Why the 2006 Land Cruiser is the BEST of the 100 Series

Mike Glover walks around the 2006 Toyota Landcruiser LC100 Series and talks about why he likes this as an overlanding setup and thinks it might be the best vehicle for overlanding.
Mike utilized this same vehicle in various forms while operating overseas while in Special Operations, including while in Africa and the Middle East. A properly set up bug-out rig is one that can get you from a bad situation to a better situation. But it has to be available when you need it. Making an overlanding vehicle as part of your lifestyle means you are more likely to know how to use it and have it when you need it. This cross between on-road and off-road capabilities is an important mix in an EveryDay driver that is also a bug-out vehicle.
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[@pranavkamath4329]

Saw the title and thought “it better be a land cruiser” and I was not disappointed

[@TheDrunkLibertarian]

Same haha, id argue for an 80 series but the 100 is a close second

[@evolutionglitch4739]

I thought similar... "better be a hilux"... I was disappointed... but not terribly 😂

[@dcurtish91]

Same, would have preferred to see a gx470, but close enough 😂

[@ranran2806]

Aussies will tell you the same. Although they put the 105 over the 100.

[@buffsamuraifred6037]

More capable than the current g wagon, except the much need power bump

[@williamclark7953]

Didn't have $20k for a LC100 so I dropped $10k on an 07 GX470. That Prado life.

[@bilbo5775]

Those things are very capable. very affordable little sleeper expedition vehicles.

[@alcopower5710]

Same here.......got a 06 GX470 last October. Have had a 95 and 97 LC and loved them but like the GX even better.

[@chadleat4260]

Bought a 2004 GX with 105,000 miles on it for $12,000. Amazing SUV! J120.

[@bergi85]

Same! I bought an 08 GX470 and love it. Same 4.7l V8 in a better looking package IMO.

[@williamdavies1192]

I have a 99 100 series and an 05 GX470. They are both great!

[@johnc6466]

Just some constructive criticism here: The "80 Series" that you showed at 1:37 is actually a FJ62 Series, not an 80. The 80s were from 91-97; the 62 that you showed was prob an 89 or 90. They look substantially different, but no big deal. Im a cruiser geek, so I notice stuff like that.

[@category-theory]

Yeah no offense but if youre gonna do a video about LCs at least do a little homework. Those of us that own and love our LCs are a little obsessive and ya never confuse the models ;). Good video though. 100s are decent, but if ya need UZ in a good platform the 4th gen 4R is lighter and has lots of the same features.... and is cheaper.

[@xk1119]

@@category-theory thanks took the words right outta my mouth! 80 series and 60 series big difference brother!

[@kleinbiker1]

Came here to say this. The 80 series and 60 series look nothing alike. Also nobody says LC100.

[@manclectic5203]

@@kleinbiker1 lol very true.

[@davidhunt9692]

@@category-theory or 1st gen Sequoias are very capable as well, and very affordable.

[@BIGE1312]

Can always count on getting good, common sense survival and tactical advice from you. Thanks again, Mike! Love the channel!

[@rileyj.hennigh5999]

Awesome cars and great info. Your photo at 1:36 is actually an FJ62, not an FJ80.

[@flydriveride]

Mike, I gotta hand it to ya. You guys seem to be spear-heading what I see as a much more realistic, attainable and sustainable mindset lifestyle that I, and many people I know, have spent years looking for a common ground approach to self and small group sustainability that includes a family with small kids. Thank you.

[@lucillewest3489]

Have a 2004 LX470. Last year made at the old Araco factory. Basically handbuilt before a lot of the older techs retired and they switched to the new, more automated factory. I’ll take the smaller hp for my perceived better build quality. Also, it still has 320ft/lbs of torque. At 182k, I’ve replaced the shocks, and my bulbs are still good on height control. Prices are going up, but you can still look around and find a great truck for under $20k.

