2002 LC vs 2006 GX470

[smittybombs]

Hi all, it's time for my 1997 GMC K1500 Suburban (260k miles) to go. I've mainly been looking at GX470s but happened across an LC for not much more. I'm trying to decide which way to go. Posting in the 100 section I can imagine which way this will tilt But let's hear it anyway.

2006 GX460
145k miles
Looks like decent service record
Listed for $9500

2002 LC
153k miles
Excellent service record
Listed for $11500

My main hangup with the LC is the fuel economy, or lack thereof. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[yeti in ga]

depends on what you want to do with it ? Do you have a family ? Like taking lots of stuff with you or just want to look cool heading around town for the occasional jaunt in the woods. You need to tell us more and we will be honest

 

[smittybombs]

I have a wife and twin 5 year olds. Most of the time it'll be just me commuting to work, but I want to be able to carry the 4 of us +1/2 on occasion.

I will be going camping and doing other outdoorsy activities once or twice a month, and plan on doing some light offroading. Whatever I get I plan on a mild 2-3" lift probably with 33s. Nothing too crazy.

I don't carry a ton of stuff with me all the time, though I'm about to start a new gig where I will be carrying some stuff for work occasionally. The cargo space of the GX470 should be plenty though.

Can you drive an LC for short distances with the top section of the rear hatch open? I'm wondering about carrying lumber back from HD or something like that. I can fit 12ft lumber inside the Burb with the doors closed, so I haven't had to worry about that before

 

[sprocket3]

I'd say drive them both around a bit and get a feel for the size. I've owned both and like the compact dimensions of the GX470 and the power is nice. i'm sure you could make the GX470 work fine for camping with the family. Just leave a couple items at home like all the car campers do

You can always do a rack on the GX470 with cargo box or strap lumber to that.

 

[yeti in ga]

Yes , on the hundy you can leave the rear down and top closed or rear up and top open. The only thing I dont like about the GX is the rear tail gate door and the way it opens. Other then that I dont think you can go wrong with either. If you do tow or haul stuff its hard to beat the 100s versatility including having some room behind the third row seat when being used. I was surprised on the 4 runner I could barely put a kids school backpack behind the 3rd row seat when used.

 

[jblatl]

There is a large difference when cargo is added with the 3rd row seats down, also with kids make sure what ever you choose has rear air.

With the back seats out of the 100 the rear space is massive!

The GX is a much smaller truck, and is much lighter.

There is a larger aftermarket following for the Land Cruiser.

Remember, the GX is a 4Runner 120 series truck.

 

[mstakacs]

I don't know about the GX, but my LX just handled 3 separate trips of 1,750 pounds of river rock yesterday. I "only" hauled 1000 pounds in the FJ40 on the initial load. For some reason, the GX looks a little funky - I think it's the shape around the wheels that is throwing me off. I love the swing out door - our old 97 Montero had that and miss it. Who cares about gas mileage. You just fill it up when that orange needle-thingy gets down to (E)thel. Our LX gets the best mpg out of the bunch, normally in the 15ish range. My RT commute is 80 miles.