Winter Tank

[Dunnik]

I have a summer tank, and I think I've found my winter tank. You may recall I posted in this sub-forum about the G-Wagen, which after a request for input I determined wasn't my thing. For the same price as the cheapest of G-Wagens, I figured, maybe look at the new GLB.

I've thought better of spending that much on a purely winter vehicle, so instead my idea is to buy the vehicle beloved of both the UN and terrorists, a Series 100 Land Cruiser, specifically, one wearing a tuxedo, a 2005-2007 LX 470 (aka Land Cruiser Cygnus in the rest of the world). I'd save like $30k+ over the price of a G-Wagen or GLB.

So while it would be cool to have the three pointed star for both winter and summer vehicles, the LX feels like a suitable companion to my E500. Both have legendarily reliable and durable naturally-aspirated V8s - a dying breed - and are built with a kind of quality you don't see these days. Both cars also have hydraulic suspensions, the one on the LX can be adjusted for ride height and spring stiffness, reports are that in comfort mode it rides more like an S-Class and less like a truck. Gas mileage is a pig but I work from home so

This is the one I've my eye on. I'd buy it sight unseen and ship it to me.

What does the board think? Any current or previous Series 100 owners out there?

 

[Harv]

Hard to argue a 100. A pure tank of a vehicle. Very few faults. Keep an eye on the timing belt and the suspension, and it'll last literally forever.

 

[msq]

We had two Sequoia's, I believe it's the same engine. The engines were bulletproof. Sold one at 184K miles and another at maybe 167K miles. The engines felt like they were new when we sold. Inexpensive to service, trouble free, exterior held up great. One was silver in color and at 10 years old the paint still looked like new.
Here is a 2008 LX570 with only 64K miles: 2008 Lexus LX 570 AWD
(p.s. the engine on the one I listed above is bigger than the one in my sequoia's its the 5.7, not the same as in the LX470)

 

[ace10]

Land Cruisers, in general, are great all-purpose vehicle. But obviously they excel at covering ground in poor road and offroad conditions. The 100 Series was the subject of much scorn in the LC community when it was announced, and for several years thereafter. No longer did it have a solid axle up front. The size was even bigger than the already-large 80 Series. And the complexities of nearly every system was the opposite of what enthusiasts had come to expect with the 40/55/60/70 Series.

BUT, Toyota delivered a good vehicle. Reliable. Tough. There were some teething pains in the beginning, but most of that was worked out over the production run 1998-2007 or in the aftermarket.

We owned an LX new from 2002 to 2013. It was replaced by the G550. I've been shopping (money in hand) for a 100 for about six month. Been looking for an early one that I can destroy as a winter beater. Prices have been steadily climbing. And rust is a huge problem.

I don't know where @Dunnik is in the research/purchase process, but I suggest looking at Slee's Buyers Guide to give you an overview of the 100 Series.

100 Series Newbie Guide - Slee Off Road

Our Newbie Guide for the 80 Series Land Cruiser proven very popular, so we decided to compile one for the 100 series as well.

www.sleeoffroad.com

Cliff's notes: 5 Speed transmission and a slight HP bump arrived in 2003. Neither of which were a big deal. Then in 2006, HP was increased by 40 to 275, via variable valve timing.

In terms of reliability, these rigs are pretty darn good. There were some transmission failures in the early ones. Heater Tees and thermostat are must-do if they have been neglected. If they fail, you will be stranded. If the infotainment screen fails in all but 06-07, you will lose control of the HVAC (IIRC).
Rust is a HUGE issue. As is the case for any vehicle which is exposed to winter driving.
The 100 Series frame will be the primary trouble area. As is the upper rear hatch. Look for rust around the hatch's window gasket, but especially around the release handle, which is a terrible design that allows the elements to enter the cavity of the upper hatch.

Additionally, look at the upper corners of the front windshield for poorly replaced glass. This one's another big issue, because leaks will happen if the job isn't done perfectly. And I'd guess that one in ten are done well enough to pass my scrutiny. The trim is really difficult to get back in place.

Timing belt and water pump. Often neglected. Won't destroy the engine, but will set you back about $1000-1200. I'd guess that at least half that are being sold today will need TB service.

Sunroofs tend to be inop due to lack of lubrication and clearing of the drains.

The AHC (height/ride control) system will fail. It's only a matter of time. Good maintenance will prolong the life, but expect to address the need sooner than later. All LXs have AHC. Most LC's do not, as it was optional in the very last couple of model years.

Watch for inop radio antenna. It's a bear to replace. Watch for inop power steering column. $$

www.IH8Mud.com is tremendous resource for all things Toyota Land Cruisers.

In terms of values. The production numbers of the Toyota and Lexus versions were pretty similar, IIRC. The Land Cruiser is vastly more sought out. I'd guess there's a 10% haircut for the LX. Due to the AHC system, and not having the Toyota badge.

My opinions:

Lexus models received better service for a longer period of time and they're generally in nicer condition.
The leather in the Lexus was nicer. And holds up a bit better. Replacements for either model are available from a number of vendors.
This is one vehicle where Odo shopping is virtually pointless. Prices for sub 100K mile examples are silly. And there's no real reason for it. They won't be collectible (unless it's a 2007 Land Cruiser, with no AHC and no navi).


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I was talking to a guy in Vegas who had a white one with rhino lined bumpers. Told him that I liked the UN look. He had no idea what I was even talking about. lol. The rig even had cloth seats, which is incredibly rare.
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This was just a random dump of thoughts. Take them for what they cost you. I'm up to about 20 years of LC ownership, which isn't very long, but I'm not wed to one series, unlike many people. I currently own 1967 up to 1997. And I'm looking for a cheap, clean 1998-2002 currently.

