I had a 99uzj and I liked it a lot. It was my DD and was more comfortable and was faster than my 80. I had the rear locker. The earlier models imo are faster, but apparently the front diff isn’t as strong as the later 100’s. I didn’t like the fact that it had a timing belt unlike the 80. It was great for going up the mountain when it snowed if we didn’t plan on camping. I had it on 33’s with no lift. Keep the 80!
I have 1995 80 series and 2007 100 series. I bought both with 20,000 miles on them and have had them ever since. I don't think the 100 compares to an 80 from a wheeling perspective but it is tremendously more comfortable. I like the solid front axle in the 80 for wheeling purposes. Not real high on IFS off-road but it sure is nicer on the pavement. I don't use my 80 series as a daily driver anymore. I would definitely favor the 100 series for daily driving. I will probably never sell my 80 series. Don't know if that is true of the 100. Time will tell.
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?
Don’t discount the land cruiser Prado (I.e. Lexus gx). That is my DD, but still holds its own off road. Big enough for the family, better sized (than a 200) for the trail, has a great v8 motor (timing chain).
I prefer the 4th gen 4runner or Lexus GX over a 100. Why? Same motor, similar off-road capability, better on-road (lighter weight), faster (lighter weight) and better MPG (lighter weight). But if your wife wants newer, 200 may be the ticket. That 5.7 is no slouch!
Every market seems a little different, but worth investigating the prices of an 08-09 200 with say 150k miles, and what you'd pay for a late model 100 with equal miles.
Clean, "low" mileage 100's are getting hard to find which is likely narrowing the gap on that price differential. Plus, one needs to consider how long he/she plans to own this next vehicle and the value they place on the extra 150hp, elimination of timing belt (not that big of deal) and the other modern conveniences that come with a vehicle designed 10-15 years later. A $10k price differential between a similar 100 vs 200 may seem like a lot, but over a 10 year period, I believe it's money well spent.
If you are daily driving I would say get the 100. If it will be more of a weekend driver/camper I would get the 80. I am very fortunate to have good examples of an 80, 100, and 200. The 100 is my dd, the 80 more of a weekender. I love them both and cannot foresee ever getting rid of either one of them. The 200, I am sorry to say it, but having driven all 3 on medium to long trips and off-road, I find little to distinguish the 200 from every other mom vehicle out there these days.
No argument on the 200 design. In stock form, the exterior leaves much to be desired. I do feel that changes a bit with minimal upgrades and I often remind myself that my interaction with the vehicle is behind the wheel, in the driver's seat....this is where the 200 shines.
Don’t discount the land cruiser Prado (I.e. Lexus gx). That is my DD, but still holds its own off road. Big enough for the family, better sized (than a 200) for the trail, has a great v8 motor (timing chain).
Your wife wants you to get a newer vehicle? Women usually aren't automotive savvy so not really a source I would look to in vehicle advice. If u want to upgrade, install a double din with gps and hands free calling, some heated and cooled seats, and some retrofitted depo headlights. Will be like a new truck without getting a new truck. In regards to 100 series cruisers, they drive nice. Keep in mind the starter is underneath the intake manifold, the exhaust manifolds are known to crack, the adjustable suspension globes can fail and are around 700 per globe if I recall. The front cv joints are fairly weak and will break if wheeled too hard.
The wife had a 100 for a couple of years. I drove it a lot and did the usual stuff - heater tees, brakes, etc. I think the best thing about the 100 is the engine. Bullet proof, smooth and powerful. Our 2007 LX470 got about the same fuel mileage as my 80 though.
One thing that I would shy away from is the AHC. I lived in fear that was going to crap out.
I don’t understand the hate/fear for AHC that so many people have. It’s a great system. I really like it. Yes, it may have problems after 15 years or so (what system on a car doesn’t) but it can be PM’ed/baselined/repaired just like any other system on a car. As far as I have seen on these forums, the cost of fixing AHC is pretty much a wash with ripping it out and putting in a new suspension system. Plus, it is now good to go for another probably 15years, or longer if PM’ed like it should be. I do not get it. Now if the lines are rusted through I could see a decision to be made but otherwise the system is fairly straightforward to maintain.
