Opinions on 100 series Land Cruiser?

[medic6116]

Hey guys Im new to the forum and to overlanding in general so bear with me here. I currently wish to do some overlanding in the next couple of years as soon as I get out of college (kind of a trip before the real world hits kinda thing). Anyways I have my eyes on a 2000 LC that a dealer is asking 10k for. The unfortunate problem is that it has 200k miles on it. It was a one owner vehicle and is really good shape although I have to go back and look at it a second time as I was on a tight schedule the first time I looked at it. Does anyone know if this is a decent price for this vehicle? Are there any major concerns or problems? I havent read any but I just want other opinions. Also does anyone know what the mpg usually is on this model? It would be my dd for awhile so that is a concern for me but if the pros outweigh the cons then I wont mind. Any help will be greatly appreciated Thank you

 

[zolo]

200,000 miles in NOT an unfortunate problem for a 100 LC.:sombrero:

 

[p nut]

Sounds like you're working with a tight budget. Realize that you're buying a vehicle that cost $60k+ new. Maintenance is not going to be cheap, and the MPG not great (13MPG) compared to say a 4Runner or Tacoma of the same vintage. IMO, you should get a 4-cyl 4Runner or Tacoma, have fun with it in college, and then get the LC once you're able to afford one down the road.

 

[zolo]

I dissagree, the 100 series LC is pretty solid and cost to own is pretty low. It is the same as any Tacoma or 4Runner. Coil over plug. serpetine belt.
filters, and brakes are all similarly priced.

Biggest cost on a 100 would be the Timing belt service. It can be a pricey service and needs to be done every 100k. Although the last Tbelt service I did on a customers 100 was at 214k and it looked like the factory belt.
So they are stout for sure but thats not something you want to do. Tacomas and 4runners need the same service depending on year. So its not like getting one of those would save you any money in service.

However, if the starter fails its a pricey fix on the 100 as it sits in the V.

Id say for a reliable rig that is pretty bomb proof the 100 LC is the best bang for your $...

IMHO dude....

 

[mph]

Tacoma with a shell and a bed in the back? Game on...

I do drive a LC. Best vechicle by far! However, single, college age..I would do a Tacoma all day long

IMO...

 

[Jeff Wanamog]

I own two 4runners, 01 & 03, two Tacomas with shells, 02 @ 10 and a 2000 LC.
I think for a person right out of college, a third gen 4runner would be your best bet.
You will be able to find a very nice runner for at least a couple grand less than the LC, cheaper to fix and cheaper to mod than the LC and rides nicer than a Tacoma.
But.....I am telling you that if you drive the LC, you won't be able to get into any other vehicle. They are that nice. Terrible gas mileage. 15 MPG on their best day.

Just my .02
Jeff

 

[TheBuddyExpedition]

If they're asking $10k, offer $8500 and buy at $9000...mine has 260k miles and runs like new. Make sure the timing belt/water pump has been done, buy your parts off Rock Auto.Com, use AISIN parts or the one's that say "OE Supplier"

I was checking the approach angle with the Slee rear bumper and no spare tire...

 

[spressomon]

At 200k the rig might need sooner than later, assuming these haven't been performed, the second 90K PM, possibly upper and lower front control/A" arms (ball joints are integral), tie rod ends and a steering rack. Check the rear upper and lower control arm bushings too...they typically will go about 200k miles on a stocker...less than that on a raised rig; not a big expense compared to the front end parts but still...maybe a bargaining chip.

Apart from checking out the rest of the rig be sure to, if you are unfamiliar with how to check the entire front end for wear/excessive play, have a mechanic give it the once over before you turn over the cash.

 

[p nut]

I dissagree, the 100 series LC is pretty solid and cost to own is pretty low. It is the same as any Tacoma or 4Runner. Coil over plug. serpetine belt.
filters, and brakes are all similarly priced.

Biggest cost on a 100 would be the Timing belt service. It can be a pricey service and needs to be done every 100k. Although the last Tbelt service I did on a customers 100 was at 214k and it looked like the factory belt.
So they are stout for sure but thats not something you want to do. Tacomas and 4runners need the same service depending on year. So its not like getting one of those would save you any money in service.

However, if the starter fails its a pricey fix on the 100 as it sits in the V.

Id say for a reliable rig that is pretty bomb proof the 100 LC is the best bang for your $...

IMHO dude....

I'm in 100% agreement that the 100 is a pretty solid vehicle. However, for a college kid probably earning close to minimum wage at a part-time job, one small mishap could mean disaster (timing belt, brakes, exh mani, transmission, steering rack, etc.). Gas alone should be a deterrant, as it's supposed to hit $4/gal soon. My college car was a Honda that got 35MPG. Many fun adventures in that car, and at a cheap price, but I was still struggling at times to keep up on maintenance/gas. I imagine if I had a 100 getting 13MPG, at least 2/3rds of those road trips, parties, etc. would have never happened. The size was great, too. Not only for those uber tiny parking spots, but most of the time, nobody wanted to ride in the tiny Honda coupe. Our friend with the 4-door SUV got the call to drive everywhere.

Buy a regular cab Tacoma and call it good.

 

[2025 deleted member]

X2

I'm in 100% agreement that the 100 is a pretty solid vehicle. However, for a college kid probably earning close to minimum wage at a part-time job, one small mishap could mean disaster (timing belt, brakes, exh mani, transmission, steering rack, etc.). Gas alone should be a deterrant, as it's supposed to hit $4/gal soon. My college car was a Honda that got 35MPG. Many fun adventures in that car, and at a cheap price, but I was still struggling at times to keep up on maintenance/gas. I imagine if I had a 100 getting 13MPG, at least 2/3rds of those road trips, parties, etc. would have never happened. The size was great, too. Not only for those uber tiny parking spots, but most of the time, nobody wanted to ride in the tiny Honda coupe. Our friend with the 4-door SUV got the call to drive everywhere.

Buy a regular cab Tacoma and call it good.

 

[tradman]

If they're asking $10k, offer $8500 and buy at $9000...mine has 260k miles and runs like new. Make sure the timing belt/water pump has been done, buy your parts off Rock Auto.Com, use AISIN parts or the one's that say "OE Supplier"

I was checking the approach angle with the Slee rear bumper and no spare tire...

Wouldn't that be departure angle.

 

[G_fresh]

Wouldn't that be departure angle.

When he approached that picture, it was the approach angle...

 

[krnnerdboy]

If your getting an SUV/truck go for it. Either wise, as stated above stick to econo cars for gas and maintenance and you will have many more trips

 

[Laxaholic]

Or a 4cylinder 4x4 Tacoma?

 

[REDrum]

If they're asking $10k, offer $8500 and buy at $9000...

Agreed. FWIW, I bought a '99 in 2009 with 124K on it for $12K