Is a 100 series for me?

[chrischris]

Hi Everyone,

New member, thank you for having me on the forum. I am hoping to get some input on a variety of discussion points.

My wife and I currently have a 2009 Subaru Forester that we are frankly outgrowing. We have two kids (5 and 3) and while day to day trips are fine, we are finding we need more room to haul gear or people. We don't have an immediate need but I guess you could say I am actively looking for the right vehicle to purchase.

Through my research I discovered the 100 series. I've spent some time driving a 1999 LC but I don't have a ton of time behind with them. The overall size seems optimal and the folding third row is perfect for our needs. I appreciate well engineered vehicles that are durable, easy to maintain, and long lasting. I can't stand goofy VW engineering and everything down to the interior layout of the 100 series seems to right how I want it. I also don't want to purchase a new vehicle since my region has as an annual registration tax that is based on the value of the vehicle (not to get in politics but I oppose the tax...).

From my preliminary research I really like the idea of a low mileage 06-07 LX470. Is it just me or do Land Cruisers seem to go for more money? I get the AHC isn't optimal, but how expensive/difficult is it to convert this system? Is it just the LC name that inflates the prices?

Since I can be patient I would love to find one that is well maintained with all factory records. I'm on the west coast and I don't want a vehicle from the salt belt regions. With that said, I don't want to spend more than $19k or so. If the vehicle is maintained and has no rust, does mileage even matter all that much? Is there a difference between a 120k truck and a 190k if both are maintained and rust free? The prices on auto trader sure go up on lower mileage vehicles, but if these trucks last 300k maybe I shouldn't overpay for a low mileage truck....

On the other hand, would a 2000-2003 still be a good vehicle? While I like the idea of variable valve timing which brings more power and MPG from the 06-07s, I would sure like to spend less money.... Would a slightly older LX470 be a better buy for us?

I apologize if I seem tangental with this post. I am sure we could probably get by with a Highlander or something boring but I would much rather invest in a vehicle that's exceptional quality. I love the idea of driving a tank and something engineered to last and it would be fun to again have a vehicle I actually enjoy driving and taking care of. But if a 12-16 year old 100 series is not going to be reliable, maybe it's not for us...

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thank you

 

[Beams37]

For me, I just liked the Cruiser looks better than the LX. My 2006 is reliable and my DD. If you wait around, you can find a great rig at a great price. You will find lots of info here on AHC vs. Non-AHC and LC vs. LC. Just buy what you want and you will be satisfied.

 

[chrischris]

For me, I just liked the Cruiser looks better than the LX. My 2006 is reliable and my DD. If you wait around, you can find a great rig at a great price. You will find lots of info here on AHC vs. Non-AHC and LC vs. LC. Just buy what you want and you will be satisfied.

What's the best way to shop? Auto Trader seems loaded with slimy dealers looking to take advantage of anyone. I've never purchased a used vehicle from a lot for this reason. Craigs List is tough to sort through since there is no central system, although I could start using that site that searches through various regions.

 

[Beams37]

CL isn't bad. Just be prepared to walk when someone has it overpriced. I would highly recommend checking the classifieds here and also checking out the local clubhouse in your area. Sometimes people know about something local that could be a great fir for you.

 

[od4x4]

My personal recommendation would be to set a budget and then spend every penny of that on the best condition LC or LX that you can find! There are small differences but at the end of the day it is a top tier vehicle and as long as it has not been abused and is maintained even reasonably well, it will last you for many more years.

If your concern is reliability... remember you currently drive a Subaru! As they say.... nowehere to go but up!!

We have put almost 200,000 miles on ours (currently right at 300,000 on odometer) and I would not hesitate to drive across the country with the family. Most maintenance is scheduled and includes bearings, belts, and shoes... with the required CV rebuild way too often for me!

