I have just finished my fj40 resto thinking me the wife and our lil guy would tour all over the us and into south America with it. Sha she was complaining while driving in it to the store for 5 min. Ummmm thinking I need something much more modern than a fj40. What LC do you all suggest. Some camping although mostly hotel by nite when available. Lots of off road, I like to take the scenic (off road) rout. Thanks
What is the best yr lc to buy for excursions?
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Cruiserdrew
On the way there
Budget?
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- #3
20grand plus say another 5 in upgrades. Tires, winch, metal bumpers, etc to make it off road worthy.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
For that money get a nice 100 series and all the goodies. Then you get a modern, comfortable and fast Land Cruiser with all the modern safety features like good brakes and airbags.
RiverCityDave
SILVER Star
Absolutely for that money get a nice pre 2005 100, and drop the rest in tires, baseline, and a bumper just so you look serious.
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Why pre 2005 at they beter off road? Are they all 4 wd.?
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- #8
I just looked at craigslist. Now I know why you said pre 2005. For 20,000 that's as new as your going to get. Sha these things are pricy. Stick/ manual or automatic trans? I'd rather auto if it's a solid performer off road.
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RiverCityDave
SILVER Star
They only came as auto in the US, but it's Landcruiser reliable. Very few transmission failures out there.
Some good info if you're planning on buying a 100 series Cruiser,
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm
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- #11
That was a great over view thanks ARNDOG
VidereStudios
SILVER Star
For that money, get a '98 or '99 with the factory rear locker...upgrade like others have said, and save the extra 5K for the trip. Sometimes wish I had gone that route...I got a 2001 instead, so I will be spending the extra money for ARB front and rear lockers...not a big deal though. Hard to go wrong with a 100 series...
Your wife will love a 100. At least mine did. I don't really care for the dated Nav, but the heated leather grew on me really quick.
Build a FJ55--I'm just say'n 
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
100-Series, no questions asked. It's the only option your 
will like, I can promise you that. The IFS front makes it a very comfortable ride. Seats are comfortable and heated. Lots of room, lots of airbags (safety, she will approve!). With all that said, they are still extremely capable off-road.
$25k budget with upgrades you can get a VERY nice 100-Series setup. Take some time and do some reading around the 100 forum. These are not grocery getters, we have some hardcore expedition and even rock crawling people in the group.
My advice, if you can afford it the 03/04 with the 5-speed transmission (yes I'm partial). However the 98-02 are great deals, could cut your budget down, or leave way more available for upgrades. ATRAC is MORE than adequate, don't get sucked into needing a rear locker like in the 98-99 models.
will like, I can promise you that. The IFS front makes it a very comfortable ride. Seats are comfortable and heated. Lots of room, lots of airbags (safety, she will approve!). With all that said, they are still extremely capable off-road.$25k budget with upgrades you can get a VERY nice 100-Series setup. Take some time and do some reading around the 100 forum. These are not grocery getters, we have some hardcore expedition and even rock crawling people in the group.
My advice, if you can afford it the 03/04 with the 5-speed transmission (yes I'm partial). However the 98-02 are great deals, could cut your budget down, or leave way more available for upgrades. ATRAC is MORE than adequate, don't get sucked into needing a rear locker like in the 98-99 models.
I would still opt for an 80 series, preferably 95 to 97. I don't care for IFS when it comes to off-roading.....just a personal preference. I know the 100 is a capable wheeler as I have friends that wheel with them.
I have been stuck in the middle of nowhere and had to walk out one too many times so I have opted for the most solid off-roader I can get my hands on and that is absolutely the 80 series.
If you have any doubts, put an 80 up on the rack and put a 100 series (or anything else for that matter) on a rack next to it. Get under both of them and identify the most likely areas for breakage when going off-road. The 80 has it all over any other vehicle ever produced for the US market from a reliability perspective when off-roading.
I have been stuck in the middle of nowhere and had to walk out one too many times so I have opted for the most solid off-roader I can get my hands on and that is absolutely the 80 series.
If you have any doubts, put an 80 up on the rack and put a 100 series (or anything else for that matter) on a rack next to it. Get under both of them and identify the most likely areas for breakage when going off-road. The 80 has it all over any other vehicle ever produced for the US market from a reliability perspective when off-roading.
x2 on the 80 series.
I've driven both 80's and 100's in some pretty harsh areas, for comfort the 100 series, for reliability the 80 all the way. The drive train on the 80 is pretty bullet proof, straight axles are definitely nice.
I've driven both 80's and 100's in some pretty harsh areas, for comfort the 100 series, for reliability the 80 all the way. The drive train on the 80 is pretty bullet proof, straight axles are definitely nice.
If you want something cushy pick an 80 series since your in the US.
Second choice in the US would be a 60.
If you really want to spend some money buy a Troopie.
But it would take up your whole budget just to buy the truck in the US.
I am really pro 70 series.
Second choice in the US would be a 60.
If you really want to spend some money buy a Troopie.
But it would take up your whole budget just to buy the truck in the US.
I am really pro 70 series.
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Were the 100's ever available in South American markets? I've never looked. The 80 series was produced through 2007? for Venezuela. My point is availability of parts if need in that part of the world. A lot of 70 Series parts cross over to the 80 too.
But for a long trip the 100 all the way and easily doable on that budget.
But for a long trip the 100 all the way and easily doable on that budget.
