Going to look at a Land Cruiser
- Thread starter thebwlife
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
joneseyyy
New member
I'd strongly recommend checking out the Landcruiser section of expeditionportal.com or IH8MUD.com for specific things to look for on 100-series cruisers. Excellent trucks, I almost got one.
I bought a 2000 LX470 with 59k miles on it in 2002 as my lease on my 3rd gen T4R was up and the bank wouldn't negotiate on the buy out amount.
That LX470 now has 314k miles on it. My 16 year old son has inherited it until he's off to college.
I had to replace the starter at 90k miles (not inexpensive as starter is under the intake manifold), ignition key cam rod at 250k miles (it breaks in half and you get towed to the dealer for an $800 repair) and throttle body at 280k miles (electric motor gets tired and is not replaceable by itself, $1500 at dealer). These are fairly well known issues. You will also most likely need to replace the back two O2 sensors. Took me 30 minutes to do that myself. Other than that just standard maintenance, brakes and tires.
Incredible vehicle, never planned on having it this long but it just won't quit. Still looks damn good as well. Only downside is 13.5mpg but I haven't had a car payment in forever so $100 per tank is a bit more palatable.
SEP
New member
My dad just got his 2003 LX470. He actually printed this Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide and used it as his checklist.
LandCruiser
New member
The 100 series has been known to grenade its front diff and front suspension because Toyota put an IFS on a truck that was designed for a live axle and didn't sort everything out right.
13k is about right.
I'd really look into a 1997 LX450 or an 80 series if you want to take it off-road--not necessarily for the front live axle, but the huge aftermarket.
I'm currently shopping for an LX450 donor car to graft all of my ARB/OME crap on from my dying 80 series.
13k is about right.
I'd really look into a 1997 LX450 or an 80 series if you want to take it off-road--not necessarily for the front live axle, but the huge aftermarket.
I'm currently shopping for an LX450 donor car to graft all of my ARB/OME crap on from my dying 80 series.
thebwlife
Senior Member
There is a really nice one owner lx450 on ebay right now! 115k miles
Nice, I've been running Michelin LTX M/S stock size since mine was new. Average 70k-80k per set, great tires, running them on my T4R now as well.
thebwlife
Senior Member
We paid $11.5k cash.
not bad... $15k is asking I have them at $13.5 out the door but still working on them
also looking at this 03 LC with 91K on the odo.... but they want $18k:redbrick:
Last edited:
crunchcity
New member
not bad... $15k is asking I have them at $13.5 out the door but still working on them
also looking at this 03 LC with 91K on the odo.... but they want $18k:redbrick:
Those look real clean.
JohnnyT
New member
Have always wanted to test drive one of these and maybe I will in the near future.
Do they ride and handle very ponderously and awkward compared to a 4th gen?
What are the main driving characteristics? And perhaps pitfalls?
Is general routine maintenance of these trucks a PITA functionally and cost-wise compared to the 4runner? Is the maintenance any more "special" or unique compared to a 4th gen?
I know I should probably just go to a LC forum to find this out but just looking for general impressions from owners of smaller trucks.
Do they ride and handle very ponderously and awkward compared to a 4th gen?
What are the main driving characteristics? And perhaps pitfalls?
Is general routine maintenance of these trucks a PITA functionally and cost-wise compared to the 4runner? Is the maintenance any more "special" or unique compared to a 4th gen?
I know I should probably just go to a LC forum to find this out but just looking for general impressions from owners of smaller trucks.
Considering I'm putting 3k miles a year on my 4Runner, I've been thinking about trading for a 100 series Land Cruiser. I just don't drive the 4Runner a ton anymore and it would make more sense to have something further down the depreciation curve. Having something a little older would be nice for when I'm off the pavement.