[@coachcannonstm]

I have a 1999 100 Series and I’m eagerly watching and waiting for the odometer to hit 300K in the next few weeks. And she’s still running strong. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@stevenphotog4594]

I love your approach towards setting up your vehicle. I prefer functionality over aesthetics and to me just makes more sense. I've always had this attitude even when I was a young man as far as just being able to at a moments notice to get off any main thoroughfare. I'm currently using a 1st gen. sequoia which I love. Same powerplant as your rig. It's a little large but still a very capable off-road rig. New subscriber and look forward to your content.

[@Mrmojoman19]

I bought a land cruiser 3 days ago. 2021 stock. None of my Range Rover driving neighbors know what it is. It’s essentially a grey man vehicle. Low key badges nothing flashy. I love it.

[@REAPER3fitty]

Sorry

[@richienell]

Nice video. My family has driven LC/LXs and nothing but since 1996 when we got our first 1992 80 series. We have had 12 since then and still have eight of those today. Six hundys and two 80's. Five being daily drivers. I DD mine in the woods every day as a timberland manager and land broker. It has 424k miles and my son's 1996 LX has 490k miles. Most others are 350k +. And yes you're correct, the best made machine on the planet. Very cheap to own beginning with finding the right purchase.

[@MrJungst]

Production quality is improving with each video. It’s noticeable. 👍🏼

[@GX470adventure]

Glad you're back on the tube....

[@classicrocker81]

Love the 100 series platform! A few of my coworkers have them and they are bulletproof vehicles. One of them is just shy of 300,000 miles another one has over 200k, both run perfect.

[@briancallahan3588]

Love the message and the content. Keep up the good work

[@allinsurvival7542]

You guys are the best, this might be the best overall,,, BUT I took your advice and got a RAM diesel and am currently kitting it out, should be posting and update to that on the channel this week. LIVE preparedness and a lifestyle!!! love it..

[@northeastohio5150]

I drove a jeep cherokee sport for a long time, by the time I I broke it, had 700,000 miles on it. I loved that vehicle.

[@khyoon14]

Which year. The old online 6 was damn near bomb proof

[@northeastohio5150]

@@khyoon14 1996 I have been looking for another one ever since that has low miles an little rust, I want to turn it into my bug out vehicle, it would be fun to build another one.

[@khyoon14]

@@northeastohio5150 i typed online instead inline. lol I haven't seen those in forever. Too bad chrysler likes to go with obsolete products

[@abrahamlincoln6619]

Straight six 4.0 I'm assuming? I met a guy with almost a million miles, he replaced the trans a couple times (automatic) but the engine had bever been touched. Crazy reliable.

[@robertlarsen6516]

Miss my 2001 Cherokee Sport. Her name was Cutalatah...Cherokee for female warrior...that inline six was nice!

[@dvg350]

These LC overland builds are fantastic! Currently building out my '19 Tundra 🤙

[@stevog44]

Same here 18 crewmax. Hopefully will be done w the major stuff by December. As of now wanting gears and locker. Rear bumper and kings all the way around.

[@shutthegate8232]

Thanks Mike. Lookin' forward to the rest of the vids on the rig. cheers

[@jonathanmuniz4341]

Picked up a beautiful well maintained '04 LX 470 and this video helped make that decision easy.

[@kurtgellert9166]

I have an '04 and love it! One thing to consider is an extended range fuel tank. These are gas hogs with a 25 gal tank. Would love to see you incorporate that and the pro's, con's, and challenges with those. Like you did with your Ram Cummins.

[@timbaker8928]

Love your channel brother!! Great stuff

[@dannyschwarz6469]

This is honestly my dream rig

[@brianhetrick1301]

Yes the EDC part of go gear should extend to your vehicle. Good point Mike.

[@scottyocum7652]

Thanks as always Mike!

[@jabsterlustina946]

Right on good purchase. Yeah I cant recommend it enough. I’ve have na LX470 for 2 years now and it never let me down

[@paratrooperlane7022]

Finally, you're showing the best of the best.

[@robertlarsen6516]

Great video man! Practical, not overtly tactical.

