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

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

My only problem is reliability.

My First LC 100 was broadsided by an Infinity doing 42MPH right behind the front bumper. Wife and newborn spun a 540. My little one did not even realize what happened. Car was basically totaled but did not have full coverage so I bought another as I fixed it and sold it.

Second LC 100 was broadsided by a Camry doing about 35 directly behind the front wheel with no skid marks before impact. My wife's neck was sore for a day or 2.

The 2nd accident happened on a Saturday. That next Saturday, I borrowed money from a friend, drove up to Sacramento and bought an LX470.

Besides regular maintenance I had to replace two O2 sensors and just replaced the back rotors on the LX a few weeks ago. Not bad for 5 years.

The only complaint is there could be a few more inches of leg room in the back seat but my kids are still in car seats or boosters so its nothing a cheap tablet on long trips wont cure.
 
Last edited:
Tahomatom said:
My only problem is reliability.

My First LC 100 was broadsided by an Infinity doing 42MPH right behind the front bumper. Wife and newborn spun a 540. My 6mo old did not even realize what happened. Car was basically totaled but did not have full coverage so I bought another as I fixed it and sold it.
Second LC 100 was broadsided by a Camry doing about 35 directly behind the front wheel with no skid marks before impact. My wife's neck was sore for a day or 2.

The 2nd accident happened on a Saturday. That next Saturday, I borrowed money from a friend, drove up to Sacramento and bought an LX470.

Besides regular mantainance
Click to expand...
Uh...turn off your cloaking device...

(Glad all are safe!)
 
The OP mentioned buying in a year or so. At his target price point he might want to take a hard look at the 200 by then.
 
Downside: Darn things retain value so well that my personal property taxes on my 2000 LX are still over $300 a year. Most states don't tax car ownership, so a non-issue for most. However, I'm looking forward to putting "Antique" plates on my LX in another 9 years.
 
jmaclaug said:
Downside: Darn things retain value so well that my personal property taxes on my 2000 LX are still over $300 a year. Most states don't tax car ownership, so a non-issue for most. However, I'm looking forward to putting "Antique" plates on my LX in another 9 years.
Click to expand...

What state are you in? Those sound like expensive plates!
 
If it weren't for the rattles in various parts of the interior, my '03 would be perfect. Granted, I'm an audio guy so little noises and rattles that other people ignore or don't hear bug me to death, but mechanically, zero complaints. I expect my truck to give me a few hundred thousand more miles should I own it (and should I live) that long (I plan to on both counts)...
 
Short answer yes. I got the bug to do overlanding in the US reading this forum. The plan was to get a good clean 100 and add useful mods over a 4 year timeline.

I'm now 16 months into ownership and the build out plan is 3 years ahead of schedule. Why, because what this cruiser can do, carry has just hit the sweet spot for me. It's that much fun to run to drive this cruiser everywhere.

I can't wait to drive it offroad, to learn more about driving and to rework the plan.

Love it, best car ever for me.
 
It's a cult, really. You think you are buying a truck but it's simply more then that. The first time you have a "Stock" LC and figure out you can really go off-road you will have the bug. I still just grin every time I pull out of the drive. I had a 4Runner I took over 300,000 miles before that and while that was nice, this is totally another level.

People have covered the gamet, but I would add one thing: You are buying a truly unique vehicle. You might drive a few days without seeing another. When you see another one you want to wave or something.

The parts and accessories are expensive but there is a reason. The parts are always heavy duty in some way it seems (or should have been) and the accessories have no "cheapo" option like on a jeep. There is no $400 bumper that is lightweight but looks cool. You would not want that anyways.

The issues are well documented in the forum. However, the parts are not quite as bad if you are smart when you buy them. If you watch the forums people will get crazy if you suggest polluting your truck with an aftermarket part. However, a "Denso" O2 sensor IS OE even if you pay 1/3 the price and don't get the Toyota box!

My biggest challenge when buying my LC was that there simply were not enough of them to easily shop. the second was the rust - many of the trucks out there for sale have major salt damage because they are in rust-belt states.
 
By far, the best riding vehicle I have ever driven in on or off road. Obviously it's not going to get you on the most extreme trails, but it will get you down almost everything, and BACK.

I have added lift, bumpers, roof rack, sliders, and almost 18 years old ('99 but born in '98), it still drives like a dream on the road. Even though my wife hates the LC because the paint is fading, and generally doesn't like the "off-road look," she still prefers to ride in it because it's a smooth ride.

Oh, and even my kids, who are young have noticed, when they have ridden with friends/family's vehicles, such as my FIL's Jeep Grand Cherokee came back and complained on how harsh the ride was, and always want to take the LC everywhere.
 
jayLC1 said:
It's a cult, really. You think you are buying a truck but it's simply more then that. The first time you have a "Stock" LC and figure out you can really go off-road you will have the bug. I still just grin every time I pull out of the drive. I had a 4Runner I took over 300,000 miles before that and while that was nice, this is totally another level.

