200 series owners who went to 250 series?

[Specialeyes]

I'm planning to trade my 200 for a 550 OT+ in the next week or two. I think the 200 is special, there truly is nothing else quite like it and I would strongly consider picking up another one albeit an older, pre face lift model to store up at my place in Durango (shout out @Corbet ) for mountain/trail duty one of these days. However I admit, when it comes to a DD I still struggle with long term ownership, I am so used to rotating in and out of stuff and couldn't resist the urge for something truly new and modern for my daily driver here in Dallas. Either way I intended to keep my 200 for life with it being a low mileage HE model but I have been burned twice now on buying used trucks that were not everything they seemed. It was brought to my attention while having mine appraised that it had in fact been in some sort of collision with it's previous owner. The guy pointed out to me paint lines and variances on the right front hood and quarter panel and the right rear passenger door and quarter panel. This would explain why I had to have a blind spot monitor replaced when I purchased earlier this summer. It's all just paint/cosmetic at the end of the day and thats why we have body shops but stuff like this is why I prefer to buy new that way I know everything that the vehicle has been thru. I don't mind some paint/body work but on the other hand I felt kind of cheated forking over $90k for what I thought was a cream puff.

If you have made it this far I reached this decision a couple days ago when I:
A.) Got a call from Sewell that they had a GX coming in that I was next in line to purchase.
B.) Got to drive both a 250 Premium and 550 OT+ back to back.

My thoughts on the 250 are that I liked alot about it. Styling, comfort, tech, size, (All of these categories beat out the 200 IMO) However the NVH of the 4 cylinder really turned me off of the whole thing. I got to drive a prototype GX Premium earlier this summer and was also not impressed but I had a much better experience driving a production model. (This time an OT+). The big difference maker for me was the TT6 as it felt like a much better drive than the hyrbid 4. But also I am happy to report that production units do in fact have better fit and finish and overall quality compared to pre production prototypes.

 

[MRego]

I'm planning to trade my 200 for a 550 OT+ in the next week or two. I think the 200 is special, there truly is nothing else quite like it and I would strongly consider picking up another one albeit an older, pre face lift model to store up at my place in Durango (shout out @Corbet ) for mountain/trail duty one of these days. However I admit, when it comes to a DD I still struggle with long term ownership, I am so used to rotating in and out of stuff and couldn't resist the urge for something truly new and modern for my daily driver here in Dallas. Either way I intended to keep my 200 for life with it being a low mileage HE model but I have been burned twice now on buying used trucks that were not everything they seemed. It was brought to my attention while having mine appraised that it had in fact been in some sort of collision with it's previous owner. The guy pointed out to me paint lines and variances on the right front hood and quarter panel and the right rear passenger door and quarter panel. This would explain why I had to have a blind spot monitor replaced when I purchased earlier this summer. It's all just paint/cosmetic at the end of the day and thats why we have body shops but stuff like this is why I prefer to buy new that way I know everything that the vehicle has been thru. I don't mind some paint/body work but on the other hand I felt kind of cheated forking over $90k for what I thought was a cream puff.

If you have made it this far I reached this decision a couple days ago when I:
A.) Got a call from Sewell that they had a GX coming in that I was next in line to purchase.
B.) Got to drive both a 250 Premium and 550 OT+ back to back.

My thoughts on the 250 are that I liked alot about it. Styling, comfort, tech, size, (All of these categories beat out the 200 IMO) However the NVH of the 4 cylinder really turned me off of the whole thing. I got to drive a prototype GX Premium earlier this summer and was also not impressed but I had a much better experience driving a production model. (This time an OT+). The big difference maker for me was the TT6 as it felt like a much better drive than the hyrbid 4. But also I am happy to report that production units do in fact have better fit and finish and overall quality compared to pre production prototypes.

Great write-up. Lots to think about, as I am in a similar boat. Care to let us know how much are you paying OTD?

 

[Specialeyes]

Great write-up. Lots to think about, as I am in a similar boat. Care to let us know how much are you paying OTD?

Not a problem. These aren’t exact figures but close enough. $82k on the GX which is MSRP, no dealer add ons. They offered $78k for my 200 but I’m going to try and get them up to $80k between now and then. Worst case I will be writing a check for around $5k to get out the door.

 

[MRego]

Not a problem. These aren’t exact figures but close enough. $82k on the GX which is MSRP, no dealer add ons. They offered $78k for my 200 but I’m going to try and get them up to $80k between now and then. Worst case I will be writing a check for around $5k to get out the door.

Thanks. Good deal in numbers, especially if you get $80k. I am in Houston. Does you sales guy/gal have a referral in Sewell here? Could you DM their contacts? Good luck.

 

[Specialeyes]

Thanks. Good deal in numbers, especially if you get $80k. I am in Houston. Does you sales guy/gal have a referral in Sewell here? Could you DM their contacts? Good luck.

I was hoping it would be a straight up one for one trade. I just know they are going to shine this thing up and list it for at least $90k. I will ask about a referral and send you a DM.

