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

[bctlex]

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.

Let me share our thoughts when we were looking for new vehicle last yr. The choice of large SUV with 4WD are not many. Wife insisted on purchasing an SUV, and we know we wanted 4WD capability. We looked at what are available on the market:
- American made (Ford, GM) - for us, we didn't want these. No offense to anyone, just our personal choice.
- European made (BMW, Mercedes) - high purchase and maintenance cost which worries us. Parts availability is also a concern.
- Japanese made (Sequoia, LC/LX, Pilot, Armada). Armada was out due to its reliability history. We didnt like Pilot too much, it was ok and pretty reliable vehible. We had a Sequoia, and the choice for us was getting newer Sequoia or LC/LX. LC drives really solid, just well made overall. The front seats are very comfy for us on long drives. It is smaller than Sequoia, but it also means easier to drive - smaller turning radius, easier to park. Reliability history is great and if anything breaks, I have a huge knowledge repository here to help me

Nothing is bulletproof, unless you are buying new, and even new car may have something that need to be fixed. Last I checked there is no large SUV that sells brand new for under $25K.

Also, purchase and maintenance price were well within our budget - we don't want to have car loan, so that's important. Wife also like it, which is very important since it is her daily dd

Good luck!
Chris

 

[Porter]

In twelve years of ownership, I count at least 4 incidents during regular driving, that had I been in a sedan or a lesser SUV, my family would have endured a bad accident at minimum. Successful driving outcomes, time and again are part of what I define as reliability.

Years ago, My wife was driving with kids and ran over what she claimed to be a full size tire at 70 mph on I-85. She and another car pull to shoulder to inspect. Not a scratch. Had This happened in another vehicle- prolly not a good outcome.

More than once, I've come up on stopped traffic way too fast, and went "off-road" to avoid plowing into several cars( Not too proud, but it happens). I casually make my way back on pavement, no issues, no damage, all good.

Deep water from flash floods in the concrete jungle? Pesky medians in the way of your destination, no sweat.

When the weather turns to crap while your family is comfortably cruising down the highway(in a 17 year old vehicle)--this is the time you really appreciate the sure footed platform of the 100 series.

 

[TeCKis300]

Only downside in my mind is that it is a lot of car for single driver commuting. Even more so if the commute is long.

But that same quality is a huge pro for safety and when the family is along. With so much mass, it makes calm and relaxing drive.

 

[jLB]

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.

Yep.

Most of my LC/LX experience, have been owned from new. We recently ( a little over a year ago) purchased a used LC for my son's 1st car.

These are over engineered, very well built vehicles, but things do occasionally break. These are/were a limited production luxury/halo vehicle, and the parts for them reflect that in their prices. You will more than likely have to spend some time and money taking care of any deferred maintenance by the previous owner(s).

Heater "T"s?

 

[maxse01]

Yes.

I hope to have mine for when my older son starts driving....he's 2. With only 108k on it and perfect maintenance records (and it's parked in a garage) as long as it doesn't get in a wreck I'm sure I will.

 

[Manhattan]

My 10-year-old 110,000 mile Land Cruiser is our primary road trip vehicle - even lifted, 33s, etc. We're currently shopping for a mid/full-size SUV for my wife. We looked at one with a cramped back seat. My wife said "That shouldn't matter too much, we'll still take yours on the long trips.

So consider that for a second... Without thinking about it, the assumption (accurately) was that we'd leave the 2016 $50k+ SUV at home... and take the "old" Land Cruiser on the 8-10 hour trips. Ya gotta assume that scenario doesn't play out too much with other vehicles.

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

Mileage sucks (you knew that), and so does the low cruising range as a result. This is by far my personal biggest disappointment with the truck.

In terms of bulletproof, I think there is little doubt that 100-series represents one of the most reliable 10-year old, 100k mile cars on the road today. There is also little doubt that a brand new Honda Civic would be a more "bulletproof" for the next 10 years and next 100k miles, for less money.

...said another way: things beyond regular maintenance (we can debate what is "regular maintenance" vs. not) will go wrong with a 10-year old car w/100k miles, no matter how strong the heritage or the platform, that won't happen with never vehicle.

To add to the list of things that others will surely point out: your sway bar links will likely snap somewhere are long the way (I suppose if you never leave the pavement they may be ok.)

it actually get pretty good gas mileage compare to a jeep. or montero. jk rubicon is a v6 average 13-15 mpg. as a lc with a v8 and does about the same.



the bad is there is hard to find used parts at a pick a part or junk yard. if you do its close to new price.

 

[Manhattan]

it actually get pretty good gas mileage...

Agreed. With 2" of lift, 33" ATs, a winch/bumper, I still get 16+ MPG. Sure, it's not a prius (thank god!), but for its size and capacity - it's not bad at all.

Also, consider the total cost to drive. That the Land Cruisers don't depreciate nearly as fast based on miles on the ODO, pays us back. I've not run the math, but I would bet the farm that our MDX, getting 22 MPG cost more to drive than the 100. Can imagine trying to sell a 10-year-old MDX with over 200,000 miles on it

 

[clandr1]

You might want to add your plans for the car. Wheeler or Daily, or both? Wide range of answers depending on how hard you'll be on it. The only I have a legitimate complaint on is the front axle and differential. Sure would be nice to have a solid front axle and a stronger front diff. AHC is a mixed bag depending on you.