[@Chpmunk73]

Great Advice! Now time to look for Toyota LC! Thanks Mike!

[@brandonsmisek]

you are confirming all of my thoughts. great vid thanks for posting this.

[@RavenAUS]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing Mike!

[@FrancisWong]

Definitely one of the best overland rigs out there!

[@Mr3LW3RO]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@orlandosalas4522]

Can’t wait to get started on it.

[@hautala88]

Looking forward to this build! I just began building my own 2001 4runner.

[@NigelNaughton]

good luck...keep it lean, light and don't spend a lot of unnecessary money. Save it for gas and go explore.

[@thegamecockdude]

@@NigelNaughton I have 2 myself 95 limited and a 94 🤘

[@concernedpatriot.2221]

I have the same line of thinking and took the same considerations when I purchased my 2017 F-350. Even going to do same modifications. I already installed 35” A/T tires with no suspension lift and looking to install the steel front and rear bumpers with winch ( looking at road armor bumpers ) and that’s it.

[@gabrielzazueta2218]

Nice seeing the 100 get some love

[@superninja6505]

Just the tip.....Good info and thank you again!

[@JustBeAdude]

LC’s in general are rugged as hell, the few I had in Africa were beasts. Just a shame that Toyota went the luxury route with the new ones, brand new ones start at $85k which is insane.

[@hollywood84660]

Ya there crazy expensive but omg I drove in a newer one 2014 200 series and wow I didn't feel the bumps or potholes the ride Quality was epic

[@JustBeAdude]

@@hollywood84660 I can agree, had a 2011 rental for local type things when I was in Africa and it was Uber comfy, it was too pretty though and we never wanted to jack it up haha! I’ll take the older models, they are built to be used and abused. We need to get away from this luxury vehicle every model concept as of late.

[@JoeO.]

It’s even more of a shame that Toyota killed off the LC in the USA after this year. The Lexus LX will still be available here, but they set up the LC to fail on a large scale - they went luxury route and forced to compete w/Lexus instead of keeping it a workhorse, then they forced the knowledgeable and faithful LC purists to shell out $$$ (and be subjected to Toyota dealership level of customer service with techs who know so little about the vehicle) and they never really promoted/supported it the LC in the US, so laypersons just thought it was an $80-90k Highlander that then had to compete with 4Runners and Sequoias. There’s a reason why NATO, UN, State Department, etc drive these in some of the harshest places on earth. This is not flashy and will get you anywhere you want and back for 25 years or more. The LX will perform mechanically as well, but it has ridiculous Battlestar Galactica styling that requires significant modifications to take off-road on top of a price tag that far exceeds that of the LC to begin with. (At the 100 series level tho, an LC or LX is good to go. The LC 200 series is even better, but the LX is more divergent from the LC roots.)

[@Andy69Mac1969]

@@JoeO. Such a pity you didn't get the 70 Series TLCs in the US. i would have loved the aftermarket accessory industry that would have seen for the 70. There are some great places here in Aus though and the 70 is like "Lego" to build on.

[@Andy69Mac1969]

@David Turner isn't that the truth.... !

[@grantjones199]

Great video Mike

[@randyjordan6666]

The jdm spec'd landcruiser comment caught me off guard lol, Mike knows whats up

[@jasonland9921]

After looking extensively for one of these that was lower mileage, clean, and affordable I settled on a 5th gen 4runner. Love the LC100, its only weakness is the timing belt that needs to be replaced every 100k because if it breaks the pistons will meet the valves.

[@mimpcinco135]

But you said it 100k miles

[@Dan762X39P]

Until that 2006-2007 40hp jump- they were non-interference engines- meaning that if that belt snapped you would just need to replace the belt and not the whole engine. I own a 2002. The timing/water pump and all tensioners will run you about 12-1400 if installed at a dealership. If you buy the (oem) parts and complete it yourself you are at 1/3rd to 1/2 of that price--- and you have more money and access to refresh "while you are in there" type maintenance and parts.

