Back in a Land Cruiser
 

I've owned several Land Cruisers in my life but never had a 100 series. I've been looking for one for a couple years but never got in a hurry so wasn't like I was real serious. I spotted one on the IH8MUD forum Saturday so I drove a couple hundred miles and picked it up. 2000 model, one owner, 200,000 miles, timing belt, water pump, shocks, brakes, and a tune up in the last 20,000 miles so should be ready to go for a while. I'm going to put some 285/75R/16's on it and some Weather Tech floor mats but that will probably be it since it's my DD. Now I have a 2003 4Runner to sale, it's on the classifieds if anyone is looking. I'm glad gas is cheaper so it won't be as painful to drive. I averaged 16.7 MPG coming back from South Carolina so not bad but going to be a lot less than my V-6 4Runner.

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just curious -- what is it about the LC that the 4Runner doesn't offer?

It uses a hell of a lot more gas for one thing :) It's just a personal preference for me because I don't trail ride much. As far as 4x4 vs 4x4 there's not a lot of difference unless you have an FJ80 with front and rear lockers. I still have my 2003 until someone else buys it and I will always like 4Runners. Matter of fact, I just went with my son and picked up this 2004 Sport today. He is one happy camper to say the least.

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Nice Cruiser.. I love my Hundy and can say that I love my Runner just as much. But to answer Amalik, the Cruisers are just so much more comfortable for long trips. Not to say the 4Runner isn't but when you have more than 2 kids, the room the Cruiser gives you is a big difference maker. Reliability and capability are pretty equal though Land Cruisers/Lexus LX 470 hold their value very well. Not to mention that they just aren't as common.

Just to list a few off the top of my head:
1. Much better interior quality and better stereo
2. Quieter, smoother, solid as hell
3. Much better under frame clearance (nothing sticks below frame level underneath)
4. More wheel travel
5. Stronger frame and axles
6. Stronger (longer lasting) ATRAC

Nothing against the 4runner because it is an excellent (class-leading) SUV, but the TLC was/is built to showcase Toyota quality and capability...4runners are built to cost.

Here is an old thread with more info: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/compar...d-cruiser.html

And the option of front and rear lockers.

TLCs are great vehicles. I think most 4runner owners wish they had a TLC at times and vice-a-versa.

I would not put lockers on the front TLC100 axle....

I'm really enjoying my 100 series LC and yes they are a well built SUV, none compare. This is my last FJ80, 1993 with front and rear lockers, even stock there wasn't many places it wouldn't go. I've had several 80's and one FJ60 and all are great off road but the fully locked 80 is by far the best. As far as comfort, the 100 is a dream to drive on long trips. Maybe in a few years I'll get to see what a 200 is like.

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I found these TRD wheels on craigslist and hopefully this weekend they will be in my garage. I have to order some 1.25" spacers from Slee so it will be a week or two before I get them on. I'm going to flip the black walls out but I'm looking forward to getting them on the 100.

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My family is full blown Toyota products except for my wife and she was driving a FX35. The FX was a nice SUV but it was a Nissan and seems like there was always something little needing fixed. I found a 2007 IS350 a few months ago and I took her to drive it. Needless to say, the Infiniti went up for sale and we brought this one home. This car will fly and the guy we bought it from had ordered it with the F-Sport cold air intake, breaks, and suspension. It's a blast to drive and the wife loves it. As much as I like driving it, whenever we go somewhere, I get in the Land Cruiser. After driving 4x4's all my life, I hate getting in and out of a car, plus I can't keep my foot out of the IS.

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I bought the Rock Warrior wheels yesterday so this time next week the LC should look a lot different and better. I have to order spacers from Slee so it will be a week or so before I get to see what they look like.

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Got my spacers in from Slee and got the Rock Warrior wheels on yesterday. Sure looks a lot different than it did with the stock wheels and 265/70/16 tires.

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Looks soooooooooooo much better. Amazing what just wheels can do for a vehicle!

It doesn't look like the same Land Cruiser. Love the looks but my MPG's have dropped some. It probably needs to be regeared for the larger wheels and tires but then we're talking about a lot more money.

I mean it looked nice stock, but the wheels really set it off. How bad was the mpg drop, these things don't get phenomenal gas mileage stock.