My 97 has 232K on it. Everything is good on it, but the wife wants me to upgrade to a newer LC. Anything I should be aware of when looking at 100 models?
Thinking of upgrading to a 100 series
- Thread starter wesayso
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LC4LIFE
Supporting Vendor
I would be cautious of calling it an upgrade
Front and rear solid axles. Tougher than time and tougher than all the new IFS suvs. I feel like my FJ and FZJ pay me to keep them. The new gwagon has IFS and it’s all foo foo stuff. Bring back the meat grr. That will never happen so enjoy the dual solid axles.
Keep both! One dedicated trail rig and the other a very capable and more comfortable DD. Rust as usual, timing belt services, research different years and what changes were introduced. Personally I'd look for a 98-02 with climate control dials separate from audio. I haven't driven later years with the more powerful engine, but haven't felt my 01 lacking at all especially coming from the FZJ. I'd also avoid the LX due to its globe suspension.
Does it have to be a 100?
If so, check out Tommy and Roman's '08 TFL/TRDPro 100. TFLTruck on youtube. They've taken a 100 about far as you'd want to and still be able to defend the amount of money spent doing it (apart from the vinyl wrap perhaps). They also highlight the short comings (imo) of the IFS offroad, despite the "traction control".
If so, check out Tommy and Roman's '08 TFL/TRDPro 100. TFLTruck on youtube. They've taken a 100 about far as you'd want to and still be able to defend the amount of money spent doing it (apart from the vinyl wrap perhaps). They also highlight the short comings (imo) of the IFS offroad, despite the "traction control".
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I would call any newer LC a downgrade. But, my usual caveat is that I actually take mine off pavement. I've got a buddy with a 100 series and he likes it. I like to give him a hard time when he gets stuck:
voodu3
SILVER Star
If you’re looking to “upgrade” make the jump to a 200 series. I think You’ll be happier long term. The TFL truck mentioned above is a 200 series.
The 100 series is a fantastic platform for daily driving, light trails, nothing too hairy. It will best the 80 on road manners. The 80 will beat it on anything requiring articulation. The 80 is much more easier and worthwhile to modify from an off-road perspective in my opinion. For example, the 100 doesn’t have a cyclonic air box.
The V8 in the 100 is super smooth powerplant. Smoother than the 3ur-fe in the 200 imho. Heater tees are the only semi- common problem. No head gasket, egr issues.
There has been no documented failure of an OEM timing belt that I have seen.
The net net is the 80 is better off-road, with good on-road manners
The 100 is more road oriented, But can be taken off-road surprisingly well
The 200 seems all road oriented. I bet it’s even harder to modify than a 100 (I don’t have a 200...yet)
Go on the 100 series forum and see the photos and what have you done threads. That will give you and idea of what it can do and what modifications it will require.
The 80 has an unbeatable coolness factor.
The V8 in the 100 is super smooth powerplant. Smoother than the 3ur-fe in the 200 imho. Heater tees are the only semi- common problem. No head gasket, egr issues.
There has been no documented failure of an OEM timing belt that I have seen.
The net net is the 80 is better off-road, with good on-road manners
The 100 is more road oriented, But can be taken off-road surprisingly well
The 200 seems all road oriented. I bet it’s even harder to modify than a 100 (I don’t have a 200...yet)
Go on the 100 series forum and see the photos and what have you done threads. That will give you and idea of what it can do and what modifications it will require.
The 80 has an unbeatable coolness factor.
People here will say don't do it but the reality is that most people here would be better served in a 100 series. For daily driving, light offroad action, and most things that the average owner does, the 100 series is a superior choice.
As for getting one, first search the 100 series threads for advice. Then do the normal things: look for rust free, well maintained vehicles. Like the 80 series, the 100 series is crazy reliable. Good luck.
As for getting one, first search the 100 series threads for advice. Then do the normal things: look for rust free, well maintained vehicles. Like the 80 series, the 100 series is crazy reliable. Good luck.
the 100 has more creature features and the V8 is a nice improvement - the later years moreso and for the earlier ones the TRD charger works if you want more power.... my old "rapido" was pretty zippy. you didn't weigh in on mods or offroad needs but the IFS is smooth but lifting it needs to be done correctly.... if you're not inclined to do that the LX's are also an option and have a few interior upgrades over the LC....
that said, the 200 is more stout and the motor is another 100hp plus over the later 100's..... if it's a long-term hold it may be worth it to take a look at them as well, they're getting into the sweet spot of the depreciation curve... 13' and new will have vented seats which might be useful....and if you're not inclined to lift it the LX's tend to be cheaper and much more avail and had ameneties like that earlier in the build cycle...
having had a well sorted 100 w/ Sc'er - I was shocked at how much more vehicle the 200 felt like when I upgraded to it...
that said, the 200 is more stout and the motor is another 100hp plus over the later 100's..... if it's a long-term hold it may be worth it to take a look at them as well, they're getting into the sweet spot of the depreciation curve... 13' and new will have vented seats which might be useful....and if you're not inclined to lift it the LX's tend to be cheaper and much more avail and had ameneties like that earlier in the build cycle...
having had a well sorted 100 w/ Sc'er - I was shocked at how much more vehicle the 200 felt like when I upgraded to it...
My fiance is looking at a 98 LX470 with 250k on it. Seems like a solid truck, adjustable suspension doesn't seem to work but the truck drives incredibly smooth and handled anything (on road) we asked it to. Lots more bells and whistles to deal with as they break but it's far nicer than her 15 GMC Terrain and way more plush (good for a family cruiser/daily/her) than my 80 on OME suspension.
You would probably be better served by asking people in the 100 forum as I’m sure there are people there who were 80 owners as well.
Unless you’re rock crawling often, a 100 does a lot well off-road.
Unless you’re rock crawling often, a 100 does a lot well off-road.
COYS
SILVER Star
these guys are the tmz of yt car channels. Garbage.
Imho after the 80 series here in the USA, buy the newest, lowest mileage land cruiser gen you can afford.
200>>>>>100
I made the mistake of picking up a E36 M3 over the E30 M3 for more creature comfort, power, etc. 20 yrs later, i still kick myself for not picking the E30 M3 for cheap...
Cannon88
In the duck blind...
I loved my 80, and still miss it from time to time. But realistically I do more commuting than off roading, so the 100 was a no brainer for me. I drive 100+ miles each day and love the feel of the 100. I haven't done any serious off roading where the 100 wasnt capable enough.
Me too. I bought a Triumph Thruxton 900 instead of an 89 M3, same price....
Fortunate enough to have had several 80's, 100's and a 200. If I was buying a 100, I'd only be considering a 2004+, as that gets you the backup camera and 5-speed. 2003 had 5-speed but not the backup camera I believe.
If you can afford a higher mileage, early 200 (08-09), I would also try and swing that over the 100. If you sell the 80, you will likely regret it someday in the near future. Don't do it.
If you can afford a higher mileage, early 200 (08-09), I would also try and swing that over the 100. If you sell the 80, you will likely regret it someday in the near future. Don't do it.
I was joking on my response. I do like the toughness of front and rear solid axles. At the end of the day. If you don’t have a land cruiser. Having at least one is fitting for any garage.