[@brkbtjunkie]

90k

[@kingfinance1508]

Here in Australia, we have these at the best they can be in the whole world

[@The_Professional_Hobbiest]

Amen, but you can also buy a 79 series new so you got it pretty perfect

[@silverrunner8687]

@@The_Professional_Hobbiest oh how I wish the states would get the 79 series.

[@djw5415]

South Africa disagrees haha

[@Shane-Singleton]

You guys down in Australia are lucky that you have those LC's all over the place. I'd love to have a diesel manual 80 series. Been watching too much 4WD 24/7.

[@kingfinance1508]

@@Shane-Singleton Hahaha yeah those 80 series are hard to come by for sure! Shauno is just down the road from me 🤘🏽

[@enthos38]

Cool Mike! Thanks.

[@Andy69Mac1969]

I have a soft spot for the 100series. For the longest time I was going to move out of my 80 Series into a 100 but never did find just the right one. I prefer the base model diesels (barn doors at the back). As the other Aussies posting here note we are a bit spoiled for vehicles here. Anyway I ended up getting a deal on a 76 Series GXL that has been absorbing all my spare cash of late. I need to watch the rest of this series now....

[@coondogsoutdooradventures2484]

I have a 2006 GX-470 and love it! It's just as bullet proof!

[@timbaker8928]

I have an 2004 XL 7. That's a great buyout vehicle! Great on gas and has great ground clearance

[@moritzwassmann1496]

Hi Mike , nice review/ content ! We bought one, when we did move to OZ in 2019 ( from NZ ) .. it is our camp /outback rig and it works - roof top tent and awning , i like to use an Coleman dual fuel camp cooker .

[@simplemanduke7128]

I recommend a prefilter for your snorkel. It'll help keep the engine filter cleaner. It's a game changer. Maybe limb risers too cheap to make build and good quick content for an overlanding demographic vid. Just a suggestion.

[@Gilbertmk2]

I agree, the landcruiser platform is the best. A close 2nd to me is the 4runner which is what I'm running now (5th gen). Gonna slowly built it into a balanced, capable all purppse machine.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

Man I didn’t know u were in Heber , I’m just up the road! Love seeing companies like Black Rifle coffee, Hoonigan, Travis Pastrana and some gun runner war fighter groups loving here to utah! Love it! Welcome brother!

[@sethmurphy7656]

60, 80, and 100 series owner here. I concur.

[@richardlindquist5936]

Rubicon Recon here, thank you.

[@nunya9555]

Good stuff. Couldn't afford the LC, but I found a first gen Toyota Sequoia. Traded a rifle system for it and have started going through it to assure reliability and usability. The Sequoia is NOT an LC obviously, but has the same engine, and a similar 4wd system. Has a center locking xfer case. Same 4.7, but first gen Sequoias have 240hp, while the 2nd have 285 and another gear in the trans. I love these 4.7 engines! Guys, do your research for yourselves, but don't overlook a Sequoia that can be had for $5k. If your budget will not allow for an LC, then maybe the Seq can fit the bill.

[@nathanrushing1118]

Noticed the picture of the FJ62 where you said FJ80, I have a 99 100 series and love the way it does, twin locked and competes with even highly modified 80’s on larger tires.

[@jamescrawford9765]

Have a 08 tacoma with 315 thousand on it and still going strong love the vid mike

[@jjdogbutte]

Absolutely love my 05’ Taco now at 137k, my best vehicle purchase...ever!

[@angelinvocon]

Love the cruiser, it's a gem. Wanna get really excited...look at Sherpa ,a Russian off roader, big fun.I know I know this is meant to be a road vehicle. I have several, piggy back style, right down to an Indian Challenger and a Triumph. Thinking Yak now.....lol. Thanks for helping out.....good info.

[@nevadasmith9095]

I am the proud owner of a1992 Jeep Cherokee that I bought for $600. It had 275000 miles on it and everything still works except the cruise control. May not be pretty but it still kicks ass .

