Considering purchasing a newer Land Cruiser up to a 2006 model, based on current market pricing..are their any years to stay away from? Looking between 2003-2006
Which Land Cruiser to buy
- Thread starter primer7
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03 and up will be prime. In 03 they got an extra gear as well as a little more power. It's pretty hard to find them without NAV. though. I tried holding out for an 03 without NAV, but gave up and bought our 2000 for it's service history.
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- #4
This will be the wife's daily driver and we "Plan" to make the 97' the camping/trail rig. So all the feedback is appreciated.
I think I'd like to have the A750F that came with '03-'07 LC100 and LX470 Series. However having said that I have also heard from a couple guys that have the newer 5-speed and have reported they tend to hunt shift...guess I'd have to drive one. The '03+ used 4.10 R&P and with a modded/heavier rig and 4.88's it would be especially nice ('99-'02 came with the A343F and 4.30's)
The '98 and '99 are the least (relatively) electronic BS (IMO) and they progressively got more electronic everything each year there after. Only two years where the rear e-locker was an option (most '99s came with it). Only two years with the (IMO) preferable manual HVAC and temp control dials.
'00 was the start of ATRAC (traction control via ABS). There is a little concentration of tranny issues in some '00 and early '01.
'04 was the last year for "ARACO" mfg. Not sure it really means anything but just that.
Seems like alot more Navigation unit issues with '04's (subjective).
'06 & '07 got the VVT cam sensors.
Like 24HOURSOFNEVADA stated the Nav option is a deal breaker for me for a couple different reasons. It also controls HVAC; they are stupid expensive when they go south; touch screen is not a good thing here in the land of dust; the nav is next to worthless for its intended purpose: Navigating. Toyota is notorious for their ill designed nav and mapping systems.
We did discover you can import a Mexico OEM 100-Series with little more than driving it across the border (assuming you live through the going there and buying one process
) and almost all of their '03+ are sans navigation/touch screen unit options. They are North America; they meet all our states smog requirements, etc. If I ever get serious about a newer one that's my plan.
And last but not least: Do yourself a favor: Whatever year you get be sure to save yourself potential expense and agony by installing the ARB locker up front. The weaklink on the 100-Series is the front ring gear carrier; its relatively flexy. Whereas the ARB carrier is substantially more stout and keeps the ring gear in one plane
The '98 and '99 are the least (relatively) electronic BS (IMO) and they progressively got more electronic everything each year there after. Only two years where the rear e-locker was an option (most '99s came with it). Only two years with the (IMO) preferable manual HVAC and temp control dials.
'00 was the start of ATRAC (traction control via ABS). There is a little concentration of tranny issues in some '00 and early '01.
'04 was the last year for "ARACO" mfg. Not sure it really means anything but just that.
Seems like alot more Navigation unit issues with '04's (subjective).
'06 & '07 got the VVT cam sensors.
Like 24HOURSOFNEVADA stated the Nav option is a deal breaker for me for a couple different reasons. It also controls HVAC; they are stupid expensive when they go south; touch screen is not a good thing here in the land of dust; the nav is next to worthless for its intended purpose: Navigating. Toyota is notorious for their ill designed nav and mapping systems.
We did discover you can import a Mexico OEM 100-Series with little more than driving it across the border (assuming you live through the going there and buying one process
) and almost all of their '03+ are sans navigation/touch screen unit options. They are North America; they meet all our states smog requirements, etc. If I ever get serious about a newer one that's my plan.And last but not least: Do yourself a favor: Whatever year you get be sure to save yourself potential expense and agony by installing the ARB locker up front. The weaklink on the 100-Series is the front ring gear carrier; its relatively flexy. Whereas the ARB carrier is substantially more stout and keeps the ring gear in one plane
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- #6
Thanks, solid input, I have been looking at the 03' on line to see what the market prices are for lower mileage rigs that are stock. I thought they came standard with rear lockers, but am just beginning to learn the different options Toyota offered.
Just in case you haven't seen Slee's site for the 100-Series top down/Newbie Guide: Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide