100 Series Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus LX 470 - Legend or Liability?

[@OutdoorAuto]

Apologies - KZbin had a bug that made us have to re-upload the video. Hopefully the double notifications didn't drive everyone nuts.

[@mikegoolsby2731]

340K on mine. I put 3-5K a month on it… Just bought another one. Love them.

[@dylancolen3179]

please tell me you have a service book

[@hwi7114]

The 2UZ-FE and 1GR-FE are easily some of the most reliable gas engines ever produced.

[@OutdoorAuto]

You know they are good because very few people try to even argue this point… and if they do they compare them to same era diesels….

[@UtuShamash]

Inline 6 4.2 diesel is also one of the most reliable engines. Its successor the 4.5 v8 diesel also hands down one of the most powerful diesel engine which is downtuned in land cruiser 200 to make it even more reliable.

[@MountaineerLC]

Great video! The 100 is a fantastic vehicle, but as you pointed out, they’re getting old and are entering the realm of being an enthusiast vehicle. If you don’t enjoy wrenching or have deep enough pockets to pay someone else, something newer is probably a better choice. Worth nothing and perhaps the #1 thing to check and replace on 100 are the heater T’s between the engine and firewall. They become very brittle with age and a failure can cook the engine and leave you stranded. The good news is they are cheap and easy to replace with OEM parts and are very long lasting. #2 is checking/ replacing the spark plugs. The plugs have a bit of a reputation for backing out on the 2UZ and if not caught it time can blow out and cause serious damage to the head.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I got the heater “T’s” on my list… missed the spark plugs backing out though

[@nchounramany]

Great information on the 100 series. Currently have 320k miles on my 04 and it runs like a champ!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Love it

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

I have a 2000 LX470- it's been solid, and I live out in the middle of the desert!

[@Lordoftheflatbush]

Crave my 02 running on LPG making it almost “economical”. Ideal overlanding truck. Very reliable and comfortable. But requires quite some maintenance (eg valve adjustment every 60k) and preventive part replacements as these are old vehicles. definately a keeper.

[@KC_Overland]

I would challenge your rating for rock crawling. We took our 100 series through the Rubicon, and Fordyce trails in NorCal last fall, and it did tremendously well.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I think that is probably more a testament to the driver then... then the vehicle... I tip my hat to you... Rubicon is easy enough... but Fordyce is no Joke. For the community can you list your mods?

[@KC_Overland]

@@OutdoorAuto of course! Front and rear Valleytech High clearance bumpers, front and rear ARB air lockers with 4.88 Nitro gears, and 37x12.5x17 Nitto Trail Grapplers on Beadlocks Even still running factory AHC as well 🤘 Shout out to Kelli too, she’s got my old sliders and rear bumper on her rig!

[@3GFinn]

Rock crawling is pretty subjective to some, I assume this category meant full buggy crawling.

[@J_Medlin]

As a Toyota owner, I'd say you're wrong and he's right. No modern US spec toyota is designed to crawl like a Jeep Rubicon, Ram Prospector or SxS. You had to add all these mods plus beat the crap out of pinch welds and fenders to get 37s to fit. Rubicons fit 37s without rub with flat fenders or fender deletes. And have sway bar disconnects, 4.10 (4.56 option), F&R locker, better water fording, high clearance bumpers and sliders from factory, plus the option now for a Warn winch from factory. No cutting, bending, aftermarket work, etc. Sure, a modern US spec Toyota will rock crawl if you beat it or throw money at it. But so will every civic by that logic.

[@krover01]

37s on IFS in the rocks is a disaster waiting to happen.

[@ddy3smptr]

I have an 04, my alternator went out at roughly 170k miles. Replaced with OEM. I’m currently at 185k miles and that’s the most major failure I’ve had, cost of ownership is cheaper than anything on the road and I drive HARD. It’s my daily, lots of city miles but we off road monthly. Best automobile ever built.

[@ChaiNinja]

I bought a 2010 4Runner limited this year for 14k and boy am i satisfied with it. Has all the luxury features and it’s full time 4x4

[@andrewshinabery8039]

I have had 8 80's and 2 100's Glad to see it getting some love on your channel. The Electric brake accumulator is one area that can go bad as well, but these seem to stop so much better than the 80's when they are working right.

[@brkbtjunkie]

My 06 LX has 247k miles. It requires a lot of maintenance but nothing has broke on it except the cv boot on one side, and the driver seat up and down button. It’s such a good vehicle, amazing for long haul trips, and equally amazing for going right up the side of a mountain on a ATV trail.

[@lwclark]

That's funny. During the pandemic I flew to DC to buy a 100 and drive it back home to Austin. Alternator left the chat in Arkansas.