 

[rexington14]

I'm planning to trade my 200 for a 550 OT+ in the next week or two. I think the 200 is special, there truly is nothing else quite like it and I would strongly consider picking up another one albeit an older, pre face lift model to store up at my place in Durango (shout out @Corbet ) for mountain/trail duty one of these days. However I admit, when it comes to a DD I still struggle with long term ownership, I am so used to rotating in and out of stuff and couldn't resist the urge for something truly new and modern for my daily driver here in Dallas. Either way I intended to keep my 200 for life with it being a low mileage HE model but I have been burned twice now on buying used trucks that were not everything they seemed. It was brought to my attention while having mine appraised that it had in fact been in some sort of collision with it's previous owner. The guy pointed out to me paint lines and variances on the right front hood and quarter panel and the right rear passenger door and quarter panel. This would explain why I had to have a blind spot monitor replaced when I purchased earlier this summer. It's all just paint/cosmetic at the end of the day and thats why we have body shops but stuff like this is why I prefer to buy new that way I know everything that the vehicle has been thru. I don't mind some paint/body work but on the other hand I felt kind of cheated forking over $90k for what I thought was a cream puff.

If you have made it this far I reached this decision a couple days ago when I:
A.) Got a call from Sewell that they had a GX coming in that I was next in line to purchase.
B.) Got to drive both a 250 Premium and 550 OT+ back to back.

My thoughts on the 250 are that I liked alot about it. Styling, comfort, tech, size, (All of these categories beat out the 200 IMO) However the NVH of the 4 cylinder really turned me off of the whole thing. I got to drive a prototype GX Premium earlier this summer and was also not impressed but I had a much better experience driving a production model. (This time an OT+). The big difference maker for me was the TT6 as it felt like a much better drive than the hyrbid 4. But also I am happy to report that production units do in fact have better fit and finish and overall quality compared to pre production prototypes.

There's still a large component of enthusiast / prestige premium priced into the used late model 200's. The last of the V8's, the last true Land Cruiser, etc. IMO until this premium erodes some more (like it has on older / higher mileage 200's), the true value on these as a DD just isn't there, especially considering the new alternatives. This isn't that surprising because for many the value wasn't there when these were brand new either.

Also, there's just a year or 2 left until even the most recent used 200's will be entirely out of the warranty period. And as you've experienced, on a used truck, you never really, really know. Also, as you've pointed out, the 250 / 550 are simply ahead in many areas that do matter to owners looking for a practical daily driver.

Obviously you will usually lose financially every time you buy a vehicle and sell it. But, if your not sold on keeping your 200 for the long term, I think this makes a lot of sense to do now versus a couple years down the road.

 

[dpgoat]

Serious conflict with myself trying to decide if I want to jump ship on the 200 and get the 250.

Any 200 owners who made the swap have any thoughts? Pros, cons, happy, have regret?

Thanks

My 200 had better pickup from stop. Lack of jump off line, but ok afterwards. I’m concerned with rot and rust of the frame. Lots of hollow components and frame with empty holes. Control arms won’t last in New England. Like having an open saucer pan under your coil springs. 250 does ride nice … I like it but it isn’t gonna last like my 2013 did. I kind of miss my 200.

 

[MNLC200Heritage]

I have a low mileage 200 21 HR and recently bought my wife a 550 OT+. I have been driving it a lot. So much so that my wife has to remind me that it’s her vehicle. I also recently test drove a 250 and there’s something quirky and appealing about that little 4 banger that I find really appealing. It feels really slow but is a blast to drive. I just fit better in both off the newer vehicles and feel really cramped getting into my 200. I’m in the camp that 200 seats are horrible. When I found the 200 HR I told myself I would keep it forever. It really is put together better and feels like a tank. Drives like one too. But if I could get 80+k for my 200 I think I would let it go for either a 250 or 550 OT+.

 

[hoot504]

I have a low mileage 200 21 HR and recently bought my wife a 550 OT+. I have been driving it a lot. So much so that my wife has to remind me that it’s her vehicle. I also recently test drove a 250 and there’s something quirky and appealing about that little 4 banger that I find really appealing. It feels really slow but is a blast to drive. I just fit better in both off the newer vehicles and feel really cramped getting into my 200. I’m in the camp that 200 seats are horrible. When I found the 200 HR I told myself I would keep it forever. It really is put together better and feels like a tank. Drives like one too. But if I could get 80+k for my 200 I think I would let it go for either a 250 or 550 OT+.

“Quirky” at the test drive = enraging after you’ve had to live with it for 6 months.

 

[MRego]

I have a low mileage 200 21 HR and recently bought my wife a 550 OT+. I have been driving it a lot. So much so that my wife has to remind me that it’s her vehicle. I also recently test drove a 250 and there’s something quirky and appealing about that little 4 banger that I find really appealing. It feels really slow but is a blast to drive. I just fit better in both off the newer vehicles and feel really cramped getting into my 200. I’m in the camp that 200 seats are horrible. When I found the 200 HR I told myself I would keep it forever. It really is put together better and feels like a tank. Drives like one too. But if I could get 80+k for my 200 I think I would let it go for either a 250 or 550 OT+.

Maybe read this thread before you do so.

48 Hours with a GX550

I need help (or maybe some of you will say I'm fine and just coming to my senses). On Wednesday my 550 OT+ in the most beautiful shade known as Nori Green Pearl arrived and I took delivery by trading in my 200 Series. I just returned from the dealership having turned the GX back in and unwinding...

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