Lexus LX470's.

[vash]

i see some around me lifted up and looking all BadASS. one had the nicest interior!! it looked palatial.

i just googled it. they get 13mpg!! wow, with bigger tires and i lift kit..i bet it drops to 11!

what a deal breaker for me. gah!

[onewhippedpuppy]

They are awesome. Along with the 100 series Land Cruiser (twin), two of my favorite SUVs. Though there's something cool about a luxury SUV like a Lexus off road.

[LWJ]

I have a 2000 LC. Bad mileage. Great everything else. I even parked (and fit) in a "compact" space for lunch today. Couldn't do that with my suburban!

[MikeSid]

I love my 2000 100 series. Always have someone coming up to me offering to buy it.

Get used to swapping pads. They are heavy cars and eat brake linings and drink gasoline. But otherwise rock solid. Replacing the starter and the alternator are all day jobs due to placement and the sheer number of parts that have to be removed to access. But there really aren't any major weaknesses. It's an incredibly well engineered car.

The Lexus version has an air suspension, but otherwise, the differences are largely cosmetic. You can often find the Lexus version cheaper on the used market and often times in better condition. I think the buyer of a 15-18 year old SUV probably isn't the kind to want a Lexus badge.

IH8MUD.com is your pelican for LCs.

[Eric at Pelican Parts]

I'd suggest you read this too, Vash:
Slee Off-Road 100 Series Newbie Guide

The 100 series is WAAAYYY more civil on road than my 80 series, but I love my 80 and wouldn't trade it for the world. I really want a 200 series though, those are NICE!!

Oh, I also get 9MPG

[mattdavis11]

Dad has a 2003, loves it. Had 5K on it when he bought it. I would love to get it from him down the road, if he decides to get rid of it. He's driven a L/C of different variations for 20 years.

Great vehicles.

[IROC]

The wife drives a 2007 LX470. About 13.5 mpg around town, but will get almost 17 on the interstate. Heavy vehicle and all-wheel drive. Built like a tank. In contrast, my 80 averages about 15 mpg in city driving...

[sc_rufctr]

My 400SE W140 gets around 20 miles to the gallon. I thought a Lexus of any kind would do better.

[cassisrot]

Bought a 03 Cpo in 05. 150 k and nothing other than routine maintenance. We average 17 mpg in our country setting and when we get our winter blizzards it's a tank. My wife won't let me even think about parting with it. Her 89 yo mom lives with us and the ability to lower it about an inch when she gets in and out is very nice. It is a great geezer car.

[HardDrive]

I can't speak to the 470, but I must say, our 03 RX 330 has been an amazing vehicle. Very reliable, still looks great.

[Jim Richards]

Does that barge come with oars?

[VincentVega]

Funny

I've been looking at them too, but an 80. Cult vehicle for sure, hard to believe what some are selling for.

[sc_rufctr]

IF I lived in the "US of A" I'd be driving a Cadillac... Just sayin

[slow&rusty]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

IF I lived in the "US of A" I'd be driving a Cadillac... Just sayin

Those new Escalades have a definite presence

[IROC]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Funny

I've been looking at them too, but an 80. Cult vehicle for sure, hard to believe what some are selling for.

80s were the last vehicle Toyota made where reliability and capability were paramount and price wasn't really a consideration. I've owned 4WD Toyotas since the '80s (started with a 1983 4WD pickup) and have owned several pickups, 3 4Runners and now own an 80 and a 100 and the 80 beats all I've ever seen. Solid axles front and rear (and full-floating), dual alternator belts (you know, just in case), a gear-driven power steering pump (!), all-wheel drive with a center locking differential and locking front and rear differentials (optional). Plus, a giant 4.5L, dual-overhead cam inline 6 engine that is so understressed that it will run forever. In the middle of the Sahara. On urine.

I have a book on Land Cruisers and the chapter on the 80s is called "Godzilla on Wheels"...

100s are nice. They ride better and the 2UZ engine is much more powerful and better suited to actually driving on the road. But...the independent front suspension limits wheel travel and modifying the suspension stresses things like CV joints and the power steering racks right away. I'd like to have a 105 with the 100 body, 1FZ and straight axles...

In the history of human endeavors, there are a few iconic vehicles. To me, Land Cruisers and air-cooled 911s are at the top of the list.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by IROC

In the history of human endeavors, there are a few iconic vehicles. To me, Land Cruisers and air-cooled 911s are at the top of the list.

Amen. While the 100 is definitely better on the road, the 80 is iconic and unstoppable off road. My 1991 FJ80 is at the top of the list of cars that I should have kept.

[LWJ]

I had a 91 with the 4.0 six. I loved the engineering but boy that rig was gutless!

[vash]

FJ80's are super affordable. damn.

[unclebilly]

My wife drives a LX450 with the TRD supercharger and the Aisin (factory JDM) winch. I just did the front axle seals in it again. It is very reliable, comfortable, off-road capable and unstoppable except for when it sees a gas station. Oh and it has the factory locking differentials too.

We will be switching it up in the next 13 months for a GX470.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by LWJ

I had a 91 with the 4.0 six. I loved the engineering but boy that rig was gutless!

Yup, I'll never forget driving it to Christmas at my parent's house in a blizzard. Driving North into a howling North wind, I had to keep it floored to maintain about 60 MPH. But it got us there without any issue!