Need help – Buy now or wait?

[flyfish4life]

Does it make sense to suck it up and buy the current 100 Series or wait to see if Toyota can improve it with the next generation LC (130 series?). My concerns are that Toyota is going to tinker too much with the classic lines and size of the current 100 series and possibly ruin it like, IMO, they did with the current 4-Runner. Reading some of the posts below, it is rumored that the new 130 series may be based on the new F-platform and shared with the Tundra and Sequoia - which I am not especially thrilled about because of increased size, possible QC concerns, etc. If the spy picture posted below is any indication of the direction Toyota is heading, this decision will be easy (I will buy now), but I just don’t see Toyota going that drastic in terms of design. Typically I keep vehicles for long time (10 years +) so this if a fairly tough decision for me. I just know that in most cases, one usually gravitates to the newer styling and features of next-generation vehicles, but with the recent direction Toyota has been heading (size matters, etc.), holding out for the 130 series may be a disappointment. Hopefully some definitive pictures will become available soon, so I can move on with my life. Until then, what would be the advice of this forum?

 

[Pitbull]

I think your problem is that you don't really sound like you know what you want?? You stated that you don't like the direction Toyota is going with the Sequoia being too big and then you don't like the new design of the 4th generation 4runner, lets see they added a V8 engine, stronger frame, all the traction control electronics and transmission that is in the 2004 Landcruiser, but in a size and weight that is about the same as the FZJ80. I suggest you list all of the things that you are looking for in a SUV and if the current Landcruiser meets them go buy one and keep it for 10 years. If the current LC doesn't measure up to what you want then wait for the next generation LC. Hope that helps.

 

[hoser]

If you don't absolutely need a new SUV now, I'd just wait till the new ones are released, then make your decision.

 

[DMX84]

Are you planning to do modifications to you LC? It may take awhile for stuff to become available for the new series. The 100 is now becoming more popular with aftermarket parts, but if you don’t mind waiting, or you plan on making the stuff, than the new one will be ok.
DMX

 

[flyfish4life]

Yes the 4Runner has made some technological improvements, but it's a bit small for my needs and I simply can not get over the looks of the new body style - too much cladding and Rav 4 look to it. I currently own a 2001 Sequoia and it is nearing 90K miles. Just at a point where it would be good to get out of it and not fall off the depreciation cliff @ 100K miles. Its been a pretty good vehicle with only minor repair issues, but is fairly cumbersome and unrefined and has a bit to much of the Tundra and American influence. The LC is one of the last true Japaneese made Toyotas and it saddens me to see Toyota possibly going in the direction that they appear to be going. I will probably wait and see what they do and go from there. Thanks for the input.

 

[brownbear]

buy a new 100, it will be the vehicle you are after. why wait, life is too short.

 

[tabraha]

Even if yo do wait and the new version doesn't satisfy your needs the current 100 will be cheaper due to the newer version being out. You win either way! Personally I'd buy now if it were a long term purchase and I was happy with the current product being offered.

 

[e9999]

I'd look it at this way:
- you buy a 100 now, you can always sell it if you like the 130 better
- you wait, see the 130 or whatever you don't like it, can always get a used 100
- you wait, buy a 130, hate it, can sell it
- you wait, buy a 130, love it, good decision
Life is good!
E

 

[Pitbull]

Yes the 4Runner has made some technological improvements, but it's a bit small for my needs and I simply can not get over the looks of the new body style - too much cladding and Rav 4 look to it. I currently own a 2001 Sequoia and it is nearing 90K miles. Just at a point where it would be good to get out of it and not fall off the depreciation cliff @ 100K miles. Its been a pretty good vehicle with only minor repair issues, but is fairly cumbersome and unrefined and has a bit to much of the Tundra and American influence. The LC is one of the last true Japaneese made Toyotas and it saddens me to see Toyota possibly going in the direction that they appear to be going. I will probably wait and see what they do and go from there. Thanks for the input.

Your not going to like the new LC, it will follow in the design style of the RAV4 and 4runner. So since the looks are the main reason you are agains't the new Toyota SUV models you would be better off to start looking for a end of year deal on a new 2004 LC before your Sequoia goes over the 100K mile mark. JMHO Good luck.

 

[MoJ]

The new design will be revealed far enough in advance that you would still be able to get a new 100 series. It always works that way.

 

[cmtierney]

The new 4Runner is a Landcruiser.....sort of

An interesting tid-bit to provide insight on the 4Runner....In Australia, where off-roading is a necessity in many areas, there are 4 different Landcruisers. What we know of here in the US as the Landcruiser is also simply called the Landcruiser there. In addition, there is a vehicle that is called the Landcruiser Prado. It is a slightly smaller vehicle that is rumored to have excellent on and off road capabilities. I've never driven the Prado, but several friends give it high marks. There are also the Troop Carrier and traybed pickup models. The Troop Carrier is a bit longer and has 2 rows of seats that go front to back instead of side to side. I've seen them used by both the Aussie police and military. I've also seen the Prado on many news clips from Iraq and many remote areas of the middle-east and africa.

The Landcruiser Prado is the Lexus GX470, which is also the new 4 Runner (with some body modifications to have some resemblance to the traditional 4 Runner looks). Unfortunately there don't appear to be many aftermarket parts for the 4 Runner yet, but I'm sure the Aussie aftermarket companies like OME and ARB will soon be providing excellent options soon.

With that all said, I like the traditional Landcruiser best (80 or 100 series) and hopefully someday soon I'll buy one. Until then I'll just have to keep using the glue and duct-tape to keep the old (yes I'm gonna say it) Jeep running as long as possible.

-mt