The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

Jet2work · *** Joined: 02 Jun 2012 Posts: 159 Location: France

ok avoiding the obvious of bigger engine lower fuel consumption what are the pro and cons of "upgrading" from a 120 to an Amazon? anyone got any pitfalls of the Amazon?

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lometun · ** Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 80 Location: KENT

I purchased a new 100 series tdi in 2007. I also purchased a new LC5 120 in 2003 and kept this as well as my wife's car.
The 2007 Amazon is miles better in every possible way. Far better engine and gearbox, lots of low down grunt in the 100.
The engine in the 120 is a very poor choice for a car costing as much as it did, like something left over from another era.
I recently sold both and purchased a new lc200, but i sure do wish i had kept the 100 and saved the money

Vagabond · Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 22:57 Post subject:

I'm also looking to "upgrade" to either a 100 or 120 when I finally decide to give up on my 90.

The 100 has always been my prime candidate but prices of 120s are shifting downwards quite rapidly by the look of it and making it more attractive. There are quite a few available for less then £10k, whereas last year, there were hardly any.

Similarly prices of the pre-facelift 100 also seem to be taking a hit, whereas prices for the newer ones (with 5spd auto) seem to be as strong as ever.

Choices, choices........ Confused

The 120 is similar in size to my 90 so I know what to expect in that respect. How do you find day-to-day living with a 100? i.e. driving round town, parking etc. I live in an urban area and unfortunately need to take these (real life) things into consideration too. Rolling Eyes

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'97 VZJ95 - Colorado 3.4V6 with LPG, 40mm Ironman SL, full SS exhaust, 265/75R16 Hankook Dynapro RF10s on 80 alloys and 195k+

lometun · ** Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 80 Location: KENT

i found the 100 series easier to drive than both the 120 and the new 200.
Yes it is big but so is the 120 and the 200 seems bigger still.
It's like everything, you get used to it.
Going through gaps and parking were no problem, it's not as easy as a small car around town, but it gets easier as you get used to it.
The 100 has a nice shape to the front of it so you can see the sides better than the others.
Also the fuel consumption of the 120 vs the 100 is about even as the 100 engine with the 5 speed box is hardly working.
In the 76000 miles I done in the 100 from new it never ever went wrong once except for the steering wheel adjusting motors.
I did have a 2003 Amazon before the newer one with the four speed box, nowhere near as nice to drive.

Vagabond · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:26 Post subject:

Thanks lometun.

Yes, the 5spd autobox does seem to make a big difference to the driving experience and fuel consumption of the 100 - probably why the prices are fairly firm.

I think I'll have to keep looking for a 5 speeder at the right price - might be easier to find rocking horse poo! Wink

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'97 VZJ95 - Colorado 3.4V6 with LPG, 40mm Ironman SL, full SS exhaust, 265/75R16 Hankook Dynapro RF10s on 80 alloys and 195k+

marlot · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:10 Post subject:

The later 120s also had the 5-speed box...

nick j · **** Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 435 Location: Cheshire

We had a 120 for 7 years before the 100, the 120 was great for towing and general driving but the 100 is in a different league. As others have said go for the facelift 5 speed model you wont regret it.....
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2004 4.2 Landcruiser Amazon

Vagabond · Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 21:37 Post subject:

marlot · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:58 Post subject:

uk_vette · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 21:36 Post subject:

[quote="Vagabond"]Thanks lometun.

Yes, the 5spd autobox does seem to make a big difference to the driving experience and fuel consumption of the 100 - probably why the prices are fairly firm.

I think I'll have to keep looking for a 5 speeder at the right price - might be easier to find rocking horse poo! :wink:[/quote]

So what would be the starting date for these more favoured 100 series?

Jet2work · *** Joined: 02 Jun 2012 Posts: 159 Location: France

thanks for the info, i agree about the lazy diesels i tried an F350 4x4 pickup in the states with 7.2L perkins in it.... wow......it would do.... err.... over the kansas speed limit at 1500 rpm! well above Ks. speed limit!!!! i thought going to the 120 from my old 90 was a step in the right direction but i am not over awed by the 120 may have to test drive some 100's