Unconventional ask for my fellow Southern Californians.

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G

gomar

Joined
Nov 26, 2025
Threads
4
Messages
22
Location
San Diego, CA
I've been locked in analysis paralysis for far too long trying to buy a Land Cruiser. I started with the 250, 2026 LC premium, meteor shower exterior, java interior. For whatever reason, I just didn't love it once mine arrived at the dealership and I walked away.

I've always loved the 100-series, and decided that's what I'd get. I started hunting for something rust free. I narrowly lost a few BAT auctions (which, in hindsight, would have resulted in egregious overpays). I went and test drove an '03 LX 470 and loved it. The dealer also had a 2015 LC 200, which I drove immediately afterwards. Commence my indecision. The 100 has my heart, something about the way old trucks drive, the low windowsills, the road feel, can't beat it. My wife and I just had our first kid and this is ultimately going to be our Mammoth/Tahoe/road trip and over-landing car. The 200 was just ridiculously plush and comfortable. It's clearly the more practical family option and would eat up freeway miles on long road trips. This is my main concern with the 100-series. I know it'll do extremely well off-road, but what about the long stretches of road in between?

Despite that....I'm still hung up on a 100 series. I just wish I could take one home for the weekend and see how it accommodates our day to day lifestyle. Queue my unconventional ask...

Would anyone in SoCal/San Diego be willing to rent me their 100-series for the weekend? I can promise 3 things:
1. I live in a very safe neighborhood, and the car will be garaged.
2. I will overpay.
3. I won't put more than 50 miles on it.

If not, I totally get it. I probably wouldn't either. If so, shoot me a PM! Would love to see if we can make something work.

Second question - how do 100's do as a family hauler on long road trips?
 
My 100 has been a great family hauler, up and down the West Coast and into the deserts and mountains for the last 14 years. This has been 2 kids plus a dog (RIP) and gear ranging from camping stuff to ski stuff. I have been doing this with a roughly 2" lift and 33" ATs, and I consider the 100 to be smooth and quiet, especially for what it is. I bought it with 155K already on the clock.

I really appreciate being able to cruise comfortably on highways and interstates, then hit trails and/or heavy snow without blinking.

The MPG's suck but you know that.

A couple things -

Look for 2003+ as the 5-speed transmission is more comfortable at freeway speeds. Sounds like you are putting the miles on. I am fine with my 4-speed but my standards are probably different than many others. The 2003+ also has the Latch system in the back seats for baby seats.

If you're adding kids and dog(s), look into a rooftop box. These vehicles are big but family hauling gets complicated, esp when they're young.

Last, do your best to manage your expectations. No 100/LX you find will be a new car. They are awesome vehicles but will never, ever be perfect again. There will be squeaks and rattles, but they're usually nothing compared to so many lesser cars even half the age.

Good luck and congrats on the first kid.
 
gomar said:
I've been locked in analysis paralysis for far too long trying to buy a Land Cruiser. I started with the 250, 2026 LC premium, meteor shower exterior, java interior. For whatever reason, I just didn't love it once mine arrived at the dealership and I walked away.

I've always loved the 100-series, and decided that's what I'd get. I started hunting for something rust free. I narrowly lost a few BAT auctions (which, in hindsight, would have resulted in egregious overpays). I went and test drove an '03 LX 470 and loved it. The dealer also had a 2015 LC 200, which I drove immediately afterwards. Commence my indecision. The 100 has my heart, something about the way old trucks drive, the low windowsills, the road feel, can't beat it. My wife and I just had our first kid and this is ultimately going to be our Mammoth/Tahoe/road trip and over-landing car. The 200 was just ridiculously plush and comfortable. It's clearly the more practical family option and would eat up freeway miles on long road trips. This is my main concern with the 100-series. I know it'll do extremely well off-road, but what about the long stretches of road in between?

Despite that....I'm still hung up on a 100 series. I just wish I could take one home for the weekend and see how it accommodates our day to day lifestyle. Queue my unconventional ask...

Would anyone in SoCal/San Diego be willing to rent me their 100-series for the weekend? I can promise 3 things:
1. I live in a very safe neighborhood, and the car will be garaged.
2. I will overpay.
3. I won't put more than 50 miles on it.

