New 100! (1 Viewer)

[Pitbull]

Pitbull I knew you'd show up. I know what "get's ya".

I'm an avid off-roader and that's where my "bias" comes from. I took so much crap from AZ LC owners about the 100 (it was my first Cruiser) that it drove me nuts. All I heard was IFS stinks, the 100's too heavy, blah blah you need an 80. That's one reason I was so motivated to highly modify the 100. Now, nobady says a word because the 100's proven itself. It's very capable and it can hang anywhere my equally modified 80 can (except where the 100 might not fit due to it's size). I'm also biased some because of the extra luxury the 100 gives us over lesser trucks including a 4Runner/GX.

Regarding your comments, I think you're right on. Heck the 4Runner/GX is a super vehicle. It's also easier to modify for off-road than a 100, though because of it's underside it's not as capable off-road. In fact, after we drove right up, we strapped up a lifted new 4Runner up the ledge at Charouleau Gap (the picture you see me going down...my icon. So yes, I agree that a 4Runner is a better choice for a everyday rig than a Cruiser overall for most people. Take it one step further....I've always admitted a Sequoia is a better choice overall too for 98% of the drivers out there because you get more space, a killer truck and save $18K. I don't think though anybody would argue the 100 is the supreme truck.

Lastly, and this may surprise you....before we bought our Tacoma TRD (we wanted another rig to keep the miles off the Cruisers) we checked out the 4Runner (not an option for us) and a Lexus GX470. We liked the Lexus with the self disco'ing swaybars though decided against it because of the poor underside design...especially that very low driver-side mounted gas tank. I could see us mangling this vehicle and struggling too much off road. So, we went Tacoma. Heck, that thing is amazing too!

So that's it...from a 4-wheeler perspective. If I wasn't an off-road nut I'd still want the Cruiser, but......there might be a blown GX470 in the garage instead (ooo, I didn't admit that did I?),

I totally agree with you. The 4runner can not touch the 100 series LC off road even modified. I'm slanted more on road than off, (99% on road 1% off) . Also since I'm retire and on a fixed income I leaned more towards new with warranty versus used without. Also all of the 100 LC/LX's I looked at were not maintained to the level that I do my vehicles. I looked at the 4runner as the "Poor mans LC". Works for me. If I win the Lottery I will be buying a new LX470 loaded.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I want a Toyota MegaCruiser. Can you imagine pulling up to a Hummer in that!

 

[Jim_Chow]

Unless Toyota offers the 4runner w/ turbo diesel, I'll get a 100 or LX (used, of course) and mod it as my next vehicle. I was planning to buy one, but my old, 4-banger '86 1st gen runner w/ factory diff lock and OME suspension is still running strong, and is getting 26mpg driving to/from work (22mi ea way, surface streets). I'd love to have a LC 100, but since the fuel economy is kind of dismal, I wouldn't drive it. If only one could buy the LC 100 w/ 4.2L turbo diesel to boost the fuel economy. My original tendency was for an 80 for the rigid front axle, but it seems they are problematic. I guess one nice thing about the LX470 over a 100 is Lexus owners might have a tendency to pamper their vehicles more.

 

[Pitbull]

Jim what I found that was nice about the used Lexus LX470 was that Lexus owners alway have their vehicles serviced at the dealer and that gives you a history of what has been done to the LX. If a Lexus has not been serviced at the Lexus dealership I would not believe it was serviced. The problem I found was that Lexus owners were often leased and that they would go over the recommended service intervals, because they didn't care. Knowing that the question became how did they drive it??? It is hard to find a good well cared for used vehicle. It's a crap shoot!!!

 

[trw]

This thread really took a turn from its start. I have to agree with Shotts on the 100 vs 4runner though. I drove both before buying and wheel with a guy with the new runner and have been able to take a few spins in it. Having driven both on and off road, the biggest difference to me is the feel of the vehicles. The 100 feels like a full size truck, whereas the 4Runner feels like a minitruck and too light. The runner is more fun busting around town, but I didn't like the small feel of it. Back seats are big issue for me as well with the 100 having a much better feel and space. Thats just me though, I like bigger trucks that feel like trucks.

tom

 

[MoJ]

I like bigger trucks that feel like trucks.

tom

Do you listen to Ted Nugent?

 

[trw]

Do you listen to Ted Nugent?

No, mostly Pink Floyd, Primus and Tool. Just like girlie trucks.

 

[FirstToy]

At the risk of being flamed I'm going to add my .02,

1. Mark Brodis, the new (4th gen) 4Runner does have a lower roof than the LC/GX but taller than the 3rd gen 4Runner.

Looking over the dash: It is not an issue and feels the same as my last vehicle (Nissan Xterra). It might be that with a lower roof in comparison to the LC, you feel like you cannot sit as upright to look over the hood? Just a guess.

2. I have alot of respect for the 80/100. I don't think there is a better off-road wagon, especially after factoring in the aftermarket support/ people/ wheeling groups. There is just too much history with the LC to deny that.

3. I do think the 4Runner as a mini-LC. It is appropriate for the market and product lineup where value comes into the equation more. LC's are Toyota's flagship and need to do everything well-regardless of price.

The 4Runner is very capable and is closer to the LC than the 3rd gen in all respects. I think the V8 4Runner is Toyota's fastest, most powerful product right now-car or truck.

