Info needed on LC

[noserider]

Guys

I'm thinking about adding a Land Cruiser to the family. Are there any year models I should steer clear of or do say the last 5 years look basically the same? V6 VS V8? Is there a good LC forum to do some research? Thanks for any help. I have about 1600 miles on my 06 4 runner and it is behaving beautifully.

Ron

 

[Thai]

Probably the best TLC forum is:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/

You would be looking at "100-Series Cruisers" section. They are generally very informative...but use the SEARCH function or else they will get annoyed.

Good hunting.

 

[Thai]

Guys

I'm thinking about adding a Land Cruiser to the family. Are there any year models I should steer clear of or do say the last 5 years look basically the same? V6 VS V8? Is there a good LC forum to do some research? Thanks for any help. I have about 1600 miles on my 06 4 runner and it is behaving beautifully.

Ron

For more info without having to search the forum, check out this link:

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

My summary:

Buy 1998-1999 if you gotta have the rear locker, but don't mind the weaker front differential. Or if you plan on getting ARB front locker, then the front differential issue is a non-issue.

Buy 2000-up if you gonna take your rig off-road due to supposedly stronger front differential, but you lose the rear differential lock option. Thus, you will need to buy locker from ARB. 2000 is also the year ATRAC and VSC got incorporated into TLC.

Buy 2003-up if you want smoother 5-speed auto tranny, better steering, and side-curtain airbags (optional). I heard that the front brake calipers also got slightly bigger...so, you can no longer fit 16" rims, but this is still debatable.

Buy 2004-up if you want backup camera if you get the NAVI system.

But 2006 if you want the most powerful TLC.

My advice...buy the latest most affordable TLC you can get. I would go for at least 2000-up TLCs due to the safety technologies and stronger front differential.

 

[noserider]

Thanks Thai

Good info and nice summary!

 

[T4RMatt]

Tell us a little bit more about why you are wanting to buy a Cruiser? Is it a kid hauler, off roader, spouse car.....these will help us come up with some recommendations.
Kid Hauler: Buy a Sequoia or even better a Sienna
Off Roader: Buy the nicest and lowest mileage 97 you can find with the three lockers
Spouse Car:Ha......well you should really get her whatever she wants or else you will hear about it....

My take on Land Cruisers is that they are 100% bad a$$ vehicles that bring stupid money. I love them and would love to have one but I think the resale is higher than its worth to pay for one. If I had the cash I would buy a new one because you would never lose much cash, but chances are you will pay close to 25k for a six year old truck with plenty of miles and wear.....and for me that is not smart.

 

[noserider]

Tell us a little bit more about why you are wanting to buy a Cruiser? Is it a kid hauler, off roader, spouse car.....these will help us come up with some recommendations.
Kid Hauler: Buy a Sequoia or even better a Sienna
Off Roader: Buy the nicest and lowest mileage 97 you can find with the three lockers
Spouse Car:Ha......well you should really get her whatever she wants or else you will hear about it....

My take on Land Cruisers is that they are 100% bad a$$ vehicles that bring stupid money. I love them and would love to have one but I think the resale is higher than its worth to pay for one. If I had the cash I would buy a new one because you would never lose much cash, but chances are you will pay close to 25k for a six year old truck with plenty of miles and wear.....and for me that is not smart.

Excellent question. Made me also consider why I want one. Is because they look cool a reason. Cause it's the only one I have. Oh, thought of another reason. I have no will power when it comes to buying cool toys. I was looking at some on ebay and found a couple good deals. Well so far a good deal the auction is not over . There is a 97 model in Houston near me at 7k. It has low miles for that year. It appears to be 1 owner in nice shape. Damn, thats just hard to pass up. Please, someone help me come to my senses. Is this foolish to buy one that old for so cheap?

Ron

 

[Sac State]

Is this foolish to buy one that old for so cheap?

Ron

Perhaps, check for flood damage. I am sure there is a good chance coming from the gulf coast that cheap.

 

[Thai]

If you ever want a second opinion on a TLC you're looking at, then feel free to PM me...i live in Sugar Land. I will be happy to look at it.

 

[T4RMatt]

If you ever want a second opinion on a TLC you're looking at, then feel free to PM me...i live in Sugar Land. I will be happy to look at it.

Definitely a good idea......having an extra set of knowledgeable eyes while studying a used vehicle is a huge plus. I think that price for the 97 seems extremely low......