The 120 has the same drivetrain as the 100, so I don't see why it'd be any different.
There's an 03 with 210k for sale in AZ for ~$7k.
There's an 03 with 210k for sale in AZ for ~$7k.
High Mileage Thread
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Yeah there are plenty of 4runners with over 200k miles and still running strong with no major issues having occurred. It's all in how you take care of it.
Yay I just saw that one last night on CL.
Not thirty miles from where I USED to live two months ago. I'm 1300 miles away now...... Ironic.
And my wife has a 01 sequoia, same engine, with 202,000 on it now and doesn't even leak yet, so I'm beginning to be convinced.
Heh yeah, I'm in NJ now...3 weeks ago, I was in Phoenix.
Gmonkeyman here ya go. read away. I had a similar problem... ended up with GX470.
I'm scared; transistion from 06' taco to 100 series, counsel me. - Expedition Portal.
I'm scared; transistion from 06' taco to 100 series, counsel me. - Expedition Portal.
Hey wing man,
Can't seem to PM you on my iPad so I'll ask here.
I just finished reading every post on your exportal thread. Good reads. Getting convinced. Never thought of this platform till a couple days ago so I'm soaking up data as quick as I can.
What are your thoughts now that you have had it a week?
Also, I saw Adventure Driven's GX470 in Prescott AZ last year. What an incredible (40,000 dollars in upgrades) rig! Look them up for some inspiration.
Test drove a 2004 gx470.
I get it now.
That is a nice car.
Yes I chose that word carefully.
Impressions:
Style= fancy and sleek.
Interior= luxury with lots of controls, comfortable.
Ride= quiet like a pixy whispering into Hellen Kellers ear quiet. Amazingly so. Quick and agile. And that ride quality knob actually makes a significant difference.
Performance= sphincter pucker factor 7.75. Compared to my 80 series, I fail to analogize.... Something about a glacier and a ferret? Perhaps an elephant and a cool breeze? I give a solid 'wow'.
Mechanical= this is significant because the rig I drove was bone stock with 240,xxx miles on it. 240. Miles, not kilometers or decimeters or parsecs or whatever you heathens use... It. Drove. Great. One noticeable wiggle I guessed was a loose and worn CV joint, and that was confirmed by the dealers work order later. Other than that, really solid. My dodge Dakota was more loose at 40k than this thing was at 240K. So my compliments to Mr. T.
Every light, button, gizmo, and switch worked. Impressive.
Overall impression? Including "intangibles".....=. There is nothing bad I can say about the GX470. What it IS is amazing. What it IS NOT is a Land Cruiser. How do I quantify that? Maybe personal bias? I don't think so because I wanted to like the GX! I wanted to step up in comfort and performance and ease of commute. And the GX would do all that for me.... But.... A week or two in the woods or desert with my family and all our gear? Pushing through 18 inches of snow to get to the sledding spot? Taking out a large deer and still getting me to work? Turtle it on a trail and use the HIlift to flip it back on the rubber and drive it home so I can get yelled at by my wife? I don't know.
I was still a little undecided when I walked away. By the time I closed the door and drove off in my 220,000 mile 80 series I was sure of my decision. I'll put the money into the maintenance stuff in my truck. New tires, monstaliner it, and drive it, slowly, another 50,000 miles with a slow, confident, unwavering smile on my face, and then reassess.
But I will be a little envious of you 120 series drivers when I see you in the road. Especially those of you with a built rig.
In short, I get it.
But I got mine....
I get it now.
That is a nice car.
Yes I chose that word carefully.
Impressions:
Style= fancy and sleek.
Interior= luxury with lots of controls, comfortable.
Ride= quiet like a pixy whispering into Hellen Kellers ear quiet. Amazingly so. Quick and agile. And that ride quality knob actually makes a significant difference.
Performance= sphincter pucker factor 7.75. Compared to my 80 series, I fail to analogize.... Something about a glacier and a ferret? Perhaps an elephant and a cool breeze? I give a solid 'wow'.
