take a late model 100 series over a 5th gen. Throw in some 4.88s and some DT Headers and you are golden.

 

[MongooseGA]

I had 2 4-speed trucks before my '05.

Honestly, I didn't notice an obvious improvement in acceleration or mileage. The extra little features and updates in the cabin are nice, though.

 

[jfrench]

I never drove a pre-'03 but read the same about the transmission benefits of a 5 spd. I didn't think the extra $$$ for the HP of the VVTI was worth it either. And for phone sound to car I went with the usaspec unit below

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Parts USA Spec