Talk me out of a 100 series

[dividedan]

I posted the following in the 100 forum and have gotten tons of helpful info. But, there’s obviously a bias over there towards 100s. To keep it neutral below is the exact text with only minor modification [in brackets]. Discuss!

“SO I've been lusting after a 100 series for the better part of a year. Having a family (2 kids, 2 dogs) it seemed like a great compromise of reliability, safety, and off road performance.

Then I started looking at the 5th gens out of pure curiosity and found that they are way more affordable then I had previously thought. What I'm seeing are trucks that are 10 years newer, less miles, and from what I can tell equally capable for my purposes (light offroading and camping in the Colorado/Utah backcountry) for the same price as 100s in decent shape.

Now I recognize and do not belittle the power of the heritage behind the Land Cruiser, they are cool in a way that is hard to quantify. But if I'm honest I don't need something capable of rock crawling, want to maintain good road manners, and certainly don't need "drive across Africa" reliability. Just a vehicle that is capable, trustworthy, and easy to maintain.

PLUS, the Runner has what seems to be an arguably better front suspension, still a good size for hauling gear, and has an excellent aftermarket following. I need a little guidance plus I know y'all love a good "this vs that" thread. I recognize my audience here, so talk me out of a [100 series]!”

 

[95Fantasma80]

edit: post made incorrectly.

 

[Jacket]

I think you hit on most of the decision making criteria. With two kids and two dogs, plus all your gear, the 4Runner is going to feel small really quickly. The 100 series gives you quite a bit more storage area, so that would be something I'd focus on - can I fit my family and all my s*** in here.

Against that is definitely an aging platform that will require initial and ongoing maintenance. If you are handy, or have a reliable shop and money to spend, then a 100 series is a proven option. Get it baselined, then buy a spare coil pack and go have fun. If you look for something in the 05 06 07 range (5 speed AT, VVTi, etc.), then you get the latest updates in styling and performance which will help it get closer to a 5th gen 4Runner in terms of overall performance.

Reach out to Paul May (and probably many others on Mud) who have gone from a 100 series to a new 4Runner (or maybe the other way). You might get some interesting and specific insights.

Edit: I have an 80 and a GX, so not exactly the same comparison as what you are asking, but similar. We've done trips and camped out of both, and the 80 definitely provides more usable space for stuff. Kids have less leg room; and otherwise it's just me wishing I had more power to get up and into the mountains.

 

[rex in bama]

I think you hit on most of the decision making criteria. With two kids and two dogs, plus all your gear, the 4Runner is going to feel small really quickly. The 100 series gives you quite a bit more storage area, so that would be something I'd focus on - can I fit my family and all my s*** in here.

Against that is definitely an aging platform that will require initial and ongoing maintenance. If you are handy, or have a reliable shop and money to spend, then a 100 series is a proven option. Get it baselined, then buy a spare coil pack and go have fun. If you look for something in the 05 06 07 range (5 speed AT, VVTi, etc.), then you get the latest updates in styling and performance which will help it get closer to a 5th gen 4Runner in terms of overall performance.

Reach out to Paul May (and probably many others on Mud) who have gone from a 100 series to a new 4Runner (or maybe the other way). You might get some interesting and specific insights.

Edit: I have an 80 and a GX, so not exactly the same comparison as what you are asking, but similar. We've done trips and camped out of both, and the 80 definitely provides more usable space for stuff. Kids have less leg room; and otherwise it's just me wishing I had more power to get up and into the mountains.

Agree with this - have a gx (and love it), but when taking two kids and both dogs on a trip, it is too cramped.

 

[bertnd]

I've had a GX, an 80 series, currently drive a 100 series, and just pulled the trigger on a 200 series today. I test drove the newer GX, the 4runner, and a few others... I don't have any kids but have 2 really big dogs, and even with them and stuff for me and the GF, the 4runner felt too small. I liked the newer GX- the space seemed better, but the rear loading, door swing, floor height, etc. made it really awkward. Between that and seeing one every 100 yards on the road, the GX and 4runner were out for me. For example, the carmax by me (the one on 104th in Northglenn outside denver) currently has 7 or 8 GX's and 4 4runners.
The commonality means you should be able to get a nice one for a good deal for sure if it meets your needs!

 

[GTV]

If you look for something in the 05 06 07 range (5 speed AT, VVTi, etc.),

Just for accuracy’s sake, 03+ has the 5 speed, only 06/07 has VVTi.

 

[r2m]

My wife and I had two 100 series LC's. They were also both 1998, first year of the 100's. Finally got rid of my wife's last year at 285,000 miles (and could still drive it cross country with no issues) for a 2007 4x4 Taco crewcab. It's just easier for her to put her surf gear into. Her LC was getting very tattered and torn and the paint was all burnt out, albeit, still strong as a mule mechanically.
My LC, I also traded in last year for my 2013 GX460. Same as my wife's LC, except 255,000 miles and still running very strong. It was starting to have some rust issues around the windshield and leaking a little water in the cab on rainy days. We had both for a very long time. Mine was built out as an overlander while hers was kept stock but with larger A/T tires.

Love the heck out of both of them, but...
My close friend and neighbor bought a new 2018 4Runner last year, so it's the same "150" series as my GX460. Between the both of them (his 4Runner and my GX), my GX is hands down the better vehicle. More quiet, smoother ride, 3 climate zones, better sound system, heated AND cooled seats, 3rd row seats and more. Things that cost extra OR you can't even get on a 4Runner. And here's the biggie, the seats are WAY more comfortable than the 4Runner's. I find the Toyota seats in the Tacoma's (read: my wife's truck) and the 4Runner are very hard and not very compliant over a long road trip. My GX on the other hand, I can do all day, no issues! Note: I'm 6.0" tall and 250 lbs. But even when I was lighter, Toyota seats seemed a little on the hard side.

Do yourself a favor and go and sit in a GX and a 4Runner. If you can, do it back-to-back. It doesn't matter what year GX as long as it's a 2013 or newer, they're all the same with very minor differences in the center control (info) panel.

Yes, out of the box the 4Runner is a more capable off-roader, but from what you said, that's not what you want it for. AND if you do want to make a proper overlander out of it some day, go over here and look at these: 150-Series Toyotas
or even check out my build here: Builds - R2M 2013 GX 460 Expo

One other little thing, pay special attention to the trim levels of GX's, e.g. premium, luxury, standard and anything between.