[@numbers7n]

Thank you for this! I bought a used 03 LC with 200k on it with the goal of getting to 400k..... I've enjoyed it so far! Did the timing belt & water pump first thing.... Everything else has been smooth so far!

[@rebelpatriot_nc_9156]

my 3rd gen 4R's alternator died an hour from home. fortunately we made it home, but the battery had to be changed as well. The alternator was surprisingly easy to change tho. I had it swapped in less than 30 minutes.

[@leehall5447]

I’ve had my 2002 Land Cruiser for 3 years now, it has 245k miles on it. I have to say the biggest thing I hate about this car are how weak the exhaust manifolds are. I bought the car with both manifolds cracked and making terrible noise. Had them both replaced a year ago, already have another one cracked and making popping noise lol, I highly recommend the Doug Thorly headers to anyone reading this lol

[@nhefner]

Also have a cracked manifold, thanks for the suggestion!

[@dominiccappe2871]

Thank you Mr. Outdoor Auto for considering my suggestion !... I'm the guy who bought a 1998 JDM LC100... 🙂

[@OutdoorAuto]

Well... hopefully the video was helpful on your maintenance checklist...

[@WidlyWesternCanuck]

Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. With a focus on mild trail driving/forestry roads. With a strong focus that majority of the overland experience people are dealing with are on standard highway and road conditions.

[@J_Medlin]

This honestly needs more. So many "expeditions" can be done in a crossover with AWD and some A/Ts. Most rally cars and Baja buggies see more dirt in a season than an overlander ever will. Get your Subie, HRV, Cherokee, or Passat out there with some camping gear and enjoy the travel.

[@areebali5448]

this was such a good video, loved the part where you compiled all the issues. Great value! thanks

[@joshe1165]

I've never understood why folks just don't buy the OEM parts, especially in Japanese cars...yeah they cost more initially, but buy once cry once. I've had 3 Land Cruisers over the years, HDJ81 JDM 80 series and 2 100s. We have a Prius and an 01 Camry, always buy OEM parts folks...even my Ram 2500 gets OEM parts. None of that Rock Auto knock off crap which basically means I'll be replacing the part again soon.

[@1000PerCentHuman]

Please do one with a 2008 Lexux GX470

[@st184rc]

I’ve had a 2000 for 9 years now. Got it around 167,000 and it’s got 250k now. Lot of oem replacement parts but its definitely something I can hand down to my kids for when they start driving and know it’ll last.

[@ralphgabb3487]

I watched this video the day it dropped. It was great! Hate the watches didn't count

[@garystockton1]

Thank you, keen to see this progress. I’ve a 2005 1HD-FTE 100 series Cruiser slowly being converted 😢to a round-the-world traveller. Fortunately it has more standard capabilities than the US versions (factory rear locker for example) and the turbo diesel mated to the 5spd auto box delivers 22mpg or better, even fully kitted. Joy 😊. It’s a delight on long roads and capable off road, having ditched AHC in favour of a 40mm lift. Following with interest….

[@brkbtjunkie]

98/99 models here had rear diff lockers. Then they switched to A-TRAC which also does very well. I’m looking to fit a Eaton locker on my 06 LX

[@hunterward6279]

I'd love to see a 2nd gen explorer (95-01). It's just an enclosed ford ranger, often with upgrades (V8 option, better gears, disc brakes, and limited slip diffs), can fit 265/70R16 with no lifts. You can fit a full size mattress in the back with a 4D with the seats folded down

[@funkonsight]

Loved this video and subscribed. I own a GX470 and absolutely love the LX/ Land Cruiser as well

[@deepbludude4697]

I was looking for this Gen LC, ive owned LC's/4Runner first gen/several SR5 trucks. They kinda got out of my price range but I kept looking for them. Last year my GF found a 88FJ62, 12 miles south of me I bought it, Hadn't run since 1998, its running now, gone thru it brakes, cooling, paint, tires etc im still shaking it down slowly. And then wouldn't you know it a buddy of mine from Afg called me. In 2012 home from a deployment I found a troopy RHD diesel I couldn't afford it he bought it. Frame off resto been working on it since 2013 and now want's to sell it. I've always like Toyotas now seems im back into them. I enjoyed this video I subbed,

[@Stephen-uz8dm]

Is this a budget car in the US? They're $20k with well over 200,000 kms in Canada

[@pitts3219]

I’ve got a great idea. You should’ve used your jackets to start your truck after it laid down on you!

[@edwardjohnson4990]

LX 570. Would love to know your thoughts on the capability and reliability of the AHC.

[@Lee-gt5bl]

In short, if it has rust, water leaks then stay away. Try to get 06-07 models. If it has maintenance history even better lol that it

[@TradesmanOutdoorAdventures]

You should review a 1st generation Sequoia!