Mechanical= this is significant because the rig I drove was bone stock with 240,xxx miles on it. 240. Miles, not kilometers or decimeters or parsecs or whatever you heathens use... It. Drove. Great. One noticeable wiggle I guessed was a loose and worn CV joint, and that was confirmed by the dealers work order later. Other than that, really solid. My dodge Dakota was more loose at 40k than this thing was at 240K. So my compliments to Mr. T.
Every light, button, gizmo, and switch worked. Impressive.
Overall impression? Including "intangibles".....=. There is nothing bad I can say about the GX470. What it IS is amazing. What it IS NOT is a Land Cruiser. How do I quantify that? Maybe personal bias? I don't think so because I wanted to like the GX! I wanted to step up in comfort and performance and ease of commute. And the GX would do all that for me.... But.... A week or two in the woods or desert with my family and all our gear? Pushing through 18 inches of snow to get to the sledding spot? Taking out a large deer and still getting me to work? Turtle it on a trail and use the HIlift to flip it back on the rubber and drive it home so I can get yelled at by my wife? I don't know.
I was still a little undecided when I walked away. By the time I closed the door and drove off in my 220,000 mile 80 series I was sure of my decision. I'll put the money into the maintenance stuff in my truck. New tires, monstaliner it, and drive it, slowly, another 50,000 miles with a slow, confident, unwavering smile on my face, and then reassess.
But I will be a little envious of you 120 series drivers when I see you in the road. Especially those of you with a built rig.
In short, I get it.
But I got mine....
The 80's are nice. I had a '97 LX450 for a while, but for what I do I didn't need 35's and lockers. I'm happy with my choice - I'm glad you had the opportunity to test drive one and decide. 
If I had a really clean 80 with gears and a blower, I might've thought differently. Mine needed some significant TLC in general (and I couldn't do better than ~50mph in the mountains).
If I had a really clean 80 with gears and a blower, I might've thought differently. Mine needed some significant TLC in general (and I couldn't do better than ~50mph in the mountains).
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- #29
Totally understandable... I would trade my GX for an 80 any day if it fit my family's needs... unfortunately it does not 
... That being said I am happy with the rig I have and so is my wife. It will supply us with many adventures and memories but one day I plan on getting a 60 or 80 for myself as a Daily/beater. I have a company truck so right now all the extra money saved will go the lexus.
... That being said I am happy with the rig I have and so is my wife. It will supply us with many adventures and memories but one day I plan on getting a 60 or 80 for myself as a Daily/beater. I have a company truck so right now all the extra money saved will go the lexus.
Here's a recent photo of my 2000 100-series' odometer (as you know, this is the same basic drivetrain as a GX470) I also have a '96 80 with about 230,000 miles, and there's absolutely NO comparison between the two! Yes, the 1FZ-FE WILL go 300k + miles, but they usually require some sort of work (leak fixes, head gaskets, etc.), while the 2UZ-FE could easily need NOTHING!
I can't say enough good things about the 2UZ. More power, infinitely smoother, more fuel efficient, easier to cool, etc. My only complaint is having to change the timing belt (and if you're brave enough, even THEY are known for going 200k+ miles......although I still change every 90k)
I can't say enough good things about the 2UZ. More power, infinitely smoother, more fuel efficient, easier to cool, etc. My only complaint is having to change the timing belt (and if you're brave enough, even THEY are known for going 200k+ miles......although I still change every 90k)
Dnp.
I agree with your engine statements.
I wish I could magically drop a 4.7 v8 in my 80 series. That'd do nicely.
Unfortunately there is more of a difference between the 120 and the 100 than there are similarities. Engine, yes. Tranny, IDK. Axles? Suspension? Steering? Weight? Driving dynamics?
But man, that engine... Love that engine. But just not quite enough to get me to overlook the rest.
I'll climb behind the wheel of both the 100 and 120 again in a couple years and reassess.
Feel free to rev your engines and leave me in the dust when you see me on the road.
