Looking at buying a 200 series, I have some questions (2 Viewers)

[Pantingfish]

I've searched around and reading on the forums here for a few months, as I've started to look around at getting a 200 series. I'm coming from an 83 FJ60 and a 2013 Tacoma. My needs will be changing in the future (will need the extra seats) and I think the tacoma is going to have to go and be a replaced with a 200 series/trailer. I'm on a budget, probably 20k-30k range, will be able to do suspension/other upgrades I want over time myself. I am a bit worried that issues I have with a 200 are going to be above my abilities and I'll have to use a shop. My fj60 and my tacoma are easy enough for me to take care of most issues I've had in the pat 10 or so years. I'm having a hard time figuring out what year to get or if I should even bother caring about what year to get. The 2013+ look a little better visually to me, but I am not sure if I should just be going for the cleanest one I can find, the lowest mileage one within my budget I can find, or the newest year I can find. The only "modern' features I really care about are cold AC. Any radio head unit I could swap out to something newer. Any advice on what I should be looking for? Anyone been in this situtation before or came from a fj60/tacoma to a 200 series? Are all the common issues as bad as everyone makes them out to be? Very scared of having to do a headgasket on one of these.

 

[Heckraiser]

They're not too hard to work on. Most of the standard maintenance issues you should be able to DIY like you have done with your taco and 60. The only exception, in my mind, is the starter which is waaayyy too difficult a job for what it is, lol. IMO, the head gasket issue is mostly MUD paranoia. These motors are a lot less prone to head gasket failure than many other Toyota motors (1fz, 7m, 3vz, etc.). Common issues are valley plate coolant leak, radiator replacement, starter.

With a 30k budget, you'll likely be looking at the earlier model years, which is fine. Mechanically they're all pretty much the same up until 2016 when the 8-speed transmission came in. In terms of creature comforts, there was a slight update in 2013 and another in 2016. Based on your comments, I would say don't bother looking for a specific year, just look for the best condition you can afford. Rust is the main thing to avoid, particularly undercarriage rust in the KDSS (or AHC) hardware.

Also keep in mind, at least around here, LX570 is generally about $5k cheaper, if not more, for the same condition and miles compared to the Land Cruiser. So if you don't mind the badge and the look, the Lexus is probably a better value.

 

[Sandroad]

As a lifetime DIYer, I can say generally the 200 LC is as easy to work on as anything else in the last couple dozen years. Any vehicle has at least one or two quirky things that are challenging, like the 200 starter @Heckraiser mentioned, but routine stuff is routine. The 200 is no different from all modern vehicles in integration of the radio head unit with everything else, so be aware a “swap out” is no simple job. Find a 200 with a good history, do a complete PM, and enjoy the ride. (And no, a head gasket isn’t going to blow as soon as you hit the start button).

 

[ryanCA]

We have 7 Tacomas on the farm. I have 3 fj60 and 2 fj62

I have the ugliest 200 (08) but I love it. It is the cheapest. $17k. My AC is brutally cold. Havent turned on radio since Tom Leykis on AM in 2000. Music is for the devil. My 5.7L sound is my viagra.

08-11 ugliest
13-15 less ugly

16+ sex bombshell for rich folks

Don't buy LX. Stay true to LC.

Learn to change head gaskets, radiators, valley plate leaks, and you will be fine.

 

[dms]

In the past, I have owned a 13 LC, and an 18 LX. I still have a 18 LC that I don't plan on getting rid of. My observations are that the brakes are better on the 18 LC/LX than the 13 LC, but that the 13 LC got the best MPG and had the best transmission of the bunch (others may/will disagree).

 

[DallasTide]

These trucks are easy to work on. Doubt you'll have any issues there. The headgasket issue has somehow gotten massively overblown on this forum in the last month or two thanks to a certain youtuber. Hopefully this thread doesn't devolve into round 3 of that discussion.

If I were you my main focus would be a truck that has been well maintained and has detailed records. Of course age and mileage are a factor but I'd take a 150k mile truck that's been maintained meticulously over a 100k truck with questionable records. And of course no rust.

GLWS

 

[MeWantLC]

Of course.... PERFECT !

.... My 5.7L sound is my viagra.
TRUE: LOL. ----> Learn to change head gaskets....

 

[KilaCruiser]

In the past, I have owned a 13 LC, and an 18 LX. I still have a 18 LC that I don't plan on getting rid of. My observations are that the brakes are better on the 18 LC/LX than the 13 LC, but that the 13 LC got the best MPG and had the best transmission of the bunch (others may/will disagree).

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE?!?! My 2013 LC consistently got (slightly) better mpg than my 2021... and I enjoyed the 6 speed more than I do the 8 (though I appreciate why the 8 has benefits in the mtns, bigger tires, etc).

For the 16+, brakes are a massive improvement, as are the headlights.... but tech is the exact same, minus a little more 8-bit screen. Pretty limited evolution...

13-15 could be the sweet spot for cost and a modernized appearance. Still think the lights on the 13-15 LOOK the best - albeit, 16+ are phenomenal in practice.

So, personally, I'd focus on no rust and low abuse... If you go pre-2016, just get nice aux lights and/or upgrade the bulbs.....

Difference between one that did family duty and one that got wheeled will be the largest delta in my eyes.

 

[gray rider]

We have 7 Tacomas on the farm. I have 3 fj60 and 2 fj62

I have the ugliest 200 (08) but I love it. It is the cheapest. $17k. My AC is brutally cold. Havent turned on radio since Tom Leykis on AM in 2000. Music is for the devil. My 5.7L sound is my viagra.

08-11 ugliest
13-15 less ugly

16+ sex bombshell for rich folks

Don't buy LX. Stay true to LC.

Learn to change head gaskets, radiators, valley plate leaks, and you will be fine.

One of the coolest lines ever: When Rip (Yellowstone) was asked by a rancher chick as to what he liked to listen to on a road trip.
He responded, "Air conditioning"

 

[ryanCA]

One of the coolest lines ever: When Rip (Yellowstone) was asked by a rancher chick as to what he liked to listen to on a road trip.
He responded, "Air conditioning"

Nothing is more orgasmic than a 5.7L

 

[gasman4u]

Nothing is more orgasmic than a 5.7L

I'm going to suggest opening a garage door every now and again when you’ve got your engines running. Just a thought….

(I can’t attach the gif that’d make this funny)…#fail