Used LC Purchase Questions (1 Viewer)

[trevory]

Thanks in advance for the read. I have been lurking for some time and enjoyed reading all the articles and recommendations. We are looking for a replacement to a 2007 Volvo XC90 and our budget is 30-40k. Growing up our family had a couple of 60 Series and an 80 Series. It appears that there is a decent amount of used 100 Series with lower mileage and some 200 Series with 80-110k miles. I don't have any experience with the 100 or 200 Series but would love to get any wisdom from previous owners.

1. Is the new 5.7L engine that much better?
2. Would a 100 Series be better long term with less electronics to go bad down the road?
3. Is there anything specific to either model that you all would say is a "deal breaker?"
4. Lower $, lower miles on a 100 series or pay the extra $ for higher miles on a 200 series?
5. I don't plan on any mods at this point. Basically, looking for a nice car that we can put a lot of miles on and go camping/fishing with the option to go 4L somewhere.

Thanks again,
Trevor

 

[Markuson]

Thanks in advance for the read. I have been lurking for some time and enjoyed reading all the articles and recommendations. We are looking for a replacement to a 2007 Volvo XC90 and our budget is 30-40k. Growing up our family had a couple of 60 Series and an 80 Series. It appears that there is a decent amount of used 100 Series with lower mileage and some 200 Series with 80-110k miles. I don't have any experience with the 100 or 200 Series but would love to get any wisdom from previous owners.

1. Is the new 5.7L engine that much better?
2. Would a 100 Series be better long term with less electronics to go bad down the road?
3. Is there anything specific to either model that you all would say is a "deal breaker?"
4. Lower $, lower miles on a 100 series or pay the extra $ for higher miles on a 200 series?
5. I don't plan on any mods at this point. Basically, looking for a nice car that we can put a lot of miles on and go camping/fishing with the option to go 4L somewhere.

Thanks again,
Trevor

Drove my '99, fully built 100 series for 13 years and LOVED it every...single...time I got behind the wheel.

Two years ago I bought a 2008 LC with 48k miles on it for 40k.

The ONLY thing I miss about my 100? -The mods I have not yet installed. See my sig for what I've done to my 200 so far...but let me just say that the 200 is a massive upgrade. Front suspension way better (coilovers instead of torsion bars)... Engine has MASSIVELY MORE POWER. I mean like WOAH!!! Unbelievable difference in the 5.7 over the 100's 4.7. Truly impressive...without even trying. Towing is stronger...interior is amazing. Refrigerated coolbox in the center console is legit. Absolutely love my 200. Once I add front/rear bumpers/tire carrier, it will be up to my 100 build and I'll be even more giddy whenever I jump in this thing.

So... Yes. Spend a little more in a non-rust market...and you will be thrilled. This thing is an absolute beast when you want/need it to be...and the rest of the time, it's a solid, comfortable, confident, safe, powerful, classy vehicle you will be happy and proud to drive. Whenever you decide you NEED 4low? -You will be amazed. Crawl control is extremely effective and goes a long way toward a lack of locking rear diff--though you can add one if you like.

No knock against the 100...but the 200 really does bump to the next level in legitimate and useful ways.

M

 

[kreiten]

what he said... The 200 is everything the 100 is on steroids! it's worth the stretch whether cruising a country road or hitting Moab... Grab a 200 posts some pics and start making some memories man! Welcome to the club!

 

[Tripledave]

200. Hands down, no brainer. No rust and you are good to go. Good luck on your search sir.

 

[ryanCA]

I have owned every single cruiser, and multiple of them, since FJ60.

If my budget is 20k=100 series hands down.

If my budget is 40k=200 series hands down.

 

[Reckless]

The 200 over the 100 EVERYDAY!

 

[trevory]

Thank you everyone for the wisdom. Looking forward to getting in the saddle.

 

[FJC]

I just got done with deciding. One day I'd want a 200, the next a 100. You can't go wrong with either. I have a Tundra so I know the 5.7 and I really like it. With that said I found a low mileage (90K) with all maintenance performed to the book 2003 and pulled the trigger. For me I couldn't justify the extra dough (kind of an ironic comment in the 200 section) since this is 3 cars now for 2 drivers.

Really liked the 200, and one day will probably have one, but I still prefer the 100 styling, feels a little smaller (cause I think it is). Preferred the look out over the hood , can't really explain that. And the 100 is not as luxurious, which is another odd comment cause my dog hasn't seen the inside of it yet cause it's to damn nice. Oh and to one of your questions, I limited my search to 2003 and up after awhile because I felt the power delivery in the 5 speed was more then adequate. If I planned on towing with it extensively, I would have leaned more to a 200.

Can't go wrong with either, but thought I would give the 100 some love since it didn't have any. I can say I wish I had the cooler box.

Looks like you have already done the research, but, with your budget there are relatively low mileage ones that pop up at the top of ur range. I was close to finalizing the deal on an 08 with 35k miles, but some things in the service history scared me and it had a slight pull to the right that was mentioned in service records years before. Haven't regretted my decision or the extra cash in my wallet. I would have been required to sell a car in that scenario, and still may. I just really like my FJ and my tundra also, the koolaid has been consumed. This post continued way longer then I planned.......

Anyways, enjoy the search. I like them both.

 

[Narkhelek]

Although I love my 200 I definitely like the styling of the 100 better. The 200 just doesn't look like a Land Cruiser. Enjoy your new ride!

 

[Markuson]

Although I love my 200 I definitely like the styling of the 100 better. The 200 just doesn't look like a Land Cruiser. Enjoy your new ride!

That EXACT sentiment is what they said about the 80...with the 100 not looking like a real Cruiser til long after it was out.



How's the song go?

-And the seasons they go round and round...and the painted ponies go up and down...

Circle game.

 

[kreiten]

That EXACT sentiment is what they said about the 80...with the 100 not looking like a real Cruiser til long after it was out.



How's the song go?

-And the seasons they go round and round...and the painted ponies go up and down...

Circle game.

When I got my first 80 series back in the 90's I use to hear that all the time, the 80's series is too bubbly, Toyota sold out, it's just a grocery go getter etc.. Funny now it's regarded as one of the great Cruisers of all time! Guess it's cool or gives you street cred to knock the new Cruiser on the block, if that's the case I must have no street cred cause I seem to be always rockin the newest version of Toyota's grocery go getter