Is a 100-series right for me?

[Cruisn]

Mudh8rs,

I have been searching local ads for a 100-series. I intend to use it for long recreational road trips across the South. I am drawn to the over-built nature and versatility. My searches have focused on well-maintained cruisers with mileage ranging from 150k-225k from the 1998-2001 era.

But, I wanted to ask the community - do you ever regret buying a vehicle with such high mileage and dated interiors/electronics? I have read the guides on Slee, but I wanted some first-hand stories.

The posts of 100-series with 300k+ miles inspire confidence, but what should I be on the lookout for around the 200k mark? Of course I check for the timing belt replacement and any rust development, but should I be weary of the control arms and ball joints? Are those replacements costly? Are the various fluids flushing intervals crucial?

I have done some searching and reading here, test-driven a handful of land cruisers, but I feel like I do not have a strong enough handle on the knowledge to spend 9-13k on a vehicle that is 16 years old and has 200k miles.

I was hoping you could all tell me about your experiences with your 100-series, especially things that you know now, that would've been helpful to know when you were in my position.

 

[re_guderian]

Buy. Baseline. Drive the $#!π out of it. The only thing that I consider "dated" on the cruiser is the audio system. '98-'02 w/o nav is pretty darn easy to upgrade. I've owned newer cars, and rented brand new ones, and really, there's nothing on them that makes me want to ditch my cruisers (excepting BT/smartphone integration, see above). Just rented a new Nissan Rogue last weekend. Bleh. The cruiser's comfort, size, ride, reliability, versatility and solid feel are worth keeping an "older" truck.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I might be selling mine. It's baselined and in excellent condition.

Esme - '98 Build

J

 

[Cruisn]

How difficult is baselining? I guess I should phrase it as - how expensive is baselining? It feels so counter-intuitive to pay what day are asking for vehicles with such high mileage. Right now I'm talking to a guy on Craigslist who wants 9.5k for a truck with 214k miles. I'm trying to get him to compile the service records.

I do intend on taking whatever vehicle I buy on long road trips so it's comforting to hear that the cruiser is so capable.

Are there any service intervals that aren't as notable as the timing belt, yet are still a headache? are the fluid flushes cumbersome?

 

[collk22]

Granted I've only had my 100 series for 3 months (about 2,500 miles in that time period), I have no regrets. I purchased a 98 with 180K on the clock and a very deliberate, mild build.

I wasn't seriously looking, but this truck presented itself and with permission from the MRS I threw out an offer at the seller and we worked out a deal. I primarily bought the 100 series because I wanted the V8 and 'comforts' not afforded to the FJ62 for general driving and longer road trips, the third row seat for extra room for friends/family, and the capability / reliability that comes with driving these vehicles.

My wife works from home and I ride the train to work so daily use is very limited - the poor gas mileage isn't a big deal to me given how my low volume of driving.

I'm really happy with my 100 series - it's a really, really awesome truck and it's capable far beyond my needs.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

I would be far more focused on condition and maintenance history, rather than price.

 

[flintknapper]

Around here (Texas)....LX470's are more plentiful and typically are 1 to 3 thousand dollars less than Land Cruisers in the same condition and with similar mileage. Don't know why...but they are. So you might consider them as well. The main difference being the LX will have AHC suspension in the year models you listed...which can be expensive to fix (if needed).

 

[Cruisn]

I would be far more focused on condition and maintenance history, rather than price.

In my mind, the maintenance history and condition would dictate price. I'm trying to find out what condition factors and maintenance items outside of rust formation and timing belt should demand the most attention. As well as gather opinions from people who have purchased 100-series and use them the way I intend to. Sorry, I'm pretty new at this and even anecdotal evidence is really helpful!

 

[hkeller]

I agree, I would rather drive our 17 year old LX, than most cars, event nice ones, out there. There is just nothing that feels so solid and smooth.

 

[nmatcek]

Have you driven a nice 100 series yet? The first time I drove one I bought it 2 weeks later. They are amazing vehicles. I traded a truck in that was four years newer to get my LC. No regrets. Heritage, reliability, uniqueness, aftermarket support, and a solid smooth feeling. They have amazing visibility from the driver's seat too.

