- Thread starter
- #21
The VSC was/ is one reason I hesitate on the 99.
Talk me out of a 100 series
- Thread starter Bigsky80
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I think he likes it around the city...but does a lot of skiiing and finds it constantly upshifting and downshifting in the mountains where his 99 cruised the passes just fine.
The math doesn't add up here. A '16 4 runner with 20K miles is worth somewhere around $30K - $35K. A '99 LC with 191K miles is worth somewhere between $5K - $10K. You suggested it would be worth trading the 4 runner for LC for a $1-$2K difference.
Did I miss the part where the dealer will take your 4 runner on trade and write you a check for $25K?
Did I miss the part where the dealer will take your 4 runner on trade and write you a check for $25K?
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The passes are where I would think the real benefit would be. Does he leave it in 'D' or drop it in 4th when climbing over a pass? For my 4 speed, I have to leave 'OD' off or I would go crazy watching the vehicle shift so much.
My dad and aunt own '16 4Runner SR5s. My uncle owns a '16 4Runner Pro. They've all ridden in my '98 LX and have expressed amazement at the fit, finish and feel of it. All have said my LX feels more "solid" and "tank-like" compared to their 4Runners. If it weren't for the antiquated "entertainment" system in my '98, most would assume it's much, much newer. 4Runners are great vehicles, no doubt. But, the Land Cruiser/LX is on a different playing field.
I vastly prefer my 98 LX over my 16 Outback 3.6r as the LX is WAAAAAAY less complicated. My Outback has the Eyesight system and every other electronic do-dad available. It's an incredibly "intrusive" driving experience. Also, with so many electronic systems and computers, my Outback requires a mechanic for everything.....including light bulb changes as they are tied into the Eyesight self-leveling and steering wheel aimed system. If my Outback failed on the road for any reason, I'd likely have to call AAA. If my LX failed in the field, I simply slide out a drawer and get my tools.
I vastly prefer my 98 LX over my 16 Outback 3.6r as the LX is WAAAAAAY less complicated. My Outback has the Eyesight system and every other electronic do-dad available. It's an incredibly "intrusive" driving experience. Also, with so many electronic systems and computers, my Outback requires a mechanic for everything.....including light bulb changes as they are tied into the Eyesight self-leveling and steering wheel aimed system. If my Outback failed on the road for any reason, I'd likely have to call AAA. If my LX failed in the field, I simply slide out a drawer and get my tools.
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BullElk
SILVER Star
^^^^ That's awesome right there !!!!
Not only is the consistency of the LC/LXs crazy good regarding its reliability, durability, blah, blah, blah
but the dang consistency of the statements from folks that drive or ride in them for the first time. They all say the same thing! Hmmm, I think the Japs are on to something here.
Sorry I have to throw this in...
Not only is the consistency of the LC/LXs crazy good regarding its reliability, durability, blah, blah, blah
but the dang consistency of the statements from folks that drive or ride in them for the first time. They all say the same thing! Hmmm, I think the Japs are on to something here.Sorry I have to throw this in...
THAT, is a serious addiction up there^^^^^^^^^^!!!
But I understand...
But I understand...
BullElk
SILVER Star
Addiction maybe but family of six drivers...a safe reliable reality.
All good G. I'll be getting more experience with the 5 speed transmission starting tomorrow so I'll report back....
- Thread starter
- #32
Current trade in on our 4runner is 31K we owe 20K. Dealership is asking 11K for the 100 series we are looking at. There might be a little difference one way or the other, but it is close to a straight trade at this point. I know my 26 year old 80 is built better than our 4runner.
BullElk
SILVER Star
They love to see folks like you coming. That doesn’t not sound like a good deal at all to me. The ‘99 is too much at $11k. Just sell the 4 runner and buy another LC/LX at a much better price. That is a easy peasy.
- Thread starter
- #34
We may go that route. There are a lot of variables though. The 3-4 year old 4runner market is pretty saturated up here. I wouldn't pay 11k for a 99, and figure I can get that number down. I really have no issue selling cars private party but I like to weigh all the options.