If not, I totally get it. I probably wouldn't either. If so, shoot me a PM! Would love to see if we can make something work.

Second question - how do 100's do as a family hauler on long road trips?
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i have an 06 lx in crown point maybe we can cruiser and get a coffee -shane 619-
 
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The 100 feels more connected to the road and trail than the 200, which can lead to fatigue over extended driving time. I have mitigated this a bit by full sound deadening/absorption in the floor, doors, and ceiling. This last 1,200 mile trip was more enjoyable by being able to have a normal conversation while still maintaining that road feel.
 
I love my ‘03 LX470. Another thing that the ‘03+ has is the 2nd row curtain airbags. A little added safety that I was looking for since I have a toddler back there.

It’s a great vehicle. I’ve driven from Boston to Harrisburg, PA multiple times (6 hours). Boston to and around the White Mountains in NH (3 hours). I’ve been on a few forest roads and it’s super smooth. Did some moderate rock climbing once with it as well and it did great - and that was on my old Michelin Defender tires lol.

Oh yea, insanely good in snow but so are all these rigs. Overall, it’s a great family hauler. I’m sure the 200 is just as good if not better, but go ahead jump for a nice 100 if you prefer it. Can’t go wrong either way imo. Good luck!
 
silver02accord said:
i have an 06 lx in crown point maybe we can cruiser and get a coffee -shane 619-
Click to expand...
You don't want to put your phone number in an open forum, check the classifieds for the number of stories about scammers using that info. PM it to them if you want.
 
I just bought a 2002 in WA and drove it 2600 miles to my home in TN. It performed flawlessly and was extremely enjoyable to drive long distance
 
I’m in south San Diego (Eastlake/Bonita) and wouldn’t mind working something out. I have a stock 06 LC with 147k on it.

I also have a 6 month old so the back seat has an Uppa car seat base installed if you just so happen to have the same brand lol
 
I have both: a 2016 200, two 1999 100s (one heavily modified, one stockish) currently and previously had an '03 100. Personally, I prefer a 100 for the following reasons:
1. Prefer the look of the 100, they're much closer to the 80 series and even the earlier 60 series than the 200 is, especially with no luggage rack
2. Simplicity. 100s aren't simple, but they're on that threshold where you can still do most of all the work yourself; the 200 is loaded with sensors and electronics
3. 2UZ-FE engine is bulletproof. Nothing against the 5.7 liter which is also a great engine, but the 4.7 is almost universally regarded as one of Toyota's best engines
4. Dimensions on the trail. 100s are big and wide but still a little less bloated than a 200 and on tight trails, it matters
Cost of modifications. For some reason, 200s are still considered *luxury* and there is a HUGE premium on modifications/aftermarket vs. 100s
5. This one is super personal but I find our 200's seats to be a lot less comfortable than the ones on the 100s (which admittedly have fresh foam and are recovered)
6. This one is also personal and probably specific to my EARLY 100s, but the driving experience is better on the 100 than the 200. Feels more like a truck, turn radius is awesome, and the visibility on the 100 is unparalleled, it's like driving in a fish tank! :)

If you lived close to me I'd lend you my 100 for the weekend to test it out. My guess is that the wife will probably prefer a 200 (mine does, she hates riding in my modified 100), but everyone's needs and preferences are different. Expect to pay a LOT more for a 200 + baselining + modifications.
 
I've been using mine as a family hauler and road trip vehicle for over 10 years. I have 4 kids and we fit fine on most trips, when the kids were smaller, they liked the back seats. Now we use a car topper if going for a weeklong trip, or take my wife's 05 sequoia (I still prefer the 100 on the road, solid, quiet and safe). Just be patient, mine was a one-owner w/100k when I got it (almost 300k now and still in daily use) – it was like new, garaged it's entire previous life – there are still good ones out there!
 
Couvi said:
I've been using mine as a family hauler and road trip vehicle for over 10 years. I have 4 kids and we fit fine on most trips, when the kids were smaller, they liked the back seats. Now we use a car topper if going for a weeklong trip, or take my wife's 05 sequoia (I still prefer the 100 on the road, solid, quiet and safe). Just be patient, mine was a one-owner w/100k when I got it (almost 300k now and still in daily use) – it was like new, garaged it's entire previous life – there are still good ones out there!
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Agree 100%, there are plenty of good 100s out there if you take your time. Pro tip, keep your eyes on luxury dealerships where people might trade them in. I've bought two 100s at luxury dealers and got great deals on them.
 