[@oscararellano881]

Please do a 3rd gen 4runner! It could do decent and not horribly expensive to get into one.

[@OutdoorAuto]

We will definitely get some 4runners in the mix...

[@WestPat23]

Timing Chain, Starter, or Alternantor in the box 2004 LX470 184K. Timing chain every 90k. Had my passenger side camshaft shear in half at 182,000 😮

[@SPQR_Spectre]

Thank you for this video. Being relatively new to overlanding, its really great to get other views and perspectives on what else is out there. As for "other platforms", could we possibly see a vid on the Ford Excursion? Thank you again for the video and hard work.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Oh man, a friend of mine had a diesel Ford Excursion that I feel could meet some overlanding needs well... I dont trust almost any of their Gas engines for the last 15 years.... but that diesel was pretty cool.

[@jerimiahlee1054]

I am so excited for a 100 series build! I’m bummed the bug hurt the views!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Im pretty excited to do a real budget build… so many expensive trucks out there but it doesn’t have to be that way.

[@grimrooster7643]

I would like to see your rating for the Nissan Xterra. I’ve been looking into them and reading some threads. But would really like to hear your opinions on them.

[@azfersaeed1602]

Would LOVE to see your opinion on the R51 Pathfinder. It has the bones of a true 4x4 but doesn't have a rear locker or solid rear axle. A small number came with the v8 but the v6 is no slouch and both are very reliable. However, since it has terrible resale, you can pick one up for less than 10k easily and have plenty of leftover money for mods/maintenance.

[@Motorep146]

I'd like to see a Nissan Xterra Pro-4x review.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I like those a lot.

[@J_Medlin]

@@OutdoorAutoits a budget Toyota with just as reliable of a manufacturer and parts availability. Just would be nice to know what things to watch out for since they are discontinued.

[@2URLex]

I’m in the market for a GX470 now and they’ve been selling very fast.

[@MissouriAdventures]

Shared to the Land Cruiser 100 & LX fb page. Looking forward to seeing more 100 series content.

[@OutdoorAuto]

You are awesome. Thank you. I am working on it today actually.

[@MissouriAdventures]

@@OutdoorAuto love it! I’m always searching for more 100, or even 200 series content. Cool to see you include those clips from Greta in the video.

[@sgtrosenfield]

F150? It is the most popular truck in America, can fit 35's leveled and 37's with a lift and trimming, the 3.5 ecoboost makes gobs of power and gets decent MPG; and spec'd right has a great payload. I have a '21 supercrew 6.5' bed w/HDPP which comes with 2500lbs of payload (and HD 3/4 float rear axles and 3.73 rear gear).

[@OutdoorAuto]

I am curious what the actual payload stick on your door says... I am pretty certain it will not be 2500... well I know for a fact it wont be 2500 exactly... but my hunch is it is decent amount lower.

[@sgtrosenfield]

@@OutdoorAuto you can search “2021 f150 HDPP door sticker” shows 1273kg or 2808lbs. Mine is a tiny bit lower because it was modified by Ford with lift and tires. Keep in mind this is only heavy duty payload package the standard F150 is 1500ish depending on options and 2 wheel vs 4wheel.

[@OutdoorAuto]

@@sgtrosenfield that is an awesome payload… thanks for checking a lot of times when people quote me round numbers (2500) I find it from a commercial and they have never checked their actual truck as configured. Obviously you know what I’m talking about… now the trick with a truck like that is to get it to ride nice offroad while still maintaining your payload numbers…

[@sgtrosenfield]

@@OutdoorAuto oh yeah, it definitely rides like a semi truck unloaded lol

[@jimmyjones2426]

Shame you didn’t get the 100 series with the 4.2L Turbo Diesel 1HDFTE engine in the US. Legendary for its reliability in Australia - some consider it the finest engine Toyota ever built. Much preferred over the 4.7L V8 mainly for fuel economy

[@OutdoorAuto]

Id love to get a diesel but it is a pretty unrelatable vehicle over here in the US... on top of that it would probably have to be RIght hand drive... or you pay a fortune to get one from the desert countries... I already did that with a 70 sereis.

[@shibby0000007]

Coolant T’s. Gotta be the coolant T’s

[@BudgetBuildBureau]

I was guessing starter as well, easier to swap alternator at least! Did you try smacking alternator with a hammer before doing the battery swaps. I’ve had brushes hang up or get dirty enough that give it a decent smack got the alt going again. Good video, would love to see a video on the 105 series but don’t even know if there’s any in the states

[@OutdoorAuto]

105's are really rare over here... all imported. would love to get my hands on one. As for the alternator it actually started failing on the drive up, with smacking it around it managed to limp about 100 miles... it was just that last 70 that cooked us...