Got it. Are you not looking to finance the next one? You can probably find a very nice '03 - '07 LC/LX for $20K. And I agree you're moving in the right direction. As nice as the 4 runner is, it's not an LC 80 or 100.
Ditto this.
I think it's a great idea to buy an LC. And I don't think an LC/4runner is a completely valid comparison. They were meant for different purposes. You simply sound reticent about spending equal money to buy an older, but more functionally useful vehicle. That's understandable.
Having worked a brief bit for Toyota, there are design flaws that I see persisting across the design of their newer models. Namely,
1) incredibly small seats and rear seating space
2) lack of a commitment to safety(from a design perspective)
3) complete overkill on dashboard electronics and systems
The drawback is that the LC isn't selling a lot in volume in the US, but the LX is, and it's the best profit margin of any Toyota vehicle.
My continued happiness with my LC stems from the pure utilitarian reliability and simplicity of operation and maintenance. Cars have begun to become unnecessarily complex. EVERY problem I have had has been a simple fix.
AT the new sale price, I can't justify an LC/LX, but used I can't think of a better deal for function/value.
I like your analysis.
And it makes even more sense if you drive less miles like me.
I'm averaging 8,000 miles/year and get 14.5mpg = 552 gallons
If I purchased a 20mpg vehicle, I would consume 400 gallons.
So my 2002 LX470 costs me $365/year (gasoline priced at $2.40/gal)
Nice problem to have! I'm a Toyota guy (4th Gen 4Runner that I don't even claim, long-gone FJ80, project FJ62, and recent UZJ100) and my brother adores his two 3rd gen 4Runners (and his fiancee has a 4th Gen with V8) so I've been through this a lot. I recently got my 100-series after dropping nearly $20K into my FJ62 over the last two years, and I constantly wonder why I didn't just get a 100-series in the first place and drop the coin on that (I kid, sort of; I love my 62).
The 100-series if often seen as the best combo of on-road manners and off-road capability, and I have to say that I really, really, really like mine a lot. It fills a different niche than a 60-series, an 80-series, and even a 4Runner of any flavor, but that niche is probably the widest and most applicable to most of us. You can do anything with it. As some have noted, the mileage is the biggest detractor but I'd almost submit that it's the ONLY detractor.
You don't need to do much to it, really. The engine is bombproof. It can definitely use an upgrade in the tire department with some sliders in lieu of running boards (about a $2.2K upgrade all around). And I will say that a drawer system is a must (depending on your use, but if you ever go camping...) but KISS drawers are only $500.
Do it. You won't look back.
The 100-series if often seen as the best combo of on-road manners and off-road capability, and I have to say that I really, really, really like mine a lot. It fills a different niche than a 60-series, an 80-series, and even a 4Runner of any flavor, but that niche is probably the widest and most applicable to most of us. You can do anything with it. As some have noted, the mileage is the biggest detractor but I'd almost submit that it's the ONLY detractor.
You don't need to do much to it, really. The engine is bombproof. It can definitely use an upgrade in the tire department with some sliders in lieu of running boards (about a $2.2K upgrade all around). And I will say that a drawer system is a must (depending on your use, but if you ever go camping...) but KISS drawers are only $500.
Do it. You won't look back.
Oh, and one thing I meant to mention: a lot of folks here have questioned the deal you are facing. I have noticed a few LC/LX opportunities on the forum in your area, so you may want to consider sacrificing your time and convenience for a better option.
Check out Slee's write-up here: Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide
Nothing against '98-'02 models, but I was looking for an '03-'04 model to maximize everything all around (features, cost, mileage, etc). Regardless, I would be happy to have ANY 100-series, so take that for what it's worth.
Check out Slee's write-up here: Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide
Nothing against '98-'02 models, but I was looking for an '03-'04 model to maximize everything all around (features, cost, mileage, etc). Regardless, I would be happy to have ANY 100-series, so take that for what it's worth.
