Thinking of switching to a Land Cruiser?

[alexb]

So, I really love my 4Runner and have no complaints about it, other than it's somewhat dated. I've been tossing around the idea of moving to a Land Cruiser 100 series. Somewhere in the 03-07 range. I love the reliability of the 4Runner but am starting to want something a little more modern and nicer. Plus the v8 and full time 4wd would be nice.

What are peoples opinions on the 100 series cruisers? Can I expect the same reliability and off road capabilities of the 4runner?

I currently have the 97 runner and an 08 Infiniti G37 coupe (highly modded) I'm hoping to sell both of those plus the parts off the G37 and get into a nice LC with a little left over to play with, like wheels/tires etc.

Anyways, let me know what guys think.

 

[T4R2014]

The LC is just as reliable as the 3rd Gen. Capabilities would be similar but something the think about is the difference in size. There may be some trails that would be a tight squeeze in an LC versus a 4Runner.

 

[GrampsT4R]

Gas mileage in the LC will be 12-16. Maybe 18 on the highway with the thing empty. You'll have lots if power and reliability though. And they are pretty luxurious.

 

[PNW yota]

I thought about getting an 80 series with the dual lockers but sided with a 4runner for mileage purposes. My 5.9 jeep got mileage in the low teens and I wanted to find a capable rig that could do a little better. I found I never used the extra power of the v8 anyway (obviously I never towed anything).

As far as getting something more modern, that's been my biggest gripe after switching, even my 1998 jeep had amenities like better interior lighting, heated seats and an 11 speaker stereo system. Kinda surprised a limited model 2 years newer is lacking a few luxury items.

 

[JayRolla]

I also was in the market for the land cruiser before I bought the 4runner. What made me go with the 4runner was they usually have a little better MPG. The older smaller v8 motor has less power to weight ratio than the 4runner and the newer v8 that has more power doesnt do justice either. But got to love the space, look.

 

[busmup808]

I jumped from a built FJ80 and my wife has a 07 Limited Sequoia that has the same motor/suspension that of the 100 series. The Sequoia is a beast and my LC was even more of a beast with all the armor. Your going to sick has big x if you think of adding Alot of extras.

If you don't mind spending Alot for gas and love body damage because of the size, then go for it. My 80 was just alittle wider than my new to me 3rd gen and it got Alot of damage due to the tight trails. That's why I rhinolined my whole sides of the LC.

I LOVE MY T4R. That's just from my experience.

 

[alexb]

Thanks for the replies. The gas mileage I get in the 4Runner isn't too great to begin with, about 14-15 city and 17hwy. So if it can stay in the 16-17 range hwy that's fine with me. As far as wheeling, it will honestly probably not see too much other than some trails around the lake or a trip to CO. I actually feel kind of small in the 4Runner sometimes too so the bigger size would be nice.

I love the 4Runner, I guess I really just want something a little newer and more refined, but can still take a beating if needed.

 

[alexb]

I do tow things on occasion as well. I've got a bass boat now and would like to get a ski/wakeboard boat in the future. The 4Runner struggles enough with a bass boat on the highway so I can't imagine how it would do with a 5000lb wakeboard boat.

 

[iNAN3 SOLDi3R]

So, I really love my 4Runner and have no complaints about it, other than it's somewhat dated. I've been tossing around the idea of moving to a Land Cruiser 100 series. Somewhere in the 03-07 range. I love the reliability of the 4Runner but am starting to want something a little more modern and nicer. Plus the v8 and full time 4wd would be nice.

What are peoples opinions on the 100 series cruisers? Can I expect the same reliability and off road capabilities of the 4runner?

I currently have the 97 runner and an 08 Infiniti G37 coupe (highly modded) I'm hoping to sell both of those plus the parts off the G37 and get into a nice LC with a little left over to play with, like wheels/tires etc.

Anyways, let me know what guys think.

I'll let you know what I think. Find yourself a sweet LC. And when you do, let's talk about selling me your old parts before you get rid of the Runner.

 

[bpowa]

I think they are too big. There is something about the 4runner that i like. Yes my only complaint is that it looked dated. For a 2002. Other models look more modern. My 2004 x5 is almost perfect in interior wise. And it does not look dated. However i have the option to keep one or the other and the x5 is up for sale. Less milage. All the luxuries and a very powerful v8. Heck today i pushed the xdrive off and power drifted into a turn. Fun but its probably why i like the 4runner. More power gets me in trouble with cars.

 

[white_n_slow]

My personal opinion:

The 100-series is huge and will get beat up if you do much off roading. Wider = more paint and body damage. I also feel like they're a little lacking compared to a 3rd gen in terms of ground clearance.

Drivetrain: probably fine. The 4.7 might not last as long as the 3.4, but it should still make it longer than the average vehicle. I know the 3.4 is lacking in the towing department but the 4.7 is no tow beast either. (roughly comparable to a supercharged 3.4 IMO).

MPG's will suffer, but you already knew that.

 

[ReconCmdr]

I love my 4runner and have had it for 17 yrs / 320+k on it and still think its an amazing vehicle and will never get rid of it! That being said I think your idea of a LC is spot on! I will definitely own one someday. The 4 runner is just a tad to small, woefully underpowered and unrefined for my taste but still an amazing vehicle all around. The LC is just another class above. I say go for it...unless your out a dozen times a year hitting the trail hard the LC will most likely suit your needs better.

 

[chap79]

A little late to the game but figured I'd throw my .02 in too.

Another thing to consider is total cost of ownership. Parts are more expensive. It's a luxury SUV. Gas mileage is going to suck. The sticker mileage is best case scenario. My 80 series was heavy, over 6k armored and lifted, mileage was between 11-13. 13.8 on the freeway with 35's and 4.88s. Parts will always have to be ordered from Toyota.

Go lurk around on IH8MUD.com. Everything you could ever want to know about LandCruisers or just about anything else is discussed over there. Great bunch of folks with lots of knowledge.

I sold my 80 and came back to T4R due to the thing being a gas sucking beast. I would suggest you consider a 4th gen 4wd T4R. V8, full time 4wd, same tow rating as the LC, better MPGs, and cheaper.

 

[drewm]

Why not consider the 4th gen 4runner V8?

It's pretty much a slightly smaller LC. It has the exact same 4.7L V8 and full time AWD system that the 100 series LC has, but you get better mileage and it's quicker because the platform is lighter.

 

[audiness]

I 2nd the vote for the 4th gen 4runner v8. I have a 3rd and a 4th gen, the 4th wins in every category (except off-road capability). the V8 is powerful, and the 4th gen is soooooo much more comfortable inside.

 

[GreenbowCounty]

Do it! (...or not)

Saw this and started looking for a used 100 to build but better to stay focused on what I have:driving:. Good luck whatever you do man:reddance:

 

[alexb]

The 4th gens are nice, and don't hate me for this, but I just don't like the looks of them, especially the interiors. It's just way too much modern eco saving plastic for me. I've got a while to decide on something, if anything. Need to sell the G37 first.

Anyone interested in an 08 Infiniti G37 tastefully modded, 1 owner?

 

[busmup808]

That's a JDM 100! Nice

 

[alexb]

So, I've been doing some more thinking about this. What about an FJ? Anyone have any opinions on those? I like the way they look when done right, but I'm concerned they may be too small interior wise.

 

[CShaver1025]

Damn that infinity is sick. Whats the price tag on that?