This is to be a daily driver. It probably would be used for an annual trip somewhere cool like Colorado, Big Bend, or Arkansas. Think light off roading/camping. I wouldn't lift it or change tire size. Just straight up stock with the possible exception of adding a SLEE front bumper and a winch.

 

[clandr1]

I can't thank you all enough for the responses. The specific year range I'm considering is '04-'07, so it sounds like most of the issues you've reported affected earlier model year 100s. I'm not worried about occasional repairs - my wife drives a '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is a hot mess, and I have a '05 Yukon that I've owned since new that has been an AMAZING vehicle. If the 100 from 100k-200k is anything like my Yukon has been from 0-142k miles, I'll be happy with the purchase.

I'm not concerned with size, mileage, or range since my wife works fairly close to home, and I'm more concerned with safety and reliability than anything.

 

[jclarke450]

based on your last statement I will think you will love the 100 series as much as everyone says.

 

[jLB]

This is to be a daily driver. It probably would be used for an annual trip somewhere cool like Colorado, Big Bend, or Arkansas. Think light off roading/camping. I wouldn't lift it or change tire size. Just straight up stock with the possible exception of adding a SLEE front bumper and a winch.

Most start like that...

"It's just a bumper...."

"I need to fill that hole in the bumper, maybe a winch would make it look right and it would be real helpful if/when I need it..."

"Wow it feels kinda funny with all that weight on the front..."

"Just a little lift to get it back where it was and control the weight out front..."

"Now those tires look small... I wonder what it would look like with some 33 ATs..."

"The rear is a little stiff, maybe a new rear bumper would add enough weight in the back"

"That tire under there is a little bit of a pain in the ass.... Maybe I could put it on the rear bumper..."

​

 

[Jackson Sanders]

I've had mine for about a year now, and the only thing I don't like about it is the bolt pattern of the wheels.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[chrisratz]

Most start like that...

"It's just a bumper...."

"I need to fill that hole in the bumper, maybe a winch would make it look right and it would be real helpful if/when I need it..."

"Wow it feels kinda funny with all that weight on the front..."

"Just a little lift to get it back where it was and control the weight out front..."

"Now those tires look small... I wonder what it would look like with some 33 ATs..."

"The rear is a little stiff, maybe a new rear bumper would add enough weight in the back"

"That tire under there is a little bit of a pain in the ass.... Maybe I could put it on the rear bumper..."

​

Heed these words, for they are wise. The money I have saved on maintenance has been spent 2-3x on upgrades. I just spent $1800 on drawers. Yes, drawers. And I have no regrets.

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

I can't thank you all enough for the responses. The specific year range I'm considering is '04-'07, so it sounds like most of the issues you've reported affected earlier model year 100s. I'm not worried about occasional repairs - my wife drives a '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is a hot mess, and I have a '05 Yukon that I've owned since new that has been an AMAZING vehicle. If the 100 from 100k-200k is anything like my Yukon has been from 0-142k miles, I'll be happy with the purchase.

I'm not concerned with size, mileage, or range since my wife works fairly close to home, and I'm more concerned with safety and reliability than anything.

if safety and reliability is your concern, the cruiser is a good choice. as much my wife hates climbing up my cruiser we take it every where. just remember to change out those heater t.

 

[yeti in ga]

Just keep $500 to a grand in reserve at all times .... your going to need it when you reach over 230k. and if you don't spend it on mods consider yourself lucky... If I did not have a family , want to be able to sleep in the truck, need to tow (more toys) , didn't care about an active on line community , didn't really like heated seats, never off-roaded , didn't like expo style exploring, the feel of driving a solid tank, a true addiction to land cruisers..

... I would drive a mini van or a jeep just like everyone else in this town.

 

[RyanStl]

I can't keep my wife out of my Hundy. After I come home for work she runs errands and refuse sto take the Odyssey. Then I get a gas light on the way to work.

 

[jLB]

I can't keep my wife out of my Hundy. After I come home for work she runs errands and refuse to take the Odyssey. Then I get a gas light on the way to work.

Sounds like the perfect excuse for either an aux fuel tank, or a 2nd hundy...

 

[re_guderian]

I can't thank you all enough for the responses. The specific year range I'm considering is '04-'07, so it sounds like most of the issues you've reported affected earlier model year 100s. I'm not worried about occasional repairs - my wife drives a '04 Jeep Grand Cherokee which is a hot mess, and I have a '05 Yukon that I've owned since new that has been an AMAZING vehicle. If the 100 from 100k-200k is anything like my Yukon has been from 0-142k miles, I'll be happy with the purchase.

I'm not concerned with size, mileage, or range since my wife works fairly close to home, and I'm more concerned with safety and reliability than anything.

Fuel pump ? Engine cutoff issues in 06-07, AHC hassles (maybe), no year is perfect. You'll love it though. I just don't get excited about anything else.

 

[apcoleman]

I really enjoy my 100 but the 80 is still my favorite. My 80 is modified and tje 100 is bone stock. See if you can borrow a friend's for a day or two and you will get a good idea.

For what its worth, I love cruising down the highway in the 100. It is the vehicle that gets used the most between the two cruisers and other options that I have.