Considering the 100

[snowrider73]

So, I am considering moving on from my 80 and am researching my options. I am not a fan of the FJ Cruiser but do want to get into something a bit more powerful and refined. What do you consider the pro's/con's from the 80? Obviously the front axle is a big difference but realistically what could I expect with the same setup. I only have a 2.5" lift w/35s on my 80 now and don't do a whole lot of big rock crawling. I have it set up as more of an expedition style and want to continue with that style. Basically what is the power/reliability difference and the biggie, how do they do on the trails with the right setup?

 

[nocrawl]

So, I am considering moving on from my 80 and am researching my options. I am not a fan of the FJ Cruiser but do want to get into something a bit more powerful and refined. What do you consider the pro's/con's from the 80? Obviously the front axle is a big difference but realistically what could I expect with the same setup. I only have a 2.5" lift w/35s on my 80 now and don't do a whole lot of big rock crawling. I have it set up as more of an expedition style and want to continue with that style. Basically what is the power/reliability difference and the biggie, how do they do on the trails with the right setup?

On road, the 100 is much more comfortable than the 80 (I don't off road so can't tell you anything there). It is more spacious, A/C is much better blows harder and colder, rear A/C more power. My 80 has given me more headaches than the 100. I bought my 100 about 14 months ago and have only changed the oil and now the battery.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search, there's a thread about this exact thing. Maybe a few of them.

 

[bkgee]

definately search. you can wait for folks to answer your question on this thread, or you can be reading dozens of pages of the same question already.

 

[patrickfinley]

You will certainly feel more power. The 03-04 years even more so. Then the 05-07 gets boosted even higher horsepower. As far as reliability, it would probably cost you less in potential maintenance than your 80 series. It doesn't have the Head Gasket, PHH, Birf's, etc, problems like the 80 does.

You may be a bit more nervous hitting the trails with a pricier rig! It's also going to be a bit tighter on the trails because of the noticeable size difference.

From what I've heard, the 100 series is not quite as easy to fix while on the trail as the 80 if something does go wrong. Seems like with the 80 series if you have some duct tape, beer cans and a coat hanger you can fix just about anything.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Why don't you keep your 80 for the trails?

The 100 series reminds me of driving a Lexus LS400...just a bit higher. Excellent at higher speeds. On the trail for me it feels much bigger than my old 80. While I love the 100..... cruising down the road at 70mph on 35´s always gave me a big grin

 

[arbetrader]

You may be a bit more nervous hitting the trails with a pricier rig! It's also going to be a bit tighter on the trails because of the noticeable size difference.

Please note that the 100 series is *only* 0.4 inches wider than the 80 series, and about 2.5 inches longer.

Wheelbase is exactly the same, however turning radius is actually tighter with the 100 (slightly).

I found that offroad, both vehicles were quite large, and there's not much difference with either when it comes to size. I certainly don't feel the size difference is noticeable other than by a slight fraction.

If you're not doing any serious rock crawling, the 100 will honestly take you anywhere your 80 can get you. I came from a triple locked 80, and now have a 99 LX and I LOVE IT, and we do take it offroad, but we don't go that crazy. The 100 is considerably safer due to the many safety enhancements as well as onroadability there is no question a much higher level of refinement.

I truly believe that the 100 can go to 98% of the of the places an 80 can, and the final 2%, you'd be bashing it anyway, and likely you'd want a trail rig for that stuff.

Just my .02. Cheers, and good luck with your search!

So, some reasons I changed to the 100 series:

1. More safety for my family
2. More refinement
3. More power
4. More Luxury
5. More towing capacity
6. Quieter
7. More reliable (arguable here, but less maintenance nonetheless, and parts are easier to find as many engine parts are interchangeable with many other models)
8. More cup holders
9. Better stereo
10. More legroom for kiddies
11. Similar Offroad performance to nearly anything you'd throw at it
12. With Atrac/VSC models, you have much better snow performance


These are just a few reasons... there are many more; but I'm getting tired of typing. You get the idea

 

[jonharis]

Don't do it.....its a mistake.