 

[hickuptruck]

Other vehicles besides 100 series:
Lexus GX470 - honestly a better buy than a 100 series
Lexus GX460 - Heres my pick honestly!
Lexus LX570 - The 08-10s are just a tad bit more expensive than a 2006/07. I'd spend the extra $6-10k for a vehicle with 150 more hp, and way more modern creature comforts, better MPG
4Runners

Are 100 series reliable? Yes and No.....Not really to be perfectly honest. After all, you're looking at a 12-16 year old car. Guarantee that for 95% of LXs and LCs you'll find, you will have something come up whether it be maintenence or a repair. Land Cruiser 100, yes it might be the most reliable vehicle ever made, but at 12-16 years old, you're going to have to put some $ into replacing parts, or parts that I say are "consumable", and to some, that means repairs. Rubber gets old, motors wear down, its the little things but big to some. For example, door lock actuators, master cylinder/brake booster repairs ($$$$), VGRS failure, 06s and 07s have a secondary air pump failure that will happen, just depends when. For the 5% of perfect immaculate condition LXs and LCs, they command a hefty premium and at that price, a LX570 is a more viable choice.

Is it a durable vehicle? F' yes it is! Its overbuilt but doesn't mean you never have to have any repairs. And a 12-16 year old 100 series will have them.

Go with a GX460, you'll be happier.

 

[00fourseventy]

If your concern is reliability... remember you currently drive a Subaru! As they say.... nowehere to go but up!!

Amen. My 2000 LX has needed less in 5 years of ownership than my wife's brand new 2011 Forester needed in 3 years of ownership.

 

[knewstance]

I'd say there isn't really much difference between 120k miles and 190k miles or 250k miles so long as they have been well maintained. Better to keep that money set aside for the inevitable repairs that will come with owning an older vehicle. I bought mine at 296k miles. I have probably put about $1000 in preventative/worn out maintenance parts into it, doing all of the labor myself. But with all of that now done, it should be good to keep going for quite some time without issue.

I don't regret getting a 100, but my family is a similar size to yours. Assuming more children do not appear, personally, I think a GX460 would have been a better fit for my family. Its current market price, being newer, and a lower maintenance engine (timing chain), in general, would have been a better choice for my family.

 

[habakkuk007]

-I'd say determine a price you are willing to pay, and subtract $2000 that will be put towards maintenance. A tip: 180k vehicle will save you a bundle, and be just as good as a 120k one (provided maintenance was done)

 

[Ayune]

Create a profile on www.toyota.com/owners/, you can enter in a VIN and see any maintenance history that’s been reported by dealers, etc. And get an CarFax subscription for a month or so. Those two sources will help give you more insight on a vehicle’s history than any ad description.

There is a dealer in Portland that always seems to have a number of 100s on their lot: www.PDXAUTOIMPORTS.COM. I’m not affiliated at all, just they have five to choose from right now with lots of pics and free CarFax which is a good start. 2.5 hours south of you. I’d be happy to help inspect too if I have time, I’m in PDX.

 

[chrischris]

Thanks for all the replies. I will for sure check out the GX460. Do I need to be afraid of higher mileage (100k +) GX460s? I assume they don't last as long as LC or LX?

 

[knewstance]

Thanks for all the replies. I will for sure check out the GX460. Do I need to be afraid of higher mileage (100k +) GX460s? I assume they don't last as long as LC or LX?

A GX460 with 100k+ miles will be just fine. I'd say the lower priced-average one you will see for sale will have around 150k miles which is no problem.

We all say Land Cruisers are the best ect... While they are, really it's just Toyotas in general. When working at a Toyota dealer, I traded-in a 2009 Corolla with ~640K miles that was still running (not well), but running non-the-less.

Edit: Proof... So maybe it was 615k

 

[aging fleet]

@chrischris, welcome to the forum.

Yes, for both 100 and 200 series trucks, the LXs do tend to be a better value and are more abundant on the used market so you're not imagining things. The LX version is no lesser a truck compared to the LC and they have some nice features I wish my LC had (I'm talking to you leather door panels and memory seats). The AHC system is robust, but if it goes south, replacing it with a conventional setup is not overly complicated.

$19k is a great budget in the 100 series market and you should be able to find a really nice '06/'07 if that's what you're after. You could also find a really nice earlier model and have money left over. Regarding the 4Runner/GX discussion, those are all great suggestions unless you have your heart set on a Land Cruiser or LX. If you want a LC/LX, then more economical options really don't matter.