Basically, I'm not interested in any vehicle I can't count on to get me to 300 grand.
Cruisers, yes.
120's, getting there. Time will tell.
The built ones look like little moon landing futuristic Appolo shuttle crafts! And the price point for the year is nice.
Maybe I'll get a 80, 100 and a 120. Drop the same dough in each. Drive them each on all the same trails with the same drivers until 300,000 miles. Then compare notes.
With infante root beer!
And Swedish Bikini Models!
I agree with your engine statements.
I wish I could magically drop a 4.7 v8 in my 80 series. That'd do nicely.
Unfortunately there is more of a difference between the 120 and the 100 than there are similarities. Engine, yes. Tranny, IDK. Axles? Suspension? Steering? Weight? Driving dynamics?
But man, that engine... Love that engine. But just not quite enough to get me to overlook the rest.
I'll climb behind the wheel of both the 100 and 120 again in a couple years and reassess.
Feel free to rev your engines and leave me in the dust when you see me on the road.
Basically, I'm not interested in any vehicle I can't count on to get me to 300 grand.
Cruisers, yes.
120's, getting there. Time will tell.
The built ones look like little moon landing futuristic Appolo shuttle crafts! And the price point for the year is nice.
Maybe I'll get a 80, 100 and a 120. Drop the same dough in each. Drive them each on all the same trails with the same drivers until 300,000 miles. Then compare notes.
With infante root beer!
And Swedish Bikini Models!
I know you 80 guys like your tanks, but I'm telling you both the 100, and the 120s are just as capable with a few upgrades. Unless you plan on being in the remote bush of Australia or savans of Africa for years at a time with no contact with civilisation the 80 is not needed... Have a look at adventure drivens 120 and upcoming 100, oh BTW they got ride of their well built 80 for the 120, and loved it so much they went out and picked up a 100. Anyhow my point is, the 120 will do everything you mentioned that you wanted. Yes even the flopping it over on its side or top. The GX is a much easier vehicle to work on, and requires less work to keep running. The only place I see an 80 being an advantage would be the fact that it's older and I wouldn't care as much with putting a rock into the door or dragging the side through a ditch as much as I would with a 120/100. And possibly in super hardcore rock crawling. But other than that the GX will do anything the 80 will and give a more pleasant experience doing so. Not to mention your wallet will be more willing to allow you to go out and explore more often or longer.
Don't get me wrong I'd love to have an 80, there is something about them that is so iconic. but the first thing I'd do would be rip out that boat anchor i6 and drop in the v8 or do a 4bt conversion.
Sent from my XT1080
Don't get me wrong I'd love to have an 80, there is something about them that is so iconic. but the first thing I'd do would be rip out that boat anchor i6 and drop in the v8 or do a 4bt conversion.
Sent from my XT1080
Not a rant, you just won today's insomnia attention. Sorry about the length but y'all may giggle ...
Love your build sir but a few points,
One. The definition of "just as capable" and "a few upgrades". I don't have 40 grand or sponsorship to transform a 120 into that kind of awesomeness. I have seen Adventure Driven's 120. I have put my grubby paws on it. Seth and Kande are wonderful peeps with resources to buy, build, machine, customize, modify and rebuild whatever they want. Good for them. Lexy is an awesome rig. (Hot water shower and sink! Level Six ICON suspension? Are you poopin' me!) Lexy is their tool that they use to market their product. They work hard and smart and have earned their success.
Two. The 80 and the 100 are both proven, many times over, by many people, on every continent to be worthy of their reputation. Right now. Verdict is in. Thousands of witnesses testified. Engineers white sheets scrutinized. Third world tyrants in war torn hellholes have and continue to sing their praises.
Three. Though the 120 is well on its way to developing a awesome rep too, it's not there. Not yet. I'll let those with the wallet be the guinea pig. Hopefully by the time I am in the market the price will have fallen to a point I can rationalize the purchase price of the platform plus upgrades a little easier. It is not cheaper to purchase, modify, maintain and repair a GX470 than a 80 series.
