WHY DID YOU... BUY YOUR HUNDY? (1 Viewer)
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I bought a 40 brand new in 1976, and have always been a cruiser guy, owning several 40,s over the years. they were just a better built vehicle than any of the competition , i bought my 60 about 10 years ago and absoutley love it, but the thought of driving it the thousand miles plus to Utah or Co. had me searching for a good 80 series. Several friends here on mud that I’ve camped with and owned 80,s and 100,s advised me to go with a 100 and never look back. Luckily I found a really clean 01 with great maintaince records that lived most of its life in SW Texas. I bought it for under 10k with 200k on the clock and worried about the mileage, but after owning it a couple years and selling my dodge 2500 diesel to get out from under payments, I see this was the best vehicle purchase I’ve ever made. I no longer worry about mileage numbers, but knowing Toyota will never produce another one like it really makes me want this 100 to last forever. I know the 200 is a great vehicle but it’s just not a 100 and the 200 is about due to be replaced and I bet it’s with something bigger, fancier and more expensive. I guess that’s why the 4 runners are doing so well and makes me want this hundy to last forever
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Whenever I see some of the new cars you see today with all those electronic gizmos controlling every little thing, I ask you, how many of those "features" will still work 25 years from now? I like the land cruiser because it's vehicle built for something other than just selling by boasting the most features with the goal of making profit. It was made with a goal to handle the most demanding conditions. I feel that everything put in it had the confidence of many talented engineers that it would last. Realistically, things do break. But I don't think there is any other vehicle with a global presence like a Land cruiser. If something did break, I could probably get that part nearly anywhere in the world. Not to mention I can actually service it.
Then there's the great community, but I think the real reason there's so many of us enthusiasts is because these are actually worthwhile vehicles, not necessarily from a financial standpoint. When you put work into these truck, you're not polishing a turd. You're actually getting a return for the labor and money you spend. You treat these trucks right, they treat you right. And we can actually work together to solve problems, because the consistency in the manufacture of these vehicles is awesome.
Even on my 62, when working on it, I find little details that amaze me thinking of the foresight the engineers had when designing it.
Then there's the great community, but I think the real reason there's so many of us enthusiasts is because these are actually worthwhile vehicles, not necessarily from a financial standpoint. When you put work into these truck, you're not polishing a turd. You're actually getting a return for the labor and money you spend. You treat these trucks right, they treat you right. And we can actually work together to solve problems, because the consistency in the manufacture of these vehicles is awesome.
Even on my 62, when working on it, I find little details that amaze me thinking of the foresight the engineers had when designing it.
I’ve owned several Toyota products at this point (FJ, Gx470, GX460, RX) and they are all awesome products, but there is something about the Land Cruiser that makes you feel special when you drive it (even at 185k o the
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1. Travelled in some places where your safety and the dependability of your rig are tied together. From the ultra-rich Saudis to NGOs with their ass in the grass it was 10:1 TLC.
2. I loath poorly made things especially tools, parts and machines. It probably goes back to my childhood and the Johnson outboard that disrupted so many family outings.
3. [For the 200] My wife and I were watching a profile on King Abdullah of Jordan a few years back and they had footage of him driving the Queen and kids around in a 200. Strange kind of celeb endorsement, but it was enough to get my wife onboard.
4. I live in an area with a fair amount of conspicuous materialism. Lots of posers with massive debt. Well preserved Land Crusiers make good vehicles for people who want something nice, but don’t want to stand out.
2. I loath poorly made things especially tools, parts and machines. It probably goes back to my childhood and the Johnson outboard that disrupted so many family outings.
3. [For the 200] My wife and I were watching a profile on King Abdullah of Jordan a few years back and they had footage of him driving the Queen and kids around in a 200. Strange kind of celeb endorsement, but it was enough to get my wife onboard.
4. I live in an area with a fair amount of conspicuous materialism. Lots of posers with massive debt. Well preserved Land Crusiers make good vehicles for people who want something nice, but don’t want to stand out.
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Butt warmer, sunroof, smooth V8, fits a 6’3 person more comfortably than a 2005 RAV4, get to know the cashier at the gas station better.....
I was going to get a 4Runner then I found this forum and I was sold. I always loved the 100/80 but I wanted to be pampered more than the 80
Wanted to attend HIH and Cruise Moab...
Oh yea the capabilities are nice too
I was going to get a 4Runner then I found this forum and I was sold. I always loved the 100/80 but I wanted to be pampered more than the 80
Wanted to attend HIH and Cruise Moab...
