Hello All,
I come seeking advice.
I currently drive a 2011 4Runner Trail Edition. The only changes to stock are Weathertech floor liners, Shrockworks sliders, and BFG All Terrain tires. I bought it new in February 2012 and have since put on 9,000 miles. I've enjoyed it very much. I like how it drives (although it's low on power) and how nimble it is on trails. I recently purchased a Jayco Baja pop-up trailer and the 4Runner has had no issues towing, other than a little bit of gear hunting on steep inclines in the Sierras.
On our most recent trip however, we ran into a little problem in the shape of our 5 year-old son who took great pains to annoy his sisters (3 and 7) on long, boring stretches of highway.
It made us start to wonder about the lacking 3rd row. I have since test driven a 2011 Land Cruiser at our local stealership. It has 14,200 miles on it and was used by the dealership owner as a "demo" for the past two years. They are selling it as new but certified (?) with a warranty to 100,000 miles. They're asking $65K and change. I think I can talk them down to about $62K based on the conversation with the salesman.
http://www.southcoasttoyota.com/details/New+2011+Toyota+Land Cruiser++JTMHY7AJ6B4008448
My concerns:
1. Fuel economy. I am currently getting 15 mpg average with 95% city driving. The LC showed 14.3 mpg since last fill up on the computer, which wouldn't be bad IF that's city driving.
2. Offroadability. The LC felt luxurious/solid/powerful but heavy. I'm wondering if with another $5-7 K in suspension, skids, etc. I'd have a more capable trail Bruiser in the 4Runner. I'd have to invest at least that much into the LC just to get it up to snuff (it's very mall-cruiserish right now).
3. That 3rd row would be awesome for the next 5 years or so, but man, it's tight back there!
4. Anything else I should be considering?
Thanks in advance!!
I come seeking advice.
I currently drive a 2011 4Runner Trail Edition. The only changes to stock are Weathertech floor liners, Shrockworks sliders, and BFG All Terrain tires. I bought it new in February 2012 and have since put on 9,000 miles. I've enjoyed it very much. I like how it drives (although it's low on power) and how nimble it is on trails. I recently purchased a Jayco Baja pop-up trailer and the 4Runner has had no issues towing, other than a little bit of gear hunting on steep inclines in the Sierras.
On our most recent trip however, we ran into a little problem in the shape of our 5 year-old son who took great pains to annoy his sisters (3 and 7) on long, boring stretches of highway.
It made us start to wonder about the lacking 3rd row. I have since test driven a 2011 Land Cruiser at our local stealership. It has 14,200 miles on it and was used by the dealership owner as a "demo" for the past two years. They are selling it as new but certified (?) with a warranty to 100,000 miles. They're asking $65K and change. I think I can talk them down to about $62K based on the conversation with the salesman.http://www.southcoasttoyota.com/details/New+2011+Toyota+Land Cruiser++JTMHY7AJ6B4008448
My concerns:
1. Fuel economy. I am currently getting 15 mpg average with 95% city driving. The LC showed 14.3 mpg since last fill up on the computer, which wouldn't be bad IF that's city driving.
2. Offroadability. The LC felt luxurious/solid/powerful but heavy. I'm wondering if with another $5-7 K in suspension, skids, etc. I'd have a more capable trail Bruiser in the 4Runner. I'd have to invest at least that much into the LC just to get it up to snuff (it's very mall-cruiserish right now).
3. That 3rd row would be awesome for the next 5 years or so, but man, it's tight back there!
4. Anything else I should be considering?
Thanks in advance!!