I have both. I had the 200 first but always really wanted the 100 and finally got one (very recently). Despite being old, worn and slow it is everything I thought it would be and I love it and prefer it for suburban daily driving. I guess it is a mix of road feel, driver position, visibility and connection to the world around. The 200 is more like riding around in a bank vault. It is more comfortable on freeways and has a ton more power. If you have the choice (like I do) the 200 makes more sense for freeway trips. And lets face it, in general it is going to be way more reliable.

Get one and enjoy it while you can because once you have 2 kids+ Sienna trumps them all. :)
 
Exiled said:
Agree 100%, there are plenty of good 100s out there if you take your time. Pro tip, keep your eyes on luxury dealerships where people might trade them in. I've bought two 100s at luxury dealers and got great deals on them.
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That's a great point, and plenty of patience. Also, be ready to jump if a good one pops up!
 
Gartenmeister said:
I have both. I had the 200 first but always really wanted the 100 and finally got one (very recently). Despite being old, worn and slow it is everything I thought it would be and I love it and prefer it for suburban daily driving. I guess it is a mix of road feel, driver position, visibility and connection to the world around. The 200 is more like riding around in a bank vault. It is more comfortable on freeways and has a ton more power. If you have the choice (like I do) the 200 makes more sense for freeway trips. And lets face it, in general it is going to be way more reliable.

Get one and enjoy it while you can because once you have 2 kids+ Sienna trumps them all. :)
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I've driven a few 200s and LX570s (two of my brothers have 570s), great vehicles, but in my opinion, they just don't have the same magic sauce that the 100 has. The 100 perfectly bridges the gap between the old and the new in my opinion. The visibility is unmatched – I'm 6ft and like to sit high up in the seat. Drove my son to school in ours this morning and he was amazed that the old voice recognition system still works and can change the cars temp! ha.
 
Live to Ski said:
IMHO key word is kid. Hard to imagine the 100 being safer than newer models. Me myself & I would go with the newest I could afford.
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Agreed. I told my wife that once the kid is out of a car seat, we’re grabbing a 200. Or when the rust takes over, whichever is first lol.

I do like the 100 more though 😁
 
I use my 07 LX pretty much just for long road trips and offroad trips. All trips end up being a good 2,000+ miles. It’s SUPER comfortable, extremely low wind noise even with a Dissent roof rack. Honestly I’ve been in hundreds of modern luxury cars and I’m amazed how quiet the LX is on the highway. I’ll sometimes drive my friends 97 4Runner on these trips and we will switch off. The LX feels like a Rolls Royce compared to a 3gen 4Runner (even though he has C-rated and less aggressive tires than me).
 
Couvi said:
I've driven a few 200s and LX570s (two of my brothers have 570s), great vehicles, but in my opinion, they just don't have the same magic sauce that the 100 has. The 100 perfectly bridges the gap between the old and the new in my opinion. The visibility is unmatched – I'm 6ft and like to sit high up in the seat. Drove my son to school in ours this morning and he was amazed that the old voice recognition system still works and can change the cars temp! ha.
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Agreed ive driven several 570s. A 2014 an a 2021 (brand new), a couple TLC200s. AMAZING machines but they just feel bulky and you feel very disconnected from the road. The steering feel is very different.
 
i live in south OC and go to mammoth often with the cruiser. Its great, but it is the dedicated camping offroad car, not the daily. I also have a kid on the way and i am glad i have something new that is safer. Not saying the LC isnt a tank, it absolutely is, just newer cars are safer than my 1999. If i was you, i would choose the 200 but that is purely because i know how much time, money and parts have gone into this rig over the last 10 years and 100k miles. Currently sitting at 234k and still have more that needs to be done. I also think the 5.7 makes more sense for driving in 2025. Going up the hill into mammoth from bishop I am pretty much floored going up that hill in my 100. It makes it, but its not happy the whole way up.
 
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