Thinking about buying my first LC

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TexasCrane

TexasCrane

Joined
May 13, 2014
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345
Location
Austin
Hi all. I've been lurking around these forums for a while. As the title says, I'm thinking about buying a LC and could use some advice.

My wife and I are expecting our first child in December so it's time to get rid of at least one of my corvettes (probably both - anybody want to buy a 2005 or 2007 corvette?) and get something that's more practical.

I'm an outdoors and dog guy (we use my wife's subaru outback for trips right now) and I'd like something that can haul the whole family out to New Mexico or Colorado but also haul my parents/brother/sister-in-law etc around town when they all visit (the family usually meets at our house and I don't see that changing anytime soon with the baby coming). So the 3rd row seat is a firm requirement for me.

I've been looking at a variety of SUV's and have driven a few 100-series and GL-450's. You can pick up nice 2010-2011 GL with around 40k miles coming off lease, but I can't shake the feeling that I'd be driving around in a glorified minivan. There aren't too many 200's for sale around here so I haven't seen one in person yet. I'd prefer not to spend more than about $35k, but honestly if I could get something for $20-25k, that would be even better. Throwng $10k into a college fund seems like a smart idea.

Because of my budget, I had really only been looking at the 100-series, but after looking at the GL's in the mid-30's, I realized that I could probably find a nice 200-series with 90-110k around the same price. So I guess I've got a few questions:

1) What are your thoughts on a 2006/7 100-series vs a 2008/9 200-series? I know what the 100 forum will say so that's why I'm asking you guys. I would assume that many of you have owned both and can provide good perspective on the differences.

2) How's the reliability of the 200's compared to the 100's?

3) Are there any other SUV's that I should be taking a look at?

Thanks for all your input. Luckily I'm not in a rush so I've got some time to think about this and find the right vehicle at the right price.
 
IMO, your budget is a little tight to think about a 200; but that doesn't mean you can't get a very nice 100 within your budget.

I have had both and thoroughly enjoyed my 100 and like my 200 a lot - both are great vehicles.

Reliability of both is excellent, both have third row seating, honestly I think you would get more for your money with a 100.

HTH
 
Thanks for the reply. Your thinking pretty much mirrors where I've been heading. I'm thinking that while I could stretch my budget and pick up a nice 200 series, I could also find a nice low mileage 100 series well within my budget and have some cash left over for a college fund, some mods, etc.
 
TexasCrane said:
Thanks for the reply. Your thinking pretty much mirrors where I've been heading. I'm thinking that while I could stretch my budget and pick up a nice 200 series, I could also find a nice low mileage 100 series well within my budget and have some cash left over for a college fund, some mods, etc.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good, responsible plan :clap:

Good luck in your search.
 
From what I've read on mud, the 200 series has a stronger front diff, which is probably only important if you're doing some harder stuff off road. The 200 series is fast with the 5.7L but it's much more expensive... hard to find anything near 30k. I've driven older 100 series, like year 2000, and a 2009 Land Cruiser.. the 200 series was way faster and maybe quieter... nicer on the highway, but also cost a lot more.
 
Fast is relative :) While I'm sure that the 200's are faster than the 100's, I'm not sure that after 8 years of driving corvettes I'd ever describe any of them as "fast".
 
There is a 106 hp/69 tq difference between the two models, 275hp vs 381hp and 332tq vs 401tq. So while we are not talking C6 speeds, the difference in acceleration and passing ability is quite large... a good driver could probably crack into the high 14's with a 200 series. Both are great vehicles.
 
