Choosing a used Sotka is not as easy as buying a new car at a dealership. Land Cruiser 100 left the assembly line in 2007, and today even the newest examples are at least 14 years old. Some will say that this is not the age for an indestructible SUV. But it’s not about the years, but about how the owner treated the car all this time. The editors of Vladtime will tell you what those who want to buy a good “Kruzak 100” should pay attention to.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100
“Kruzak 100” from A to Z:
- General information
- Which motor is better
- Who is LC 105 and what are the differences?
- Which “Sotki” should not be taken?
- Secondary prices in 2021
- Let's summarize
General information
The Kruzak 100 debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 under the name Grand Cruiser. The car entered the market in 1998 and replaced the previous generation - Toyota Land Cruiser 80, which by that time had already become a favorite among Russians.
Toyota Land Cruiser 80
“Sotka” is distinguished by a refreshed exterior and technical improvements designed to increase safety and comfort during operation. The SUV received new systems for off-road driving, an independent torsion bar front suspension with double wishbones and rack and pinion steering.
The developers increased the track of the front and rear wheels, which improved the vehicle's stability on the road. The body has become wider, and accordingly, there is more space in the cabin.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100
According to Toyota's internal classification, the Land Cruiser 100 model belongs to the Station Wagon category. Even by these standards, it has an impressive ground clearance of 220 millimeters.
The SUV is based on a frame structure with shock-absorbing elements. Reliable components and assemblies, a permanent all-wheel drive system with reduction gearing and a cross-axle differential lock make it one of the best off-road conquerors.
Origin
This car has been produced since 1951. This is the model of the manufacturer with the longest history. The Toyota 100 series is its 10th generation on the Japanese market and 4th among those sold in the Russian market. The car was introduced in 1997, and went on sale the following year. It is a descendant of the 80 series and the predecessor of the Land Cruiser 200 currently on the production line.
Which motor is better
The most popular engine of the Kruzak 100 is a cast-iron gasoline 2UZ-FE with a displacement of 4.7 liters and a power of 235 horsepower. The unit is combined exclusively with a 4-speed automatic transmission. More than 60% of all Sotok cars produced were equipped with this engine.
The top V8 is quite thirsty and consumes 18-20 liters in the city, but its merit lies elsewhere. With proper maintenance, the engine life reaches a million kilometers.
The most popular 2UZ-FE engine
When purchasing a Land Cruiser 100 with a V8 petrol, first of all you need to find out how often the timing belt has been changed. This operation must be carried out every 100,000 km, as well as cleaning the throttle, changing spark plugs on time and adjusting valves. If the engine has not been properly maintained, it can present unpleasant surprises to the new owner.
“Sotka” was also equipped with in-line “sixes”. The petrol 1FZ-FE has a displacement of 4.5 liters and generates 224 horsepower. Only a manual transmission can operate it.
Maintaining an SUV with such a unit will be cheaper compared to a V8, although they have the same service life under similar service conditions. The main catch is that 1FZ-FE is less common on the market.
The next engine is a 4.2-liter diesel 1HZ-Z with an output of 131 hp. s., which works with a manual transmission. The engine migrated from the 70 series Kruzak virtually unchanged and is capable of digesting fuel of any quality.
The engine resource is also impressive - 800,000 kilometers. The only thing that can spoil this figure is the cylinder head - it rusts and cracks, but this, again, depends on operating conditions.
In total, about 12% of Sotok with the 1HZ series diesel engine were produced. Finding such a car will not be easy, but, in truth, few people do it. 131 horsepower is frankly not enough for a massive all-terrain vehicle.
The 1HD-FTE turbodiesel of the same volume already produces 204 “horses” and is combined with both manual and automatic transmissions. The advantages of this engine include good dynamics and relatively low fuel consumption, but it also has a lot of disadvantages.
The 4.2-liter turbo-six is sensitive to the quality of diesel fuel - the high-pressure fuel pump can fail after a mileage of 150,000 km. The engine requires valve adjustment every 40 thousand miles, and the timing belt needs to be changed every 120 thousand.
Turbodiesel 1HD-FTE
Its resource at best is 250,000 kilometers, and this is not serious compared to the “Sotka” with a gasoline “millionaire”. Approximately 27% of SUVs on the market are equipped with a turbodiesel.
Thus, the best choice would be the Cruiser 100 with the 2UZ-FE engine. A wide range of options with this power plant on the market will allow you to find a really good one. In addition, it will be easier to resell in the future.
