Early 200 series vs late 100 series

[ascension]

Looking to purchase a land cruiser now that my GX has been totaled by insurance and mostly looking at the aforementioned models.

Seems like the 100 series has a bulletproof drivetrain with proper maintenance but suffers from front suspension issues and just general age stuff - whereas the 200 series has upgrades in pretty much every category in terms of reliability and robustness, but falls short due to multitude of issues with the 5.7.

That's my understanding at least - please correct me if I'm mistaken.

Given that the earliest 200s are not much older than the newest 100s, I'm guessing it's a safe bet that buying an early 200 truck will leave me no better off (in terms of playing catch-up with all the aging bits and pieces) than if I get a late 100 series?
And if that's the case, I might as well invest in a more reliable drivetrain?

Yeah yeah I know the 200 makes more power and has a more modern interior and whatever, but I'm just looking for a vehicle that is gonna last with proper maintenance - so please let me know what you folks recommend between the two.

Maybe cruisers just ain't for me lol but hoping that's not the case.

 

[DesertRider]

Find the cleanest lowest mileage model within your price range, that is the best advice I can give for someone looking for long time use. Love my 200 series and plan to own it for a long time. The newer the vehicle, the longer you will be able to get spare parts for it.

 

[GreatBenzini]

What are the "multitude of issues with the 5.7"?

But yes, find the cleanest, most well-maintained car you can located and don't look back. All these cars are used now, but not all of them were abused.

 

[sedole]

Ease of finding spare parts is a huge thing to consider. I'm not sure what the 100 series parts market is like but given the 200 series was produced until 2021 I'd wager parts are going to be available and easier to find for a lot longer. That was my biggest gripe when I was in the Mitsu Montero world. Had a 2006 and it just got incredibly difficult to find some parts over time. I'd be constantly scouring junkyards and looking online for used parts. Vastly different experience with my 2011 LX. Pretty much anything I need I can easily find and have at my doorstep within a very short timeframe. Cruisers are, however, vastly more reliable than Monteros though lol.

 

[auggafj80]

I’ve got a 2008 and the 5.7 has gotten me 330k so far. There are no “multitude” of issues. One of the best engines. Like others said find the cleanest low mileage you can find / afford.

 

[TeCKis300]

I had an 06' 100-series and currently an '09 200-series. I still have a soft spot for my '06, but there's no comparison and the 200 is light years ahead in comfort, strength, and capacities. There's no meaningful real issue with the 5.7L. They're all Toyotas and robust as they come. You're trading things like timing belt and repacking front wheel bearings on the 100-series, to radiator stress riser and potentially valley plate on the 200-series. They're machines and all need some maintenance in time.

The 200-series is stronger to do heavier work, with more extreme mod potential than the 100-series when you're ready to get serious.

 

[Mingus Dew]

What are the "multitude of issues with the 5.7"?

But yes, find the cleanest, most well-maintained car you can located and don't look back. All these cars are used now, but not all of them were abused.

Only things I can think of are the valley plate leak and the timing chain cover leak/seepage which appear to be chronic issues.

If you are buying a high mileage, early gen 200 you may need to worry about head gasket as well although there's not enough of a sample size to determine if there's an actual defect there.

 

[coleAK]

Why not another GX? You could get a much newer/lower mileage GX for the price of a late 100 early 200. From what I see you can get an ~8-10 year newer GX for about the same price as a 2007/2008 LC.

 

[Boston Mangler]

I’ve had a 99 100 and now a 2010 200

MUCH prefer the dash and ergonomics of the interior of the 100, especially the manual HVAC controls and such

But other than that, the 200 is far superior everywhere else

I’ve owned one of almost every North American available cruiser made, and the 100 is the only one I regret selling

 

[TimCFJ40]

I've had 1 100 and 2 200s. Personally, I love the feel of the 100, the seats are easier to install/remove without tools. The rear window vents are awesome, the belt line is a little lower for visibility. The 4.7L is super smooth. You can get a 100 with a standard double din radio and no screen.

The 200 has more power, better suspension, and a few easier maintenance items. The 200 will have more parts availability longer due to newer age and some carry over to Tundra components.

As mentioned above, I would say both platforms have some small but known issues. Both can go 300k+ without major issues.

I'd drive both and choose what you like. When we bought our most recent 2016 200, the main reason I didn't look too hard for a newer 100 was the age, and the fact that clean lower mileage 100s are hard to find, and go for more than equivalent 200s most of the time.

 

[ToothDr]

I’ve had a 99 100 and now a 2010 200

MUCH prefer the dash and ergonomics of the interior of the 100, especially the manual HVAC controls and such

But other than that, the 200 is far superior everywhere else

I’ve owned one of almost every North American available cruiser made, and the 100 is the only one I regret selling

I regret selling my 1978 original FJ40 in mustard yellow.

 

[Heckraiser]

Both are equally good for different reasons IMO, especially the 100 with a 5-speed. Only major advantage to the 200 is if you ever plan to tow. If you liked your GX, I'd get another one of those--cheaper and easier to find. The good condition late model 100's are going up in price, but GX's aren't subject to oddball car nerd pricing schemes.

 

[bicycleagent003]

The GX is a nice Goldilocks rig, though for me it's a bit small inside and underpowered if you start to load it up. I suspect a regear would help with that. They are very plentiful and cheaper, with lots of aftermarket support.

 

[bloc]

Split tailgate > swing-out rear door

It isn't even close.

 

[electro992]

I had a '03 100-series and a 2010 200-series. My 100-series (and 80 before that) were bulletproof reliable. My 200 has been far more problematic. In your shoes I'd take an '06 or '07 hundred series with the VVTi engine.