lookin at a 2k, 100 series

[kodiak1232003]

My wife and I went through many of the same decisions picking our 2001 - and compared to similar vehicles you listed. We've got 2 toddlers, a camper to pull, are planning a driving trip to Alaska, and haven't been wheeling since having kids. Here were some of our comparision points:

Does built on a frame matter to you? It did to us for pulling the camper.

Why didn't we pick an 80? The V8 of the 100 was appealing for the power and torque.

Wanted a 2000 or newer to get the VSC (our winters are snowy). Wanted a 2001 or newer to get the LATCH for the kid's seats. The 2003 or newer has the 5-speed tranny, but it went out of our price range.

Why didn't we pick a 4runner? Wanted more room to pack for vacations (had several recommendations that the 4runner with a family would get cramped). Also, the Liberty is small, and the Grand Cheroke has surprisingly not much room - for what we wanted.

We also looked at a Range and a Disco, but Land Rover's reliability (lack of) held too much weight in the decision against them.

Yes, fuel cost is a shortcoming. But I figured at 17k miles per year, and if I sold our 3rd vehicle, we'd save more in not carrying the insurance compared to the additional cost of fueling up the Landcruiser. And with that, I could take my wife out for dinner a few more times per year (good selling point!).

Hope this gives you a few more things to consider.

great stuff, thanks!

-grand cherokee is out cuz i don't like them and the build quality sucks
-went and test drove the 100 again yesterday...wow, is all i could say
-thought about a 4runner overnight and it may end up being an option, but...
-i'm also considering 80's now (you have this dang forum to thank for that..lol..don't blame me)

thats all.


p.s. series landrovers have a place in my heart, but i'd NEVER buy a disco. what a CRAPPY platform.

 

[ictcruiser]

I had a 4Runner before my cruisers...and you couldn't drag me back.

Understand that LC's are an addiction. I started off with a nice used 2000 model(still have it), next thing you know I've got 33" tires on...then fast forward two years and it's got a 2003 LC and 2005 LX for stablemates....these damn things multiply like rabbits. If you want to save some money start a heroin habit.

You mentioned gas mileage several times as a concern. In my 2000 I average 11mpg overall, but I do have bigger tires and a heavy foot.

One thing to consider, that sadly many do not, is depreciation. Since you're going to be crunching numbers take a look at how LCs hold their value vs more fuel efficient vehicles. I think you'll find that any "cost savings" dissapears under scrutiny. Unless you're going to keep the car 10+ years then depreciation will be your largest expense on almost any vehicle.

 

[DoctorJay]

-went and test drove the 100 again yesterday...wow, is all i could say

Guys, I think he's got the disease....

 

[SWUtah]

This weekend, on my 1500 plus mile trip, I averaged 14mpg. In one tank, I got 15, which is the best I have gotten from my 100 since I bought it in early January.

That's what I get on my 2004, either 14 or 15 mpg. 65K is low mileage. I would get the price negociated and make it contengent on passing inspection at the local dealership. Then have them do a big time look at everything and give you a list of fix's or required maintance. then go back and renegociate the price based on the requirements. Sorry for the spelling i was in a hurry

 

[DCM36]

Another cost to consider is how often will you switch cars if you don't buy an LC? I wanted a land cruiser for so many years but felt guilty about the gas mileage and so tried a bunch of compromises that I thought I might be happy with. I finally bought an fj62 and have never looked back. LCs have no equivalent. If I had bought one initially I surely would have come out ahead because it is a stable long-term purchase.

As our family grows I am constantly trying to justify when I can trade our station wagon in for a UZJ100.

ps: I have considered purposely buying a very high mileage 100 with the intention of converting to toyota diesel with the savings.

 

[mikesurfs]

FWIW,

I think 285's or any non stock tire cause a minor speedo miscalibration which falsely raises mileage estimates. Think of it as giving your truck longer legs and covering more ground for less rotations of the wheel. I thought my diesel excursion jumped to 20+ mpg with 35 inch tires until I calibrated the speedo correctly.

Mike.

 

[1loudLX]

putting bigger tires on it would reduce your mileage estimates. You would say, damn i used that much fuel to go 10-35miles less(depending on tire size)? When in reality, you went farther but your speedo and odo read less mileage due to your wheels spinning less.

In theory, you could get better gas mileage by putting bigger tires on, but the rotational mass of the tires would outweigh any atvantage, since you have to use more fuel to get it up to speed.

 

[mikesurfs]

Right-on.

M.

 

[justimaginejack]

sorry to be so blunt. I have spent alot of money I didn't intend to and it has become some sort of a sickness. Just keeps getting worse she says! I look at it, as improving an amazing vehicle.

Please let us know what you do???

 

[straightblast]

If you drive 20,000 miles per year, and assuming gas prices @ $2.60 per gallon, the difference between a vehicle averaging 15 mpg and one averaging 20 mpg is $865. I consider the extra cost to be an insurance cost, really.

 

[ckkone]

Did you buy anything yet...?

IMHO, if you can't afford to put gas in the cruiser you probably shouldn't buy it. We all know the milage sucks, but thats just life. Our gas prices are not that high, have you ever been to Germany?

 

[DoctorJay]

Did you buy anything yet...?

IMHO, if you can't afford to put gas in the cruiser you probably shouldn't buy it. We all know the milage sucks, but thats just life. Our gas prices are not that high, have you ever been to Germany?

I just got back yesterday from a business trip. Up to the minute, premium gas in Munich is E1.30 per liter! That's $1.73/liter at the current exchange, or $6.57 per gallon. I've decided to quit complaining.

<------ This liter of beer at the Hofbrauhaus is E6.30.

 

[kodiak1232003]

just wanted to say, i'm still looking.

i just gradutated from a Master's program here in san diego, AND moved, AND am interviewing like crazy right now for new jobs....

soooo...been a bit busy!!!!

my wife loves L.C.'s and has been real suppportive with the decision...i just haven't had time, what with finishing my thesis and all.....lol.


i'll keep you posted, as always.

 

[Aussie]

Priced to High, I'd keep looking.
Good luck.