People have covered the gamet, but I would add one thing: You are buying a truly unique vehicle. You might drive a few days without seeing another. When you see another one you want to wave or something.

The parts and accessories are expensive but there is a reason. The parts are always heavy duty in some way it seems (or should have been) and the accessories have no "cheapo" option like on a jeep. There is no $400 bumper that is lightweight but looks cool. You would not want that anyways.

The issues are well documented in the forum. However, the parts are not quite as bad if you are smart when you buy them. If you watch the forums people will get crazy if you suggest polluting your truck with an aftermarket part. However, a "Denso" O2 sensor IS OE even if you pay 1/3 the price and don't get the Toyota box!

My biggest challenge when buying my LC was that there simply were not enough of them to easily shop. the second was the rust - many of the trucks out there for sale have major salt damage because they are in rust-belt states.
Click to expand...

That's so true - I always wave to other LC drivers when I see them on the road. My entry point was a 1989 FJ62 and I just last weekend I flew 1300 miles and drove back home a new to me 100 series to add to the fleet. My dad thought I was crazy for buying a "high mileage" vehicle and my coworkers gave me a hard time about flying to pick up a car I bought online all I do is smile and think to myself, "They just don't know."

One other thing I've noticed as I've gotten more involved in the community is that the Land Cruiser crowd is a genuinely awesome group from my experience.
 
I'll chime in.

I don't feel compelled to 'sell' the LC to anyone that asks or is interested. My questions were answered when I started the thread about owners that had two LC's. Their answer was utility/value. Auto purchases, because of Lyft, uber and self driving cars are changing. More drivers want pure utility and the luxury perception is changing or they are indifferent. Think of utility as the opposite end of the spectrum from luxury. An LC is just a product, made by Toyota. Purchasing preferences are unique and individualistic. If a potential buyer doesn't greatly appreciate reliability and utility, then this vehicle isn't' for them. No need to share the great secret, IMO. People that want a certain appearance and cachet end up with Rovers. Completely different set of preferences. Bottom line, if utility and reliability aren't high priority, there isn't much point discussing it. Bottom line, If the OP can't do his own research and draw that conclusion, I''m not going to help him. I sort of doubt that his preferences for reliability and quality are the same as mine. Doesn't make him a bad person, just different preferences.

This country missed the boat on the quality revolution and the asian automanufacturers ate up US market share with ease. Toyota, Honda, Nissan all make engines that are high quality and very reliable. The Big 3 in the US were slow to catch up and frankly, I only trust Ford in terms of quality. It's also interesting when people compare Rover to Land Cruisers. The quality ratings couldn't be further apart. Bottom line, these are high quality vehicles. There is plenty of academic research to back that up.

And finally, I'd prefer keep it a secret. If a consumer doesn't have high preferences for utility and reliability, no sense driving up the purchase price of a vehicle I want more of...
 
Here are my 2 cents. This is the 3rd Land Cruiser I have owned.
1997 Lexus LX450, 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser. Had sellers remorse when I sold the Lexus to downsize. Flew to Washington DC to purchase the 96' LC, no regrets. These trucks hold their value very well. I decided to sell the 80 series and get a 100 series. I really wanted the V8 for hauling the family around. I have owned a whole lotta vehicles in my life. Lexus SC300, 3 Tacoma's, Honda Pilot, 3 Honda Accords, 2 Honda Odyssey's, Honda Civic, 1 Volvo, 2 4runner's (which were great), Toyota Solara. I wouldn't trade my 100 series for any or all of the others.
100 series has 294k, and was extremely well taken care of before I bought it when it had 270k. No check engine lights at 294k is a testament to the build quality. Only things I've done to the truck are, replaced the antenna mast and motor ($500!!:crybaby:), replaced the hood struts, new battery, oil changes, timing belt, water pump and all tensioners. These trucks are built extremely well, but with anything you have to take care of them if you want to get optimal use out of them. Also, if you are hauling a family around these are great. Mine is a 2002 and has child car seat anchors in the 2nd row. Heated seats, and rear AC is also a plus above the 80 series. Also, one thing that I never see on these forums regarding the 100 series in general. These are absolutely beautiful vehicles. It is a timeless design in my opinion.
One mentionable con to owning MY 100. I bought one that has the factory nav unit. So, all of the hvac, and stereo controls are integrated into the nav screen. If that goes out, a new one can range anywhere between $1200-$6000. I'm on pins and needles worried about that. So, if possible, go for a truck that does not have the factory nav unit.
To answer the op's question, Yes it is all its cracked up to be and then some.
 
I took my Hundy out for a short drive this evening. I love it. It drives so nice. Yes, owning one of these is all it's cracked up to be.

