Am I Nuts for Considering a Cruiser Purchase in Today's Market?

[Angelo1]

Per the question above about what to consider if the LC200 is too expensive on the secondary market, I continue to believe that the Lexus GX is a great platform for most people. Still built to a high standard, still capable offroad (should the need arise,) and likely to last quite a while.

In the last six years, since I bought my 2015 LC, when family asked about which luxury SUV they should buy I typically recommend the LC200, LX570, or GX460.

I’ve had my fair share of “premium” SUVs, including LRs, Touareg, Cayennes, Audi’s, MBs. All had some sort of significant issue within the first few years of ownership. Not that you need an itemized list, but the carnage includes (but is not limited to):
-an entire power steering assembly needing to be replaced, ~35k miles on the odometer (Audi)
-a center diff that, for lack of a better phrase, “exploded” at around around 60k miles (also VW, blame the V10 TDI)
-air suspension compressor and airbags that failed within the first 25k miles (both LR and MB)
-an entire body harness and transmission needing replacement, ~50k miles (Cayenne Turbo)
-vehicle was bought back from the manufacturer due to repeated engine shut downs, including at highway speed (Cayenne Turbo S)

And I could go on. All vehicles were purchased new or CPO from authorized dealerships, and serviced exclusively at dealerships. No accidents
or other outside factors in play. Most/all were still within warranty or extended warranty when these failures occurred.

At this point I don’t foresee purchasing an SUV, other than the Landcruiser or large Lexus body-on-frame offerings, for as long as that is feasible.

Rant over. Check out the GX, it’s worth a look.

The GX would be a winner if they ditched that ridiculous useless cargo gate. 2024 re-design will hopefully correct that and my wife would be chomping at the bit to get it.

 

[CT3]

The GX would be a winner if they ditched that ridiculous useless cargo gate. 2024 re-design will hopefully correct that and my wife would be chomping at the bit to get it.

Agree, it’s a major headache. Now if the spare were mounted to that rear cargo gate, what would be a different story IMO but in its current form it’s just a hindrance

 

[Angelo1]

Agree, it’s a major headache. Now if the spare were mounted to that rear cargo gate, what would be a different story IMO but in its current form it’s just a hindrance

That would be cool but if I had to pick a 4Runner vs GX(current form), 4Runner hands down. The cargo gate is the dumbest design for those who have hitch mounted bikes. Split gates or rear window roll down for the win.

 

[lelandEOD]

I literally just bought two LX 450s in the last three weeks and I paid $16,000 each. One locked, the other not. Both well-kept, relatively stock non-F’ed with examples.

It is what it is. My attitude is, you only live once, and if you’ve got the coin, go for it!

 

[NMBruce]

The GX is a good platform for off roading. I had a 2006 and decided it was right for me, the new owner loves it.
As for the tailgate, it’s a pain, but there are some nice bumpers for it. Look at MetalTech

GX470 Accessories - Metal Tech 4x4

GX470 Accessories - Metal Tech 4x4

www.metaltech4x4.com

 

[Tex68w]

I loved our 4Runners and the GX's, the only thing I miss about the 4Runner aside from its looks is the roll down rear window. The GX is a fantastic platform, perfect off-road, great daily, plenty of power for towing under 5,000lbs. I have high hopes for both the 6th Gen 4Runner and the new GX, if they get either one of them right we will definitely have another one in the garage in a few years.

 

[bloc]

It is likely the upcoming 4runner/GX factored into Toyota’s decision to not import the LC300. Big shoes to fill..

 

[xd40cal]

As the title says..... I definitely don't need one right now, but the want is very strong. I also don't plan on driving it much in the winter since I would like to keep the chassis free of corrosion, so I am not in a hurry since we are staring the salt season straight in the face. I have an '84 FJ60, so can scratch my itch there. I just want to add a 200 to the stable to keep forever - for a multitude of reasons/uses.

Am I nuts for even considering this now? It seems that everything is $7k to $10k higher compared to pre-bubble (not even going to use the C word, wink, wink). Seems like a trifecta of artificial inflation - end of the series in the US, bubble high market prices, and Toyota premium. I can deal with the Toyota premium and maybe a little of the demand from the end of the series trickling down. I am curious of your thoughts on this. I know, you ask 10 people that and you will get 12 opinions. Really would like to hear what you guys think is the right decision (I know, only I can make that for myself). Damn the torpedoes and buy now or just sit tight and wait. I am thinking the latter.

However, I am going to look at a very nice condition 2013 (edited from 2011) with 85k for $54k today. Dealer won't budge much on the price, maybe $1k I suspect.

Absolutely not.

 

[2HundyJTex]

FWIW, I agree (as a driver of both LC and GX) that the GX is a great platform.

 

[El Skywalker]

yep, a friend of mine sold his 2016 w 75k miles in 2019 for $55k. It was immaculate and he was the original owner. I wasn't ready to buy it then, but that's the sort of deal I'll look for when prices normalize.

