May be in the market for a 100

[greenseaman]

We are thinking about selling the Jeep and maybe getting a 100 series. We might be getting a house and need to decrease the car payment a little if possible. I've been doing some research, but am wondering what do I need to look for in a used Land Cruiser 100 series. It looks like it'll probably be around a 1999 or so. It will probably not be used for wheeling but I'd still like to get the rear locker and rear ac if possible. Is there anything I need to be wary of? I know the timing belt is an issue that needs to be replaced at about 200,000 miles. If anyone knows of any good deals out there or anything else to look out for let me know. Thanks!

 

[dbenke]

Check out the ONSC board, there are a few on there for sale.
Personally, I look for another 80 before I'd buy a 100, just because of the maintenance schedule.

 

[CharlestonG8R]

Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

If it's a vehicle for Becca, and I think it is since the new Jeep is hers, she will like the 100 more than the 80. The big thing is the timing chain and water pump. The PVC T-Fittings dry out and spill radiator fluid, but it's not a hard fix. Full disclosure, Glenn did mine in like 10 minutes... Anyhow, they are expensive to maintain but they are comfortable.

 

[greenseaman]

It would be for Becca so I think she would definitely like the 100 more! Of course it would also be for me I see that the towing capacity is 6500 so it should have no problem towing the 4Runner, right?

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

GOOD LUCK. I LOOKED FOR ONE FOR THREE MONTHS. ALOT OF HIGH MILEAGE, QUESTIONIBLE REPAIR HISTORY. THERE ARE SOME THAT LOOKED GOOD FROM UP NORTH BUT AS TYPICAL THEY HAD RUST. BOUGHT A GX470/PRADO INSTEAD. PEOPLE ARENT TRADING OR SELLING THE NICE 2003-2006 ONES. MY 2 CENTS

 

[greenseaman]

You are right about that Sherman! High mileage and they still want a lot of money for a 17 year old LC!!! Wish me luck!

 

[CharlestonG8R]

It would be for Becca so I think she would definitely like the 100 more! Of course it would also be for me I see that the towing capacity is 6500 so it should have no problem towing the 4Runner, right?

It may struggle a bit if you try going to Windrock because of the hills, but yeah, it'll do fine on flat land. There are some good deals on 100's, but it goes without saying that you should aim for one with a transparent maintenance record. Try to stay away from the rust.

 

[collk22]

@greenseaman Timing belt replacement is a 90K interval. If you're looking at trucks in the 200K mile range, it should have been done twice at that point. Prior to '03, the 100 series had a 4-spd transmission which might not be ideal for towing if you're going through a lot of elevation changes with a moderately heavy load.

 

[greenseaman]

Thanks so much! I'll keep that in mind!

 

[Brock]

Not that expensive to maintain in my opinion after owning one for a few years. Timing chain and water pump every 90k....if you lift it you will need to do a differential drop. T fitting for heater hoses but go ahead and buy a brass one or another plastic and change it now. Mine did not leak, burn oil or anything....one of best vehicles I ever owned. If it is the Lexus with the hydraulic suspension make sure to check it out really good...common problems is dumbass service techs or owners pour power steering fluid or washer fluid in the resevoir not thinking or checking first...contaminates fluid and ruins it. Or they dont flush and refill according to service interval ...and starts having issues. It works great and rides great when maintained...only reason I ripped all of mine out was the heavy bumpers front and rear and other armor were causing it to work too hard.

Guy that bought it is wheeling the s*** out of it in North Carolina and posting the pics on mud and facebook regularly hahahaha.

I would go with the newer 2003+ as they had the 5 speed vs the 4 speed.....the negative is that the HVAC controls are integrated into the stereo so you cant upgrade the stereo. There were some guys working on wiring fix to allow you to add the other controls but never followed up.

All I did to mine is change the oil and filters every 8k miles, brakes as needed.........and over the 6 years I changed all the diff, transfer case fluids one time and a new battery.

Most of the other money were mods or repairs (driveshaft, exhaust, front cv axles)...

I would go for the newest you can afford especially if you can find a One Owner that was dealer serviced even if it is a bit more than the average....it will be well worth it for the long haul for your wife and your own costs down the road.

 

[greenseaman]

Good advice! Thanks so much!

 

[CharlestonG8R]

Truly, this is the nicest vehicle that I've ever owned. It gets better gas mileage than the 80, has more power, is more comfortable, and can carry more stuff. If I don't plan to do heavy wheeling, it is my go to vehicle for every trip. That's not to suggest that it can't handle heavy wheeling, I just have an 80 that I don't mind scratching and denting. Beyond the regular oil changes and premium fuel (which isn't technically necessary, but I get a check engine light on 87), I've replaced the starter, belt tensioner, alternator (twice), battery, hose fittings, timing chain, and front differential (don't do hard trails at Uwharrie when it's wet). No complaints, these things lasted about 15 years, so failure was an inevitability. They're not cheap to replace, though, and the less expensive 100's are at the point where they will start having these failures. Not hating - the OEM quality is awesome, but nothing lasts forever.

 

[greenseaman]

I thought I saw somewhere that they recommend premium gasoline...

 

[girraffe]

I'm on my second 100. First one was great but the wife thought it was too big at the time (before kids #3 and 4 came along...). Other than the IFS vs solid axle and SF rear axle i think it is equal to or better than the 80. Not too hard to maintain.