Best LC100 Question and leaving the Land Rover World.

[connorham]

I need a little help? I am leaving the world of Land Rover after 10 years. (10 years of repairing...)

I am in the middle of narrowing down 2 different Land Cruiser 100 Series. I've read through Slee's great "100 Series for newbees" and understand the physical differences but don't have experience/wisdom on how to weigh them all. I know the transmission is a big deal. I also really enjoy steering wheel stereo controls.

Assume everything is equal condition. The Decision: 2000 Land Cruiser with 176,XXX miles @ $10,000 VS. 2003 Land Cruiser with 201,XXX miles @ $13,000

Where are the advantages? What's important? Experience with either?

Thanks!

 

[tarbe]

I recently purchased my 6th Cruiser since 1991 (a 2001 100 series).

Maintenance and care trumps all else for me, personally. A well cared for '98 or '99 with a two-pinion front diff might be a better choice than a later truck with a 4 pinion that has sketchy maintenance...you can easily add an ARB to the front diff to neutralize the earlier truck's weak point.

In your example above, I'd get the 2000. $3k buys a lot of maintenance and goodies. The lower miles and equal condition are bonuses.

To me, the fundamental differences between the 2000 and 2003 are not a consideration, and not worth $3k.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I going to take the 2003 for side air bags (option LC standard Lexus) and 5 speed with a dip stick.

Owned several from 99-06

 

[JPsLC]

After driving a 4-speed for a couple year, I'd pay $3000 for the 5-speed. The maintenance history would matter to me, but these difference in miles would irrelevant.

 

[JLee]

Are you also looking at LX470's?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/5756903530.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5839810702.html

 

[zimm]

i use LC's hard.

at the age and miles youre talking, maintenance and environmental conditions are what counts. I.e. rust, and... well... PM work.

assuming those are equal, the 2000 is the stupid choice over the 2003. the TQ comes on late and there isnt enough HP in the rpm range to make up for the lost gear. it really is a no brainer.

 

[connorham]

I've begun to. The AHC kinda of scares me but would love it when it works. The headlights aren't my favorite. What's your angle on them?

Are you also looking at LX470's?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/5756903530.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5839810702.html

 

[zimm]

my ahc worked until i removed it for greater lift/droop.

truck has ...

roof rack
drawers with recovery gear and tools
camping equipment'
fridge
steel rear bumper with tire carrier and rear winch
sliders
3 skid plates
from steel bumper and removable brush bar game carrier. front winch
roof top tent
what not.

it worked fine without extra air bags but i installed them anyway.
i never had a failure.

dont fear the ahc if its what you want to keep. theres a fella that sell replacement globes that have a 50% greater duty cycle.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I love AHC, it will take a big problem to get me to convert. It you understand the system with a couple mod it can do anything.