Used LC/LX vs anything else available

[uzj100]

Guys,

I went to check out the new LR3 (Disco Replacement) and man was I disappointed. The interior materials were so cheap. The thing looked like a giant Honda Element. I am sure it is fine offroad and drives a ton better but the interior is sad. That leads to this statement, a used 1998 to 2000 LC/LX is one of the best bargains out there. Especially selling in the low $20's.

Why do other consumers not see this? It blows me away. Am I that biased? I am trying to keep an open mind but it is hard to do.

uzj100

 

[98LXand99LC]

I think that consumers do recognize that used Land Cruisers are a good value. That's why the resale value is so high. Think about the weight of your comment "a used 1998 to 2000 LC/LX is one of the best bargains out there. Especially selling in the low $20's." A '98 is now 6 years old, how many 6 year old vehicles are in the $20K range?

However, I do get a kick out of seeing someone driving their "brand new" ford/chevy or whatever knowing that they paid more than I did for my "used" land cruiser.

 

[uzj100]

Yes, that trips me out also. I paid more for my disposable suv than did your used LC/LX. I have more interior room and more hp, it must be better. I do not even argue anymore. Down in NC it is pointless. To many fords and chevys.

uzj100

 

[macneill]

Man, that thing is fugly. They're still going to sell a million of them though.

 

[uzj100]

The LR3 stickers for $48k and the interior is bad. The glass roof over the 2nd and 3rd row is very cool.

uzj100

 

[dclee]

The LR3 stickers for $48k and the interior is bad. The glass roof over the 2nd and 3rd row is very cool.

uzj100

Until you roll the truck! Oops, I forgot, none of these will (or even _can_) go off the asphalt!

 

[ryanjl]

I think some people are just so conditioned to believing that used vehicles aren't reliable.

I'm almost certain, though, that a Toyota/Lexus with 80K on it will have less problems than a brand new Tahoe, and definitely less than a brand new Rover.

 

[uzj100]

Here are the videos of the LR3 offroad tests.

http://www.uae4x4.com/vids/lr3.htm

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Interesting Videos. The rear travel is very impressive. At 13-inches it's the same as the 100's. The front exceeds a 100's travel by 2.5 inches which equals an 80's without L-series shocks. The inability to modify or tire-up though makes this unsuitable for real off-roading. Looks excellent for mild off-roading. The approach and departure angles best an 80 and 100 as does the crawl ratio. Looks like the right design (other than being a Ford Rover) though not meant to be modified.

 

[FirstToy]

Cool vids! I like how the LR looks but the black one looks too much like a skinny Ford Exploder.
I think LR has one of the worst repeat buyer score (fewest repeat customers), which tells you people like the image but not the reliability.

I would take the GX over anything new right now. Used- a lockered up 80.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Exploder? LUV IT FirstToy!

The GX would be a sweet daily driver/touring rig. When we were looking for a 3rd rig to prolong the life of the Cruisers we almost bought one instead of our '04 Taco. When we realized we'd again modify what we bought for off-roading too, the GX was discounted for lack of clearance and possible tire size (without extreme mods). Every time I see one though I luv the looks. What a difference in looks between 4Runner (yuck) and GX (classy).

 

[Pitbull]

I also think a used LC is a great vehicle, but it depends on how used? Most people don't care about extreme off road. They deal with snow/ice and need some room for hauling. I personally like the looks of the LC/LX, not as good looking as the 80 series but still a class act. I like the looks of the GX470 from the front but the rear looks like crap. I love the looks of the 4th generation 4runner and the interior trim is more modern with the chrome/aluminum versus the dated look of wood. You also have to look at the cost to maintain these vehicles. A used LC with 80/90K miles will need a lot more money spent on it for up keep than a new 4runner which only needs oil/filter changes and tire rotation/balance for the first 60K miles. Personally I would reather spend a little more and get a 2002 LC with around 25-35K miles for around ?? $38K, now your talkin just broke in and you have 60K miles before any real major service. If you are lookin for a off road rig then I would buy a used 93-97 80 series and set it up for the job. Less investment and more off road vehicle. I guess it all boils down to what you are looking for and if you have good taste in vehicles JMHO but I'm seldom wrong

 

[mabrodis]

I agree the '98-'99 Cruisers are a great deal for what you get. However, for people that don't care what they get they don't understand. I have told lots of my friends about great deals on Cruisers and LX's I've found, most are like, why would I buy a vehicle 5 years old (or more) with 50K miles or so on them when I can buy this Explorer (or fill-in lame vehicle of choice) for only $X more. I then try to explain how great a Cruiser is, bla bla bla, they don't always get it, they are useto having disposable vehicles, sadly, most people in the US are useto and expect disposable vehicles.

