Brian894x4
Explorer
I didn't know Araco stopped building LC bodies. Who makes them now?
100 Series TLC
- Thread starter stevenmd
- Start date
spressomon
Expedition Leader
FYI: Rear e-locker was an available "option" on the '98 model year.
spressomon
Expedition Leader
Officially the 2004 model year Land Cruiser was the last LC to be assembled in the "Araco" plant. Purportedly Toyota purchased the Araco plant. I am not aware of the specific changes within the Araco plant under "Toyota Auto Body". If the existing Araco workers were displaced you may (or may not) have had a morale issue.
However, other than internet innuendo, I am not aware of the defect rate for '04 and prior versus '05-'07 Land Cruisers. I think you'd have to know this data to be able to make any real world decision whether or not "Araco" build quality was better or not than "Toyota Auto Body" along with other information regarding plant infrastructure improvements/investment, etc. by Toyota.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Steve, I think a 100-series would be the best overall compromise for your desires.
You've said:
*Next size up SUV too big for my trail-types...noted
*Next size down SUV too small for my needs...noted
*You can trailer along extra gear if needed...noted
*I have a Land Rover for the harder-core trails...noted
The 100 will work fine for you. It'll provide 5 comfortable seats for the larger folks. The two smallest kids will fit fine in the 3rd row. I travelled this way a lot with my kids and nephews in years past.
Note: Loaded up like that the OEM suspension will be too soft and you'll bottom out. If you add in an OME suspension you'll bottom out with the normal 865 rear coils. I'd go 866's for your needs.
Year-wise? I'd strongly recommend you not consider a 98-99 and for a few reasons:
*Weak and unreliable front diff...rarely do the 2000+ 4-pinion diffs give way
*You carry a lot of kids and the weight will be up. The addition of VSC increases your safety several-fold on the 2000+ models.
*For your needs...mild to moderate off-roading...the Traction Control on 2000+ models will come into play and aid a lot more than a rear locker. For entry-level-diffcult off-roading I'd share the same opinion (though you have your Rover for that).
*And the kicker...the pricing on 98-99 and 2000-01 models is quite close. You gain a lot for a little if you demand a 2000+.
Good luck with your choice!
You've said:
*Next size up SUV too big for my trail-types...noted
*Next size down SUV too small for my needs...noted
*You can trailer along extra gear if needed...noted
*I have a Land Rover for the harder-core trails...noted
The 100 will work fine for you. It'll provide 5 comfortable seats for the larger folks. The two smallest kids will fit fine in the 3rd row. I travelled this way a lot with my kids and nephews in years past.
Note: Loaded up like that the OEM suspension will be too soft and you'll bottom out. If you add in an OME suspension you'll bottom out with the normal 865 rear coils. I'd go 866's for your needs.
Year-wise? I'd strongly recommend you not consider a 98-99 and for a few reasons:
*Weak and unreliable front diff...rarely do the 2000+ 4-pinion diffs give way
*You carry a lot of kids and the weight will be up. The addition of VSC increases your safety several-fold on the 2000+ models.
*For your needs...mild to moderate off-roading...the Traction Control on 2000+ models will come into play and aid a lot more than a rear locker. For entry-level-diffcult off-roading I'd share the same opinion (though you have your Rover for that).
*And the kicker...the pricing on 98-99 and 2000-01 models is quite close. You gain a lot for a little if you demand a 2000+.
Good luck with your choice!
LC/LR4Life
Adventurer
A Rover for the 'hard core' trails? Man I wouldn't trust a Rover 100 miles from home unless it was THOROUGHLY in top condition! My 100? I can drive it anywhere with no concern.
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
I'm thinking I need a 100 now thanks allot! I thought it was tight with gear, dog, baby seat in the 3rd gen 4Runner Sheesh.
A
A
LC/LR4Life
Adventurer
I have packed my 100 with gear for a weeks worth of off road travel (just inside) and still had loads of room left. Now I have a roof rack and the possibilities are endless.
stevenmd
Expedition Leader
Thanks for your input! How do you think a 100 series would hold up on a 30-60 trip to Alaska? (Towing a small trailer for gear of course!)
You either know a lot about landies or know very little.:bike_rider: (BTW... I wouldn't hesitate to take my rangie anywhere.)LC/LR4Life said:
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
"Hold up" to me sounds like "reliable". ??? If that's your concern the data out there shows the 100-series LC as the most reliable LC ever. It also towers over other makes rating-wise during every year in production (98-07). Each year it was the most trouble-free large/luxury SUV to own.
Compared to say Land Rover (Disco, LR3 and RR) the difference in reliablilty is down right massive. We know that a Jeep, a Rover, a LC, etc can complete trips like Alaska if properly maintained and prepared for. If you are wondering which platform is the least likely to let you down on that 30-60 day trip...the facts speak for themselves and the 100-series is a wide-margin win.
We all can debate which is better at this and that (trail vehicle, ride quality, etc). That's part of the hobby. The facts however speak for themselves. If you get a 100, go over it and maintain the aged items your odds of having troubles are very low. Even last night I said to my fam how amazing I am that my 2001 at 150K miles is still like new, has ice cold dual A/C that's never been serviced, and how the truck is ready for any trip I want to go on.
What data is this? Source please.
I would agree with you that the 100 is a very reliable vehicle. "Most reliable Land Cruiser"? That's certainly debatable. Folks pounding on their 70s and 80s (in North America as well as the rest of the world) might not agree with you.
stevenmd
Expedition Leader
Yes, reliability is what I am asking. I know the "reputation" that landies have for being unreliable - but that mainly speaks to the electronics of the vehicles. I know my rangie through and through and wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere in the world - but it doesn't hold 7 people! How are the electronics of the 100 series LC? I know Toyota engines are very reliable but I know nothing about the electronics.
Hawk Thor
New member
Toyota electronics are as reliable as the rest of car.
My experience is also that Toyota has plugs in all the right places and alot of electrical components interchange with other Toyotas.
When I parted out my ´90 Hilux, the wiring came out effortlessly, plug here, clip there, grommet somewhere. But when I had my VW Golf the electronics were not only garbage but they were a ***** to work on.
My experience is also that Toyota has plugs in all the right places and alot of electrical components interchange with other Toyotas.
When I parted out my ´90 Hilux, the wiring came out effortlessly, plug here, clip there, grommet somewhere. But when I had my VW Golf the electronics were not only garbage but they were a ***** to work on.
tacollie
Glamper
I have not spent much time in 80s but I have seen a lot of them with blown head gaskets. I have spent a lot of time in a 100 series and have not seen those issues. My brothers has 277k and I would be surprised if it doesn't pass 400k with no mechanical failures. It shifts perfectly and the motor never shows signs of being tired. The Land Rovers and Jeep I have spent time in nickeled and dimed us starting at 30k miles. Just my experiences.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Electronics? Not really. The 100 has not experienced any "trouble spots" in this arena. Online, where we read the worst of the worst, the problems are quite random. The only thing that I keep in my head are the few issues I've read about with the Navigation Systems. When they fail (again, rare in real life, a read-about from time to time in the forums) they can limit your use of the A/C and such. That's my only concern. Otherwise I've had my 100 buried in water a lot...no troubles, no sputtering (like my 80's do) due to distributorless ignition. Everything is sealed so well.
Electronics? A non-worry in my book on the 100. (Not on a BMW, Rover, etc...I know where you're coming from)