Is it the best driving or is it the lack of VGRS that makes the most Noticeable difference?
why do many prefer an araco built 100?
- Thread starter GX-R
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I agree. My inlaws have a 19 Sequoia and my SIL a 21 4runner, two of the only vehicles I'd ever consider adding to the fleet -- while both feel nice at first because they're new and shiny and have more power, our 02 Hundy with 250k overall just feels like its still the better vehicle even after all these years and miles. Even the 20yr old interior is surprising me with how well built it is and how it's holding up against my crotch fruit who climb over everything and do stuff like stand on the center console or use the seat pockets to climb inside, they jam all the buttons and controls like it's a game controller, soo many times they've spilled food/drink all over, etc.
Interesting thread. I have an Araco built '03. I love and notice the solid build quality with no rattles and a solid thunk when going over train tracks or pot holes. I have BFG K02's, OME 865's in rear, and t-bars cranked up front. Replaced muffler (center) with magnaflow, but otherwise the rig is all stock. 190k miles.
I've never been in or driven a pre-03 100 so can't comment. However, I've driven a low mileage '07 and it felt very different than mine, but not in a bad way. Felt much softer and quieter than mine which makes sense given the stock exhaust, AHC, and all season tires. I didn't notice the extra ponies, but didn't hammer it either. The only thing I didn't care for was the plastic head lights and the AHC (in salt belt).
I was at Autozone few weeks back and a guy inside struck up a conversation about my 100. He said that he had an early LX that his wife just loved and that he bought her an LX570 as a replacement and she hated it. He said the LX570 didn't ride anywhere near as nice as his 100. So he sold it and was hunting for an '06-'07 LX, but he may not be aware that his wife will still prefer her early LX like your wife Chuck? Perhaps it all comes down to wheel/tires? The '00 LX rides on 16's, the '07 LX on 18's, the 570 on 20's?
My 2001 LX is on Rock Warrior 17" wheels, BFG K02's and AHC. I did replace all the AHC globes a couple of years ago. And I installed more sound proofing materials.
It honestly does ride better than any new vehicle that I have ever been in. My only complaints would be I would like more horsepower and better brakes. I can't do much about the horsepower but, the next time I replace brake pads I am probably going to try some more grippy type of pads.
It honestly does ride better than any new vehicle that I have ever been in. My only complaints would be I would like more horsepower and better brakes. I can't do much about the horsepower but, the next time I replace brake pads I am probably going to try some more grippy type of pads.
Interesting. Out of sheer curiosity I would like to drive one. My parents had a 1999 Cruiser when I was in grade school but don’t recall how it drove. I do remember when my parents test drove the 2004, my mom immediately noticed how much more lively and responsive the steering felt. This is coming from a non-car person. FWIW. Our Araco 2004 needs a suspension and does have some squeaks.
I’d be curious if they switched from welded body panels to adhesive construction during this timeframe. Could contribute to the “more solid” feeling folks reference. @OGBeno any ideas?
I thought it was a company that made replacement body parts for accidents and such
Couvi
SILVER Star
Interesting thought. My ARACO 04 is fairly squeak free, even at 19 years and 220k.
ok pictured to your left is a pic of the 06LX the day i picked it up at the Volvo dealer i bought it from 9/2021 with 186K now 11/22 has 193K wife is back in her old 2000lx just turned 336k and runs and drives noticeable better than the 06, we drive it on all of our 400 mile trips to see our daughter at college! The 00 has no rattles or squeaks..the 06 dealer service from new , no accidents, new Michelins , 4 wheel alignment etc etc, still is the one we leave home most of the time, body is looser, small electrical issues i am always dealing with and just does not drive as good as the 00…My Wife knows nothing about cars but always grabs the 00lx keys when she walks out the door….I will not sell the 06 or the 00 just bought new for the 06 OEM $800 plus for the pair headlights a new grill , a new driver side seat rake adjustment switch , radio antenna, gas tank sending unit, 02 sensor …ALL of these items are still original on the 00… take from it what you will until you have owned both Araco built and Non at the same time you just won’t know..Chuck
I was gonna say… since this thread got bumped I read the whole thing… and this description of “tighter and heavier” kept coming up… and I was waiting for someone to post about the differences in steering components and tech between model years… can’t believe it took until page 5 lol… posters here get a little too caught up in the moment I think.
The idea it was the plant that made the difference is pretty cringe imo.
Actually, manufacturing plant differentiation is very important in the automotive world. In fact, besides parts procurement quality and supply chain, manufacturing plants make all the difference in long-term vehicle quality.
