My situation is this, I'm looking for an SUV and am torn between 96-97 Land Cruisers and the 01-02 4Runners. The vehicle would be driven by both I and my wife, with minor off-road usage (Camping, Kayaking, Fishing, etc, with some possible long distance travels). What would be your recommendation and why? I understand if your somewhat biased as most of you currently own a 4Runner, but nonetheless I consider you all to be very knowledgeable on the subject. Thanks.

 

I personally would choose Land Cruiser. LCs are VERY nice vehicles, especially for everyday highway driving and minor once in a while offroad usage. I mean V8, air suspension, leather interiour, all bells and whistles, what else anybody could ask for?

-- Andrey

 

Nomis, You're in the exact place I was two weeks ago. I was caught between a 94-99 LC my 2002 4Runner or a 2003 4Runner. This is my quick take. I had my heart set on the LC, because of the V8, size, history and comforts. I did however drive a new 2003 Runner and damn what a difference.

The power from the v8 is a major difference, the quietness of a landcruiser with out all of the weight. Towing is also a plus as the v8 has tranny cooler standard. I think the v6 gets better gas mileage, but I'm not sure. Toyota has made everything easy to operate and convenient. They did some major changes and improvements.

:cry: The 2003-04 Runner lacks the space of it bigger brother and costs more than the 2002 or older. Design has yet to woo most of the traditional 4Runner crowd though.

My Suggestion:
Buy a 2003 4Runner, if not, at least test drive one. See for yourself. You could always buy a :pig: later

By the way: If you get an LC, you'll want front and rear locking diffs. Someone said only available through 99, again not sure

 

The is no comparison between the 97 LC and 02 Runner. LC is a much bigger vehicle. You didn't say if you had kids, pets, how much gear, towing, etc. If it is just you and your wife for the weekend with limited gear go with the Runner. If you have a tribe and lots of goodies, go with the LC. Will this be your daily driver? I traded my '02 Sport for a '03 Sport V8. There is no comparison, the '03 is much bigger, powerful and refined. Motor Trend likened the '03 Runner to a 7/8th size LC. Same engine, tranny, mechanicals, etc.

 

I dunno about ya guys but isn't the pre-97 LC's inline 6?

I would go with the LC. The LC is a much better vehicle compared to the 02 4runner. Also it has all the bells and whistles too Locking front/center/rear! (Something all offroad vehicles should have).

Also the cabin space is much bigger than the 02 4runner. Yes, the 4runner might be newer but I'd say go with the LC because of the cabin space/locking diffs and also the LC name! If you're gonna travel and go places, might as well travel w/ style!

Good luck!

Lance

 

The LC is an awesome vehicle—the 97 has an inline six—they are great on and off road—but they drive like a pig and get around 12mpg. From all that I have read the 03 4Runner is called the “Landcruiser Prado” in countries such as Australia. I just drove an 02 cruiser and a 03 4Runner(its too small for me as I’m 6’4”) but otherwise its better thought out than the cruiser. If you really want something sweet get a brand new FJ80(US 91-97)one from Ecuador with a turbo diesel and a 5spd. http://www.toyota.com.ec/modelos_landCruiser80.html If I would have known about these I would have bought this instead of my 4Runner. Lets us know what you do.

FROSTY

 

I would go with the 4Runner, save myself some $$ on the price of the vehicle and gas, and spend the rest.

 

You are looking at a very low power to weight ratio in 4.5L I6 in the LC. It really eats up fuel, which should be a concern as you mentioned you will be taking long trips.

I love the LC, but 4Runner all the way for your needs.

 

**UPDATE**
I picked up a '96 LX450 last week. So far I and the wife are very happy with it. We took it on a trip up to SC - 1K miles roundtrip and were quite pleased with the comfortable/quiet ride. It lacks the FR/RR diff locks but the vehicle was immaculate inside and out with no damage so I couldn't pass it up. Hwy gas mileage was 15.5 mpg - but that's to be expected with a 5000lb tank. Thanks again for the input.

 

The 4Runners are 5,000 pound tanks (loaded), so I know yours is a "bit" more.

 

Nomis,

Got any pics yet?

I think you made a good choice. how could you go wrong with those choices? Now if you would have thrown a "dumb-estic" in there, you could have gone wrong very easily.

Post pics when you can and congrats on your ride purchase.

Doug

 

If you don't mind, I wouldn't mind what you paid and what the mileage was (Like you and a few others here I had to make this decision a few years ago. Per sig, you can see my choice).

 

NOMIS, does the Lexus have a V8 or V6 in it? Congrats on your purchase.

 

Hey NOMIS,

Congratulation on buying that LX 450 and welcome to the club of owning a FZJ 80, yes that is a FZJ 80 meaning it is a Land Cruiser in a sheep's skin. You may not have th FR/RR locking diffs but you can upgrade later with ARB locking diffs. I bet you and your wife are enjoying the quietness and comfortable ride huh! Not to mention the torque that inline six produces, to me 275 foot pounds of torque is more than enough for cruising the highway and enough to tackle a mild off road. So how many miles this mammoth when you bought it? Just keep up with the fluids and maintenance and you will be alright. Again, congratulations.

Noel