Four. I do many of the things that you would not want done to a 120. I have traction tape stuck all over it so can climb on it like a monkey. It's my daughters personal play-set. Brush and tree branches are a non-issue with Clifford. Bashing through a sunflower field in the spring, bouncing a million yellow petals off my hood is just giggle worthy.
Five-a-roo-ski.. No way the 80 series is harder to work on than a 120. 80 series has what? 12 moving parts? All those electronics in an American 120? It's like comparing The Fonz's jukebox to Dave's HAL 9000.
Six. Or sub point to number 3, paragraph nine, line four.... Whatever...
Yea. Money. I guess, in review of preceding lines, that is a large issue. If money was not an issue I'd have a built 200 for 80% of my driving, a built 120 for when the trail is tight, and a built 80 series diesel cuz-, zombies.... Everyone falls in a different niche of expendable income.
You are right that 120s are impressive. If built they can become awesome. But they are not legendary. Legendary may come, but it must be earned. It does, in my opinion, have a superior engine, (cdan is gunna slap me for blasphemy) and the IFS is better for everything except hardcore rock climbing and durability. (Jcardona's experience on the Rubicon would likely confirm that.). I can't say for sure, without a time machine and access to parallel dimensions, but I think I'd of broken a 120 a few times on the trails.
The surprise high water crossing last spring in Grand Staircase.. Long story.
Waking up to 6 inches of surprise snow on north Humphries.. Way too many miles off the beaten track, with the mud trail through boulders treating my rig like a ping-pong ball.
Accidentally catching (way too much) air in the valley of the Gods just north of monument Valley.
Moab. Oh man, Moab.
Total parts broken. Two. Front drive shaft. Original. Started vibrating. Replaced at 210K
Water pump. Original. leaking. Replaced at 190.
And that's it.
I'm going to put two grand in maintenance into her next week. Basically the timing chain and stuff. I'm not doing that myself. If I could it'd be about $400 in parts. Easy come, easy go. After that I'm good to go.
Look at my rig. All in, to today's date, $10,000.
That's the cost of the rig, triple locked, OME lift, ARB bumper, Engel fridge, dual yellow top batteries with Blue Sea switch, 7 pin mod, CDL switch, custom roof rack and the HIlift. .
In my book the 80 concedes defeat against the 120 in the following areas
Fuel economy.
Performance.
Comfort. Driver and passengers
Ease of driving.
All those little doors and panels that open up like they are on hydraulics. That's rad!
Engine. Total defeat here. Power, efficiency, even maintenance.
I submit the 80 is superior in fewer areas, but those areas are what's important to me. Durability. As in, abuse survival. And it has a greater likelihood of seeing 300-400 grand on the clock. This is partly because it's so underpowered it's not likely that it can break itself.
And the stock radio sucks.
And its louder. And no compact car parking. Oh my god! Cup holders! I forgot no friggen cup holders in the 80!
Ok. Good night.
Only one issue. The GX470 IS a land cruiser underneath. The unicorn we know at the Prado. It is 100% the same (with a V8). I drove Prados from the same family overseas and it really is. Now, is it an 80? Nope. I have my 80 (you know the Avocado I assume from our past posts together). Half the stuff on my truck is from a Prado.
Now, as to capability. I drove 2500 miles one way, ran Cruise Moab, then drove 2500 miles home. Never broke. Never had a moment of discomfort. Sounding more TLCish?
I think you are right...the legend needs to be earned, but that doesn't mean it isn't, nor that it isn't coming. 3 years ago there were 4 of these being built. 4. Now we have hundreds popping up and showing up at events.
It may not matter what you think. It is happening
Ask Woody. He has one too and has wheeled with me.
Now, as to capability. I drove 2500 miles one way, ran Cruise Moab, then drove 2500 miles home. Never broke. Never had a moment of discomfort. Sounding more TLCish?