 

[laxaholic]

lets trade!
2001 100 series

 

[MoJ]

Regarding maintenance, within a few $100 every 100k miles, they have equally expensive costs - no matter what an owner of either tells you.

 

[OGBeno]

Regarding maintenance, within a few $100 every 100k miles, they have equally expensive costs - no matter what an owner of either tells you.

This is true.

 

[super90]

As far as reliability, it would probably cost you less in potential maintenance than your 80 series. It doesn't have the Head Gasket, PHH, Birf's, etc, problems like the 80 does. .

Head gaskets don't fail as often as folks would have you believe. The PHH was a five or ten year item that was best done proactively and not on the side of the road...like so many things in life. 80s have Birfs to deal with and the 100 has CV joints to deal with. The 100 has a timing belt that has to be changed every 90k, while the 80 doesn't. The 80 has problems with the EGR system, which is a troubleshooting issue. The 100 starter is a pain to get to. Etc. Etc.

Net of all this the 100 might be a bit better but you aren't really getting off Scott free relative to an 80. It's a damned reliable rig too. That's why we all bought them in the first place!

 

[OregonLC]

Approaching the question a little differently, there is a generation difference in safety between the rigs. If you have a dual-purpose SUV (family hauler + trail rig) then this might be something to consider, particularly the 00+ rigs which gained VSC, EBD, and ATRAC. The 01 gained the LATCH system for the child seats. And the 03+ gained side curtain airbags. There may be other safety items too that I'm not aware of (side impact beams? other?).

Fuel eco might be something else to look at. Bone stock the 03+ can routinely see in the 17-18's on the highway. Although most of us have modded them back down into the 13-15 range.

 

[Romer]

Both vehicles are great. Both vehicles are great wheelers, the 80- has an edge if your wheeling where there are large rocks due to the SFA, but a good driver can overcome them.

The 80 is older so you can pick up a good one and fully modify it for less money in most cases. You also might be willing to wheel it more agressively being an older vehicle.

The 80 is easier to put 35's on and for sure 37's if your going that route

You have front and rear lockers standard with the 80. The 100 requires you at least purchase a front (This also strengthens a weak point) and possibly the rear depending on the year you get.

The 100 is more powerful with the V8 over V6. I'd give it an edge over my 80 with the SC, but I think thats mostly due to the improved gearing of the transmission

The 100 provides an improved ride on the highway

2003+ with the 5 speed provides better gearing , especially down low which provides an improvement offroad.

The 100 has more "toys" stock. For example, mine has Blue tooth setup for the phone with an onboard Phone book, Navigation, rear camera and I can play videos on both the Front screen and rear deployable screen. ATRAC and the ability to turn the CDL off or on in any mode

The 100 has better safety features (Side air bags)

The 100 is more, well . . . luxerious.

If you want to have an aggressive wheeler for hard trails like the Rubicon, the 80 has an edge. For moderate wheeling and mostly street driving, the 100 has an edge.

Again, they are both great vehicles. You can't go wrong with either. I switched because I wanted something newer, more toys, more comfort and a bit more luxery. I still own a 96 80 that my daughter drives.

Maybe this will help you https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/503870-new-100-owner-just-adding-my-stable.html

 

[snowrider73]

I switched because I wanted something newer, more toys, more comfort and a bit more luxery.

Thanks Romer, This is the point that hits the nail on the head for me. Make no mistake, I love my 80. It's time for a change without the change. Knowing what I know now as opposed to when I bought the rig and invested so much into it, I would have gone with the 100 for what I do with it. Thanks folks i appreciate the responses.

 

[BBQ BOY]

Both are exceptional vehicles. I have never wheeled an 80 but I have wheeled with them. There isn't anything I couldn't do that they did. The 80 wins with the front SA but into opinion the 100 has so much more going for it. One day I would not mind having an 80, simply for the SA but even then I may get a 55.