Are they reliable, yes, but as @hickuptruck alluded to, they need routine maintenance. As you're shopping, definitely research the service history of the vehicles you're looking at. You don't want to be the guy stuck dealing with 100,000 miles of deferred maintenance (think timing belt and ancillary components, wheel bearings, AHC components, CV joints) because if that stuff all hits you at once, it will suck.

Is the 100 series right for you? As long as you are ok driving something older and accept that it will require a bit of upkeep and won't have the new tech like other cars on the road, I think you'll enjoy it. My kids all love driving in my car, after 5 years of ownership I have no plans to get rid of it, and I'm actively trying to add more Land Cruisers to the fleet.

Good luck

 

[RyanStl]

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I currently have a 2009 Subaru Forester that we are frankly outgrowing. We have two kids (5 and 3) and while day to day trips are fine, we are finding we need more room to haul gear or people. We don't have an immediate need but I guess you could say I am actively looking for the right vehicle to purchase.

You say reason to buy a 100 series is to haul more gear or people and you only have two kids. Do not buy a 100 series for hauling more gear. I bet you anything my wife's old 2000 Forester had more cargo space in the back. Remember, behind the third row there is only about a foot of cargo space behind seats and lift gate. If you fold up both seats I don't think you'l have any more room than the Forester.

Getting to your second point. I bought my Hundy for more people. I have 5 kids and not having a third row in my car was starting to be a pain. We have an Odyssey, but we really needed two cars with 3 rows. The 100 series was the only vehicle I would ever buy for myself that has three rows. Yes, Highlander could have worked or even a Tribeca, but I'm stubborn and like manly type vehicles. Plus I have nostalgia for the 100 series as it was out when I was in high school.

I traded a two year old Subie Crosstrek that I liked a lot for a Hundy that was 13 years old for half the money. Mind you the Subie was still in warranty and I took a risk on a rig that didn't have proven maintenance. Over three years later I haven't regretted it.

 

[95Fantasma80]

Go with a GX460, you'll be happier.

 

[habakkuk007]

I test drove a 2011 GX460 before I bought my first LC, and did not like it. I am sure it is a quality vehicle, but it was a very different ride from my wife's GX470. It felt like a smoother version of an MDX. If you are looking for less of a truck feel and more of a refined and very capable cross-over type of ride, it is perfect. The best I can describe the ride is when I was behind the wheel, I felt that I am driving a much lighter vehicle than what it really was. You should try one - I think it is that different.

 

[jlm43]

Most people buy new vehicles because they are they latest and greatest and they like feeling like they can afford new stuff. That's not meant to be degrading to anyone because we all know it definitely feels good rolling into the neighborhood in a new ride. On the other hand, most people buy used Land Cruisers because they want a Land Cruiser. Whether it's for you or not is all up to you. They are definitely super reliable but like others have said, they are NOT maintenance free. And since they are 15 years old or so, they do have issues. A lot less than most at the same age and mileage though.

If your budget is $19, my recommendation would be to find a 2003 to 2005 rust free well maintained rig with around 150k miles. You should be able to find one in the $15k range leaving you with plenty of money leftover if something comes up. At 150k miles, it also gives you around 30k miles before the next timing belt service is due. You can then prepare for some bigger maintenance and get a list of all the things it needs before it leaves you stranded. Rust and neglect are the only things that will kill these rigs.

 

[geanes]

For your needs, you should probably consider a Sequoia. I'll get flamed for that suggestion I'm sure. But, you'll have more cargo room and roughly the same motor (early Sequoias used the same 2UZFE motor as 100 Series and the later Sequoias used the same 3URFE motor as the 200 series).

I LOVE my 98 LX more than words. But, if I had a big family and needed cargo room, I would have gone with a Sequoia.

 

[hickuptruck]

+1 on Sequoia too.

You can get either 4.6 or 5.7L in the 2nd gen Sequoia. More power, newer, independent rear so more cargo space.

Unless you really want to wheel and overland, then there are other alternatives to LCs. GX and Sequoias being them.

 

[od4x4]

For your needs, you should probably consider a Sequoia.

That is a terrible idea... but one that I am currently toying with. The addition of another kiddo has made it difficult to pack everything in the Cruiser. BUT it is probably not going to happen... I want a hiker trailer... and wife loves her LC!