Good luck with your search. If you have any specific questions, I will be happy to help, if I can.

 

[ace10]

Quick follow up.
The LX in the 1st post coverts to $22k USD which is probably fair for a sub 100K mile late 100. Pending examination for rust.
If that was a Toyota, coming out of the Southwest with good maintenance records, expect to see an Ask closer to $30.

Since my search for a cheap 100 has been going so poorly, I bought a Suburban from a buddy of mine.
I'm calling it the battle wagon. It would probably sound better in German.


No rust, but has a few needs. Won't cost me anything to hang on to for a few months or a year.

 

[Dunnik]

Thanks for the tips @Ace, I'll read up on that website. Otherwise been watching YT videos and browsing enthusiast forums. Am aware that rust is an issue, especially on the frame. That's why I'm ignoring all local examples unless they're recent imports and instead will purchase a vehicle that has spent most/all of its life in the Lower Mainland/Greater Vancouver Area, my country's equivalent of the California car. Pretty much never snows there.

I could, as I did with "Bertha", explore the larger US market but this time I'll stick to this side of the border. The LX 470 isn't anywhere as rare as an .036, and there are significant savings in terms of transport costs, fees, duties and taxes.

I've reached out to the owner of the one in my first post, he says the timing belt/water pump was done "recently", I've asked him when, exactly, and if the hydraulic suspension is in working order (among other questions). Am aware that replacing the stock suspension can be pricey - I've heard numbers like $3k a side tossed around - but if it fails I'm willing to fix, rather than convert to a conventional set up. The features it provides are very much worth it to me, especially as I have no plans to crawl over rocks in it. Cushy ride and and independent front suspension is just fine by me, you can keep your solid front axles thanks very much.

As noted the ones I want are the 06-08 with the VVTi and the 5-speed (on MY 2003 and up).

And yes, it's nice to be shopping for a vehicle where the odo is basically meaningless.

 

[036]

Wonderful. Legend.
Want more pics and videos ))

 

[Dunnik]

Well. That was fast!

The Car Gods continue to bestow their blessings upon me, it seems. Was expecting to settle in for the long haul to find the vehicle I wanted but, as with Bertha, I found the right candidate and seller in short order. Have a verbal agreement of sale for this:

2006 Lexus LX470

Very good condition: Silver with grey leather interior: Original one owner vehicle: All services completed at Regency Lexus Service Centre, according to Lexus Service Schedule: Recent Major Service...

vancouver.craigslist.org

- it's a 2006, with the desirable VVTi variable valve upgrade, boosting power from 230 to 270 hp; 2007 very limited production and 2008+ it's the (more expensive, kinda-not-worth-it) Series 200
- one (anal-retentive) owner, full records, dealer serviced, all scheduled maintenance performed
- desirable silver colour, attractive and (in theory) good/best visibility for winter driving
- 252,000 km or 156,585 Freedom Miles, which, like the .036, is nothing for these vehicles if they've been cared for
- three reported accidents, two front end, one rear, however: body-on-frame and repaired by Lexus dealer's pet bodyshop, no visible evidence
- Lower Mainland BC car, where it never snows, some surface rust underneath due to plain age and moisture, but nothing serious, no body rust
- agreed to pay full ask, $20k CAD, or $15,200 Freedom Dollars, save even more with transport/excise fees for avoiding US market, where a vehicle like this might go for $20k USD ($26k CAD)
- recent $2k+ dealer service included all, and I do mean all, fluids: hydraulic, brake, engine coolant, ATF, engine oil
- timing belt water pump done at 173k km, so have another 30k+ before it needs to be done again
- brand-new (Nov 2019) Michelin X-Ice winter tires
- bonus: vehicle will come with a complimentary full tank of gas and interior/exterior detail
- before you say, sight unseen? Craigslist? Are you mad? To help him avoid sales tax, his Lexus dealer will buy the car off him in trade for a 2017 LX 570, then sell it to me: completely legal tax dodge for him, basically, and peace of mind for me, as I will be buying it off the dealer.

 

[ace10]

Nice find.
You're right about the Silver. It's probably the one color that is on everyone's shopping list.


Reminder: Timing Belt interval is both miles and time. 9 or 10 years, depending on who you ask.
Also, do check on the Heater Tees.

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I've identified a decent option in a neighboring state. It's an early Toyota offered at a fair price by a Lexus dealer. Can't get anyone to return a call, though.

 

[Dunnik]

Took delivery of my Series 100 Japanese Tank, which I had bought sight unseen and shipped here, just in time for us to get half a foot or more of snow.

Issues:

- no heat, in Canada, in winter (it's just the thermostat, thankfully)
- steering wheel telescoping motor is fried*
- telescoping power antenna is broken
- alignment may be slightly off
- brake fluid on the low side
- CPO-level inspection by Lexus dealer found no further issues

* There are, apparently, two motors involved, one for tilt and one for telescoping. The reason it's failed is almost certainly because it was running multiple times a day, every day, since 2006. The vehicle has that fancy luxury feature where the wheel automatically moves out of your way when entering or exiting the vehicle. I'm having the dealership disable this function, to preserve what life is left in the tilt motor.

The price of a new motor is $2300 CAD ($1760 USD). A used part would be cheaper, but see above: a used unit might fail at any time. Will try to source a refurb, if such a thing exists, but if I can't find one, I'll just bite the bullet and get the new part. Driving position and comfort are paramount. Also, the way I'm looking at it is that even to get this tank 100% sorted, I'm still saving more than $25k USD over the new GLB I was considering buying.