Land Cruiser Virgin Here - Which 100 Series is "best"

[RobRed]

1998-2001 isn't hobbled by the built-in nav. I specifically sought out the 2000 or 2001 because of that, and the strengthened front diff. Very few 2003+ non-nav USA models exist.

[cruiseroutfit]

...Now...off to figure out what the he!! "AHC" means.

Automatic Height Control, basically hydraulically controlled shocks that raise and lower the vehicle based on speed and user input. This prevents the ability to life the vehicle and additional loads can cause the system to go into limp mode which is 'low'. Slee has an override chip that has worked out well for many users, others just prefer to have the system removed which is 100% doable but a fair amount of work. We've done half dozen or more removals, its a full-day process (including installing a OME suspension when done) and it can be done sans any lights on the dash or future problems. So, if you find the 100% perfect rig with AHC... don't let it be the deal breaker so long as you know its going to cost twice as much to do the suspension (labor wise anyways).

[hks3sgte]

For me, a 2004 without NAV would be the one to get.

At the same time, the '98-'99 can be found with cloth interiors.

[hoser]

I've been told the 06-07 VVT-I engine has an air injection pump/system that can be very expensive to fix. Search 05-06 Tundras for more information... as they were much more plentiful. For LC100's, I'd probably say 03-05 are THE years to get.

[Mrknowitall]

ok, so...
98-99 have lockers
2000-2002 does not, more prevelant w/o NAV, 4speed auto.
2003-2005 gets the 5 speed auto, but keeps the non-VVT motor.
2006 has the 5 speed and VVT, but is the most complicated. IMHO, even the non VVT 4speeds have plenty of snort.
You could swap a locker 3rd member and axles from an early truck into a later 4-speed, but you'll need to swap gears for a 5speed truck.
For my money, it'd be a 99 with good service history or low miles. The cost of getting cought up on 100k of neglect can be staggering. Watch for rust around the windshield and tailgate.
Corrected, thanks.

[LandCruiserPhil]

ok, so...
98-99 have lockers
2000-2002 does not, more prevelant w/o NAV, 4speed auto.
2003-2004 gets the 5 speed auto, but keeps the non-VVT motor.
2005-2006 has the 5 speed and VVT, but is the most complicated. IMHO, even the non VVT 4speeds have plenty of snort.
You could swap a locker 3rd member from an early truck into a later 4-speed, but you'll need to swap gears for a 5speed truck.
For my money, it'd be a 99 with good service history or low miles. The cost of getting cought up on 100k of neglect can be staggering. Watch for rust around the windshield and tailgate.

2006 is the 1st year for VVT
Locking diff use different axle shafts

[trunk monkey]

One thing that hasn't been brought up is the 98-99 front diff, it's a 2 pinion design and if you're using the truck for off-roading, then you should plan on swapping in an ARB. The 2 pinion design allows for some flex in the ring and pinion and that can lead to breakage. 2000+ went to a 4 pinion design.

As for the 2000 tranny issue, if you look at reported tranny failures of all 100s on Mud, by far and way the most come from 2000's. Is that because only people with 2000's report tranny failures and people with other years don't? Draw your own conclusion.

[ChuckB]

The NAV is the only negative IMO with the '04. I'm very happy with the 5sp tranny compared to my old one with the 4sp. AHC does have some pros and cons as already discussed. I found a new use for it the other day, I put the cruiser in low so I could reach the drive-up ATM .

One note on the side/curtain airbags in the newer 100s. I'm having a difficult time finding a cargo/dog barrier that is compatible.

[spressomon]

More aggressive and remote terrain favors the relative simplicity of an early year 100 (relative to 100-Series ); '98-'99 MY IMO. For my uses/application the additional complexity and repair costs associated with the nav and exhaust manifold air pump system (EPA) coupled with more air bags, electronics, etc., of an '06-'07 would be a a deal breaker for me. The new component costs to replace the nav unit and air pump system is over $8,000 combined. And from what I've been told by one of our esteemed Land Cruiser experts, when the exhaust air pump goes it codes out and has a similar effect as an APPS or TPS failure; not likely an in the field type repair.

I'm not sure the OEM nav unit, on an '03+ would be a complete deal breaker...but I'd certainly prefer one sans nav no question about it.

For the types of terrain I travel a front locker is not an option but a necessity...an ARB locker resolves the front diff risk. Even though '00+ years got the 4-pinion planetary gear design they have seen their fair share of front diff issues too...so for the best reliability you're looking at an ARB up front on any year 100-Series.

OTOH if your "overland" travels are less remote and rugged...and you can accept the costs/inconvenience of potentially needing to replace the nav and/or air pump system then the power of the VVTi and A750F equipped '06-'07 MYs is very compelling.

If there was an economical way to drop in the A750F 5-speed auto tranny from an '03+ into my '99 that would be flat out a near perfect 100 for me. Add OEM cloth interior and take away the sun roof and I'm 'there' .

[CreeperSleeper]

I wanted a non-NAV '03 - '05 but due to the price and availiblity, I bought the nicest non-NAV '00-'02 LX470 I could find for the best price. I love it!