I was thinking I may switch over to a Land Cruiser, maybe a 98-2001. I think the V8 would be useful, does anyone have experience with the newer LC's? Thanks!

 

No experience but the LC is a gas hog.

If that doen't matter, they are sweet.

50K was a bit much for me...

 

I was thinking the same thing - it was a matter of a 99 LC, or a new 4Runner. I'm going with the new Runner. Mainly for the gas mileage, and because I think it really has about as much space as the LC, not counting the rear seat, which I don't need anyway...

But that LC is a sweet beast offroad - with the 4 wheel coil sprung, solid axles, etc...

 

I've owned all of your choices. It's true that Crushers suck gas at an amazing rate, although the V-8 gets slightly better mileage than the inline 6. IMHO, the choice L/C's are the '98-'99 MY with the 2UZ V-8. Those were the last of the mechanical driveline control rigs and offered a rear locker option. In '00 they went to electronic driveline controls. You'll need to drive both to see which best fits your needs. Build quality is outstanding on any, they're all built in the flagship Tahara plant. I think the FJ100 platform is slightly stiffer, rides a bit better, has more comfy seats in front, and a more upscale interior than a 'Runner. The 'Runner accelerates, handles, and brakes better, and has a more versatile interior loadspace. The liftgate is also more useful than the clamshell rear opening on the FJ. Tough call, but if I were looking for the best off-road rig it would be the 'Runner, otherwise a Cruiser for comfort.

 

Love the Cruisers, someday that will be my ride....too pricey though. Go with a '03 Runner w/V8 4x4. The drivetrain is essentially the same as the Cruiser, loaded with the right options, the Runner won't let you down.

 

Thanks for the insight, I am really having a tough time with this one. I am honestly leaning toward the 98-99 because of the towing capacity. I haul crap around pretty often and often tow. I'm not into it for the luxury, if I could I'd get a 99 with vinyl floors and seats.

Anyway, please keep sharing any experiences with the LC.
Thanks again!

 

Tow rating is the same for both, 6,500 lbs., when the 'Runner is equipped with the new series hitch. The L/C will be more stable, though, with it's longer wheelbase and wider track. Both also have the electro-hydraulic brake system, a big plus for towing. However, with the rear coils, the L/C squats noticeably while the 'Runner with optional rear air suspension self-levels.

Safety-wise, the 'Runner has the side and curtain airbags not available on those years of L/C's, but the extra 700 lbs. should help. If the L/C has >60K miles, the timing belt must be changed. The early production '98's had a tranny pump recall. If it wasn't done, it could be a short future for an expensive assembly.

I dunno, new is nice, a good deal on a well maintained used L/C is better. Check Autotrader and eBay, or if you have a dealer friend the Orlando auctions. Each of those years about 20K L/C's were sold in the US, plenty to choose from on the used market. Good luck!

 

Hey it's a mini mortgage on wheels and if you can afford then go for it! If not it's not like the 4-Runner is a crappy step down or anything.

Todd

 

I've always wanted a cruiser but the 4Runner sure handles better. Also keep in mind the 4Runner is easier to maneuver off road--width wise. You may also want to check out the 97 or the 97 LX450--these are supposed to be amazing offroad....Let us know what you get.

FROSTY

 

My mother drives a 2000 LC. Comparing the two, the Land Cruiser has better braking, a much softer ride, better acceleration (V8 of couse), and a much nicer inerior. If you're in it for the power and towing ability, get a '97 or '98. A friend of my dad who finds cars for cheap ('99 M5 with 40K miles for $32K -- no joke) bought ours (all of our cars) and he's a fan of them as well. I think he has 2 -- a 2001 and an older '98 that his son drives. A word of advice -- stay away from the Lexus version. They are $10,000 more new for an already comfortable full size SUV. Guy I was talking about found 2 newer used Lexus ones for someone he know and the guy laid down $130,000 for both, so that makes them $65K per after even almost a year... They're full time 4WD as well, don't forget that. It's been said but the 25 gallon tank goes by pretty quickly. We rarely ever use the third seats. They're extremely uncomfortable: no leg room at all. Unless we're taking a full car-load of people, we have them out, stored in the closet. I'll leave you with one more interesting fact about them that many people don't realize: they're wider and longer and taller than a suburban.

Zach

 

My step-mom has a '96 LC. It has the 6cyl and definitely needs more power. Although it isn't bad for a 6cyl in such a heavy truck. We pulled our 21' boat with it a few times and it did ok. Offroad it's ok, but it doesn't have the dual lockers. It sucks gas because it is all time 4WD. The interiors are nice on them. It rides well on the interstate. It's approaching a 120K miles now and has started to have a few problems. The heater core started leaking which was also causing a fog on the windshield and the EGR just went out too.

Personally I think I would stick with the 4runner. The LC's are a nice car but you can now get the 4runner with a V8 in it. I think you would have more useable power in the 4runner because of the weight difference.

It's a toss up. I didn't vote because I'm really not sure which would be better.

 

I love the Lexus verson... I'd never buy it... but my uncle has one and that thing is a haus. Its completely stock and is pretty darn sweet offroad. And with adjustable shock compression as well as ride height. Projector headlights that are waiting for some xenons... then there is the luxury. Its like a toyota, just a notch nicer all the way around, nicer materials, killer stereo... and then there is the optional navi (eventhough you can get that in the runner these days). Idono, personally they aren't for me. I'd rather have a beater truck and a nice quick sports/lux sedan than one of each for the brice of both. I guess i'm just sticking up for the LX470 some, but... the only thing is that the people that can afford them will never let them venture off the pavement, or 99% of them won't. If I were in your shoes, I'd get the older L/C and dump some money into it. TJM, Snorkel, lift and still have some money left over. Either that or keep the truck you have now. I really like it! I just like the style of the 3rd gens

 

Fuel to the fire.