Ahhh....this is a very nice vehicle. Improvements are such that it does lessen the 100-series ride experience though nothing like the 100 did to the 80-series.
Driving?
VERY FAST! I believe the initial reports of 0-60 in 6.5 sec. The 6-speed shifts nicely and when on the gas it quickly finds which if the gears to use. The sequential shift option is also killer. If you try to down-shift too low you get an audible beep.
It handles very well. It feels a bit heavier than a 100. at low speeds it sways about the same. At higher speeds the KDDS cranks up (or something) and the truck remains quite stable.
The front DS and PS dual climate controls are awesome and EZ to use. Becky luvved it!
This thing is quieter than an LX470!
The keyless start is a must. You gotta experience it. And, the doors push-button lock and unlock like on my Rx8.
No more 3rd row rattling seats.
120-voly AC inside!
2nd row is made for a King. The 2nd row controls are awesome too.
What about build quality?
Damn.....it looked all Land Cruiser underneath. It has a new rear axle (Tundra?). The front IFS looks very Tundra-ish. I hope it's easily liftable.
REAL RECOVERY POINTS FRONT AND REAR!
Wheels/wheelwell?
The wells looked 315-ready. Not sure about rubbing on the upper A-arm? The spare tire hangs down low!
CRAWL CONTROL WORKS! Suweeeeet! Gotta luv this feature. 3-speed selectable and one-touch operation (Four Wheeler Mag was nuts! It's EZ to use once in 4-lo. Works with CDL locked or unlocked.)
Inside door panel wood is FAKE...CHEAP...FAKE...CHEAP!
Nice tail gate storage:
OK...SO WHAT ABOUT THIS COMPARED TO A 100-SERIES?
IF THE TWO VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED THE SAME.....meaning we just looked at a loaded 2007 for $67K and this 2008 was $72K.....the new 200-series BLOWS IT AWAY! No question....take the 2008 and run. It's improved no question.
WHAT ABOUT OFF-ROADING?
Well, it was good to see that ARB pic from SEMA. I am concerned however about the 200's added length. Looks like half of the 4" is split between the front and rear ends. (I pulled my 100 up next to it and compared) Ground clearance is clean. Everything is tucked up like the 100 and unlike the FJC/4R/GX. That is good. I think it'd need about 4" lift and 35's to hang with a 100. Will we get 4" front lift? I'm concerned on that.
The question for us is how much will one cost (didn't have time today to find out) and IS IT WORTH the added expense over a un-loaded 2007. As I said, the $72K tag is worth it's price. For ME though I'm wondering if I could find a $60K new 2007? For $12K the 2007 might be a better choice for ME. Don't know. I will be researching this the next day or so and I gotta think.
QUESTIONS?
ALL PICS HERE:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/3742679
Driving?
VERY FAST! I believe the initial reports of 0-60 in 6.5 sec. The 6-speed shifts nicely and when on the gas it quickly finds which if the gears to use. The sequential shift option is also killer. If you try to down-shift too low you get an audible beep.
It handles very well. It feels a bit heavier than a 100. at low speeds it sways about the same. At higher speeds the KDDS cranks up (or something) and the truck remains quite stable.
The front DS and PS dual climate controls are awesome and EZ to use. Becky luvved it!
This thing is quieter than an LX470!
The keyless start is a must. You gotta experience it. And, the doors push-button lock and unlock like on my Rx8.
No more 3rd row rattling seats.
120-voly AC inside!
2nd row is made for a King. The 2nd row controls are awesome too.
What about build quality?
Damn.....it looked all Land Cruiser underneath. It has a new rear axle (Tundra?). The front IFS looks very Tundra-ish. I hope it's easily liftable.
REAL RECOVERY POINTS FRONT AND REAR!
Wheels/wheelwell?
The wells looked 315-ready. Not sure about rubbing on the upper A-arm? The spare tire hangs down low!
CRAWL CONTROL WORKS! Suweeeeet! Gotta luv this feature. 3-speed selectable and one-touch operation (Four Wheeler Mag was nuts! It's EZ to use once in 4-lo. Works with CDL locked or unlocked.)
Inside door panel wood is FAKE...CHEAP...FAKE...CHEAP!
Nice tail gate storage:
OK...SO WHAT ABOUT THIS COMPARED TO A 100-SERIES?
IF THE TWO VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED THE SAME.....meaning we just looked at a loaded 2007 for $67K and this 2008 was $72K.....the new 200-series BLOWS IT AWAY! No question....take the 2008 and run. It's improved no question.
WHAT ABOUT OFF-ROADING?
Well, it was good to see that ARB pic from SEMA. I am concerned however about the 200's added length. Looks like half of the 4" is split between the front and rear ends. (I pulled my 100 up next to it and compared) Ground clearance is clean. Everything is tucked up like the 100 and unlike the FJC/4R/GX. That is good. I think it'd need about 4" lift and 35's to hang with a 100. Will we get 4" front lift? I'm concerned on that.
The question for us is how much will one cost (didn't have time today to find out) and IS IT WORTH the added expense over a un-loaded 2007. As I said, the $72K tag is worth it's price. For ME though I'm wondering if I could find a $60K new 2007? For $12K the 2007 might be a better choice for ME. Don't know. I will be researching this the next day or so and I gotta think.
QUESTIONS?
ALL PICS HERE:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/3742679
My dealer even asked the Toyota rep about this because we all thought it was a bit strange. And not that it matters, but they didn't put puddle lights on the mirrors. the Tundra has em, the highlander even has 'em. I just found they were handy when you were out in the brush and want to see how big of a mud hole you were about to step into when you get out of the truck. 
.