Oh yea the capabilities are nice too
I came aboard from the Isuzu Trooper camp. We've owned and admired Troopers since the 1980's. Something about that boxy quality built rugged feel. But the Isuzu Trooper run has ended with them no longer being made and whats for sell are worn out. In addition, Isuzu's have quite a few issues with oil burning engines, and transmissions that are weak - everything else rock solid. Did some reading of reviews and reliability ratings where the Lexus LX470 seem to continually get 5 star ratings. Went to look for one. First test drive was a brown 2000 LX470 that had done some "family duty" ... but I was impressed with how it "felt". The next one I test drove was a 2003 that was 75 miles away and that black with tan interior really tripped my trigger. Only had 116K miles, really nice and $16.5K. I foolishly wanted to go by the blue book/black book valuations - which you can't do if you want a nice one. Well I quickly wised up and after looking at 3 or 4 more knew I wanted one with just under 100K miles and Black/Tan. It really didn't matter to me which year as I did not know at the time which would be more desirable ... except back then I would have preferred a 2003 or older because it had a Transmission Dip Stick - not fond of sealed transmissions because of my experience with Isuzu transmission issues. Then one day as wifey and I were about to deliver Meals On Wheels my Trooper would not start and had to have it towed home. That afternoon I got on Ebay and found my 2002 LX470 with an incredible 24K miles and it was Black/Tan. What a "unicorn"!! Talked to the seller and bought it sight unseen and had it transported to North Carolina from California. I paid a premium for my pristine LX470 but I thought nothing new appealed to me and even the premium price was much less than anything similar. Black Magic now has just turned 40K miles and probably will be the last vehicle I'll ever own as I'll be 70 this year. Wifey and I have a Rpod 180 travel trailer and this LX470 pulls it just fine. A big pickup truck would have been a better towing vehicle but I didn't want a big truck as a daily driver. The LX fills in our needs just fine.
I had a 2wd F150 that I got down in Texas. My wife and I moved from Chicago back to where I grew up in VA. She cashed out of a videogame and we bought a 90 4runner.
In November, it spun a bearing due to oil starvation. We needed a larger vehicle (with 4wd) anyway for dog related activities. I was looking for a Sequoia, Yukon XL, or a LC. I've always loved LCs and thought of them as the logical progression from the little 4runner. I missed a Sequoia and then found a 2000 LX470 for 4k.
I didn't think it was a legitimate posting, but it was. The AHC was out, and he plainly spelled this out in his ad, suggesting that a cost effective solution would be to replace the shocks with OEM parts. I got lucky. 147k, TB at 130, some (not much) rust, complete service history.
The four days it took me to replace the AHC with an OME 1.5" lift were an excellent lesson in Dunning-Kruger, but I got it done.
In November, it spun a bearing due to oil starvation. We needed a larger vehicle (with 4wd) anyway for dog related activities. I was looking for a Sequoia, Yukon XL, or a LC. I've always loved LCs and thought of them as the logical progression from the little 4runner. I missed a Sequoia and then found a 2000 LX470 for 4k.
I didn't think it was a legitimate posting, but it was. The AHC was out, and he plainly spelled this out in his ad, suggesting that a cost effective solution would be to replace the shocks with OEM parts. I got lucky. 147k, TB at 130, some (not much) rust, complete service history.
The four days it took me to replace the AHC with an OME 1.5" lift were an excellent lesson in Dunning-Kruger, but I got it done.
Couvi
SILVER Star
The 100 series always stood out amongst all the other traffic on the road - - clean lines, understated design, boxier than most and everything seemingly designed with a purpose. I was totally hooked after driving a 2000 model with 140k at local dealer - in rough shape but still tight. The view out the cabin is second to none for visibility. After about 2 years of searching and driving any that popped up in my area, I found one at local Toyota place that was traded in. I had it inspected and then bought it. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. I’ve put 40k on it in 2 years. Love that damn tailgate.
I came into the LC community after owning and loving a 2005 Tacoma. It was nearly flawless for 125k, except for the gaping hole in the frame that needed replacement under the recall. The wait was eighteen months at the time. In 2015 I went to a small exotics dealer in PA and traded it nearly outright (barring tags and taxes) for a one owner 2006 LC with 174k. There have been some maintenance items as anticipated and a fuel pump that left me stranded on the way to HIH7, but at nearly 230k I love it.
The only vehicles with nearly the same reliability were my 1984 Volvo 244 (376k miles), 1990 240 (310k miles) and 1995 940 (335k miles and counting). Dad had a 1985 diesel Jetta. It sat in the driveway with 680k miles and my friends and I used it to learn to drive stick on farm roads at 14. That ultimately did it in.
I hope to daily this truck to 300k, then keep it while driving a 200 series. I dream of an SAS swap someday such as Duggy's rig, but for my present family hauler needs, this truck is perfect.
The only vehicles with nearly the same reliability were my 1984 Volvo 244 (376k miles), 1990 240 (310k miles) and 1995 940 (335k miles and counting). Dad had a 1985 diesel Jetta. It sat in the driveway with 680k miles and my friends and I used it to learn to drive stick on farm roads at 14. That ultimately did it in.
