WHY 03 and up better?

[DTAYLOR]

Why is the 2003 LC or LX450 better than the older model 100's?

I'm considering buying one. I have seen posts advising the later, but no real reason why.....do tell...

 

[spressomon]

Why is the 2003 LC or LX450 better than the older model 100's?

I'm considering buying one. I have seen posts advising the later, but no real reason why.....do tell...

It really comes down to how/where (and how many $$$ you have budgeted for the rig plus aftermarket goods) you are going to use your 100. The ideal set-up would be the 5-speed with '03+; TRAC...and then add ARB lockers front and rear (along with all the other goodies) for the ultimate off-road exploring/camping rig...Just know that if you are really going to set your rig up for off-road travel you could easily spend $5K-$10K (lift, tires, winch, recovery gear, fridge/freeze, drawers, lights, etc.)...that is why I went with a '99. I could have gotten a newer LC but then would not have had the $$$ for all my mods...which I use all the time!

 

[e9999]

yup, 5 speed is sweet!

 

[ryanjl]

Why is the 2003 LC or LX450 better than the older model 100's?

I'm considering buying one. I have seen posts advising the later, but no real reason why.....do tell...

And just an FYI to make sure you're not confused, the 2003's and newer would be an LX470. The LX450's production ceased with the end of the 80 series cruisers (1997), and the LX470's production began with the 100 series cruiser (1998).

 

[SWUtah]

If you have the $$$ newer is always better. But if you are going to pay $39K for a 2003 with 40K miles or you could buy a 2000 LC with 40K miles on it for $23K then I would buy the 2000 all day long, and what I just described is possible. So newer is not always better when you have to factor in the $$$

 

[Jim_Chow]

The dash of the '03 was also redesigned, so it's more up-to-date (shifter is a gate-type, too). The non-gate type of shifter seems so old to me...we had one on our old '72 Corona Mark II. Funny it took several decades for toyota to change the design.

 

[dclee]

Also, if it matters to you, `03+ had the option for front side and front/rear side curtain airbags. I believe on `04+ you could get the rear backup camera and Bluetooth phone setup (not sure if they were available in `03).

 

[CTapia]

Also, if it matters to you, `03+ had the option for front side and front/rear side curtain airbags. I believe on `04+ you could get the rear backup camera and Bluetooth phone setup (not sure if they were available in `03).

bluetooth and rear camera became a standard option on the 04+ LX/LC with the factory Nav system.

 

[tabraha]

I think for '08 the rear view mirror ray gun and front bumper retractor beam winch will be standard too.

I love gadgets.

 

[tech_dog]

The dash of the '03 was also redesigned, so it's more up-to-date (shifter is a gate-type, too). The non-gate type of shifter seems so old to me...we had one on our old '72 Corona Mark II. Funny it took several decades for toyota to change the design.

Yep. 2003 was a big improvement in dash design, IMHO.

 

[tech_dog]

I'm surprised that even an 06 LX is missing some of the cool things in our Sienna.

The Sienna has the laser cruise control, which works great, and the rear bumper sonar, which is even more useful than the backup camera.

 

[DTAYLOR]

thanks

Well, I guess if I need a 50mm gun mounted behind the headlights I'm just SOL. Any upcoming models have RPG's or laser guided missiles?

Maybe I'll wait till I win the lottery to by a 100. Glad I can still afford parts for the 80.

 

[Jim_Chow]

One more thing about the side/curtain air bags...they are standard on all '02+ LX's while on the '03 LC, they were a $800 option. The LS also has that rear IR sensor thing in the bumper (they look like little plastic buttons in the bumper), but this means if you install an aftermarket rear bumper, you'll have to rewire all of 'em and drill lots of holes...could get obscured by a tire/tire carrier, too.

 

[dclee]

...if you install an aftermarket rear bumper, you'll have to rewire all of 'em and drill lots of holes...could get obscured by a tire/tire carrier, too.

Ah yes, another reason why I don't want my spare out on the back of the bumper, even when I get the replacement steel unit (eventually, if Amando ever gets that thing in CAD, hehe).

 

[rockclmbr]

Ah yes, another reason why I don't want my spare out on the back of the bumper, even when I get the replacement steel unit (eventually, if Amando ever gets that thing in CAD, hehe).

patiently waiting....

 

[sbechtold]

I just took delivery of an 06 last week. We had a 01 LC 100 and the 06 is sooo much better. The ride is better, it handles better, there is more power, the transmission is sweat and interior has been updated a lot. Bluetooth, backup camera, VVTi engine, variable valve adjustment ride height suspension. Also with the understanding that I did not buy the LC for gas mileage, it is better. Just drove a complete freeway trip and clocked 16.8 mpg with only 500 miles on the LC. The best I ever saw in the 01 was 14 mpg.

Now we bought this LC as the kids carrier and my wife drives it, so it will never really see any 4-wheeling, about the most it will see is snow in Tahoe.

 

[SWUtah]

I just took delivery of an 06 last week. We had a 01 LC 100 and the 06 is sooo much better. The ride is better, it handles better, there is more power, the transmission is sweat and interior has been updated a lot. Bluetooth, backup camera, VVTi engine, variable valve adjustment ride height suspension. Also with the understanding that I did not buy the LC for gas mileage, it is better. Just drove a complete freeway trip and clocked 16.8 mpg with only 500 miles on the LC. The best I ever saw in the 01 was 14 mpg.

Now we bought this LC as the kids carrier and my wife drives it, so it will never really see any 4-wheeling, about the most it will see is snow in Tahoe.

Can't beat a new 100 series. You must be a nice guy to let the wife drive it.

 

[sbechtold]

Can't beat a new 100 series. You must be a nice guy to let the wife drive it.

The LC100 is a superb vehicle! As for letting her drive it, well... I bought her the LC100 and she bought me a new FJ Cruiser. Were both happy!