The 4Runner and GX/LCPrado share identical frames, all mechanicals, drivetrain and even the air suspension is an option on the 4Runner. The GX adds a lever t-case shifter (instead of dial) and some other nice extras but otherwise... both are built in Japan, side by side, in the finest rated assembly line in the world (JDPowers)

I have the V6 4wd which I love. More HP, good mpg's, only a little less torque and 2wd/4wd switchable (4wd is the same fulltime as the V8). Torsen locking center diff. over 120# lighter in the nose. (but that whole V6/V8 debate is endless in 4R forums)
The Japanese 4Runner (HiLuxSurf SSR-G) has an elect. locking rear diff. I have no idea why they did not offer it in the USA.

4. I think driver skill is going to determine outcomes more than a numbers crunching. Like I've said, take someone with lots of experience and put him in a stock 4Runner; take ME and put me in LaCabra; I bet I'll be stuck in a gopher hole trying to winch out while the 4Runner is looong gone and setting up camp.

I'm a big fan of the LC/GX/4R so I think finances, intended use, personal taste have more to do with where someone fits in Toyota's product lineup; because Toyota has made all of them of such high quality and integrity, those issues are not a factor imo.

OK, that's it for me!

 

[Pitbull]

This thread really took a turn from its start. I have to agree with Shotts on the 100 vs 4runner though. I drove both before buying and wheel with a guy with the new runner and have been able to take a few spins in it. Having driven both on and off road, the biggest difference to me is the feel of the vehicles. The 100 feels like a full size truck, whereas the 4Runner feels like a minitruck and too light. The runner is more fun busting around town, but I didn't like the small feel of it. Back seats are big issue for me as well with the 100 having a much better feel and space. Thats just me though, I like bigger trucks that feel like trucks.

tom

Your right Tom it is lighter, my 4runner only weighs 4550 lbs which is about 1000 lbs less than the much bigger LC/LX. My FZJ80 weighed around 4700 lbs. I would say the new 4runner is within a inch or so and a few lbs of the FZJ80's. I like that size SUV, plus how quick they are. 0-60 in 7.4 seconds which is a good 2 seconds quicker than the LC/LX. I guess it all boils down to what you are looking for. I'm just lucky I found out about the 4runner before I bought a used LX/LC that would not of fit my needs as well as the new 4runner. When it comes to trucks I agree bigger is better. My last truck was a Dodge 3500 4x4 Cummins turbo diesel with the 6 speed transmission, it weighed 7200 lbs but could haul or tow big time.

 

[Junk]

bcripe, congrats on the new to u 100.

 

[dclee]

4Runner/GX470 is the same as the 120 Series Land Cruiser Prado. It is the "light duty" Land Cruiser, but still enjoys the same heritage. The 78 and 100 are considered "heavy duty" as was the 80.

While I like and respect the 120 Series (we almost bought a GX before settling on the 100), it will never compare to the 100 in any way, shape, or form, except perhaps at stoplight drags. But if that's what I want to do, I'll bring a different vehicle. Remember the old adage, don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

Jim Chow - what kinds of problems have you heard about front axles on the 80 Series? I've been through the Rubicon twice with mine, and have yet to have a problem (OK, I ripped off a sway bar mount, but that's piddly). The only time I see problems is on 40s with torque-crazy V8 engines and 40" tires.

 

[Pitbull]

4Runner/GX470 is the same as the 120 Series Land Cruiser Prado. It is the "light duty" Land Cruiser, but still enjoys the same heritage. The 78 and 100 are considered "heavy duty" as was the 80.

While I like and respect the 120 Series (we almost bought a GX before settling on the 100), it will never compare to the 100 in any way, shape, or form, except perhaps at stoplight drags. But if that's what I want to do, I'll bring a different vehicle. Remember the old adage, don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

Jim Chow - what kinds of problems have you heard about front axles on the 80 Series? I've been through the Rubicon twice with mine, and have yet to have a problem (OK, I ripped off a sway bar mount, but that's piddly). The only time I see problems is on 40s with torque-crazy V8 engines and 40" tires.

Derick, what did you end up paying for your 2004 Landcruiser? I've seen them listing normally for $60K+ depending on equipment. Now at end of year the local dealer has 6 of them and he has them discounted down to $56K - $58K. They are beautiful. I would love to have one. I think you are right about them being heavy duty and made to a very high standard. About "don't bring a knife to a gun fight" depends on where the fight is. If it is under water I'd reather have the knife

 

[dclee]

Our's stickered at $61K + change. I got him down to $56K even. I knew what invoice was, but wasn't out to gouge him. I think we ended up paying $1.5K over invoice, and I'm happy with that. This is not a Corolla or some other mass-market vehicle, the profit margins are larger for the Cruisers. Also, this dealer has been very good supporting my other Cruisers, and I wanted to keep that relationship.

As for fighting underwater, if the other guy has a knife, maybe I'll bring a knife too, i.e. it'll probably be a knife fight anyway. But then again, maybe I'll bring a Glock 17 with underwater cup seals.

 

[Pitbull]

But then again, maybe I'll bring a Glock 17 with underwater cup seals.

How your cheating . The reason my dealer has 6 LC's is that they sold a bunch of them at the first of the year. They sold more than anyother dealership in their region. I guess what happens is if you sell a bunch Toyota sends you a bunch more to sell. Their problem is that they are the only Toyota/Lexus dealer within 100 miles and were in a city of 150K people. The sales guy thinks with the new VVTi engine coming out and the fact that they have not gotten a bite on these 6 in the last several months that they might of sold all they could for awhile to the target market. Also this dealers Idea of dealing is you bend over and grab your ankles. I love seeing those 6 LC's setting on their lot. I hope it ends up that they have to sell them well below invoice.