Time for a new cruiser...opinions please

[mikeacs]

This is kind of a 200 series question I guess, but directed at 100 owners. I'm at a crossroads...My 99 is, and has been great..but with 240k on the clock I'm getting hesitant heading out on long trips, especially with a heavy boat or car trailer behind it. My options are...move up to a 06 or 07 100, or move into a 200 series. I've also looked at the Crewmax Tundra 4x4 or 2500HD crew cab 4x4, but doubt i'll go that route. I'm kinda spoiled by the build quality of the landcruiser. I need 4wd, 4 seats and towing ability. Just looking around, it will take 30 grand or so for a nice 07, or would I be better off to spring for a new or newer 200? I will test drive a 200 soon, but figured before the salesmen start swarming i'd get some opinions.

The crew cab /crewmax pickup truck option is there. but the least palatable. My daughter has had major back surgery and the pickup rear seats aren't great. She's the reason i've kept the 99 so long..she has had problems on long trips in our other vehicles . I've skimmed the 200 forum, but would rather hear from 100 owners who have driven both. If I look at a 200, I doubt I would go new, maybe a 10 or 2011.
So, opinions plese.. 100, 200, or what?

 

[PapaSmurfj80]

I would stick with the 100. If the article below is correct, there were only 1600+ cruisers sold in 2011 and I imagine even less last year. This would indicate to me a future lack of parts or very expensive parts at the least due to such low volumes. This would also indicate a severe lack of future aftermarket support to me as well.

Oh yeah, and they are ugly too, so there's that as well.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/veh...iser-is-the-worst-selling-suv-in-america.html

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

In your shoes, I would move to a 200 when the time is right and you're willing to drop the cash. I've looked at your previous threads; you have replaced a ton of parts along with a recent timing belt service. What makes you think you'll get stranded? I see new heater Ts, radiator, starter, alternator, fan bracket, abs pump, etc. I think you could hit 300k easily. Have you replaced any bushings throughout the suspension so it drives newer?

I don't see the point in buying a newer 100 series when you'll start over replacing the same parts. I'd rather move up to the next model.

 

[TXLX100]

I've spent some time in both vehicles. If money wasn't a consideration, I'd go with a LX570. It's big, refined, I believe it has power folding third row seats. If money was at all a consideration, I'd go with the latest model 100. A 100 is going to be a lot cheaper to buy and more than likely cheaper to own. Or just keep the one you have if it's been well taken care of.

 

[mikeacs]

In your shoes, I would move to a 200 when the time is right and you're willing to drop the cash. I've looked at your previous threads; you have replaced a ton of parts along with a recent timing belt service. What makes you think you'll get stranded? I see new heater Ts, radiator, starter, alternator, fan bracket, abs pump, etc. I think you could hit 300k easily. Have you replaced any bushings throughout the suspension so it drives newer?

I don't see the point in buying a newer 100 series when you'll start over replacing the same parts. I'd rather move up to the next model.

True enough, Ive replace a bunch of stuff, but there's still transmission and transfer case to worry about..not to mention I'm still on its born with A/C compressor, and PS pump. And no, ashamed to say I haven't touched the suspension...not even the shocks...What I'd really like is more horsepower...The plus side of the 07 100 series is that I would still be intimately familiar with its mechanicals, but I don't want a rig that I have to work on....again...
If need be, I could swing a 200, but I don't like the looks much, and I just don't know if they're built like the 100s.

 

[adrenalinefjz80]

You should replace the sway bar bushings and shocks at the very least. I would even suggest control arms on the rear axle as those 8 bushings are likely cracking and causing stop/go play. If you want power, you'll want the 5.7 6speed in the 200.

 

[patrickfinley]

Think 5-6 years out, which vehicle would you be happier with? If a 200 was in my price range I'd pick one up!

 

[1loudLX]

I'll sell you my 2000 100 series...at whatever price you were thinking of buying a 2011 200 series for.

the 2007 100 series will still be a 10+ year old design inside and a 15+ year old design outside. Still looks good now and will in 5-6 years however think about the little comforts that are available now that you'd have to work to add in on a older truck.

 

[bonze]

I have considered the upgrade to the 200 series myself, and have test driven it as well. I didn't like the cheapness feel of the leather and some of the interior plastic, but drives nicer than anything I've ever been in. As many others have said, if you can afford to upgrade do so, BUT do not get rid of your '99 LC. My father still drives mine first LC, a '99 and he has over 370k on it, pulls a boat regularly in the summer, and is on a road trip in Dayton Ohio from Mobile Alabama right now. At least with the 100 series you know how to trouble shoot it and fix just about anything on it. You can upgrade your interior from Atlas and with some new shocks feel like your driving a new rig.

 

[Hondo]

I came from a 2013 Tundra Doublecab to my 2004 Cruiser... The power difference between the 5.7L in the Tundra and the 4.7L is pretty substantial. Towed a Bobcat skidsteer a couple times with the Tundra and the only thing lacking there was braking capability (no brakes on the rental company's trailer was the greatest issue). I've only towed once with my cruiser, a heavily loaded 12' enclosed UHaul trailer and seemed to do alright, other than that trailers surge braking.

