[advenk999]

Agree that these machines are evergreen and can run lakhs of kilometers. However, do seriously consider the fact that you are buying a twelve year old import at the price of 28L and this has already passed through two hands.

Also, 49,000 kms looks highly suspicious to me as well as most of the others. Do ensure that you thoroughly check every single detail especially the mechanicals and electricals. Availability of parts can be procured from Dubai but note that you will have to wait a while to get parts and may be an expensive affair. (Customs)

I love the Land Cruiser too and have driven it extensively in Dubai, but I'd reconsider my decision to buy one here. Just my two cents.

[Viraat13]

Originally Posted by abhiram7912

With regards to previous gen Fortuner, i am discussing with few people about making new seat rails or seat rail extensions. Have to see how it goes.

This isn't a difficult thing to do. The seat and carpet has to be removed, the mounting point of the seat needs to be cut out from original spot and welded back where required, primer everything, spray paint, patch up the carpet, and install the seat. It is a days job.

However, you'll have to make sure that the quality of welding is top notch to ensure that the seat is safely anchored.

[M A D over CARS]

https://www.olx.in/item/land-cruiser...iid-1525068633

check out this 2010 prado i found on OLX.

[JackSparrow]

Abhiram - Did you get a chance to drive/ride in a UZJ100/LX470 before? I bought one sight unseen and was disappointed in the height of the seat bottom from the floor. If you have >34” inseam, it will not be comfortable. I sold it within couple of months and bought a BMW X5, which surprising has plenty of legroom. One of the most comfortable vehicles I sat in.

[abhiram7912]

Originally Posted by JackSparrow

Abhiram - Did you get a chance to drive/ride in a UZJ100/LX470 before? I bought one sight unseen and was disappointed in the height of the seat bottom from the floor. If you have >34” inseam, it will not be comfortable. I sold it within couple of months and bought a BMW X5, which surprising has plenty of legroom. One of the most comfortable vehicles I sat in.

I drove the US Spec LX470 a few times and did not have any problems. I definitely wont buy sight unseen. Agree with you on the X5 very comfortable. Which year X5 did you buy? How is it reliability and cost wise?

[lamborghini]

If you're willing to take a gamble on maintenance costs, the BMW & Merc SUVs may not be a bad choice.
Even the X3 should be reasonably comfortable, and in new options - do have a look at the Kodiaq & Tiguan as well.
I'm around 6'1"-6'2" in height and fit quite comfortably in the Tiguan, and some great deals should land the Comfortline variant with 5 year extended warranty bang into your price range.

A big concern about a used imported vehicle is not just the age, or number of owners - but also maintenance. If the car is imported, expect the parts to be imported as well; and if it's an old car with more than one owner, expect lot of work done at independent garages over authorized workshops.

[redohabitat]

Hello Abhiram! I own a 80 series since 8.5 years now, and I have driven it only for about 15000 kilometres in that 8.5 years! Why? Simply because even though it is my daily drive, my office to home is only 3 kilometres, and I have only taken it to Simla, and Kausani, in the two outstation trips that I took with my LC. I have several other vehicles, hence this one is not stressed enough. Hence, the 50K on the odometer may be accurate.

I am in the process of selling my LC 80, and pick up a camry for daily drive as diesel cars are getting trouble in delhi. In response to your queries:

1. Paper work can simple be verified by making a trip to R.T.O. office.

2. Agreed, non converted 100 is rare, however the conversion is cosmetic, so no need to worry.

3. I think this one is called 101, or 105 series.

4. Expect to negotiate and pay 25%-30% lesser than the quoted price.

5. Being among several LC owners in Delhi, I never had an issue with service. Having said that, I have merely changed oil filters and fuel filters (Air filter being K&N). There are several reliable mechanics for Imports in Delhi, and none have pointed any issues so far. Yes, Toyota dealers can surely import parts for you, or you can source it through Palika bhawan market in Delhi, or a similar market in Mumbai.

6. That's the beauty of this vehicle. This is the only vehicle in the world that is made for a 25 year life. My 1992 LC has not yet asked for any spares. Several organisations such as the U.N., W.H.O., and illicit bodies like ISIS, LTTE, Taliban, use the pick up truck Hilux (Single cab version of fortuner) and the LC is used by their organisation managers. Expect bullet proof reliability and nothing else. The LC 70 owned by Mr. Emil and Mrs. Liliana Schmid (Switzerland) has driven for 8,00,000 kilometres plus, they purchased it new 1984, and are still on the expedition to cover more countries. They have made three Guinness book world records with their LC already.