Some of the 200 series features which compelled me over purchasing a 2nd hand 100 series when I was on the market 5 years ago were:

1. Pollen/dust filter for HVAC - stops dust and small animals
2. Side curtain airbags and front seat bolster airbags - can't have too much additional safety; these are missing in the 100 Series
3. Coils instead of torsion bar for front suspension - I simply prefer coils.
4. KDSS - Superior onroad and offroad dynamics compared to 100 Series
5. Tow receiver integrated into middle of bumper instead of aftermarket looking bracket under the bumper of 100 Series.
6. Significantly higher capacity fuel tank
7. Rear reversing camera in 2009 update model - additional safety and easier to hook up caravan
8. Colour coded side mirrors and door handles - the chrome look of the GXL 100 Series door handles were very garish looking to me.
9. 200 Series had less of a "nose down" stance compared to the 100 Series IFS models
10. Much much more grunt than the 100 Series without a significant fuel consumption penalty

Some of the negatives (my personal opinion) of the 200 series when comparing to the 100 Series

1. 17" wheels - I would have preferred 16" as standard although that would have meant smaller brakes
2. No demister for side mirrors for Aussie spec LC200 - not sure if the 100 Series had this or not
3. Engine bay cramped - seems more roomy in the 100 Series for additional modifications like dual battery system, air compressor, etc.
4. Engine air filter small compared to 100 Series - definitely a big difference
5. Electric driven high-low shifter - I prefer the mechanical link of the 100 Series
6. Additional difficulty in removing the 3rd row seats compared to the 100 Series
7. Significant price hike of the 200 Series over the 100 Series.

My list is relevant for Australian spec vehicles, so some of these points may not be relevant in North America.
 
I think the Aussie (tempestv8) input was directed at model differences based on actual experience with both. Such anecdotal input is valuable IMHO.
 
Have you considered a Sequoia?
 
I agree reading about personal experiences with the vehicles is the most useful.. it's all theory if you haven't sat in the thing and driven it.... The HEPA filter is only on the lexus in the US though I think... I think the Sequoia and the GX460 (or 470) are both nice.. though the GX might be too small for your family size. I personally would stick with Toyota/Lexus because of their reliability. Acura makes some nice stuff too though, and Honda has good reliability as well. I personally won't buy domestic until they prove their reliability.. the new ECO boost engines from Ford seem to have issues.
 
I sold my '08 sequoia and got a '13 LC. My wife misses the large backseat and ease of third row of sequoia. You literally can swim back there with 2 car seats which I have. Had no issues with sequoia but just had to get a new LC. I would recommend that for your price range vs getting high mileage 100. You could get a fairly new, low mileage sequoia for same price.


...via IH8MUD app
 
I honestly hadn't thought much about a Sequoia. I'll take a look at them. It seems like the 08's are available in the 20's with reasonable mileage.
 
3. Engine bay cramped - seems more roomy in the 100 Series for additional modifications like dual battery system, air compressor, etc.

I have a very nice dual battery setup, air compressor and fuse box for my auxiliary electronics all under the hood. Not sure what else you would want to stick under there. = D
 
I think the newer the land cruiser, the more likely I would leave it stock... an 80's series I would put a 2 or 4" lift on, some 35's, and i can see the benefit of having fancy light bars, etc. with a 100 series I would tend to make it a 2" lift and an expedition vehicle.. for the 200 series , maybe just leave it relatively stock.....
 
Actually the U.S. spec 200 series has smaller fuel tank compared to the U.S. spec 100 series. The 200 has a 24.6 gallon tank while the 100 has a 25.4 gallon tank.

According to the information provided by MSN Autos:

U.S. 100 series: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/o...yota&model=Land Cruiser&trimid=103770#VIP_TAB

25.4 gallons
13/17 mpg
Driving Range: 330-432 miles


U.S. 200 series: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/o...yota&model=Land Cruiser&trimid=119100#VIP_TAB

24.6 gallons
13/18
Driving Range: 320-443

I think it's pretty impressive that the 200 can get nearly identical numbers to the 100 with it's more powerful engine.

For giggles I'll throw in info for the U.S. spec Lexus GX460 (Prado 150) which has a smaller 4.6L V8 and a smaller fuel tank at 23 gallons and still gets a better driving range than both vehicles. http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/s...make=Lexus&model=GX 460&trimid=119483#VIP_TAB

23 Gallons
15/20
Driving Range: 345-460

It kind of makes you wish there was aftermarket support over here for that vehicle, but their cargo room is nearly non-existent.
 
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