[@cpwned]

Will a 2nd Gen Toyota Sequoia Adventure? I have one and would like to see ideas to get it adventure ready. Thanks!!

[@tbjers]

I think the most common problem with the 100 Series was related to the wishbones?

[@phillip.9524]

Far better if you get the diesel HDT-FTE. Best motor Toyota have ever made …. I only upgraded to the 300 because I needed to get an automatic…. 1100 kilometres per tank no problems and over 800 towing an off-road trailer.🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@OutdoorAuto]

I wish we would get Toyota diesel options in the US

[@alexgray9136]

Guessing heater Tees in the box

[@daniel.s.stefanov]

I'm probably the only one, and its totally outdated and irrelevant, but I'd love to see the SsangYong Actyon or Kyron, first gen ~2007 :) They are dirt cheap and maybe not that bad?

[@cosmiccrisp]

In the Box: a Starter

[@OutdoorAuto]

damn good guess...

[@thebigempty_5792]

Ironman 4x4 makes a great suspension upgrade

[@OutdoorAuto]

👀… oh I know… updates on the build coming soon

[@Kung.Pao.Kitty.]

I commented earlier about the 70 series. You responded about yours, but I think it was deleted. I do want an 80, but the 70 series is the one I really want.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah, youtube had a bug that made me have to re-publish this video... which is a bummer because now it will do really bad... but it is what it is... I am a huge fan of the 70 series, I was going to do an expedition build on mine but I had a kid instead... so now I need to sell this one. I got at least 10 years before I am going to probably do South America and 10 years from now I will probably start with a newer 70 series. So I need to button mine up and then sell it.

[@joshsnow3603]

You do not need to use premium fuel

[@MissouriAdventures]

🤫 shhhhhhh. Stop it. Don’t tell anyone. Its a terrible vehicle that no one should drive.

[@OutdoorAuto]

20 years old… who could trust that 👀

[@MissouriAdventures]

@@OutdoorAuto certainly not me or my family. Looking to get my 15 year old daughter a vehicle, why would I want her in an armored 100 series. That sounds like a bad idea.

[@MissouriAdventures]

@@OutdoorAutoI thought it was going to be heater T’s in the box. But I didn’t know about the early gen alternator problem.

[@phlfly10]

Starter replacement is very expensive

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah, Starters in Toyotas are annoyingly hard to get to... if you do the labor yourself it is fine... but if you pay someone it is going to be expensive.

[@JC-pu1ej]

Alternator anyone?

[@davidmilkov8351]

What's in the box Break booster

[@OutdoorAuto]

that is a good guess to... at 223K miles the break booster on this LC is still super strong and showing no signs of wear... but I assume I will be replacing that sometime in the next 70K miles

[@brianmoore4778]

325k when I sold my 2000.

[@jonathanpalmer228]

F250 with a 7.3!

[@OutdoorAuto]

That is definitely on the list… I have one of those.🙌

[@jonathanpalmer228]

@@OutdoorAuto look forward to it! I love my build and the way it's scoping out!

[@jeffarcand6536]

1st gen Tundra

[@mr2gud2u]

Nope, the gen 1.5 Sequoia is.

[@AnthraxVX]

437k on my 2001 :)

[@mespaillat]

Brake booster inside the box😅

[@robertrodgers1423]

Box: brake master cylinder

[@OutdoorAuto]

Good guess.

[@jeffplayswithcars]

Brake

[@OutdoorAuto]

Did I spell it wrong somewhere?

[@jeffplayswithcars]

@@OutdoorAuto the list of common failures. My 100 series is over 300k miles and still the quietest, most comfortable vehicle we own. Fuel economy does suck though.

[@bjlanders]

alternator

[@BeulahZagami-y3m]

Dameon Hills

[@akshayrbhavsar]

Brake booster

[@NotoriousJ.J.B.]

Heater t

[@sergateway]

A toyota Sequioa is wsy cheaper

[@timfoley8283]

Too much time on sponsor.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Well… can’t afford to make videos without them… so kinda can’t do much about it, takes anywhere from 40-60 hours a week right now just to run this channel. 🤷‍♂️

[@klumsytone]

9th Gen Suburban Z71 GMT800

[@OutdoorAuto]

wow suburban and excursion request coming in tonight... I can do make that happen... I know a guy.

[@RustySprocket]

30 seconds in and I can already tell you the answer to your question is a resounding NO! If you're on the US, just get a Jeep. Save yourself the headache. Cheap parts are everywhere. Dealers are everywhere. Lexus/Land cruisers nickel and dime you to death with maintenance costs.

[@monette44]

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thank you 👍