Is owning a 100 all it's cracked up to be?

[Junglejack]

While it is undeniable that perhaps purchasing a newish vehicle makes the most sense given the parameters, a major difference will/would be in build quality. Simply put, the Land Cruiser and its now oddly faced twin, boast some of the finest build quality and parts quality of any vehicle on the road.

It is not for nothing that these trucks are built with a 25 year life expectancy. That said, as they age, the parts prices are commensurate with both the original price of the vehicle and parts specified to such a high standard.

 

[PabloCruise]

Hi everyone,

Let me first say that I read the FAQ section and I didn't find any threads that specifically speak to what I'm asking below. If I overlooked a previously existing thread, or missed one in the search, you have my apologies. I'll happily accept a link to a relevant thread that answers my questions below if one exists.

I have a friend who has me sold on the Land Cruiser brand after seeing the build quality of his '94 (220k+) and his wife's '05 (now at 170k+), and I am eyeing the 100 series extremely closely right now since I'll be needing a new car for the wife here in the next year or so.

I know the reputation of legendary reliability, but what I want to know, in part, is "what sucks about the 100 series?" I'm looking for any glaring downsides/issues (I know the mileage isn't great, and that doesn't bother me).

What I want is to spend under $25k on a bulletproof vehicle that I will only have to do regular maintenance on. Most of the 100 series in that range have anywhere from 90k-110k on them, and other than the 90k timing belt/water pump service, is there anything that I should be looking to replace/repair on a 10 year old LC with 100k on it? What can I expect to go out/need repair between 100k-200k miles?

Thanks in advance, and I look forward to the day I can contribute (as a knowledgeable TLC owner) to this great forum y'all have here.

Just look at all the threads in the 100 section with people willing to fly out of state to buy and drive one back. Way more threads about folks trying to buy these than sell them, that should say something...

 

[Saddletramp]

Bought mine new in 07, my wife drove it for the first 5 years. Even with a much newer RX350, my wife still prefers the 100 because she feels safe even safer than the Volvo she used to drive. Currently at 101,000 miles and the repairs have been minimal, more like PM given that reading MUD causes everyone to overthink the possibility of breaking down.

If I had to trust just one vehicle to protect my family from harm in any accident or adventure, it is the 100. When my 21 year old son wanted to take his four friends up to the mountains for a snow day, he asked to take the 100 because it would be the most comfortable and the safest. My wife and I worried all day about the kids but we both admitted they were in the best possible vehicle to come home safely.

Buy one and tell us how you feel after a year of ownership, it is an emotional bond that many of us have not been able to shake and hope we never can.

 

[2001LC]

Warning DO NOT BUY any 100 series. It's like a relationship with a fine woman. You'll be in for life and blinded to any other possibilities.

Amazing all the new interest we're seeing 100's these day's, like every 10th thread. What's the deal?

 

[2000 LC]

Warning DO NOT BUY any 100 series. It's like a relationship with a fine woman. You'll be in for life and blinded to any other possibilities.

Amazing all the new interest we're seeing 100's these day's, like every 10th thread. What's the deal?

We're just trend setters

 

[SNLC]

Honestly for me, a 100 can't beat an 80 or 60/62 with a nice v8 in it (I have owned both) but other than that, in terms of Land Cruisers it is hard to beat.

I just did 2,000 miles on a stock 16yr old 125k timing belt no worries at all. That and mine is a 2000 so I have the questionable trans. Half way through the trip I beat the Cruiser pretty hard off-roading, did over 100 miles in the dirt, sand and small rocks. I bought the truck last November and drove it 1,500 miles home. All I have done to the truck is change the oil and lube the drive lines. The off-roading I just did it in was the first for me in the truck. While I was not overly impressed, it did well for what it is, mines 100% bone stock down to the shocks. Several times I said, we are not making it up that and it went up it anyways. It rallies in the dunes like any truck I have owned, if you know how to drive dunes and air down to 10psi or lower it will do whatever you ask it in sand. With a rear (and front) locker you can do some pretty good mild off-roading, without I am calling it light off-roading. They rock in snow, last week on the trip I drove 600 miles through a blizzard, passing everybody. No probs at all, awesome traction in snow/ice/slush.

Cheers

 

[Kabanstva]

We bought an 07 LX470 last month. Have wanted one of these for a long time and finally got it. I love this truck.

 

[clandr1]

It looks like this thread has run its course. I want to sincerely thank you all for your input - I've found it very valuable. It is also encouraging since there are only a handful of small things mentioned as issues. I think I'll be happy with a 100 series when I finally am ready to buy. I hope to be back to the forum soon as a contributor.

 

[jhanley]

I'm on my fourth 100 series cruiser, and, owned lots of s**t in between (tahoe, armada, excursion, etc...). Nothing compares. Not even a close. The only truck I've driven that feels as "vault-like" is my buddy's G-wagon. And, if you think 15mpg is bad, try 9. You also look like a douche-bag. (No offense to my buddy)

Also, I've gotta disagree with several posters here. Parts are relatively inexpensive (see: CDAN). And, with such a strong community, most problems can be self diagnosed and repaired. This site is a huge part of my ownership experience. Most, if not all problem are well documented. I guess, if you're taking your truck to the dealer for everything, they're expensive. Although, last time I checked labor hours were the same for a Camry??

