Marveling this magnificent example also makes us want to turn back the clock to simpler times.For $50,000, would you rather have a brand-new Toyota J250 Land Cruiser or opt for an incredibly clean, well-maintained one-owner J100 with just over 100,000 miles on it? That is the ultimate question, and one that has pondering at the GP Motoring desk.The thought-provoking question arose after what is arguably one of the cleanest J100 Land Cruisers we've ever seen crossed the BringATrailer auction block. Not only did it sell for almost the same price as a new one.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt really challenges the notion that "newer is better," especially when it comes to legends like old Land Cruisers.A legendary SUV with a legendary price tagWhen's the last time you saw a high-mileage J100 Land Cruiser this minty fresh? - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerFor Land Cruiser fans and enthusiasts, older models being worth some pretty pennies, especially for used cars, isn't a mystery. Old Land Cruisers are fabled and known to hold their values.That's because old Land Cruisers are known for their robust reliability, brickhouse-like build quality and worldly dependability. Especially ones from the '90s and newer.While '80s Land Cruisers and older are equally recognized as their newer versions for similar reasons, '90s models and newer are just easier to live with. They're much more modern, better to drive, have more convenience features, and generally, parts and aftermarket support are far more plentiful.View this post on InstagramWhich is why J80 and newer Land Cruisers command the highest values.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut what this latest auction proves is that despite a new and sweet generation of Land Cruiser being out, that still hasn't put a dent in values for old models. It also shows how insane old Land Cruiser values remain steady, even with six-figure mileages.You wouldn't be able to tell this example clocked a six-figure mileage count with this pristine interior. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerGenerally, any old, used car with close two or over 100,000 miles tend to tank in value, simply from the mere fact that they have so much mileage on them. However, this specific Land Cruiser not only proves how well they stand up to the test of time.It also bucks that very general perspective of high-mileage cars not being of any particular monetary value.So clean, you can literally eat off of itLand Cruisers are known for going distances equal to the moon and back with little trouble, so this 100k-miler is just barely broken in. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerWhat also helps this specific J100 Land Cruiser's appeal is just simply how pristine it is. I mean, just look at the pictures and gaze at its cleanliness.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe auction description says it spent its entire life in California. Which explains why there's almost absolutely zero rust on it. The latter is a well-known Achilles heel for any Toyota truck or SUV from the '00s and older.But the seats and leather upholstery look like they've barely been touched. It may be just the pictures and the detailing job of the seller.A virtually rust-free '90s Land Cruiser is a sight to behold, especially with 100k on the odometer. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerYet, the paint is free from any sun damage, which is a known car killer in the Golden State. The plastics are also seemingly free of any cracks or missing pieces.Again, another Achilles heel for any vehicle of this era, especially where the sun can destroy such polymers in no time from UV exposure. So clearly, this was a regularly garaged vehicle.So, this or a new J250?The previous owner even gave it some nice, beefy BFGoodrich A/T tires. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerIf I had my way, I'd personally rather pay for this old, minty Land Cruiser over a new one. Don't get me wrong, the new J250 is a fabulous machine and does everything you'd expect out of fabled Toyota Land Cruiser.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut quite simply, they just don't build them like they used. And J100 is one of the posterchildren for the stereotype.As time marches on, more and more car enthusiasts and even non-car folk are realizing how much better built and more robust some '90s and even '00s cars are. Not only were they made to different standards with carmakers prioritizing longevity and reliability.The J100's 4.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 only produce 230 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, but it'll never let you down. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerThey're also simpler, easier to maintain and in many ways, even cheaper to keep on the road. Yet, they don't sacrifice any of the key modern amenities that we take for granted in today's newer vehicles. It's a similar experience I've had daily-driving my old Mercedes-Benz W126 560SEL. These machines were built to last.There's also no blinding screens. The overall driving experience is much more analog. And most of all, this J100 is still the proverbial full-size Land Cruiser that everyone wants and loves.We wish new cars were made as well as this era of Toyota and Lexus. - Credit: michaelmotorcar via BringATrailerWhereas the our current J250 is just an Americanized, smaller Land Cruiser Prado. The rest of the world still gets the latest and greatest full-size model.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo yes, quite simply, it would be this J100 all day, everyday and twice on Sunday.About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.