Much needed Land Cruiser guru help (1 Viewer)

[SEE YA]

Hi all, I have been lurking on the forums for quite some time and I am finally posting.

I have been on my hunt for quite some time now for a Land Cruiser. (No 4x4 background) I am an avid car enthusiast with a few cars looking to get into and experience the LC scene...occasional daily duty with weekend trips on some trails. I would like the most reliable and stout FJ100.

My dilemma: I have talked to Toyota techs and mechanics, but want to have input from actual owners on a few things.
1.) MILEAGE: How much is too much? 300k?400k? I know everyone says these will run forever, but how many miles is too much? I know, maintenance and records are paramount.
2.) My bigger question. 4spd or 5spd? I don't plan on towing much at all, if at all. Most people seem to favor the 5spd, but two 2003+ LC I test drove had slipping issues. (Both had over 250k). Is the 4 speed going to last longer? Do I really need a 2003 or newer?

I hate being "that guy" asking questions like this, but yes I have searched, and talked to people, but I would appreciate any insight from you guys/gals.


Cheers!

 

[geanes]

I have a 98 LX (4-Speed) with 164k on the clock. Love it. Wouldn't hesitate to buy one with even more miles if the maintenance history was there. TONS of members have purchased 300k+ cruisers on this forum. Don't let the mileage scare you. Just make sure the BIG 3 have been taken care of: Timing Belt/Water Pump replacement (90k service), Steering Rack is solid condition (certainly replaced when you're talking 300k+) and the Brake Master Cylinder is in excellent working order.

No matter what you choose, plan on baselining ALL the fluids...this includes repacking bearings in the hubs and possibly/likely replacing some bushings. If you're remotely handy, this is ALL DIY stuff. If not, budget ~$900 to baseline.

The 03 models come with additional airbags, 5-speed (better gearing low and hi, but not necessarily better mileage), 4-pinion front differential vs 2-pinion (MUCHO better to have the 4-pinion) and the integrated audio/climate control touchscreen.

I chose the 98 because the 4-speed didn't bother me at all and I liked the non-integrated audio/climate controls.

The 2000 models are relatively known for transmission issues. The 98-99 models are known for "weak" 2-pinion front difs. The 03 is the sweet spot for most enthusiasts as it is the near ideal crossroads of price and features.

 

[geanes]

Also, if you haven't read thru this, you MUST.....

Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

 

[RyanStl]

Since I bought mine to DD and wanted a lot of meat on the bone because I wanted to DD for about 10 yrs, I was looking max 180,000. Of course, less the better. The 180,000 miles was completely arbitrary and I was only thinking that high if I bought from a fellow mud member. Many people are willing to buy with much more miles. The right owner can keep these going for much longer than than a normal vehicle. Check out the high mileage thread for proof.

I have an '02 with the 4-speed and it works fine for me. The 5-speed is rated 1 mpg higher, which is nice since when the gas mileage is this poor, every little bit helps. I wouldn't pay a major premium for it though. If I care that much about gas mileage I wouldn't buy a LC and could just drive smoother.

P.S. On Halloween I will have had mine for two years. I bought with 135K miles and I will have put about 20,000 miles on her. The only maintenance cost has been fluids and broken sway bar link.

 

[Jeepster09]

My opinion is 4 or 5 speed does not matter. How it was maintained is more important and the overall condition is key. If it has been properly maintained and is not a rat most likely it will be ok. The higher the miles the lower the price. The more work you can do yourself the less high miles are an issue. If you are unsure of what to look for find a trusted mechanic or a friend who may know what to look at. Rust is always an enemy to vehicles, I would find one with the least rust I could afford and one that has the maintenance done. In my experience regular fluid changes are key to long life.

 

[SEE YA]

Wow!

Thanks for all of the replies and insight. I guess now it will just come down to the overall condition since 4 or 5 speed does not seem to be that big of a deal. Around 200k miles seems to be a good happy medium.

I have wanted to pull the trigger on a few cars that have spent most of their life in the North, but I am too scared to buy a car sight unseen. It sure seems like the the Western states have many more LC to pick and choose from.

If anybody is looking to sell or knows of anyone wanting to sell in the Southern states, send them my way.

 

[LBridges]

Sent you a PM, but I'm a good days drive away from SC - there has got to be some trucks at least somewhat local - usually much easier to source LX470 machines when compared to the LC.

 

[vman07]

What is your budget?

Buy the most recent 100 with the lowest miles you can afford, that is universal advice across different 4x4 forums including Mud. Right now you can buy a 19 year old 100 or a 10 year old 100. Just me but I'd prefer the 10 year old vehicle. 06-07 also get you 35 more HP, nice to have on a 3 ton truck...

 

[SEE YA]

What is your budget?

Buy the most recent 100 with the lowest miles you can afford, that is universal advice across different 4x4 forums including Mud. Right now you can buy a 19 year old 100 or a 10 year old 100. Just me but I'd prefer the 10 year old vehicle. 06-07 also get you 35 more HP, nice to have on a 3 ton truck...

The issue for me is I don't want to buy a perfect condition LC. I would prefer some minor scratches and dings. That is why I am in the boat for looking at an older one.

 

[loganbrew]

I definitely recommend the 2003+ with 5 speed if you find one that meets your other requirements. I own a 2000 Hundy that I bought with 40k miles and now has 265000. I also own a 2003, who's chassis has 290000 miles but has a 84000 mile motor swapped from a 2003 4runner. The 2003, with electronic throttle body and 5 speed, is like night and day - a quicker and more responsive power train over the 2000 (even when it was a fresh 40k mile rig when bought back in 2004). Rather than get into gear ratios and torque curves, just trust that whether coming off of stop lights or in roll-on acceleration (for passing, etc.) the 2003 is appreciably more confident and responsive. I don't consider the 03 lethargic, but the 2000 is. How much is due to the different gear ratios and how much from the electronic throttle body I can't tell, but both my rigs are bone stock - no added accessories, stock tire sizes and stock weight minus 3rd row seats.

My only other advice when buying is to stay away from rigs in or having spent ANY time in regions that salt roads in winter. Even if body rust is not visible and exhaust, etc. look good, there are likely corroded fasteners, interconnections, metal mating surfaces, starter, alternator, etc. which continually degrade and make those rigs more difficult to troubleshoot and work on - not to mention more unsightly. You can easily spot them just by looking under the hood, where bolt heads will show corrosion. Even older Pacific Northwest rigs, where there is frequent rain yet they don't salt roads, a 15 year old LC there will not show much if any rust on bolt heads and the electroplated (i.e. goldish color) bolt heads shine bright. If there are corroded bolt heads and clamps under the hood, I won't consider a car any further.

 

[uzj100]

I recommend 2000 or newer for driver safety nannies. If your budget allows get an 2004. They installed a back up camera, you get the 5 speed, and 4 pinion front diff.

If you want the unicorn, find an '03 or newer with no nav.

Don't forget about the sister truck with many more available to buy, Lexus LX470.

I was the same, I wanted the bumps and bruises because I wheel my hundy.

 

[SEE YA]

Again, thanks for all of the informative replies. I keep finding cars up north that seem to be good deals, but I keep telling myself not to jump on a car that most likely has seen salty roads, and I would rather avoid having to fly to see a car.

There is a 2005 very close to me that seems to be a fair deal, but it has over 350k miles. There is never the perfect car out there. Like always, you must make compromises.

Thanks again everyone.