 

[WaterCruiser]

the advice from the others is spot on so it might come down to personal taste. FWIW some of us [either planned or unplanned] sold our beloved 100 only to later get another one. There are model-year loyalists even in the 100 community, and there's enough info in this Forum to help narrow down the year & options that are best for your needs (especially helpful if you're considering upgrades) so... assuming you have time my advice would be to continue your research here & in the used market & don't be reluctant to post questions

 

[planomateo]

Around here (Texas)....LX470's are more plentiful and typically are 1 to 3 thousand dollars less than Land Cruisers in the same condition and with similar mileage. Don't know why...but they are. So you might consider them as well. The main difference being the LX will have AHC suspension in the year models you listed...which can be expensive to fix (if needed).

They sell twice as many LX's in the US compared to LC's based on the numbers I've seen.

 

[nmatcek]

They sell twice as many LX's in the US compared to LC's based on the numbers I've seen.

Really ? That makes me feel special

 

[Cruisn]

Has anyone experienced cracked or torn leather seats? Is there a community consensus on a brand of seat covers?

Are there estimates on costs for basic baselining services, like flushing fluids or brakes/rotors etc. ?

 

[chrisratz]

Mudh8rs,

My searches have focused on well-maintained cruisers with mileage ranging from 150k-225k from the 1998-2001 era.

But, I wanted to ask the community - do you ever regret buying a vehicle with such high mileage and dated interiors/electronics?

Outdated electronics can be easily mitigated with a new head unit, as long as you get a non-nav truck. You can have apple carplay, backup camera and backup sensors if you like.

EDIT: Forgot to say, since you're looking for a 98-01 your chances of finding a non-nav truck are good.

 

[DwightJ]

I have a 2000 LC that's just hit 70k. It was our fifth car for a long time recently graduated to 2nd. It's very comfortable on the highway but the gas milage is not great at 13 mpg. I've replaced the battery, alternator and exhaust over the last 12 years that we owned it. We feel safe driving and riding in it for what that's worth. Speaking of worth, they're around 80k new which is why Lexus outsells it. For just a little more you get the whole Lexus experience. Good luck in your search, hope you find a nice one.

 

[aging fleet]

A few years ago I bought an '06 with around 90,000 miles. Our third child was on the way and, though the LC wasn't going to be the primary family driver, I wanted something reliable, versatile and large enough to hold the whole family when necessary. I intentionally sought out an '06 or '07 LC with as few options as possible to minimize the number of things that could go wrong with an older vehicle (no adjustable suspension please).

As far as setting the baseline, cost will depend on what is needed and who is doing the work. Buying at 90k, mine needed a few expensive maintenance items and consumables. In my the past 24 months, I've done the following:

- Normal wear items such as tires, front brake pads, rotors and air filter
- Replaced 3 bad TPMS sensors, an antenna, gas cap, hood and hatch lift supports, and stop light switch
- Fluids in the f/r diff, transfer case and power steering system plus loads of lube in the driveshafts
- Full timing belt service including water pump, thermostat and heater ts as well as other 90k service items

If you're buying around 200k, be careful you're not inheriting someone else's deferred maintenance unless it's priced accordingly. So, on to your questions...

- Do I regret buying my 100? Nope, I love it.
- Do the dated electronics bother me? No, mine has Bluetooth and satellite radio which is all I really need. The nav is dated, but I updated it with a recent map disk and it comes in handy from time to time.
- Other things to look out for? Starters and alternators occasionally fail, my alternator was replaced a few thousand miles before I bought mine which was nice.

Good luck

 

[re_guderian]

They sell twice as many LX's in the US compared to LC's based on the numbers I've seen.

That started after 2001, when the Sequoia was introduced. Before that, the LC was sold in greater numbers.

 

[LEX]

No regrets. In fact, I wish I could swing a 2nd one.

 

[btbowie]

No regrets. In fact, I wish I could swing a 2nd one.

Same. Though I think I'd actually get a 70 series from Land Cruisers Direct. Or a diesel 80...change things up some. Always wanted a Troopy.