The best years of Toyota / Lexus are behind us.
You can still get the best vintage versions if you don’t mind missing features that come in new SUVs: large touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in Google Assistant. Head-Up Displays (HUD): Projects speed, navigation, and driver-assist warnings directly onto the windshield. Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Allows vehicle software, performance, and UI updates to download automatically without visiting a dealership. Digital Keys: Your smartphone acts as the key to unlock, start, and even drive the vehicle. Assistance Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) & Pedestrian Detection. AKA, things that can break or go out of date.
My favorite top three Land Cruiser / Lexus LX versions. Here’s why: Reliability, usability and value. There is a case to have all three in your collection / family.
The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 (1980–1989) is an iconic, highly analog 4×4. Known for rugged styling, solid axles, and a spacious cabin, it features a reliable but underpowered 4.2-liter carbureted inline-six engine. Good for weekends and fun classic SUV. (under 6,000lbs GVWR, so not good from a Section 179 standpoint).
The FJ100 Toyota Land Cruiser (often just called the 100-Series) is an iconic, full-size luxury SUV manufactured from 1998 to 2007. Renowned for bulletproof reliability, it is widely considered a “sweet spot” among enthusiasts for offering a mix of comfortable daily driving and rugged overlanding capability. Need to find rust free versions on the west coast. Great daily driver and is collectable in both the LC and Lexus cousin LX version. Timing: buy good examples now.
The FJ200 Toyota Land Cruiser (2008–2021) is a legendary, full-sized, body-on-frame SUV known for its bombproof reliability and off-road dominance. Its premium sibling is the Lexus LX 570, which shares the same robust platform and V8 engine but adds high-end luxury, advanced suspension systems, and distinct exterior styling. Easy daily driver and last of the V8 Land Cruiser / LX 570.
Note: the latest version of the LX600 (larger Land Cruiser not for sale in the US) is powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. (Not the same as the bulletproof V8). Timing: buy good examples now.
LaidFactor: All three are forever SUVs. Daily them and enjoy best in the world Toyota reliability along with residual value. Some of the best examples of the FJ100/LX470 with lower miles in a rust free condition are already collectable and projected to keep or appreciate in value.