Which is great, this way those of us who want Cruisers get their pick and get a great deal.

 

[reffug]

I then try to explain how great a Cruiser is, bla bla bla, they don't always get it, they are useto having disposable vehicles, sadly, most people in the US are useto and expect disposable vehicles.

Which is great, this way those of us who want Cruisers get their pick and get a great deal.

Please stop trying to explain this to these people. It hinders our selection to pick from and cuts down on aforementioned great deals.

 

[Jim_Chow]

The only problem with any used rig is how it was used. If the PO floored it at every green light and slammed on the brakes hard at every red light (like they do in LA) and drove it 1/4 mi to the grocery store, that engine has had a hard life. So low miles can be deceiving, especially in a rig like an 80. IMHO, it's better to buy a newer rig (like a '01 100) w/ high mileage (80-100K mi), as it's likely been driven mostly on the highway. Going a sustained 80mph on the highway is still a lot less wear & tear on the vehicle than constant stop & go. The GX looks more top-heavy then the 4runner or 100. Looking at the Prado specs, it does have more interior room than the hilux surf despite being nearly the same length. Photos seem to suggest the hilux/runner is larger under the hood. In Japan, the Prado outsells the hilux surf since it's only $1K more, though both seem to be tremendously underpowered (150hp I-4 used on the taco, 3.4L V6, or 3L turbo diesel....no V8). I think we only get the V8 here in the States. I'd only buy a new 100 if it were the 4.2L turbo diesel, preferably w/ factory aux. tank and rear locker (you can get one like this, new, in Japan for $40K USD, but no leather or running boards [V8 is the same price]. ). So it seems Toyota USA is making a tidy profit. Again, it's the "luxury" factor.

 

[uzj100]

I would be at the dealership in 2 seconds if I could get a brand new 100 with 4.2 liter TD, auto, aux tank, rear locker, no leather and no running boards for $40k. This would be the only new vehicle I would even consider buying. Toyota are you listening? I am sure they are not.

uzj100

 

[97 FZJ80]

Used LR/RR are all over the LR dealership - from people who trade them in after the warranty or just returning them after the lease - without exercising the purchase option. I've looked at the RR for comparison shopping when I bought my 80 and it's like comparing night and day. I now sport the "Range Rover Recovery Vehicle" sticker on my rear window

I'm not that big of a fan of the US 100 seried. While it is still a very nice and capable vehicle, I reall do not like the 4.7 engine with the timing belt.

My preferance would be a GX with the 4.0 V6 w/6 speed- if Lexus would only offer that combination in the US.

 

[Pitbull]

I really do not like the 4.7 engine with the timing belt.

My preferance would be a GX with the 4.0 V6 w/6 speed- if Lexus would only offer that combination in the US.

That's interesting. I would reather have the 4.7 V8 with the timing belt then the 4.0 V6 with the timing chain. The 4.7 V8 is a world class engine. The new 4.0 has had some problems, I think they have them fixed. I like the fact that the 4.7 V8 is a real HD engine with the iron block where the 4.0 V6 is all aluminum. I guess that is why Toyota makes all the different models and engines, different strokes for different uses and folks.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Well said Pitbull!

 

[Jim_Chow]

That's interesting. I would reather have the 4.7 V8 with the timing belt then the 4.0 V6 with the timing chain. The 4.7 V8 is a world class engine. The new 4.0 has had some problems, I think they have them fixed. I like the fact that the 4.7 V8 is a real HD engine with the iron block where the 4.0 V6 is all aluminum. I guess that is why Toyota makes all the different models and engines, different strokes for different uses and folks.

Personally, I'd prefer both a cast iron block and cast iron head...less potential for HG problems. Why doesn't anyone do this anymore? Cost? Weight?

--Jim