[@HuggybearActual]

I've got a 2009 Honda CR-V....with a Type-R/Mugen decal on the back. 😎

[@MR.GRIMM760]

I know this is a year old but still I appreciate you Mike

[@bernierissen339]

Excellent video Big Mike,that rig is affordable too,got me a 01 Taco 500 k all over ta south west.Nevada off road is brutal.

[@billfong7861]

You got me sold, Mike. That's what I want.

[@BarracudaBud]

Just bought a Lexus GX470 for all the same reasons 👍

[@REAPER3fitty]

Sigh

[@cellwithinacell3602]

@@REAPER3fitty why sigh amigo

[@timmywinslow]

I’ve been looking at the later version pretty hard lately instead of newer 4Runner...it’s hard when I want the FJ62...ok I actually want every version of Land Cruiser ever made.

[@Mike_Y.]

Sweet rig

[@truthlover2319]

It's A Good Video . Mike Glover Is Much Smarter Than All Of Our Politicians .

[@melortega6228]

FJ cruiser was my love for 11yrs until its was totaled as I was rear ended by Semi Truck😟.Shop around for LC100 Series but the price was obtainable for me at the time.Give up on the LC and got a Sequoia instead and loving ever since then, it was hard to pass with 170k miles for $5,500 4.7L v8 and 4x4.Luv this Suv and building it as my overland and daily rig and I don’t mind paying for gas that something I love.

[@joeeasterling5652]

I have two different builds. A dodge ram 3500 4x4 and a ford f150 4x4. Both are off road capable and according to how much time I have I can bug out in either. I am looking forward to seeing what you do with your build.

[@brauliogarcia9877]

New sub here! Killer content, thanks! I notice you run them Wildpeaks on your Ram too. Why them over BF Goodrich? Is Falcon one of your sponsors?

[@laguy8181]

Those vehicles are awesome

[@kichaa13]

1:34 thats a 60 series, not 80.

[@CurlysCruisers]

Some wankers are so full of themselves they will never know.

[@MikeGloverActual]

Yes we inserted the wrong photo, we have three of them, our bad.

[@CurlysCruisers]

@@MikeGloverActual As with most things in life, when you attempt to speak from a position of authority, with a tone of being all knowing about the subject, People will scrutinize what you are saying. I have 4 LC's, a BJ40, BJ74, HZJ75 and a 100 series. Will be adding a HDJ81 to the fleet soon. If I go around talking to people like they are stupid and then say call my BJ74 a BJ40, I would be showing that I may not be the authority on the topic as I was implying. But hey, all good. All that matters is that you like your vehicle for your reasons, no matter what you decide to lable it.

[@Jonasay10]

So I have this Rig (2006 LC100) purchased new. Only parts I've had to replace are water pump and radiator. I have ARB front and rear bumper, winch, roof rack and once you load it your AHC will start to flash and the elevated position sometime worked sometime didn't work. Call Slee they can walk you thru options - locking it up (cheapest) or removing the system. I removed the AHC and went with Slee Old Man Emu kit with heavy springs. Highway driving is not as smooth, but is still good and off-road is slightly better. The best part of this truck is it is an amazing everyday vehicle that works very well off-road. Biggest negative is 250-275 miles on a tank of gas (loaded up).

[@seizethedaymt7637]

Nice rig!

[@joshuaseeman4208]

I daily drive a Lx470, awesome!

[@Topblurb]

Great video! What are your thoughts on tire load ratings for the LC100 series? Are running load E rated wildpeaks? Thanks

[@larrysmith2137]

Good content.

[@jimmythegeekstickeyrice6062]

With all due respect your off by one year. 2008 land cruiser provides a chain vs a timing belt that needs to be changed every 90K miles. Additionally it’s a 5.7 vs 4.7 engine it’s same engine transmission used in the Tundra the body style is same as 2020 model year it has a dope cold box in front seat area and except for stationary 3rd row seats it’s just a better choice in my opinion. Smoke em if you got em.....

