Which Year is the best for 100 Series Cruisers?

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Looking for a little help from those with a good knowledge of the differences between 100 series model year vehicles. I know they range from 1998 to present. I am looking to find a good used Cruiser for my wife as we are expecting our first child. My Mother owns a 1998 (With rear diff lock) that she has been happy with. It looked to me that MY2000 would be the furthest I’d want to go back, as that was the first year for electronic traction control/stability control systems (are rear diff locks still available on the ETC equipped cruisers, or did it replace them??). Price is obviously a motivating factor though, or I’d buy her a new one! Any thoughts on which years are best, any problem arrears to look for, etc would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
there was some sort of problem with transmission that I vaguely recall, I think 2000?
Not sure.
Or maybe it was with Lexi?
Think about rear A/C and Navsys system availability too.
Eric

(try and find old posts on the topic, there are many, the new search function works pretty well)
 
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Depend on what do you call best.
99 start getting rear ac, diff lock still available
00 for traction control
01 for navigation (I might be wrong)
03 for 5 speed.

What makes you want to trade is you "best4x4xfar" ;)
 
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I think 2000 is the sweet spot if you can get one without NAV. If the NAV breaks it cost like $5K to replace and your air conditioning and heat won't work without it. So with the 2000 you get the good traction control stuff but not have to deal with the NAV. That is unless you think the NAV is a must have. If you think the NAV is a must have then get the latest year for the least amount of money. Now I also have heard that the 99 had a weaker front diff. Like suggested do a search, a lot of good info. and when it comes to the Landcruiser I think the members of this site know more about them then Toyota does. Good luck.
 
2000 - Nav was not available. 2001 was the first year for the factory nav system.

I recommend the 00 if it is for a family truckster just for the added safety net of the vsc - stability control. Also, the 00 had the stronger front diff (4 pinion) and I think rear climate control was standard on the 00.

uzj100
 
cruiser99 said:
Forgot to show you why!

Sweet PIC :cheers: Just curious, where is that?
 
Yes for both. Just came back fro a 9 days trip to Copper Canyon with Scott and the beams are steel. I was actually worried about the half rotting wood slats on top. We encounter few of these.
 
That's an awsome pic. Definitely a keeper!!!

Hmmm, how long would it take to drive there from Orlando???? I'd have to one hell of a sales pitch for the wife!!!
 
Augie said:
What makes you want to trade is you "best4x4xfar" ;)

I don’t think anything will make me want to trade in my “Best4x4xFAR” (A Land Rover Defender 90 that’s built for trail work), but I am looking for a good everyday vehicle that is quite capable should I need/want to leave the pavement, and can carry my family and lots of gear in the utmost safety on the roads. For this, we are considering a Cruiser as my wifes ride. Can anyone elaborate on Transmission problems in some years, and what years were effected? Thanks again everyone..

~Scott T.
 
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You mean the D90 isn't a good everyday vehicle that is quite capable should you need/want to leave the pavement, and can carry your family and lots of gear in the utmost safety on the roads?
 
Sorry, I didn't realize this site was now void of ribbing or is that just in the 100 section? No harm intended. But hey the good side is we may soon have another member with a 100.
 
I was just giving you a hard time, of course the d90 is a reliable, comfortable daily driver with plenty of safety features and room for everyone in your family.

uzj100
 
Afterall... it is the best 4x4xFar.
 

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