Not sure if the 03+ 100 series transmission change would make towing better for you, but if so, my low mileage 2004 is for sale in the classifieds section.

 

[phsycle]

The power difference between the 5.7L in the Tundra and the 4.7L is pretty substantial...

And gets the same mileage. 5.7L is one of several reasons why I am going with a 200 once my 100 retires. But that won't be for another 100k miles, at least. At 7-9k miles per year, its going to be a while.

 

[super90]

I would stick with the 100. If the article below is correct, there were only 1600+ cruisers sold in 2011 and I imagine even less last year. This would indicate to me a future lack of parts or very expensive parts at the least due to such low volumes. This would also indicate a severe lack of future aftermarket support to me as well.

I think we're taking data and arriving at some unsupported conclusions. 2011 was the year of the tsunami in Japan. Factories were shut down and no one got any cruisers for a while. No correlation between that year's low production numbers and a future lack of parts or support.

Back to the thread at hand.....

 

[marcfj60]

My logic on this matter is that things like A/C compressors, alternators, transmissions, transfer cases, and the like are WAY cheaper than a newer $30K - $50K truck. Has your 100 been leaving you stranded regularly? It sounds like you've kept up on the maintenance so it's in good shape, even with the high miles. If you've got the money and need the additional power because you tow something huge, then a 200-series sounds like a plan. If you don't need the power but want the power, then maybe reconsider selling at all. Maybe wait until the current truck is dead or constantly breaking before you make the decision.

 

[mikeacs]

I have considered the upgrade to the 200 series myself, and have test driven it as well. I didn't like the cheapness feel of the leather and some of the interior plastic, but drives nicer than anything I've ever been in. As many others have said, if you can afford to upgrade do so, BUT do not get rid of your '99 LC. My father still drives mine first LC, a '99 and he has over 370k on it, pulls a boat regularly in the summer, and is on a road trip in Dayton Ohio from Mobile Alabama right now. At least with the 100 series you know how to trouble shoot it and fix just about anything on it. You can upgrade your interior from Atlas and with some new shocks feel like your driving a new rig.

Yea, may keep the 99 even if I get a 200, Its been reliable for sure. I tow a 24' center console boat on an aluminum trailer, as well as a car trailer with my hotrods on occasioin. It still pretty much feels the same at 240k as it did at 40k. I'm sure a dealer would lowball me on a trade for it, and it's too good of a vehicle to basically give to them. I could stick it on ebay I guess. I despise the whole car buying process..Probably why my last 4 vehicles have come from ebay.

Surprised that the 200s interiors are cheap feeling...I guess I'll have to endure the swarming salesmen and do a test drive..
A nicely equipped tundra is $45,000 and up, If the 200 is worth the bucks, I'll pay the price, but I wonder if it will be a solid reliable 200,000+ miles candidate like the 100s have proven to be. I know they've added a lot of new stuff, crawl control, etc. that may be problematic long term.

 

[SmoothLC]

That's a tough call mikeacs. I've got the same year, but lower miles (147k).

Given the situation, I'd keep my eye out for a 200. (Personally, I'm not a flea-bay fan for vehicles, but that may be b/c I've never purchased one that way.)

I would still drive the 100 and use it for whatever, but I'd just keep my eye out for a 200 and move up when I can find a good deal.

2 cents...

 

[El Cid]

I think we're taking data and arriving at some unsupported conclusions. 2011 was the year of the tsunami in Japan. Factories were shut down and no one got any cruisers for a while. No correlation between that year's low production numbers and a future lack of parts or support.

Back to the thread at hand.....

Yeah, the 200 sales numbers are less relevant than you think. The fuel crunch and economic crisis did more to SUV sales than anything else..

Toyota is guilty of some brand confusion between the Lexus, Highlander, and Sequoia, but they aren't losing sleep over it. When it's all said and done, they are selling a lot of parts either way, just different vehicles on more or less the same frame.

The X factor in this discussion is your towing need. I think I would look critically at that as the decision factor.

But that being said, I would just patiently bid for a 200 and my suggestion is to focus on the amount of previous owner miles you can tolerate and then very quickly make offers where you find a vehicle.

 

[bonze]

Yea, may keep the 99 even if I get a 200, Its been reliable for sure. I tow a 24' center console boat on an aluminum trailer, as well as a car trailer with my hotrods on occasioin. It still pretty much feels the same at 240k as it did at 40k. I'm sure a dealer would lowball me on a trade for it, and it's too good of a vehicle to basically give to them. I could stick it on ebay I guess. I despise the whole car buying process..Probably why my last 4 vehicles have come from ebay.

Surprised that the 200s interiors are cheap feeling...I guess I'll have to endure the swarming salesmen and do a test drive..
A nicely equipped tundra is $45,000 and up, If the 200 is worth the bucks, I'll pay the price, but I wonder if it will be a solid reliable 200,000+ miles candidate like the 100s have proven to be. I know they've added a lot of new stuff, crawl control, etc. that may be problematic long term.

You will never get the value out of it by selling it. Keep it for the classic look or give/sell to a family member father, son, daughter, or a "MUDer" that will appreciate it.

Speaking of Classic looks, the 100 series beats the 200 in this category. Now a days it's hard to distinguish between a LC, Sequoia, and Highlander from a distance. I can't understand why they decided not to differentiate substantially between their Flagship rig and the rest.

I may be over exaggerating on the cheepness feel of the interior, but I expected so much more for the price tag and did not have that same "awestruck" feeling like when when I purchased my '99 or '01.
I ended up purchasing a Tundra, it was about 35k with 0% financing from Toyota. It serves as my DD and pulls my 21' center console with ease.

I'm sure that 200 will prove to be a a reliable high mileage rig, Toyota just does a great job with their products. You can't go wrong either way if you stay in the LC/LX family.

 

[Junglejack]

Hello,
I actually just dropped off my 470 at the dealer and was given a 570 to drive around. I must say that the difference in power is quite noticeable. It is a mighty impressive vehicle. However, after taxes, we are talking about a vehicle in excess of $100,000.

If it was me, I would also seriously consider the Nissan Patrol based Infiniti QX56. While I could not stand the prior version, the current one is a massive improvement. Moreover, the base price is around $20,000 less. In addition, it is rated to tow 8500 pounds, has 400 horsepower, and still gets better gas mileage than our 100's. And thanks to it being based on the Patrol, aftermarket support should be solid.

With 2008's being available in the mid 40's for both LC and LX's, it certainly warrants consideration. If considering a newer vintage, I would find it hard not to seriously consider the QX as you would get a full warranty and most likely more favorable financing terms.
Best,
Jack

 

[PapaSmurfj80]

Yeah, the 200 sales numbers are less relevant than you think. The fuel crunch and economic crisis did more to SUV sales than anything else..

Toyota is guilty of some brand confusion between the Lexus, Highlander, and Sequoia, but they aren't losing sleep over it. When it's all said and done, they are selling a lot of parts either way, just different vehicles on more or less the same frame.

The X factor in this discussion is your towing need. I think I would look critically at that as the decision factor.

But that being said, I would just patiently bid for a 200 and my suggestion is to focus on the amount of previous owner miles you can tolerate and then very quickly make offers where you find a vehicle.

I think the numbers are actually quite relevant when considering the 200 when factoring in the total cost of ownership. The LC is continuously pricing itself out of the market in the states. Toyota "hoped" to sell 5k LC 200s in 2008 and only sold a fraction of that in 2011 model year. Look at any vehicle sold in low numbers and I think you will find parts and service are substantially more expensive the further you get from the purchase date.

In fact, there were so few 200 cruisers sold in 2011, they they did not even offer a 2012 model. Maybe this was due to a tsunami, maybe it was because the dealers had too much excess on the lot and refused new shipments.

Of course, if $$ isn't an option and you like the styling, then go for it. I would if had the $$, but I tend to think about the total cost of ownership over the life of a vehicle. With all that said, I love the 60s/80s/100s, but I think the madness will have to stop there until that prince in Nigeria responds to my emails and transfers all that money he promised.

 

[super90]

I think the numbers are actually quite relevant when considering the 200 when factoring in the total cost of ownership. The LC is continuously pricing itself out of the market in the states. Toyota "hoped" to sell 5k LC 200s in 2008 and only sold a fraction of that in 2011 model year. Look at any vehicle sold in low numbers and I think you will find parts and service are substantially more expensive the further you get from the purchase date.

In fact, there were so few 200 cruisers sold in 2011, they they did not even offer a 2012 model. Maybe this was due to a tsunami, maybe it was because the dealers had too much excess on the lot and refused new shipments.

Of course, if $$ isn't an option and you like the styling, then go for it. I would if had the $$, but I tend to think about the total cost of ownership over the life of a vehicle. With all that said, I love the 60s/80s/100s, but I think the madness will have to stop there until that prince in Nigeria responds to my emails and transfers all that money he promised.

Based on their own numbers available here: http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/december+2012+sales+chart.htm, Toyota sold almost 3,000 Land Cruisers and 5,000 LX570's in 2012 in the U.S.. That's 8,000 trucks.

The article linked to at expeditionportal.com, forgets to add in all the LX570 sold in the U.S. that year, which seem to be about 3x that of TLC's. Pretty poor analysis on that writer's part. Based on data I find, there were over 11,000 TLC's and LX570s sold in 2008. Finally, total U.S. sales of LX and LC's from 2008 to 2012 were roughly 36,000 trucks. Not Camry numbers, but far more than folks would have you believe.

Yes, the 200 is expensive, and yes it is going to cost money to maintain, but what $90k vehicle doesn't cost money to maintain over it's life? It's a fact of life. Parts and service availability based on low production numbers are not the bigger issues in the case of maintaining the 200.

I'm sure I'll own one in about five more years, after I pass one of my 100's to my kiddos.