I think you are right...the legend needs to be earned, but that doesn't mean it isn't, nor that it isn't coming. 3 years ago there were 4 of these being built. 4. Now we have hundreds popping up and showing up at events.
It may not matter what you think. It is happening
Ask Woody. He has one too and has wheeled with me.
Not on a stock head gasket.
There's a thread in the 100-series forum with people north of 400k. Same driveline as the 120.
A lot of people like to complain about electronics, but in my experience they make life a lot easier. Having an intelligent ECU throw a check engine light often telling you exactly what's wrong is not a bad thing!
Of course it's not going to be cheaper...it's 10-15 years newer. If you want "cheap", nobody's going to say buy a cruiser. That's what Cherokees are for.
*ducks*
Anyway, the engine alone does it for me. I won't own another 80 unless it's supercharged or V8 swapped.
I wasn't trying to say that ADs GX470 was only a few upgrades... I was using theirs to show that yes you can blast through bumper and grille deep snow with ease... And really the only thing you'd need to do so would be lockers. And a little lift. The other $55k in mode they have really do nothing to help it in that area, but they do make doing so nicer... No you don't need icon stage 6 suspension with secondary coilovers (unless you plan on getting a pilots license...), or a roof rack and fridge etc to be capable off road. One thing the 120s are not is weak. The front axles are no weaker than the birfs in a solid axle, maybe slight weaker than the 80 axles, but not by much. Where CVs get weak is when flexed out or at extreme angles -same for birfs, and technically a CV axle is stronger then a solid axle in a straight line... I have seen plenty of 80s that have some pretty major issues that get neglected because people tend to think it will run for ever if I just add oil and put gas in it... Not to mention the CEL are next to impossible to trip alerting you to simple issues to fix to help keep it running in tip top shape. Yes they are cheaper I suppose, but I have seen several GXs in the low teens and I have seen many more 80s in the $20k+ range... So price IMO is a mute issue, price of 80s is increasing, while 120s is dropping... Will a 120 run like a 80 will, no, you cannot neglect a 120 like you can a 80 and get away with it for any period of comparable time, but if you put the same effort into proper preventative maintenance in both vehicles I will place my money all day long on the 2uzfe motor without hesitation. But in the bush and remote locations where temporary bandaid fixes are a way of life and the name of the game then the 80 pulls away fast, just like it will with its solid front axle in the extreme rocks( but remember koh as been repeatedly won by an ifs rig...).
Again I like the 80 and get why their owners are so loyal, and to be honest if I personally had one, I probably would be too, because I love them for their downfalls just as much as I dislike them for them, its just something about them... But I don't own one so yes I'm biased towards the 120. I think the 120 is just a better all around rig then the 80 and dare I say the 100... When I was looking to replace my 97 4runner, I initially was looking at the 100s, but found their prices too high for me, and I did not like the front suspension, I felt it limiting for me, and the real killer for me was the mileage. I feel the 120 has the best of what I wanted... Power, economy, room, comfort, and up to dateness...
Would I feel comfortable beating on my GX? Hell no, but is that because I don't feel it could take it, no. It's because I think it's too nice to beat on or push it hard offroad/wheeling. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I have no desire to see if I can make it up that waterfall in my Lexus -I have a 4runner that I know will. I am more about the destination and the trip there and back with the family, and keeping everyone happy and comfortable and safe. And if that's what you are looking for then I will recommend the 120 all day long, if you still want a rig that you want to be more of a tank then yes the 80 is your hands down best option, but it comes at a price.
Again not knocking anyone's choice for their vehicle, but just be sure you don't cast the 120 aside because you think it its too refined or soft... Reminds me of the quote "be professional, polite and courteous, but have a plan to kill everyone..." And I think that sums up the 120 perfectly. Everyone sees it as a no nothing soccer mom suv, but give it the opportunity and it will downright blow you away with what it's capable of. Do not under estimate these rigs.
