considering trading my 4-Runner (1996) for LC

[progress4m]

I am still considering trading in my 4-Runner (1996) for LC. It will be used as a daily driver as well as for hunting trips and towing a boat.
Local dealer has 2000 LC with 49K miles for $23.9K.

Is LC too big to be used as a daily driver? Also I know I will feel deference in gas mileage and I think I will need to switch to premium fuel.

What you all think…

 

[spressomon]

I use mine for DD, hunting, wheel'n, pull'n an AT trailer, you name it...love it! I am not up on current values for LC's however $23.5k sounds high to me. How big/heavy is your boat?

 

[CrusrDug]

My old 99 4runner felt like a sports car compared to my Landcruiser. I'm still getting used to it after 6 months of driving. It's heavier and leans a lot more around turns. That said, it is solid as a rock going down the road and will tow just fine

 

[progress4m]

I use mine for DD, hunting, wheel'n, pull'n an AT trailer, you name it...love it! I am not up on current values for LC's however $23.5k sounds high to me. How big/heavy is your boat?

Thank you for your answers.
My boat is less than 3000 Lbs. So I am sure it should not be a problem for LC.
Do you use premium fuel? And what gas mileage you getting?

 

[spressomon]

Thank you for your answers.
My boat is less than 3000 Lbs. So I am sure it should not be a problem for LC.
Do you use premium fuel? And what gas mileage you getting?

My mpg is back up to 15mpg (see below how I have it equipped) since the 4.88 install...premium fuel (91 octane in the West) and generally cruising at 4,000' and above at 65-70mph. Pulling the Adventure Trailer Horizon (about 1,500lbs with gear) the mpg drops to around 12.5mpg.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

and leans a lot more around turns.

There's a great solution to cure that.

 

[progress4m]

Thank you all !!!

I just call dealer for a test drive and they told me that LC has been sold…
Well… I will keep looking.

 

[CrusrDug]

There's a great solution to cure that.

Besides slowing down, Rip out the AHC and put in real springs? If I could keep the ride and decrease body lean I am all ears.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Besides slowing down, Rip out the AHC and put in real springs? If I could keep the ride and decrease body lean I am all ears.

Oh, you got AHC. Nice. I don't know if I'd rip that out on a new Cruiser. I was just refering to the regular old 2" OME lift which makes the 100 drive so much better on-road.

 

[hoser]

Besides slowing down, Rip out the AHC and put in real springs? If I could keep the ride and decrease body lean I am all ears.

They do make uprated sway bars for the 100.

 

[flyfish4life]

Besides slowing down, Rip out the AHC and put in real springs? If I could keep the ride and decrease body lean I am all ears.

So does the AVS contribute to more body lean than just the regular OEM suspension. I am currently trying to decide if I need AVS or not - definitely do not want to increase body lean if I can help it.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

They do make uprated sway bars for the 100.

EEK! Use them on-road. Off....boooo! (Especially the front)

 

[hoser]

Sway bar quick disconnects are possible. Best of both worlds?

 

[CrusrDug]

So does the AVS contribute to more body lean than just the regular OEM suspension. I am currently trying to decide if I need AVS or not - definitely do not want to increase body lean if I can help it.

Sorry, I don't know the answer to that. I think I would feel the same way if I was driving a Tahoe. Heavier truck=more lean I assume. I have a lead foot and drive hard. The LC aint no sports car for sure!! Although, I do like the VVTI in a straight line.

Maybe someone else can help answer the question.

 

[hoser]

So does the AVS contribute to more body lean than just the regular OEM suspension. I am currently trying to decide if I need AVS or not - definitely do not want to increase body lean if I can help it.

No, actually the AVS is designed to give maximum comfort while providing improved handling. AVS/AHC is tied into steering wheel, speed and brake sensors and will make very quick changes in the shock damping (16 settings)-- providing anti-dive, anti-roll (sway) and auto leveling. It rides great in terms of comfort but will never handle like a 4Runner simply because of the extra 1400lbs.

The reasons for not getting AVS/AHC are: added complexity (reliability), possible repair costs, limited to stock shock travel, and limited load capacity. However, load capacity can be increased with higher rate springs.

If handling and braking are high up on your list and you are set on getting a 100, I suggest the LC (with upgraded suspension) as it is almost 300lbs lighter than the LX.

 

[flyfish4life]

No, actually the AVS is designed to give maximum comfort while providing improved handling. AVS/AHC is tied into steering wheel, speed and brake sensors and will make very quick changes in the shock damping (16 settings)-- providing anti-dive, anti-roll (sway) and auto leveling. It rides great in terms of comfort but will never handle like a 4Runner simply because of the extra 1400lbs.

The reasons for not getting AVS/AHC are: added complexity (reliability), possible repair costs, limited to stock shock travel, and limited load capacity. However, load capacity can be increased with higher rate springs.

If handling and braking are high up on your list and you are set on getting a 100, I suggest the LC (with upgraded suspension) as it is almost 300lbs lighter than the LX.

Thanks Hoser - excellent info. Oh, I am definitely getting the LC, just not sure I want to option for the AVS and potential headaches/down-the-road costs. I have driven a loaner GX470 before which had rear heigth control and AVS, but it seemed awfully floaty to me. If it truly improves handling, I may just bite the bullet and opt for it.

 

[CrusrDug]

Thanks Hoser for the explanation!

I should also say that changing the shock control from comfort to sport does make a noticable difference. Also, the way it levels itself out is nice. I would rather have it and have the option to get rid of it then the other way around.

 

[hoser]

Thanks Hoser - excellent info. Oh, I am definitely getting the LC, just not sure I want to option for the AVS and potential headaches/down-the-road costs. I have driven a loaner GX470 before which had rear heigth control and AVS, but it seemed awfully floaty to me. If it truly improves handling, I may just bite the bullet and opt for it.

The suspension is quite floaty in "soft" mode but like CrusrDug says, "sport" mode firms things up. All relative though--I've driven a KDSS GX470 and it felt kinda sporty. As you know, the stock LC comes with "freeway" tires that also contribute to the soft ride.

Edit: the 300lb difference I stated earlier was comparing the 2000 LC vs 2000 LX. The 2006 LC and LX have much more similiar weights since they are very similiarly equipped. I'm not sure how much weight the AVS/AHC option adds.