Land Cruiser Differences
Discussion
Looking at land cruisers as I quite fancy one someday, but why is the 100 series just so more expensive than the 120 series?
Obviously 100 series is more a ‘proper’ land cruiser and has the bigger engine etc, but are they really that much more reliable and tough than the 120 series that makes it worth paying the difference?
I would have thought a 120 series would still be a very reliable vehicle unless I’m wrong?
Obviously 100 series is more a ‘proper’ land cruiser and has the bigger engine etc, but are they really that much more reliable and tough than the 120 series that makes it worth paying the difference?
I would have thought a 120 series would still be a very reliable vehicle unless I’m wrong?
120 series is arguably slightly more reliable than a 100 series because it lacks the hydraulic suspension of the bigger model, top of the range 120s have rear air suspension and electrically adjustable shock absorbers but otherwise are a smaller lighter and obviously less powerful vehicle, also the towing capacity is some 700kg lower that the full size LC is capable of.
It isn't that 100s are unreliable, far from it, but there's more sensors and more underbody pipework to suffer from corrosion issues.
120 is a better size vehicle for general use here IMO, with the autobox a lovely drive.
All models ride smoothly unless someone has decided to lift it with aftermarket springs and shocks.
Look at 80 series for serious prices, thicker chassis makes them more resiliant to corrosion and live axles both ends (as 70 series) means these are tough (120 and 100 series have drive shafts at the front instead, weaker and less capable off road), 105 series which wasn't sold here new is more or less an 80 series with a 100 series body on top complete with live front axle, thats the model you'll see the UN pounding round the world's hell holes in.
If you find any LC of any model designation being sold cheap, there's something wrong with it and the first place you look for why is underneath, chassis rust is what kills LC's in Britain (the land of salt overkill), but if you take sensible anti corrosion precautions and keep up the maintenance these things really can last you half a lifetime of reliable transport before needing a major refit, one of these bought nearly new in your 20's you could still be driving as a daily when retired.
I wouldn't be buying an LC presently, prices are ridiculousfor everything worth buying.
It isn't that 100s are unreliable, far from it, but there's more sensors and more underbody pipework to suffer from corrosion issues.
120 is a better size vehicle for general use here IMO, with the autobox a lovely drive.
All models ride smoothly unless someone has decided to lift it with aftermarket springs and shocks.
Look at 80 series for serious prices, thicker chassis makes them more resiliant to corrosion and live axles both ends (as 70 series) means these are tough (120 and 100 series have drive shafts at the front instead, weaker and less capable off road), 105 series which wasn't sold here new is more or less an 80 series with a 100 series body on top complete with live front axle, thats the model you'll see the UN pounding round the world's hell holes in.
If you find any LC of any model designation being sold cheap, there's something wrong with it and the first place you look for why is underneath, chassis rust is what kills LC's in Britain (the land of salt overkill), but if you take sensible anti corrosion precautions and keep up the maintenance these things really can last you half a lifetime of reliable transport before needing a major refit, one of these bought nearly new in your 20's you could still be driving as a daily when retired.
I wouldn't be buying an LC presently, prices are ridiculousfor everything worth buying.
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:54
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:56
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:59
Smint said:
120 series is arguably slightly more reliable than a 100 series because it lacks the hydraulic suspension of the bigger model, top of the range 120s have rear air suspension and electrically adjustable shock absorbers but otherwise are a smaller lighter and obviously less powerful vehicle, also the towing capacity is some 700kg lower that the full size LC is capable of.
It isn't that 100s are unreliable, far from it, but there's more sensors and more underbody pipework to suffer from corrosion issues.
120 is a better size vehicle for general use here IMO, with the autobox a lovely drive.
All models ride smoothly unless someone has decided to lift it with aftermarket springs and shocks.
Look at 80 series for serious prices, thicker chassis makes them more resiliant to corrosion and live axles both ends (as 70 series) means these are tough (120 and 100 series have drive shafts at the front instead, weaker and less capable off road), 105 series which wasn't sold here new is more or less an 80 series with a 100 series body on top complete with live front axle, thats the model you'll see the UN pounding round the world's hell holes in.
If you find any LC of any model designation being sold cheap, there's something wrong with it and the first place you look for why is underneath, chassis rust is what kills LC's in Britain (the land of salt overkill), but if you take sensible anti corrosion precautions and keep up the maintenance these things really can last you half a lifetime of reliable transport before needing a major refit, one of these bought nearly new in your 20's you could still be driving as a daily when retired.
I wouldn't be buying an LC presently, prices are ridiculousfor everything worth buying.
Thanks for the well informed reply! I was thinking of a 120 series LC4 to avoid any potential issues with air suspension, I certainly wouldn’t be looking to buy just yet. It isn't that 100s are unreliable, far from it, but there's more sensors and more underbody pipework to suffer from corrosion issues.
120 is a better size vehicle for general use here IMO, with the autobox a lovely drive.
All models ride smoothly unless someone has decided to lift it with aftermarket springs and shocks.
Look at 80 series for serious prices, thicker chassis makes them more resiliant to corrosion and live axles both ends (as 70 series) means these are tough (120 and 100 series have drive shafts at the front instead, weaker and less capable off road), 105 series which wasn't sold here new is more or less an 80 series with a 100 series body on top complete with live front axle, thats the model you'll see the UN pounding round the world's hell holes in.
If you find any LC of any model designation being sold cheap, there's something wrong with it and the first place you look for why is underneath, chassis rust is what kills LC's in Britain (the land of salt overkill), but if you take sensible anti corrosion precautions and keep up the maintenance these things really can last you half a lifetime of reliable transport before needing a major refit, one of these bought nearly new in your 20's you could still be driving as a daily when retired.
I wouldn't be buying an LC presently, prices are ridiculousfor everything worth buying.
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:54
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:56
Edited by Smint on Sunday 8th August 18:59
I’m more than happy with my 25 year old hilux surf at the moment which has never let me down in 7 years of owning it, I feel I must own a land cruiser next though!
You're welcome.
Don't discount Hilux, we had a 2007 mk6 3 litre auto and it was a superb vehicle, i'd have another if for no other reason than you get commercial VED rate, 3 litre 120 goes in high rate banding, but if you arn't buying now worth checking if they managed to get the 150 series below top rate.
Regarding corrosion issues, i was lucky to find such a good 120 myself re underbody rust (and 55 plate so sensible VED, for now), i had planned to replace my 95 with a JDM market Toyota 4x4 of some sort so starting with a rust free chassis to begin with...as a bonus JDM imports get even better VED rates i understand.
You get some unusual engine/body combinations in Japan too, the tough as old boots 3.4 V6 petrol from 90 series found its way into 120 Prado as well as other models, my plan was a 3.4 with boot mounted spare and get LPG conversion if the current motor hadn't cropped up.
Don't discount Hilux, we had a 2007 mk6 3 litre auto and it was a superb vehicle, i'd have another if for no other reason than you get commercial VED rate, 3 litre 120 goes in high rate banding, but if you arn't buying now worth checking if they managed to get the 150 series below top rate.
Regarding corrosion issues, i was lucky to find such a good 120 myself re underbody rust (and 55 plate so sensible VED, for now), i had planned to replace my 95 with a JDM market Toyota 4x4 of some sort so starting with a rust free chassis to begin with...as a bonus JDM imports get even better VED rates i understand.
You get some unusual engine/body combinations in Japan too, the tough as old boots 3.4 V6 petrol from 90 series found its way into 120 Prado as well as other models, my plan was a 3.4 with boot mounted spare and get LPG conversion if the current motor hadn't cropped up.
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