Thinking about getting a LC or LX470 or maybe the LR3

K

Krisbarger

Observer
Been reading about LC/LX and found out they are pretty dependable. However, I wanted to ask about the active suspension issues and if it is really that common. How do I avoid a truck with those problems when I am shopping the used market. I read about guys that would bounce going down the road, or the back would raise while the front would not and the ride would be very harsh. This seems to happen after about 100,000 miles on the 100 series right? Are there certain years to stay away from? Is this the only issue for me to watch out for? I even read that were guys out there that could rebuild these 4 parts that exchanged nitrogen and oil at a much chapter rate than dealer could replace.

I have to buy the wife (we have 3 small kids) our grocery getter/fun family truck because the pickup is for my work. The LR3 or the LC are our first choices because or the family room and off road ability (if there are other options then let me know). I am trying to figure out what would be best. We had a LR4 (and she liked it because you could flip a button and have terrain response) but had some money problems and had to sell it, so I am looking to replace it with something much older and still capable and dependable roomy. Also, we have thought about helping out an orphanage in South America and wanted a truck that we could take down there and find parts and places that could service it if needed. These all have the ability to go places off pavement with confidence. The bad thing is the LC seems to be pretty costly ($15k-$20K) even after 150,000 miles and the market is still wary of LR3 because of the D1 and D2's reputations so i can find those with 75,000 on them for $11K-$14K. Which is better for what we may be doing? I assume the LC would be more dependable, I just wanted to hear from you guys and get any advice you may have. I am not a mechanic... Nowhere close! LC will be cheaper to work on right? I don't know much about the LC's so which year or style would be better as far as capabilities and dependability?
 
P

peneumbra

Explorer
I'm sure that the later (10 and 200 series) LCs are terrific, but once you get past the 80 series trucks, they get awfully complicated, and complicated often translates into "expensive to fix."

Which is why so many people prefer the earlier LCs - very rugged, but basic in terms of suspension and drivetrain. As for LRs, they appear to be even MORE complex, without any significant advantage in terms of "real-world" ability...
 
K

Krisbarger

Observer
peneumbra said:
I'm sure that the later (10 and 200 series) LCs are terrific, but once you get past the 80 series trucks, they get awfully complicated, and complicated often translates into "expensive to fix."

Which is why so many people prefer the earlier LCs - very rugged, but basic in terms of suspension and drivetrain. As for LRs, they appear to be even MORE complex, without any significant advantage in terms of "real-world" ability...
Click to expand...

The 200's are way out of budget.. Some of the older 100's would be closer to $10K and would fit for us. This would be a daily driver for wife also so a couple creature comforts would be welcome for her... We are not looking to lift it real high or get very large tires. A rack/winch/sliders/skids/bumpers with a modest lift and moderate AT's would be enough to get us out for fun/camping and most places in South America if we do the missionary thing in central/south america. My last Toyota I sold it to a guy who needed it with 198k miles on it and never any issues! I love the "intangibles" associated with LR's but I trust the practicality of the LC's.

What changed from the 80 series to the 100 series?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
B

Bueller?

New member
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbieUZJ100.htm

This was a helpful guide when I was looking. I ended up purchasing a 2001 UZJ100 with 156k miles. I was looking for as new a model as I could find without the navigation and a pretty specific color and had to travel 1,000 miles to pick it, but it has been worth it so far.

There is also a guide for the 80 series on Slee's site also. My LC is my daily driver so I chose the 100 series. I will let the more mechanically experienced owners comment regarding the specific differences. It might also benefit you to check out ih8mud.com as there is a ton of information there regarding all model LCs.

Good luck with the search
 
P

peneumbra

Explorer
There are HUGE differences between the 80 series and the 100 series, the most notable being that the 80s had a straight (solid) front axle, while the 100 went to independent front suspension. The 80 trucks have a straight six motor that, although it's DOHC, is essentially the Chevy Six that's been in use for about 200 years.

The bodies are much different, the interiors are not the same, and I've been told that the frames on the 100-and-up LCs are not as stout...
 
T

toylandcruiser

Expedition Leader
peneumbra said:
There are HUGE differences between the 80 series and the 100 series, the most notable being that the 80s had a straight (solid) front axle, while the 100 went to independent front suspension. The 80 trucks have a straight six motor that, although it's DOHC, is essentially the Chevy Six that's been in use for about 200 years.

The bodies are much different, the interiors are not the same, and I've been told that the frames on the 100-and-up LCs are not as stout...
Click to expand...

Pretty sure just the f and 2f were loosely based on the Chevy six. The 4.5 is not.


Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
Benjamin Franklin
 
Arktikos

Arktikos

Explorer
The 80 series six cylinder is not the old fashioned engine based on the Chevy, but it does have more head gasket failures than the earlier F engines and later V-8's. The 100 has a more robust frame than the 80, not weaker. Why not a 4runner? Not so expensive to own and repair.
 
K

Krisbarger

Observer
Blind Cleric said:
The 80 series six cylinder is not the old fashioned engine based on the Chevy, but it does have more head gasket failures than the earlier F engines and later V-8's. The 100 has a more robust frame than the 80, not weaker. Why not a 4runner? Not so expensive to own and repair.
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Need more room I think. 3 kids 8yr/5yr/9month car seats with luggage and small amount of camping gear would have us maxed out I'm afraid. 4runner is actually way up there on the cool factor though! :)
 
p nut

p nut

butter
Krisbarger said:
I am not a mechanic... Nowhere close!
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So, you pretty much want to stick with a Toyota. Ask in the LR forum and they'll tell you the same thing.

$10k is a tough price point, but if it were me, I would probably go with a 98-01 LC. Tough part is trying to find one in good shape and needing no repairs. You'll probably need $2k to outfit it and/or do some maintenance. If $10k has to include all maintenance, you're looking at an 80-series.
 
K

Krisbarger

Observer
p nut said:
So, you pretty much want to stick with a Toyota. Ask in the LR forum and they'll tell you the same thing.

$10k is a tough price point, but if it were me, I would probably go with a 98-01 LC. Tough part is trying to find one in good shape and needing no repairs. You'll probably need $2k to outfit it and/or do some maintenance. If $10k has to include all maintenance, you're looking at an 80-series.
Click to expand...

The $10K does not include outfitting. The maint hopefully will not be too much at beginning. Are you saying LC and not the LX470?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
p nut

p nut

butter
LC or LX, it's up to you. I chose an LC, because I didn't like some of the features on the LX (AHC--prone to failure) and few styling cues. I would have been ok with either, though. Most important is finding one that is well-kept above all else. For 98-99, the LC's had the rear locker option where LX's didn't.

Not sure how much you have to work with above the $10k, but if I were planning a south of the border trip, I would do some heavy PM, including a front locker, all belts, fluids, etc. It could get costly. I'm sure some that have had more extensive expedition trips will answer.
 
Upland80

Upland80

Adventurer
I own an 80 series, but from your post I think you would probably be happier with a 100. With that said, It's a LC 80 or 100 over a LR3 any time, any where, any day!
 
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