A 100 series Landcruiser is hands-down the best way to spend 10 to 20k on an awesome, reliable, good looking rig that holds tremendous resale value.

 

[87warrior]

Believe me, I want a 100. I crave a 100. I'm just looking for any potential downfalls since everyone is so quick to sing it's praises. I figured if I asked a very blunt question, I would get honest answers.

The good news is nobody in this thread has said "I regret buying mine". Of course, if anyone felt that way, they probably wouldn't be on this forum anymore

I have discovered one downside to the 100 series since I purchased one the first of the year... Parts are expensive in comparison to Jeep parts I am accustomed too. I have also discovered one upside to the 100 series. I haven't bled while working on it!

 

[kgrove]

Downsides to the 100:
high purchase price
bad gas mileage
poor towing capabilities (4.7L engine is too low in torque and the 100's wheelbase is shorter than ideal for towing)
smallish (I can get about 3/5ths the luggage and gear in my LC as I can get in my wife's Sequoia)
unreplaceable stereo (the last several years of 100s with nav system)
3rd row seats take up cargo space or sit in your garage

I have an 07, and 06 right before this one, and my dad has a 2001. None of those three has had any problems so the reliability stereotype appears to be true from my direct experiences. If I had a smaller family, I would consider the 4Runner to be an outstanding substitute for the 100 if you have a smaller budget. The Sequoia is also very reliable - shares the same engine as the 100 for most model years - and is about 1/2 the price. The Sequoia is more cheaply built than the LC. It won't break down, but it doesn't have that "built like a tank" feel that the 100s do. Sequoia's are bigger than they look - about 3 inches wider and a foot longer than the 100.

 

[opteron]

new forum user here, signed up to look in the land cruiser forums. Most forums seemed to be overseas. Anyway just wanted say another con is you can't find any land cruiser for sale. I'm in California specifically looking for an 07. Wife has an infiniti JX35 and she's tired taking it to the dealer for one thing or another we already had multiple suspension replacements and exhaust manifold. Multiple sensors replaced didn't cost us a dime, but we waste a lot of time going back and forth.

We have been looking for about 3 months and have found a couple, but they all have more than 150k miles.....Anyway I guess it's difficult to find a nice 07 LC when only less than 4k were sold.

 

[YotaV8]

Just flew to Denver to purchase mine, once you get the bug your done...

 

[OG 91 LC]

^This.

We had four Toyota vehicles already. Then I saw a LX (like the one I bought) and the bug bit. I had to have that same color and no roof rack. Wifey was not thrilled, but it was done.
I searched for about 2-3 months. Found it. Done.

 

[RyanStl]

For some reason I keep checking classifieds even though I bought mine a few months ago. It is a sickness.

 

[smoothcruiser]

Whatever it is I caught it, or it caught me. Couple weeks ago sold the LX470 so as to find a Highlander for my wife. But I can't stop looking at and thinking about 100 series Cruisers. It doesn't help that clean Highlander Limiteds in the 04-07 range are damn hard to find, too, believe it or not. Very different vehicles but the value difference between an LC and a taller AWD Camry (Highlander) is significant.

Looks like another dose of LCD -- Land Cruiser Drug -- for me!

 

[apdxyk]

I am in commercial car/limo/towncar business. Proven Good, clean and durable vehicles are hard to find. Try Sequoia for one - harder to find a clean used one than LX here. I owned many various vehicles and drove customers' Bentley and Rolls Royce too. G-Wagon is a therapy for those who need it. Went through Telegraph Road in OZ for fun 2 times, saw quite a few G-Wagons there stuck, waiting for parts. Hilux and LC have the best survival rate there. Your Yukon sounds like a keeper, the new ones are not as dependable. I would keep yours for another 200k miles - good ROI and TCO. Your lady could also look at newer Expeditions - very positive surprise for us. Sense of safety on par with Cruisers, amazing peripheral visibility..
The feel of my LX is the closest thing to Bentley. Our cars are not the best ROI and TCO wise, but they are worth it. The parts quality justify their elevated prices.

 

[2001LC]

Bentley's don't have the reliability of the 100, and few if any of equally age, with our millage on the clock.

 

[apdxyk]

Bentley's don't have the reliability of the 100, and few if any of equally age, with our millage on the clock.

Never said they do, I was talking about the feel. I have driven 70-year old Rolls Royce with no rattles. Reliability and downtime stats of Lincoln Town Car in our business is untouched by anything, that car is golden. Also, when it comes to interior rattles. And some of the appointments in LX make me wonder as to their idea of 'luxury'. But they are excellent vehicles, and I prefer to drive LX for long fares with no upsell to the customer.

 

[Toyo72]

Bentley's don't have the reliability of the 100, and few if any of equally age, with our millage on the clock.

Well, totally OT, but read this comment in a thread about Bentleys http://thegarage.jalopnik.com/i-was-wondering-when-this-was-going-to-show-up-in-a-tav-1749531968