Sent from my XT1080
Again I like the 80 and get why their owners are so loyal, and to be honest if I personally had one, I probably would be too, because I love them for their downfalls just as much as I dislike them for them, its just something about them... But I don't own one so yes I'm biased towards the 120. I think the 120 is just a better all around rig then the 80 and dare I say the 100... When I was looking to replace my 97 4runner, I initially was looking at the 100s, but found their prices too high for me, and I did not like the front suspension, I felt it limiting for me, and the real killer for me was the mileage. I feel the 120 has the best of what I wanted... Power, economy, room, comfort, and up to dateness...
Would I feel comfortable beating on my GX? Hell no, but is that because I don't feel it could take it, no. It's because I think it's too nice to beat on or push it hard offroad/wheeling. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I have no desire to see if I can make it up that waterfall in my Lexus -I have a 4runner that I know will. I am more about the destination and the trip there and back with the family, and keeping everyone happy and comfortable and safe. And if that's what you are looking for then I will recommend the 120 all day long, if you still want a rig that you want to be more of a tank then yes the 80 is your hands down best option, but it comes at a price.
Again not knocking anyone's choice for their vehicle, but just be sure you don't cast the 120 aside because you think it its too refined or soft... Reminds me of the quote "be professional, polite and courteous, but have a plan to kill everyone..." And I think that sums up the 120 perfectly. Everyone sees it as a no nothing soccer mom suv, but give it the opportunity and it will downright blow you away with what it's capable of. Do not under estimate these rigs.
Sent from my XT1080
I'm starting to see a few of the off-road tour companies at Moab start to use them as well...that's what turned my eye towards one when I was looking for a 100. As most of us have found out on this 120 forum, it's fairly easy to pick one up with low miles and a good price where the extent of the vehicles previous off road history has been running up on the curb and through the flower bed at a local organic/gluten free market because the driver cut the turn to late (hey, if you don't like my driving get off the sidewalk!). The fact is people that buy these expensive trucks when they're new tend to take better care of their vehicle than someone who bought an Aveo. 1st or 2nd owner 120s with less than 100k are (and have been for a couple of years) now in a wheelers price range. I'll put my money on a 2UZ where I know the oil has been changed every 5K making it 300K any day...but I guess we'll have to wait a few years to find out just how reliable our trucks are.
Besides, I kinda enjoy the strange looks I get when people see a mostly stock Lexus up an off road trail at 12,000 feet. What you mean there's no Starbucks up here, damn 2006 GPS?!?
Besides, I kinda enjoy the strange looks I get when people see a mostly stock Lexus up an off road trail at 12,000 feet. What you mean there's no Starbucks up here, damn 2006 GPS?!?
For me their are to many pluses with the GX470 the engine is freaking awesome! I love starting that thing up and roaring past people on the freeway. The 80 was just to weak. I know they are great offroad but as many others have said the GX is no slouch. It's so comfortable and quiet, I could go on and on. Huge upgrade from my Tacoma hands down.
If I were comparing the 120 vs 100 it would be a much harder choice. For me the 5speed tranny and initial cost was my deciding factor.(I couldnt afford the 2003+ 100 series). My 2005 GX470 with 144k miles was 12k.
If I were comparing the 120 vs 100 it would be a much harder choice. For me the 5speed tranny and initial cost was my deciding factor.(I couldnt afford the 2003+ 100 series). My 2005 GX470 with 144k miles was 12k.
Ok here is my high mileage rig: 2008 with 120,400 on her (I guess that qualifies for high mileage). Maintenance so far:
1. 120,300: Spark Plugs, brake fluid- Me
2. 119,000: Replace Master Cylinder- Me
3. 90k: Water pump, Timing Belt- PO
4. 89k: Update Navigation- PO
Near term: replace front brake pads/ rotors/ shims. Front wheel bearings.
1. 120,300: Spark Plugs, brake fluid- Me
2. 119,000: Replace Master Cylinder- Me
3. 90k: Water pump, Timing Belt- PO
4. 89k: Update Navigation- PO
Near term: replace front brake pads/ rotors/ shims. Front wheel bearings.