:-)
 
I had never driven an LX until last year. I had been through 4 Isuzu Troopers and really liked the
boxy look which the LX/LC also has. Last year I was reading LX owner and expert reviews and ratings and compared
them to the Isuzu's - was amazed at the 5 star ratings the LX/LC got. Took my first test drive in one
a local dealer had and I was bitten. Though that one was not in the condition/color I wanted, I knew I wanted
an LX. Could not find a nice one at the price I wanted to pay. I was thinking I could get a "bargain". Came
to the realization that there are a lot of folks wanting these as much as I did. Tried looking at new vehicles
to see if I could loose the desire, tried looking at late model trucks - none "tripped my trigger" like the LX.
Then one day my Isuzu broke down - starter - and I got on Ebay and there she was, a 2002 LX470 with
only 24,930 miles. I couldn't believe it. By now I understood that these vehicles don't stay listed for sell
long and one that is essentially a "unicorn", come on, this one was mine. It was the exact color I wanted - Onyx Black with tan interior, and the year range. I wanted 2003 or older because those have a real Transmission Dip Stick. My Isuzu Troopers did not have a transmission dip stick and I did not like having to get down under the vehicle to loosen a bolt to check the transmission fluid level. I hate those sealed Automatic Transmissions!! Everything checked out with service
history and the owner said all the right things, so I pressed the By It Now button and had her shipped
cross country from California to North Carolina. Course over the 2 weeks till delivery all kinds of worst
case thoughts came about. My wife thought I was crazy for buying a car sight unseen. But, if you don't
reach out for something great, you might have to settle for something mediocre. I think my 2002 LX
is the best vehicle I have ever purchased - new or used and that includes all the new vehicles I have
every purchased including a Mercedes SL, Isuzu Trooper, and others. I'm retired, don't have a big family,
its mostly the wife and I and we likely won't go off road - other than maybe pull a Travel Trailer and
drive it on the beach at the Outer Banks.

Take a test drive in one and see if you catch the bug too.
 
Last edited:
To answer your question: YES! Here's my opinion: I would suggest anything 2006, or newer. 2006 saw a bump in engine performance, and a 5 speed transmission. I'm sure there are other things, but those are the big ticket items.

Things that suck (for me):
- NAV/Infotainment system. Having to go through the touch screen to change the A/C is annoying, and it doesn't get better with time. We might be in luck soon with GROM's VLine. Doesn't cure the A/C touch screen problem, but improves the entire system/experience.
- Lack of cargo space. Admittedly I was very spoiled with the LR3, so most people are more than happy with the space.
- The clunk. Search "clunk" and you'll understand.

With that said, I gladly take the bad with a simple truth: The truck will freakin' just last forever...and then some.

HAPPY HUNTING!
 
Last edited:
jayLC1 said:
It's a cult, really. You think you are buying a truck but it's simply more then that..
Click to expand...

It's a Barbie Doll for boys: it needs a Barbie House, a Barbie Winch, a Barbie Bumper, it has a Barbie Clunk though. But the Barbie Sorrows are taken care by Barbie Solutions and all that creates a Barbie Bliss.
 
New owner here- I purchased 2005 lx with 85000+miles. I traded a newly paid off 2011 Tahoe. Crazy I thought but I was looking into a 4x4 that was bigger than the 4Runner 4x4 we already have. It had a great maintenance hx on Lexus.com but I did have a few problems arise- ac only worked on high mode, found a leaking front shock (ahc), & charcoal cannister needed to be replaced. Luckily I purchased my rig from Carmax (which I actually didn't want to because I don't like them but they were the only place that had what I wanted). Carmax has a bumper to bumper warranty (1month) and here in San Diego they never questioned me or gave me a hard time. Though I might of had paid more then private party, I've been greatful I was able to get my issues addressed with no worries but the hassle of bringing it in. Expect unexpected issues on a used rig and a gas mileage around 13mpg. Gas is cheap now but not forever.

I chose this for the reliability, 4x4 capability, size(bigger than a 4Runner), and it's parts availability.

On the other hand- my wife's 4Runner has been brilliant. At 160,000 miles it has had no major issues. Probably cheaper on parts and better gas mileage. But it doesn't hold 3 of our kids car seats across. Otherwise I would of pulled the trigger on a newer runner. Good luck.
 
LXColorado said:
To answer your question: YES! Here's my opinion: I would suggest anything 2006, or newer. 2006 saw a bump in engine performance, and a 6 speed transmission. I'm sure there are other things, but those are the big ticket items.

Things that suck (for me):
- NAV/Infotainment system. Having to go through the touch screen to change the A/C is annoying, and it doesn't get better with time. We might be in luck soon with GROM's VLine. Doesn't cure the A/C touch screen problem, but improves the entire system/experience.
- Lack of cargo space. Admittedly I was very spoiled with the LR3, so most people are more than happy with the space.
- The clunk. Search "clunk" and you'll understand.

With that said, I gladly take the bad with a simple truth: The truck will freakin' just last forever...and then some.

HAPPY HUNTING!
Click to expand...
They don't have a 6spd.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom