Why are used Land Cruiser values ~ the same as 4Runners?

[AeoNKiNG]

Hi Guys,

I've always loved Land Cruisers but never even though to look at used ones because I thought they'd be significantly more expensive than used 4Runners. However, after struggling to find a relatively low mileage (sub 150k) 1999-2002 4Runner in my price range, I posted on a 4Runner forum and someone suggested I look at Land Cruisers. I quickly found a 120,000 mileage 2002 Land Cruiser in awesome condition for $12,000. I called the guy right away and he said someone had already bought it. That must've been a really good deal for that one.

Anyway, are Land Cruisers as long-lasting as 4Runners? I regularly see 1999-2002 4Runners with a lot of miles priced at more than $10,000. See here: http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/4401368830.html and http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4399672886.html

Also, a separate question. There's a guy in my neighborhood that has a sick looking Land Cruiser. I snapped a couple of photos. Does anyone know what color it is? And did he paint his rims or are there other ones you can buy that are gun-metal colored?

Thanks!

 

[sonofshin]

Those rims are painted. I don't have any experience with 4runners but many on this board including myself will tell you that the 100 series is one of the best used vehicle values out there. It helps if you are at least somewhat mechanically inclined as they do require maintenance and it can get expensive if you are always having a dealership or shop work on it. My DD is a Tacoma Doublecab and when I drive the lx which is 11 years older, Im still wowed at how great it feels and drives. If I was trying to choose between a 4runner and 100 series it would be 100 all the way. Fuel mileage might be my only concern.

 

[TXLX100]

You can probably find more, good deals if shopping for a 4Runner simply because there are a lot more 4Runners. I've had both and can say my LX is a more substantial vehicle (although the 4Runner I had was great as well). I would expect both models to stay "decent" up to 300k, if taken care of. I would expect to pay at least a few thousand more for a same year same miles LC and a lot more in fuel vs. a V6 4Runner. As always, some people will ask crazy money for their trucks because of their own perceived value of all their add-ons, maintenance, etc

A family member just bought a clean 2007 4Runner 2wd w/85k miles for around $15k at a dealer. A 4wd would be a couple thousand more I would guess. A 2007 LC with 85k would command much more $.

There's a 2003 4Runner limited, V8 4x4, 140k for sale near me for $9800. I'd rather have that at $9800, than $13k for the older gen model you posted....

 

[AeoNKiNG]

Thanks guys. I'm limiting myself to shopping for a 1999-2002 4Runner because I don't like the look of the 4th generation (2003-2009). They're too low to the ground (especially the front end). I guess I could lift it, but that's probably a pain in the butt and could be expensive.

 

[TXLX100]

Both of those gen's have big plastic bumpers and there can't be much difference in ground to bumper height. Lifts will be about the same price for both gen's, requiring the same types of parts. Not trying to disagree with your preference, I like both. The 3rd gen looks less like a chick car than the 4th gen, but the 4th gen has some different engine options and the V6 is more powerful. Both are rated at 5,000lbs towing, but that's probably a reach for both. Both gens appear to be well supported with aftermarket items.

 

[AeoNKiNG]

I agree that the 4th generation looks more like a chick car. It's less rugged. The 4th gen is known for having a lower front end. It's angled downward, unlike the 3rd generation, which looks like it has the same height at the front and back ends. If you look at a 4th gen that has a 3"/2" lift (front/rear), it looks much better. However, I don't think the 3rd generation needs any lift to make it look better.

 

[AeoNKiNG]

It wouldn't let me edit my previous post, but I wanted to add this.

2004 Limited 4Runner V8 4x4 for $19,000!

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/4401322869.html

 

[CappyKD]

I paid $19k for my 01 LX with 83k miles on it 4 years ago. Keep looking, there are good deals out there.


My buddy just picked up a bone stock 1999 4runner limited with rear locker for $7500, on our last trip to Moab he couldn't even come close to keeping up with me on the highway or up hills.

 

[AeoNKiNG]

Did you buy yours on CL? Or from a dealer? Wondering if searching dealer inventories is even worth it... or if they're just always going to be more expensive than CL.

 

[mcgaskins]

Keep in mind anyone can list a car for any price. All things like year, miles, condition equal Land Cruisers are going to be a several thousand dollar premium at least. Of course there are outliers but they are the exception not the norm.

 

[TXLX100]

I agree that the 4th generation looks more like a chick car. It's less rugged. The 4th gen is known for having a lower front end. It's angled downward, unlike the 3rd generation, which looks like it has the same height at the front and back ends. If you look at a 4th gen that has a 3"/2" lift (front/rear), it looks much better. However, I don't think the 3rd generation needs any lift to make it look better.

You are right, the 4th gen does have more of a rake front to back. It never bothered me on my 2wd 4runner, it leveled out nice with a load or full of people. If you are keeping whatever you get stock, 3rd gen looks better from that point. If you look long enough, I bet you could get a very nice 3rd gen 4x4 for less than $10k ( at least in Texas).

Did you buy yours on CL? Or from a dealer? Wondering if searching dealer inventories is even worth it... or if they're just always going to be more expensive than CL.

I've bought my last several cars used from luxury dealers (Lexus/Infiniti) and one Toyota dealer (my ford truck). I think you will find a lot more 4th gen at bigger dealers due to the age of 3rd gens. Not all dealers are the same, the group I used to work for either reconditions the cars to a point they can ask full retail, disclose any issues with the car (needs tires/brakes, leak, etc), or sends them to auction if they aren't nice enough. And they often have a 30 day warranty. So I don't hesitate to buy from them. Buying from individuals is more of a mixed bag to me... Unless the vehicle is super clean and they can prove it's been taken care of, I'll be asking for a good deal otherwise.

 

[CappyKD]

Did you buy yours on CL? Or from a dealer? Wondering if searching dealer inventories is even worth it... or if they're just always going to be more expensive than CL.

CarMax.