New guy stupid question

[anw0625]

Hey guys, This is my first post on this forum so I am sorry for this stupid question.
My wife and I are looking for a new to us SUV for our growing family.
And we are looking at these SUV
Toyota land cruiser UZJ100
Lexus LX 470
Lexus GX 470
So my question are:
is there any years I need to stay away from?
I see from the motor change HP from 05 to 06 is one better than the other?
Should I be leaning towards the 4 speed or 5 speed transmission?
Thanks!

 

[SmoothLC]

Sounds like you're already familiar with the Slee 100 Series Newbie Guide.

The LX470 and TLC are comparable (UZJ100), whereas the GX470 is a 120 platform.

To answer your questions it might be helpful to know how you plan to use the vehicle.

For example, if you plan to rock crawl, you might want to look for a 100 series w/ an aftermarket front locker or plan to get one post purchase. The 1998/99 both had 2 pinion front diffs, and later years had 4 pinion.

The HP change from '05 to '06 might be enticing if you plan to tow and encounter a fair amount of high-altitude/steep roads, etc.

Concerning the 4 vs. 5 speed, there have been some issues with the MY 2000 transmissions but the data is likely statistically insignificant.

 

[anw0625]

Thanks for the reply.
I plan on using it primarily as a family vehicle, but getting me to the fire station in the ice storms, I will use it in the deer woods and towing a trailer from time to time.

 

[G-Cat]

How big's the family? We have 3 kids...14/12/10 and the 100 Series is a good size for us...the GX would be too small (for me).

 

[stonepa]

Any 1998+ LX or LC will work fine for you. Get the best you can find, hopefully with a full service history and a good carfax, and all maintenance up to date. For your uses the year doesn't matter.

 

[TXLX100]

If you have the budget, the 03+ power train performs better in my opinion. If not, earlier years perform great as well. Slee Off-road website has a great fact sheet on the 100 and the FAQ sticky here has good info.

 

[rusty_tlc]

If you get one that has a 2 pinion diff budget an ARB front locker into the purchase. Driving the 2 pinion diff on ice will cause it to break.

Triple locked is a good thing so there is an upside.

 

[phippsj]

The GX is more of a car on steroids. Kindof tight for a family. That side-swinging tailgate is a PITA.

An LC or LX is best and you will probably find plenty of nice used ones to choose from.

Drive one of each and decide.

 

[stonepa]

If you get one that has a 2 pinion diff budget an ARB front locker into the purchase. Driving the 2 pinion diff on ice will cause it to break.

Triple locked is a good thing so there is an upside.

For his use it doesn't sound like an issue. You only need to make this diff change if you are planning rock crawling or ledge climbing.

 

[anw0625]

Thanks guys. After looking at the GX, LX and LC it is now between the LC and LX which I know they are pretty much the same. Just trying to determine if the more hp is what i need.

 

[rusty_tlc]

For his use it doesn't sound like an issue. You only need to make this diff change if you are planning rock crawling or ledge climbing.

Actually not true, a lot of the broken front diffs happen on pavement. The condition that breaks the diff is shock loading as in transitioning from slick (ice) to dry.