Buy newer or build older?

[goldenllama]

I am looking for some advice from those who have owened Land Cruisers for awhile. I currently have a 2000 LC and am wanting to build it up for solo overlanding with the fam. It has 247,000 miles on it right now, is paid off and has flawless maintenance records. I have only had it for about 2 years.

I am wondering, since I havent had much time with LCs, would you think it more prudent to build out the 2000 LC or buy a newer one (200) and build that one up?

My misgivings are that since the 2000 has a good bit of miles on it (relative for a LC) and I dont want to build it up only to have it die on me in 75k more miles. How much longer, roughly, would you expect the 200 to last? I live in New Mexico and dont crawl with it but spend a fair amount of time in the mud on the weekends. Im looking to mostly to take the fam on Backcountry Discovery Roads to camp and explore off the beaten path. Finances are not really an issue. Im looking to put about 10-12k into either the 2000 or the newer one.

Just looking for some advice from people who have driven LC longer than I have. Im open to all questions and suggestions and am not leaning one way or another, just looking for experienced opinion. No deal is being slung right now as the current LC is humming along nicely.

 

[Arktikos]

Mud? Yuck. Maybe check out the big Land Cruiser website, where they "H8" mud.

Are you sure it won't go where you want without any help? I'd keep it, call it good with some sliders and a locking differential if you're itching for some changes.

 

[JLee]

Even if it were to "die", that doesn't mean you have to buy something else and start over. Put another engine or transmission in it and keep going.

 

[windtraveler]

I’m in a similar situation. However mine only has 105K on it (1999). There really was never any question in my mind; I just have to be patient and wait til my wife is done with it as a grocery wagon! As a matter of fact I’m almost looking forward to the day I need to replace the engine so I can put a diesel in it.

I have no qualms about pouring $$ into building it because I love the platform. I had an 01 4 runner with 160K that I decided not to build because I knew I wasn’t going to keep the vehicle for a while.

To me, your deciding factor should be whether you want to keep the vehicle for quite a while. I absolutely love the 100 LC. Just the right combination of comfort and brawn!

 

[redthies]

There are a bunch of guys buying 100s with over 400,000 on them that are being built for travel, so yours is a spring chicken in comparison. I only know of one person (firsthand) who has gone from a 100 to a 200. He says he regrets it as he liked his 100 much better overall. I'm sure you can see where I'm headed here.

With a $10-12,000 budget you can go through your 100 and make it exactly what you want it to be. 100s are only going to start going back up in value (as 60s and 80s have already) so your money will be better off in a 100 than in a still depreciating 200. So know you have both practical and financial reasons to stick with your 100.

 

[Upland80]

If money isn't an issue, I'd go with a 200.

 

[Nicaragüense]

I have an 80 series, but before I got this one, I looked at 200 and 100 series. After reading alot about them I found that they could easily go over 300k if well maintained. Toyota builds a good motor. Like a previous poster has mention, check out ih8mud.com if you haven't already. They have a 100 series and 200 series section. You might be able to get some tips on Preventative maintenance items and known issues you need to look at to ensure a long life from that motor.

I always liked the thought of the bigger v8 motor because the land cruiser is a big beastly vehicle, so the v8 would more effortlessly move it along. These trucks age well and look great stock or modified! The newer ones just have all thr cooler electronics and gadgets, which long term may become a problem. That is the one thing that scares me a bit about the newer versions. When a sensor here, or computer there starts missbehaving, it will need to be replaced and will more than likely be $$$.

 

[Deshet]

Replacement motors are a dime a dozen for the 100 series. Between the Sequoia, 4runner, LX, GX, and Tundra you can easily find a good motor if something happens. I would think even in CA that a local shop would charge under $3000.00 for a complete swap. I know of Sequoias with over 400,000 miles. In my area a used 4.7 costs less then the dealer chargers for a timing belt service.....but you still have to install the motor.

 

[RND1]

If finances are not an issue, get a 200 and start with a lower mileage rig. But the cost of a lowish mileage (<80K miles) 200 will easily be $35K - $50K+ depending on year and mileage. Another option is finding a lower mileage 100 or even one that's already built up. This one looks clean with 69K miles with an ARB front bumper, roof rack, and awning. This ones way overpriced (IMHO) - but it's probably worth $30K and if you could pick it up for that, you'd have a great start to your camping rig.

https://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/ctd/d/2007-toyota-land-cruiser-4wd/6366910192.html