Land Cruiser 100 transmission repair
The Land Cruiser 105 is equipped with the most advanced and diverse all-wheel drive. Basic modifications are even equipped with part time all-wheel drive . On such cars you can notice mechanical hubs on the front wheels. Depending on the version, the SUV may be equipped with a center differential, a center differential, a rear differential, or all three, like the Mercedes G-class that was previously reviewed in our reviews. As a FullTime transfer case we use a transmission of our own production with the index HF2A . The unit is quite reliable and requires a scheduled overhaul only for runs close to half a million kilometers. But the really weak point of the hundred square meters is the motors for turning on the differential locks . The aluminum body, along with the limit switches and wiring, oxidizes already after a mileage of about 150 thousand km. At the same time, the transfer case is also made of winged metal, which makes it quite vulnerable off-road. Also, off-road, the gearbox satellites , especially the front one, can collapse, which turns its insides into a mess.
With a five-speed manual transmission you can only find the 105 version with a diesel engine. All other cars are equipped with automatic transmission. The Aisin A340F four-speed automatic transmission can be called the most reliable transmission in the world among its kind. It is capable of handling power in excess of 1000 hp. without amplification. The successor, represented by the five-speed A750F with a slipping torque converter clutch and loaded with additional electronics with capricious solenoids, is more demanding of maintenance. So we recommend changing the oil at least every 60 thousand km .
Who is LC 105 and what are the differences?
Land Cruiser with index 105 is a hardcore and simplified version of the more luxurious Sotka. Visually, it is distinguished by a hinged rear door, different bumpers and the presence of hubs in the hubs.
The same 105
105 is also frame, but the design is slightly different. It has both front and rear suspension with a continuous axle, while the 100 has an independent double wishbone at the front.
It was the utilitarian vehicles with index 105 that were used by the special services - they were often purchased for the police and army. In the secondary market they were taken mainly for severe off-road tuning and, of course, they were used to the maximum, which scares off buyers.
Another argument against buying the 105 is the difference in frame size. The width of the “Sotka” structure at the front is 890 cm, while that of the 105th is 762 cm. Because of this, many owners of a hardcore SUV find it difficult to find spare parts from another car. The simplest example is a power bumper, which simply will not fit on the 105th.
What is included in the Land Cruiser 100 package
The Kruzak 100 is equipped quite well even in the basic configuration:
- electric windows on all doors;
- central locking,
- headlight washers;
- power steering;
- heating control unit;
- alloy wheels;
- air conditioner;
- 2 sockets that can be used to charge your phone.
- radio with 6 speakers.
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A 6-disc CD changer was available as an option. The car also has an immobilizer, also a reliable system that protects against theft. If you try to start the car with the key, the system will cut off the fuel supply and turn off the power supply. The system compares the lock code with the key transponder code.
There are also the following security systems:
- ABS;
- 2 airbags;
- hydraulic booster of the brake pedal.
Which “Sotki” should not be taken?
The legendary Japanese SUV has many modifications brought to the Russian secondary market from all over the world. What do you need to know about these cars?
Versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100 for the UAE and neighboring countries, or the so-called “Arabs,” have significant disadvantages from the point of view of operation in Russia. They often lack a heater or have a microscopic radiator installed.
Toyota did not carry out anti-corrosion treatment of the body for hot climates, so in Russia such “Kruzaks” quickly rot. But there are two air conditioners in the cabin - a dubious prospect for our motorists.
Spacious interior of the right-hand drive TLC 100
Also, Kruzaks from the Middle East can be problematic to register - the VIN number in such cars is held on by rivets and its safety must be checked first.
Toyota LC 105 with factory LPG and carburetor 1FZ-F for the Iranian market is another option that is not worth taking. The power system in such a car will be so damaged that even the best specialists are unlikely to be able to fix it.
Finally, we note that you should avoid purchasing Kruzaks that were registered with legal entities. In addition to horse mileage, they can be upset by the disregard for car maintenance, and, as a result, the rapid failure of units.
Secondary prices in 2021
The cost of a Toyota Land Cruiser 100 today starts at 700 thousand rubles and can reach an incredible 3.5 million. You shouldn’t pay attention to the cheapest options - the price speaks for itself that the car is almost destroyed.
Toyota Land Cruiser 100. Rear view
“Sotka” in normal condition will cost at least 1.5 million, with a mileage of about 300,000 kilometers. Restyled versions that have driven 150 thousand will cost from 1.8 million rubles.
The most expensive are the Land Cruisers 100 with off-road tuning. Thus, 100s are often sold in Russia with reinforced bumpers, winches, an expeditionary roof rack, a lifted suspension, additional lighting and many other features. The cost of such cars reaches 3 million rubles.
100 interior
Let's summarize
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to buy a good Land Cruiser 100 cheaply. Despite its venerable age, this car is considered one of the best in its class, and sellers take advantage of this.
Options at the bottom of the market need to be discarded immediately.
And having your eye on a Sotka, in addition to a visual inspection and a test drive, it won’t hurt to stop by a trusted service station. Experts can better tell you whether Toyota’s renowned quality has withstood operation in Russia. Yulia Romanova