7. I suggest that you take an import specialist mechanic along with you, or even better, an LC owner for inspection.

New vehicles will offer the most goodies and comforts, yet even today, the LC 105 has features that Fortuner and Endeavour don't have even as options.

[Kamran Mohsin]

At the risk of sounding like a fan boy, I think comparing a land cruiser to any other vehicle is like comparing apples to tomatoes. You dont buy a land cruiser for anything other than bullet proof reliablity, unmatched by any other vehicle on earth, to het the job done each and every time. I live in Africa and i have seen everyone from the UN to WHO to MSF to police to government hospitals use one type of land cruiser or another. And they are not cheap to buy. The question you need to ask is, do you need that kind of reliablity? If yes, then look no further, you will not get a better vehicle than a land cruiser. My only advice would be to delete the air suspension, if it has, and put normal shocks and suspension. Its all gravy after that.

[tsk1979]

When I was looking at LC100 series in New Delhi, Embassy Auctions (Live auctions) went for around 12-13L for Diesel LC100s done about 120-130,000kms

With all the uncertainty over old vehicles being scrapped and registration headaches, stay away from these for now, esp at this high price.
That said you can look for Embassy auction J150s (Post 2010 Prado's). They can often be had for 30-35L which is a good price for a 2010+ Prado.
LCs are rare even in Embassies.

Keep checking for Embassy Auctions.

[abhi27]

Hello all.

I was in the market for a 7-seater SUV and was religiously following the Fortuner Vs Endeavour thread and had zeroed on an Endeavour. Until, a friend of mine offered me a 2004 European manufactured UK-imported LC100 (4.2 Diesel) converted to a Lexus LX470. I was blown away by its handling in comparison to a modern Fortuner and Endeavour.

Now having owned it for about 4 months, I thought it would be good to share my experience on this thread.

1. A few teething problems to start with - the AC Condensor was leaking and the Toyota Dealership in Ahmedabad refused to take in the vehicle as it was imported and the chassis number was not appearing in their system. Then, a senior mechanic in a small garage solved the issue with some basic welding.

- this beast has two batteries and I was facing starting issues, so I got one of them replaced.

The alternator belts were also the culprits and were replaced, the mechanic tells me that this is the first time they are changed in its 15 year life so far.

- first rains in Gujarat recently and to my horror I find that the roof is leaking from two spots. I later found out that just proper application of silicon will do the trick.

- whoever converted it to LX470 did a poor job at the headlights, so I had to work on reflector and got an additional Hella LED Driving Light Bar 350mm fitted in the front.

This is how the Hella LED Light Bar looks in full glow. Thanks to my friends at XS Overland Ahmedabad.


2. Upgrades - to my liking only thing missing was a modern music system. This thing had an LCD screen and bluetooth but it wasn't up to the mark. The navigation had to be updated and it also had a cassette player. So i got one of those Chinese Tesla Style 12 inch system specially designed for LC100. Now, even the AC is controlled by touchscreen.

Here is a Before - after pic of the tesla style system for LC100


- Installed Focal Auditor speakers at front and rear and wow the sound is crystal clear and awesome.

3. Planned upgrades over a period of 6-8 months - Ironman 4x4 front bumper along with nitrogen filled suspension. (The old one is working fine but the chassis lifting thing is a hit and miss sometimes, so better to part ways with electronic suspension.)

4. Now on to the driving experience, it had done 55000 miles (~80000 kms) when I got it and now the odometer stands at 56500 miles.

- The thing that got me attracted to this was its handling, suspension, no outside noise, and overall comfort in comparison to a Fortuner or an Endeavour.

- The fuel economy on highway runs was 9.5 KMPL, which I think is super considering this is a 4.2 litre diesel engine which has to carry a massive 3.5-4 tonne beast.

- The 2 wheel drive option suits me much better and it nullifies the sway you experience when handling a Fortuner.

- Not to mention the sheer road presence towers over the modern SUVs.

- Drove ~700 kms in a single day and even after that, I was feeling fresh to drive more! That explains how comfortable the ride is.

Overall, after the initial frustrations and controlling the anger of fighting the previous owner for these small issues at the start, I am really happy with this purchase.

I even hit a running-fully grown-cow from the side. The damage could have been enormous on any other car, but this thing absorbed the hit with a minor dent, although to the A pillar. A few inches here and there of the impact, and I would have been looking for a new windshield.


One important lesson learnt for me personally is to not get irritated by small issues in a great machine. A life lesson of mending things in a beautiful way just like the centuries old Japanese art or fixing broken things - Kintsugi or Kintsukuroi, which means “golden repair”.

I shall keep updating my experience here. Also attaching more photos to the post.