Those deals are still out there!

 

[stonepa]

I would be patient and look for private seller. I lucked out last week on a 2014 Salsa Red with only 80k on the clock. Paid $50k. No regrets at all.

The market is truly crazy but there are some unicorns. A friend of mine showed me his ‘new’ Land Cruiser yesterday. A 1994 FJ80 in the equivalent of salsa red. No rust, looks like new. 80k miles. Estate sale, vacation cabin car, guy died and his wife wanted it gone.

$4500 dollars.

He argued with her that the vehicle was worth 5 times that and he felt unethical buying it so cheaply. She basically told him she was old, wealthy, and didn’t care. She wanted it gone and did he still want it? That ended the argument and he bought the car.

That would be cool but if I had to pick a 4Runner vs GX(current form), 4Runner hands down. The cargo gate is the dumbest design for those who have hitch mounted bikes. Split gates or rear window roll down for the win.

I too hate that side swinging gate. But I won't settle for less than full time 4WD. In the 4Runner you would need to go with the Limited trim and that one doesn't look so great from the front. I guess it's Land Cruiser for me (always has been )

 

[kcobourn]

Those deals are still out there!

Would love to hear where you're finding them? If I deduct the profit from selling my other LC100 (or GX460 - still undecided) THEN we start getting into what might qualify as a 'deal' under $60K

This weekend saw a 2017 under 40k miles for $69.9K sold in hours after listing online.

 

[Angelo1]

The market is truly crazy but there are some unicorns. A friend of mine showed me his ‘new’ Land Cruiser yesterday. A 1994 FJ80 in the equivalent of salsa red. No rust, looks like new. 80k miles. Estate sale, vacation cabin car, guy died and his wife wanted it gone.

$4500 dollars.

He argued with her that the vehicle was worth 5 times that and he felt unethical buying it so cheaply. She basically told him she was old, wealthy, and didn’t care. She wanted it gone and did he still want it? That ended the argument and he bought the car.

I too hate that side swinging gate. But I won't settle for less than full time 4WD. In the 4Runner you would need to go with the Limited trim and that one doesn't look so great from the front. I guess it's Land Cruiser for me (always has been )

That’s why I said if I “had to” pick one. LC is a the no brainer of the 3. I’m so mad at myself for selling my 200 but I’ll be honest, I wasn’t super thrilled with the fuel pump recall replacement in my ‘19. I got a weird backfire once afterwards and my fuel range seemed to drop. I had the tech who installed it at Toyota look at it and he said it was all good. I never had the issue again but my mileage seemed worse nonetheless. Probably my OCD in hyperdrive and should have just moved on but it bugged me enough to sell it. Now debating whether to get a slightly used LX 600 in the next 24mo. or get another 200(2020/21)which would be my 4th. They are unfortunately overpriced for my liking right now. My wife has had it with me and cars. At least I haven’t lost any money.

 

[El Skywalker]

Would love to hear where you're finding them? If I deduct the profit from selling my other LC100 (or GX460 - still undecided) THEN we start getting into what might qualify as a 'deal' under $60K

This weekend saw a 2017 under 40k miles for $69.9K sold in hours after listing online.

I am referencing the 2016 that was mentioned begin sold in 2019 for $55K.
If that in your mind is a "deal", they are still out there for that price, year, and mileage.

 

[kcobourn]

I am referencing the 2016 that was mentioned begin sold in 2019 for $55K.
If that in your mind is a "deal", they are still out there for that price, year, and mileage.

Yep that's what I'm wondering ... where/how should I look to source such a vehicle?

The best I could find is mid $60s

 

[El Skywalker]

Yep that's what I'm wondering ... where/how should I look to source such a vehicle?

The best I could find is mid $60s

I found mine on Autotrader locally.
I had been watching LC's like a hawk for several weeks then BOOM!

I went down to dealership before pics were even posted online.

The used car salesman asked how I knew they had it on the lot.
Took the vehicle for a couple days and never gave it back.

 

[El Skywalker]

Yep that's what I'm wondering ... where/how should I look to source such a vehicle?

The best I could find is mid $60s

I also noticed the price varies by $10k or so depending on where you live.

A steal in one part of the country is slightly overpaying in another.

Just my opinion man.

 

[kcobourn]

I also noticed the price varies by $10k or so depending on where you live.

A steal in one part of the country is slightly overpaying in another.

Fair enough - what was your price you got locally?

Here mid-high $60s is 'great' for a 2016 under 70k miles. Condition at that price can be iffy hence why I'm so interested in your experience.

 

[El Skywalker]

Fair enough - what was your price you got locally?

Here mid-high $60s is 'great' for a 2016 under 70k miles. Condition at that price can be iffy hence why I'm so interested in your experience.

$60k with 79k miles, one owner.

 

[El Skywalker]

Not saying it was a great price, it just compares relatively to the 2019 price of $55k one of the previous posts.