LC 100 question.

[idaxj97]

So my wife and i are looking into a bigger rig for the family we looked at the land cruiser 100 (online) and she likes it So far, my question is are they really expensive to own and maintain, could i do my own maintinance or do you need the dealership. Thanks for any and all input.

 

[spressomon]

Not sure what your wrenching skills are/are not and/or if you are Toyota familiar or not.

Relatively easy to work on with the exception of the rack & pinion if/when needs swap out and same for rear axle bearing system. Other than that I found my '99 100 to be very easy to work on overall. Can't give you comparative cost of maintaining one...but just to say of the 30 or more vehicles I've owned in my life my 100 has been super reliable...216k and counting and started at 69k when I bought it in late '04. Christo Slee gave me some advice years ago that I ignored...but his words still are as accurate today: If you're going to swap taller tires, suspension lift, etc., keeping to 33" will pay dividends.

Comfortable, capable and safe.

Dependable and reliable given you keep up with PM work; major PM is on a 90k mile clock (timing belt). Like most Land Cruisers Toyota didn't really do undercoating/rust preventative...so be sure you know what you're getting into if the rig spent any time in/near rust belt states.

 

[spressomon]

Also to add: Every rig has a weak link; the 100/470 being no exception. The biggest glaring issue, IMO, to address sooner rather than later is the relatively front diff ring carrier. Upgrading to an ARB locker up front should be high on your priority list. And if you're thinking "...I'm not going to push it hard off-road..." just know, in casual count, there have probably been more blown front diffs on this platform on snow/ice covered streets than in the back-country. Even if you are tight on $ and choose not to install the switch, compressor, etc., you will get the benefit of significant strengthening of the front diff by just installing the locker portion only.

 

[p nut]

If you're used to working on the Jeep, LC should be a cinch. Mostly, everything is well though-out. I've got 160k on mine and aside from 90k timing belt change, no major maintenance has been performed. I just make sure to keep all fluids changed out regularly (oil, diff, xfer case, transmission, etc.). It is super comfortable and my wife really appreciates the comfort on the long road trips.

That said, it is not easy on gas, so in essence, not cheap to own. I have 33's and average 13MPG around town/highway. All highway is 16.

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

You may take this as a gain of salt, (not a Toyota man by far). Just looked at one today (01/22/14) afternoon. I recently sold my ZJ, and when I looked at this BEAST, I was speechless! :Wow1:

210k @ $8950, I am still debating on it tonight. I am still speechless, I can tell by personal experience this 100 series would do x infinity circles over a Grand Cherokee without breaking a sweat...:smiley_drive:

....and you can quote that from a tech!

I am buying one, just need to find one, because all this money is burning a hole in my pocket...

 

[idaxj97]

Thank you guys for all the input it really makes it tempting but the wife is really wanting to try and make the 4 runner work but we will really keep the 100 at the top of our list thanks thanks again every one. idaxj97

 

[SSF556]

You may take this as a gain of salt, (not a Toyota man by far). Just looked at one today (01/22/14) afternoon. I recently sold my ZJ, and when I looked at this BEAST, I was speechless! :Wow1:

210k @ $8950, I am still debating on it tonight. I am still speechless, I can tell by personal experience this 100 series would do x infinity circles over a Grand Cherokee without breaking a sweat...:smiley_drive:



I am buying one, just need to find one, because all this money is burning a hole in my pocket...

I would and have put my Grand up against a 100 series....not sure about the x infinity circles....

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[TXLX]

You may take this as a gain of salt, (not a Toyota man by far). Just looked at one today (01/22/14) afternoon. I recently sold my ZJ, and when I looked at this BEAST, I was speechless! :Wow1:

Did you look at this LC ^ ? It has been on Craigslist for a long time, just curious what the deal is with it. There are not a lot of LC100 below $10k in this area.

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

Did you look at this LC ^ ? It has been on Craigslist for a long time, just curious what the deal is with it. There are not a lot of LC100 below $10k in this area.

Yes, sir. I did look at it this mid-morning around 10am. I will say it does NEED work, by far to the asking price. The photos are not what it is up look and personal, just my opinion. I decided to wait it out for something else down the road, maybe even a member here on the forum, has one up for grabs...

PROS:

• radio works (sometimes)
• runs decent, no overflow coolant reservoir
• Full time 4wd system is flawless
• white on grey color palette

CONS:

• no maintenance records to show for any work.
• 3rd owner and counting ....
• Interior is shot
• Exterior is shot
• Need tires/ alignment shot/ suspension needs work
• gauges are not properly accurate
• lighting; exterior & interior is shot

I would rather spend another $5k easily on something like the 04' in DFW, then this one and kick myself in the ***!

 

[TexasGuidedExpeditions]

Thank you guys for all the input it really makes it tempting but the wife is really wanting to try and make the 4 runner work but we will really keep the 100 at the top of our list thanks thanks again every one. idaxj97

also looking at a 4th generation 4Runner 04-05 V8, only because I like the rear reflectors on the rear fasica bumper.

 

[28.]

also looking at a 4th generation 4Runner 04-05 V8, only because I like the rear reflectors on the rear fasica bumper.

I actually have both and will add that a V8 4th gen is an exellent choice. Mine is just about to hit 200k and still runs great for everything. If its just you, wife, and couple of kiddos youll be fine. Anymore than that and the Hundy makes more sense. Our kids are grown and were down to just our youngest but for long trips the Cruiser is simply more comfortable. Relibility is a wash on both if properly kept... Good luck and post pics w
hen you make the buy..

 

[RangeBrover]

Buy a cruiser, but it's more like having a kid rather than getting married, you'll have the Cruiser for life and will never get rid of it. I put 50k on my 13 in a little under a year, she's still bank vault tight and runs like a top. Pretty good for always being run hard and put away wet.

 

[p nut]

50k?? That's a lot of driving.

 

[RangeBrover]

Yeah tell me about it. DC to Chicago round trip every month on top of a few runs to Vermont and the Keys. The cruiser just eats up the highway miles.

 

[p nut]

If I had to make the same trip on a monthly basis, 100/200 would be at the top of the list for me as well. Despite the dismal MPG, comfort, protection from wildlife, other drivers, elements, etc. would be well-worth it. I remember driving down from Washington to Utah straight through and thinking "that wasn't so bad." It would've been a different story in my Tacoma.