[@pczTV]

I couldn’t afford the land cruiser.... so I got a 4Runner. The LC little brother

[@nunya9555]

Same here. I got the LC's bigger brother, the Sequoia

[@charliesixzero416]

Awesome rig! I’m gonna stick with my 80 though...

[@Watchinchemtrailz]

I have a 1st gen Raptor, it tows it off-roads, it road trips. And carries 36 gallons in the tank. 240k miles and she still runs like new.

[@brkbtjunkie]

It’s not just a vehicle, it’s a lifestyle 😊

[@nomadih2252]

For a dd overlander/bugout, the argument for ifs is its comfortable. But the argument for solid axle is it can take a hit and not likely to break. Such as swerve to avoid something and hit a curb as you attempt to bug out. IFS your going to break a control arm. Solid axle your going to bend a radious arm. A broken a arm cant be easily fixed, a bent radious arm can be straightened and continued on the journey.

[@jimkoney4200]

Interesting vid.

[@05boneyard]

I love my 2011 Nissan Frontier pro4 x!

[@mypenisisincrediblysmallbu5538]

Picked up a 2006 Lexus LX470 today for 11,500. Super stoked I could find one for an affordable price, hoping to throw a lift on it soon

[@marcochavanne]

I had a 1999 with 35"s and 5.29 gears with full armor and all the tings. Loved that truck. Had to sell it when I was going through a divorce a while back but plan to get another 100 series or LX470 with Werewolf portals and 37"s.

[@philp411]

Good stuff. Have you looked at Suburban builds (like SubOverland for example)?

[@pkt1213]

I wish we had gotten the more pedestrian versions of the 100 series in the states. How much space do these have behind the 3rd row when up? I already have 3 kids. My 05 Sequoia had decent and surprisingly more than a new Sequoia. Super excited for this series. I have AWD currently but I don't think a lift would work well in on an S6. :-)

[@nunya9555]

I love the Sequoias. Great vehicles

[@zeppelin6601]

500k miles? How about 1 million. It's been accomplished twice now with the Tundra, although I don't see why that engine would be any worse in a LC.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Any consumer vehicle that hits even 500k is an anomaly. Even more so if it hits 1million. Take equal care of 500 examples of this drivetrain and you'll get 500 cars crapping out at different times... most well under 500k miles

[@caioribeiro8582]

My 4 runner blew up with 229k

[@svein-haraldribland8559]

They are better than a 4Runner.

[@craigrobertson6082]

Yep...between FRY, A'stan and Africa. Always pretty unstoppable.

[@mathiasrieske9828]

Great Mike, now I'll never find one on KSL!

[@jonlocke1624]

Haha I thought the exact same thing!

[@kevinrichards1539]

I have the 2006. I also have a 1990 VW Vanagon. The perfect Ballance.

[@mikec.9111]

Hey Mike Where can I get that jacket?

[@MikeGloverActual]

Kuhl

[@guitar14]

Hopefully we can get a walk round of the black 80 series. 👍

[@JannibalForKing]

100 series is the best LC ever!! - a fellow 100 series owner

[@vjazz79]

Great POU...

[@erichernandez3119]

Great video, are you an ARMY SOF

[@tylerdubois9020]

Mike, Are you running any lockers on the differentials or Transfer Case? For people looking at budget friendly (who don't have 30k to spend on a vehicle), looking to WJ Grand Cherokees. You can find the vehicles for around $2-3k, do a couple inch lift, automatic lockers and new tires and be under $10k with a vehicle that is comfortable but can go. - Tyler

[@CoyoteBadLands77]

What about the availability of replacement parts and electronics ( any effected by a emp) ?

[@drunknnirish]

Now you wont ever be able to find these again because the whole world is going to try to be like Mike!

[@jayem5905]

Nah man landcruisers are already so sought after they’re so hard to find now he’s not hurting anything

[@GingerAvenger]

Yeah, that started hard a couple years ago, especially with the GX and LX Lexus models

[@abrahamlincoln6619]

Mike, you really should learn more about overlanding lol. You made a few points that are common misconceptions.