Considering a 200

[m4hk33]

Hey guys, currently contracting overseas and have been looking at both 100 and 200 series cruisers.

I am coming from a 2006 sequoia and am going back and forth on what generation I want to pick up.

I am familiar with the 4.6 engine that's in the 100 and am aware of its maintnance issues such as timing belt. In terms its hp/tq, I am ok with its output, never had a need for more. I really like the engines bullet proof reputation.

That brings me to the 200. I really like the performance of the 5.7 but looking some of the issues with the engine it gives me pause.

The cam tower oil leak, the water pump/coolant issues, the starter issues.

Looking at some these issues objectively is the 200 enough of a leap beyond the 100 that these issues are worth it?

I look at 100 series and they have pretty much depreciated as much as they are going to. Do the maintenance, and sell if for what you bought for If not more a few years down the road.

Just looking for some current thoughts on this with 200 series since they are almost getting into an interesting price point

Thanks

 

[mcgaskins]

This exact question is asked weekly if not more often. Do a little searching on this board and you’ll quickly find your answer.

 

[TonyP]

And the 100 has a 4.7 2UZ not 4.6.

 

[ckkone]

200’s are better I’ve had both. Easy to check for cam tower leak but it’s not really a widespread issue. If you have the money to get a 200 I wouldn’t even consider a 100 series.

 

[Markuson]

100s have the same starter & radiator issues as the 200...and the cam tower leak thing on the 200 is far from universal. My 11 year old 200 certainly has been fine...knock on wood.

I would not trade my 11 year old 200 for my 100...even if I could go back to when my 100 was 5 years old.

I’m not knocking the 100 though. I loved mine until it was 16 years old. But IMHO, the 200 bests it in every category except appearance when in stock form...and maybe front seat comfort.

Oh, and I wish I could pop my rear windows open like on my 100.

 

[m4hk33]

Not sure why was thinking the 4.6, anyway good to hear.

Also, is it known if the cam tower fix that Toyota does on the engine is permanent or will the leak eventually come back

If its permanent, I would almost want to seek out one that had it done under warranty.

 

[Markuson]

Not sure why was thinking the 4.6, anyway good to hear.

Also, is it known if the cam tower fix that Toyota does on the engine is permanent or will the leak eventually come back

If its permanent, I would almost want to seek out one that had it done under warranty.

There was a poll someone did here in this forum and it turns out very few had run into the cam tower leak.

 

[m4hk33]

Wonder if it was an American vs Japanese 5.7 issue then

 

[Markuson]

Wonder if it was an American vs Japanese 5.7 issue then

It happens on ours...just saying the numbers are not particularly high.

I believe the engines are all built in Japan for the 200. Someone might correct me on that....

 

[m4hk33]

So I have been doing a lot little research and it does seem like across the board, people are very happy with the 200

 

[TonyP]

Depends entirely on your goals, expectations, and uses. Only you will know if it'll fit your needs, not a bunch of strangers on the internet.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'll say that I was perfectly happy with my 100-series. It's an incredibly capable and comfortable vehicle in its own right, equally able to tackle the same overlanding mission as the 200-series. I personally sought the 200-series for its added power and thus towing capacity. If it weren't for this, I would have likely stayed with my 100-series. It was better in certain ways: more nimble and better visibility all around. It didn't feel like it was getting long in the tooth, and felt like it had build quality to go many many more miles. If you get a 100-series, seek out the latter models. Especially the 5-speed ones, or even better, the vvti ones in '06/'07. Pretty big differentiators to power and performance if you are going to build it up with lots of weight. The electronics don't make a difference in my mind as rely on my cell phone for that stuff anyways.

I'm not talking down the 200-series either. It's more of all that goodness. For more money. More for more. But none of it really is necessary if cost is a primary variable for you. And like you said, the 100-series is practically at the end of its depreciation curve. You could enjoy it for years, and practically lose no equity in it. While that next 200-series reaches the bottom when your ready to step up.

 

[slicky rick]

Only thing I have with the 200 are the possible steering wheel vibrations and tailshaft clunk.. that's it... Otherwise it feels indestructible and tides so smoothly and for the 2016 up it really feels light to drive ... With ect power on...

 

[m4hk33]

I think that I am going to pursue a 200. I like the value associated with the 100 series, but I think the 200 series is what I want. It just seems like for what the 2006 and 2007 are going for you can find a 2008 or 2009 for not that much more

 

[Romer]

I had a 100 series and wouldnt go back. What sold me on the 200 was Cangaru racing races a 200 series in the baja. They beat the crap out of it and it keeps ticking. I am told by people I trust that the 200 series as the best engine tranny combo from a design and longevity basis around and what those guys do to their 200 racing sold me.

 

[stridertexas]

The best advice I’ve seen on this forum is buy the newest landcruiser you can afford.

I had an 07 and loved it. I regretted selling it, as it would have been paid off and I knew car’s history well.

But now that I have a ‘14 I like much more than my 100. I won’t make the same mistake on selling the ‘14 that I did with my ‘07.

 

[Romer]

Here is the thread on Monica. They have modified the suspension and interior, but the drive train is the same

Canguro Racing's Monica

 

[m4hk33]

That's pretty damn impressive to run the baja, lose a wheel and only finish 15 mins behind the winner.

Sold....

200 it is.

 

[TeCKis300]

The 200 is worth the stretch. Get it once, pay taxes once.

I still do believe a 100 is relavent today. If it were that vs a newer 4runner, fj, Jeep, tacomy, whatever, it would be the 100 everytime.