[rayjaycleoful]

Originally Posted by abhi27

Hello all.

I was in the market for a 7-seater SUV and was religiously following the Fortuner Vs Endeavour thread and had zeroed on an Endeavour. Until, a friend of mine offered me a 2004 European manufactured UK-imported LC100 (4.2 Diese) converted to a Lexus LX470. I was blown away by its handling in comparison to a modern Fortuner and Endeavour.

I shall keep updating my experience here. (Hopefully the right thread)

Please share interior, exterior and music system pictures. LC100 is one of my favorite cars!

[abhi27]

Originally Posted by rayjaycleoful

Please share interior, exterior and music system pictures. LC100 is one of my favorite cars!

Just added additional pictures.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

When I was looking at LC100 series in New Delhi, Embassy Auctions (Live auctions) went for around 12-13L for Diesel LC100s done about 120-130,000kms
===
Keep checking for Embassy Auctions.

Hi. Can you please share any links to these embassy auctions?

[ngnoble]

Originally Posted by abhiram7912

I am looking to get myself a 100 series land cruiser (1997-2007). Can anyone help me with what to look out for? tips for maintenance etc. I have listed my questions and thoughts about it below, please feel free to correct me if there are any errors.

I found a 2007 model that did less than 50,000 Kms (have my doubts about reading) for 28 Lakhs but looks to be clean and well maintained.

https://www.olx.in/item/toyota-land-...iid-1525049407

Hi Abhiram

I guess its in miles that means its close to 79,000kms on it. But looks clean from outside.
If you buy one make sure to get it checked specially the front lower arms for any cracks where the torsion bars are mounted. Also check for any abnormal sounds from the transmission or from the front axle & check any cracks on CV boots and any fluid leaks. Shell out some $ at the starting to get them in pristine condition and you will have a vehicle that will last for decades.

I picked mine last year a 98 model with 62K on the clock. It used to ride like a dream before lifting it. Now its more of a off road/overland kind of vehicle.



Attachment 1913121

[satan]

Hi Abhiram

The 100 series LCs are indeed the best built LandCruisers (yes even better built than the later 200s from personal experience). As most folks have already pointed out even the last of this series will be more than 12 years old (Mine is now 21+ ) but that should not deter you from picking up a good well cared for example.
Be mentally prepared to accept a few points and your ownership will be a breeze
1. Its actually common sense but I'll say it anyways. You really need to be 200% certain you dont pick up a lemon to start with. Which basically means you have to ensure that the engine, gearbox and drivetrain are true and not molested. Everything else can be managed later from suspension to accessories to electricals to servicables all at a cost ofcourse

2. Regardless of what people tell you these vehicles are not indestructible; they do break so expect that. Of course they are very robust and will take a lot more abuse

3. They do need regular planned maintenance to keep them running in top form

4. Service parts are easily available and not too expensive either BUT individual components do cost a lot even for such an old vehicle. Remember this was a very expensive car even 20 years ago so components aren't cheap

5. As any LC you look at would have crossed 150k kms here is my list of mandatory parts you would need to change on the LC unless ofcourse done by the previous owner
-Shock Absorbers
-Injector lines x 6
-Timing belt, pulley and tensioner
-Full fluid change - Engine, X'fer case and diffs; Auto GB - drain & topup dont flush
-EGR Assy cleanup/blank out

6.Other items you may need to replace/repair depending on condition
- Tyres
- both batteries
- brake pads
- Brake rotors
- hoses & belts
- radiator
- A/C condensor
- Exhaust pipe
- Power Steering rack

7. The LC 100 shares a few parts with the Qualis - the A/C compressor, Oil filters,etc so those are easy to procure

8.Finally you need a very good mechanic who understands the vehicle and is as enthusiastic as you are to work on it.

I am sure you've already registered with LCOOL Australia and IH8MUD USA which offer a wealth of info on Landcruisers and are a good source to trouble shoot issues that may crop up during your ownership.

Goodluck with the hunt for the Unicorn of an LC 100

[abhiram7912]

After searching for a few months, i have given up and bought an Isuzu V Cross with 1.9 liter automatic transmission. Got the V Cross home 10 days back and am really happy with it. I will post a initial ownership report soon.

I can't compare the Isuzu to the Land Cruiser in anyway. But the prospect of owning a newer vehicle without worrying about parts, previous ownership history etc convinced me to go with the VCross. I checked out quite a few LC's, but found none that i was confident about owning with out major work. For my requirements at this point of time, the VCross suits my needs to the T. Maybe in my future there is a Land Cruiser 200 waiting for me. Till then, the V Cross will do