I hope to daily this truck to 300k, then keep it while driving a 200 series. I dream of an SAS swap someday such as Duggy's rig, but for my present family hauler needs, this truck is perfect.
I finished raising my kids and I have always wanted another car stereo system.
1.) I wanted something that was very reliable because I plan on keeping it forever.
2.) So I wanted something without all the factory stuff going through the headunit. I also wanted a double din headunit.
3.) I wanted a party vehicle that could haul 6+ adult friends so I had to keep the 3rd row.
4.) I wanted it to be as quiet from the factory as possible is the reason why I choose a LX 470 instead of a LC 100.
5.) There had to be high output alternators available for it.
6.) I like 4 wheel drive vehicles just in case but, I hardly ever use it.
7.) And there is nothing like buying a vehicle owned by someone's grandmother for dime on a dollar that is hardly broken in! Let someone else take that big depreciation hit.
1.) I wanted something that was very reliable because I plan on keeping it forever.
2.) So I wanted something without all the factory stuff going through the headunit. I also wanted a double din headunit.
3.) I wanted a party vehicle that could haul 6+ adult friends so I had to keep the 3rd row.
4.) I wanted it to be as quiet from the factory as possible is the reason why I choose a LX 470 instead of a LC 100.
5.) There had to be high output alternators available for it.
6.) I like 4 wheel drive vehicles just in case but, I hardly ever use it.
7.) And there is nothing like buying a vehicle owned by someone's grandmother for dime on a dollar that is hardly broken in! Let someone else take that big depreciation hit.
Working in the middle east and seeing them everywhere, but not as luxo-barges, I fell in love with them. When I got back home, couldn't afford one, so I bought a used 4Runner. Several years and trucks later, I started searching and found my perfect used slightly abused LX, I appreciate the luxury now, and love the capability and potential of these trucks.
I'm not a stranger to Toyo 4x4's having owned an 82 and 83 hilux, 88 4Runner, and 96 Taco but I was actually in the market for a 2004 LR Discovery 2 and just happened to come across a low mileage single owner all dealer maintained 1998 LC. I ended up paying near KBB high at the time. Today I feel it was a better decision considering my wrenching skills are not the greatest. It has not been as maintenance free as the hilux/Taco or even the 4Runner but I still love it.
I had an '88 full size Bronco. It was a hunk of crap, got it for $1.5k, but it was fun having 4x4 and I learned my limits and what I like and don't like.
Sold the family minivan (Mazda5), sold the Bronco, and wanted a real SUV (as opposed to unibody/car/crossover platform) with 4x4 capability and some towing capacity. Was looking at Xterras, 4Runners, Pathfinders, and maybe some others I can't remember. Land Cruiser fell into the "this would be nice but can't afford it" category.
This '99 with factory locker came up for sale for $7k, squarely in my price range, so I happily snatched it up.
The fact that it has more seating than the other options was a big bonus (minivan had seating for 6).
Sold the family minivan (Mazda5), sold the Bronco, and wanted a real SUV (as opposed to unibody/car/crossover platform) with 4x4 capability and some towing capacity. Was looking at Xterras, 4Runners, Pathfinders, and maybe some others I can't remember. Land Cruiser fell into the "this would be nice but can't afford it" category.
This '99 with factory locker came up for sale for $7k, squarely in my price range, so I happily snatched it up.
The fact that it has more seating than the other options was a big bonus (minivan had seating for 6).
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I was a Midwesterner who spent most of his time on flat roads and racetracks, but with family moving west, It was time for something that was a lot more capable both on and off-road. I had a fleet of old German performance cars that were starting to wear me down both emotionally and financially so I sold pretty much all of them and set upon the hunt. I knew I wanted something that would outlast me and also allow me to haul a trailer as I continue to randomly stumble upon vehicles that I want to work on, even if they always turn out to be basketcases. I had spent ages perusing expedition portal, looking at all of the crazy built vehicles that were for sale. After asking a million questions, I found a 2000 LX470 that was lightly built, had impeccable history, and came from one of the best guys you could buy a vehicle from (Nitro Gear). I was, however, too late and the vehicle sold out from under me. That process led me to IH8MUD and a week later, I found a 1999 LC with all the history and at an unbelievable price. Flew 2000 miles, picked it up without inspection, and proceeded to drive it from California to Cleveland, by way of a bunch of shakedown tests. Never have I been happier and more obsessed with a vehicle.
A travel vehicle for the beach
And as a tow vehicle
And as a tow vehicle
Had a Tacoma and a FJ40. Needed something with a third row for a larger family vehicle when the inlaws visit, etc. Found that for about the same money as much lesser vehicles, I could get a higher mileage 100 series for this duty and jumped in. Really dig the 100 series, it's really the perfect size, easily maneuverable, but still fits 4 adults and 2 carseats... Part of me now wants to sell the Taco and get a 200 series or a 2007 100...
