Looking at 2 LCs, need help

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I

ilian bg

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Threads
4
Messages
15
Location
W.San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles
This is an amazing place. I keep reading and reading... I need your help guys. I am looking at a 97 LX450 and a 99 LC. I kind of like both of them. I want to get a Cruiser for our family, need more space with an 8 month boy:) So the LX has over 240k m., all records, 2nd owner, dealer maintained. No factory lockers (not an issue). The 99 LC is at a dealer (trade in), clean carfax 1 owner, first was a leased and was bought after the lease ended. The driver's seat has more cracks then the older LX, and that fake wood trim looks terrible. has 172k m., dealer said mechanical condition is very good. I do not know if timing belt and water pump have been replaced at least once, but haven't looked for a sticker. I kind of am leaning towards the 99. I think it will be a better overall ride. I am not going to rock crawl, or any extreme wheeling. It also has the rear locker. How is the maintenance cost of 80 vs. 100 series? What are the 100's main concerns? I'm sorry I'm new at this, but thanks to you I'm learning a lot and will make the right decision.
Thank you.
Ilian
 
I'm on my 3rd 200-2007 LC. I had a LX450 once. For a few months. Sold it to come back to the newer Land Cruisers.

If you're not into hardcore wheeling and you are looking for a mild expedition vehicle that will mainly be for family hauling and commuting, then the 99 LC is heads and shoulders above the LX.
 
Well I've had and have both. For what you are using it for, go with the 100. The ride is significantly better and mechanically will require a little less maintenance. Considering I still have both a 80 and 100, and have had other 80s and 100s, for daily driving you will probably not be too happy with the LX450. ESPECIALLY ON THE 101 (and in traffic). It'll cost very little to reskin the drivers seat and the wood trim peels right off (and is really cheap to replace if you have to have it that badly).
 
bamachem said:
I'm on my 3rd 200-2007 LC. I had a LX450 once. For a few months. Sold it to come back to the newer Land Cruisers.

If you're not into hardcore wheeling and you are looking for a mild expedition vehicle that will mainly be for family hauling and commuting, then the 99 LC is heads and shoulders above the LX.
Click to expand...

Your on your third 200 series Damn! :eek:
 
I can chime in here- knowing what i know with my 98 land cruiser I would not buy a 98 or 99 model unless the front differential has already been changed out for the more durable 4 pin diff or front ARB locker. The 98 and 99 had a significantly less durable front diff. Plus they are Independent front suspension- and i'd rather have solid front axle. the IFC is better i guess though on the road and for comfortable driving.
 
For your needs it sounds like the 99 100 is the way to go. It's a better family transport, it's a safer vehicle than the 80 series. (better braking, better crumple zones, lower Center of Gravity, bigger) It will most likely be cheaper to maintain as well, repairing most things on the 80's can be surprisingly expensive if you're not a fixit type.

If you find any of the following you'll get additional safety stuff:

2000+ ATRAC and VSC
2001+ LATCH for carseats
2003+ Rollover side curtain airbags 1st and 2nd row.
 
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