Advice on 200 LC

[jivewalker]

Hi all, first post here. I currently have a 2012 4runner TE with 235k on it, bought it new, and will be giving to my son to drive. I jhave been active on TacomaWorld and T$R for a long time.

The good news is, I am now looking for a Land Cruiser for my DD!!! So far I have been searching for a 2017 or newer, but that is based on something I read about the 2016 having some transmission issues. Is that true, or would a low mileage 2016 be good? Closer I can get to 30k miles the better, but may be willing to go up to 60k miles if need be. Any advice from the pros on searching and what to stay away from? Am I looking in the right years? would like it to be newer and reliable for long road trips. Thanks!

Brian

 

[HSTexan]

If you're looking for a facelifted 200 series, here is a thread highlighting some of the differences between the 16/17 and the 18-21

2016 LC Vs 2018+ Differences

forum.ih8mud.com

The transmission issue you're likely referring to was able to be fixed with a software flash TSB and shouldn't be an issue.

 

[jivewalker]

If you're looking for a facelifted 200 series, here is a thread highlighting some of the differences between the 16/17 and the 18-21

2016 LC Vs 2018+ Differences

forum.ih8mud.com

The transmission issue you're likely referring to was able to be fixed with a software flash TSB and shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks! Sounds like a 2016 would be fine, don't need the power lift gate, folding mirrors, etc. So, what was the radiator issue and is it easily replaced on the LC? I do most of my own work.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

I'm curious @jivewalker , what do the 30 and 60k mileages indicate to you?

 

[HSTexan]

Thanks! Sounds like a 2016 would be fine, don't need the power lift gate, folding mirrors, etc. So, what was the radiator issue and is it easily replaced on the LC? I do most of my own work.

The radiators are prone to cracking along the top edge after some time

Cracked Radiator

Wow, so had the pink fluid on the garage floor, at first I was hoping it was one of the kid's melted Popsicle, then thought must be the water pump...opened hood and whoa! what a mess, there appears to be a crack in the crappy plastic radiator these 200s have. Anyone else experience this? I...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[jivewalker]

I'm curious @jivewalker , what do the 30 and 60k mileages indicate to you?

I've typically bought new cars and been hard core on maintenance. I cant afford a new LC, so going used. The mileage to me indicates useful life left, assuming good maintenance and not driven in a road salt or saltwater/beach region. I would expect no less than 350k out of the LC from what I have seen/heard.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Gotcha. I would push that acceptable mileage up a bit to save some coin. Staying south of 100k leaves a lot of life and still puts the major services in your control.

 

[CharlieS]

So far I have been searching for a 2017 or newer, but that is based on something I read about the 2016 having some transmission issues.

Hi. Welcome.

Good luck with your search. Any year is fine, they're all good. Do some searching and reading on here, you'll learn a lot. This question has come up repeatedly.

The 16+ transmission has a reflash available that addresses the shifting issues.

Given a choice for the same condition, same mileage, same cost, I'd buy a 16+.

 

[FerrisBueller]

Hi. Welcome.

Good luck with your search. Any year is fine, they're all good. Do some searching and reading on here, you'll learn a lot. This question has come up repeatedly.

The 16+ transmission has a reflash available that addresses the shifting issues.

Given a choice for the same condition, same mileage, same cost, I'd buy a 16+.

Agreed. I wouldn't limit it to just 18+, unless the accumulation of those little updates mean a lot to you. Just keep an eye out for anything in the 16+ range that meets your mileage and price, then jump on it because it won't last more than a day in the current market.

 

[jivewalker]

Thanks for all of the great advice! My 4Runner has had zero rust issues in 10 years and has driven through fairly frequent saltwater floods here in Charleston and made a few road trips up north in the winter snows. Have the LC's been good with rust and corrosion? I plan on staying away from any that have been up north.

 

[Tex68w]

16+ is my favorite as well, but I'd also be open to a 13-15 if you could find one with lower miles in good condition. Like the others have said, bump your allowable mileage to 100K and under and you'll have a lot more to choose from and some better prices.

This is a fair deal in this current market.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/e807caf2-6037-4aaf-bb1d-8a078d71761b/

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Toyota truck frames are all subject to rust. The fully boxed design does them no favors in that respect. For all the engineering that went and continues to go into the LC product, Toyota really whiffed on rust prevention.

 

[El Skywalker]

Agreed. I wouldn't limit it to just 18+, unless the accumulation of those little updates mean a lot to you. Just keep an eye out for anything in the 16+ range that meets your mileage and price, then jump on it because it won't last more than a day in the current market.

I bought mine before the dealer listed pictures etc.

 

[jivewalker]

Good advice all around. I've been running searches on cars, edmunds, carmax, car gurus, and true auto. there have been some good deals price wise, but then I look at the carfax and see it lived in NY or Idaho or some where like that. Oh, or it was a rental of fleet vehicle. Not sure I want to take those risks. I can do an inspection, but most of the LC's are a couple hundred mile drive for me and that would stink to drive and find rust or sludge or something like that.

I am really hoping to land one within the next two weeks or less. I may post a few picks / links of potentials to this thread for opinions if that is OK. I hope I can find one, I really don't want to go the sequoia or GX/LX route but I need to give the 4runner to my boy! (nothing wrong with those, but I've wanted an LC for a while).

I was in MOAB over the summer and drove up to Estes Park, CO. I saw a bunch of 200 LC's that were getting together for a group outing. Some really nice rigs! Just enforced my plan and helped get the wife on board!

 

[jivewalker]

Here is an example of lower mileage, but it was a fleet vehicle out of NY.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Base For Sale in Charleston, SC - TrueCar

This 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Base is for Sale in Charleston, SC. Price: $67,998 - Mileage: 47,563 - Color: Blue Onyx Pearl- Transmission: Automatic - VIN: JTMCY7AJ8G4041565

www.truecar.com

 

[WCDAVE]

I wouldn't let the fleet thing scare you. Even with the fleet use it accrued less than 10k/year. Must not have been popular. You can easily treat whatever rust is likely to be on that vehicle (although it would be nice to have a few pics of the undercarriage). It's in your town, AND you get both keys.

 

[Zjohnsonua]

Why do you want to avoid the LX570?

 

[jivewalker]

Why do you want to avoid the LX570?

I don't like the front end/grill look and not looking to get to late model. Just my opinion. I've heard good things about them though, and would drive one proudly. Just cant deal with that grill on the newer models.

 

[El Skywalker]

Here is an example of lower mileage, but it was a fleet vehicle out of NY.

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Base For Sale in Charleston, SC - TrueCar

This 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Base is for Sale in Charleston, SC. Price: $67,998 - Mileage: 47,563 - Color: Blue Onyx Pearl- Transmission: Automatic - VIN: JTMCY7AJ8G4041565

www.truecar.com

That is a decent price.
I paid less but with higher mileage.


I would be more concerned with accidents than whether the vehicle was fleet or not.
JMO

 

[Zjohnsonua]

I don't like the front end/grill look and not looking to get to late model. Just my opinion. I've heard good things about them though, and would drive one proudly. Just cant deal with that grill on the newer models.

I get it. That grille takes some getting used to for sure.