Amazingly...a writer finally GETS IT.

[Climbingnut]

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. I've never been to Oz, but I've followed a lot of the builds there. South African's do quite a bit to their 70's as well. You're not wrong when you say 70's are utilitarian and purpose built. The mines in Oz and the int'l NGO's in Africa/Middle East are the main reason they're still producing them. They were slated to go the way of the Defender. I suppose I just expect more from a vehicle in 2018, especially at the premium they sell for.

 

[linuxgod]

My cons:
Lack of storage for such a claustrophobic interior
Fuel
Outdated electronics that will fail eventually
Weight
Seats
Styling
It's not like a lifetime-keeper like 40 through 80 can be.

I agree on lack of storage, particularly in the trunk. It's frustrating to have a 50# toolbag constantly in the way.

The outdated electronics are annoying but it's the price of reliability. My Acura MDX had better electronics and the DVD in the Nav system crapped the bed after 5-6 years. I wish I could've bought a stripped down 200 and put in my own head unit (and just avoided the cost of the rear entertainment altogether), but if/when it fails one day there are units out there for <$500 which do everything including climate except the windshield deicer, so at that time I'll figure out the wiring and make one work.

Fuel economy sucks on the highway when I tow and that's my big complaint. Around town auto stop/start would probably help a bit but the difference between 8 and 9 mpg is negligible. Cylinder deactivation wouldn't help with a heavy load (i.e. trailer) in 4th gear. Those are techs I'd expect to see in the 300 though.

Weight sucks but it's the price of admission into the US market. 10 airbags, multiple camera, ABS, stronger crash protection... every vehicle has tacked on 1000# over the last 15-20 years. That's not to mention how beefy a lot of components are compared to older models. Toyota could have saved weight by optimizing the material used in the tie rods and then you'd have the issue of tie rods breaking regularly on the trail like every FJ Cruiser owner eventually has, for instance.

I miss the thigh support of my 3rd gen 4runner "sport" but in general the seats are more comfortable in the 200 than any other vehicle I've ever owned. Granted it's also the most expensive vehicle I've ever owned. I can imagine them being better, but go drive a 1st or 2nd gen Prius for a few hours and tell me the seats in the 200 aren't wonderful.

Styling is a preference but post-mod I like the 200 much more than the 100 or 80. Maybe I'm in the minority but I think the only advantages of the 80 are less electronics and a solid front axle. And entry cost, even with 80 prices moving upward. I <3 40s but unless I can find a 45 they're impractical to someone like me with 3 kids. A nicely done 60 is pretty on the outside but talk about an awful interior. I'd still consider one.

 

[TonyP]

Different strokes for different folks. My opinions, that's why I labeled it "My Cons"

Putting in a chinese $500 replacement headunit is a good way to achieve reliability? I'll take an old fashioned double DINN Alpine/Kenwood/ect and dial/switch/lever climate controls over OEM or Chinesium displays in a heartbeat.

Weight shouldn't be something we just have to deal with just because we like the vehicle. It's like saying, I really like eating McDonalds so I'll just deal with getting my toes cut off when I get diabeetus.

Go sit in an Audi A8 or Volvo S60 and tell me the 200 seats aren't awful. Different body types I suppose.

Styling is certainly subjective.

 

[terdrocket]

Go sit in an Audi A8 or Volvo S60 and tell me the 200 seats aren't awful. Different body types I suppose.

I had a 2015 Volvo XC70. Best damn seats ever. Volvo makes the seats in the 200 feel like wooden chairs.

 

[linuxgod]

I don't want to sit in a vehicle which is more comfortable. Then I'll realize the seats suck. Denial isn't just a river in Egypt!

I agree I'd like to see the 200 shed unnecessary weight. The question is what do you optimize? Removing the 2nd AC unit for instance doesn't cut nearly as much weight as reducing the size or thickness of suspension or drivetrain materials. But if you want reliability through strength then you need more or stronger materials. Toyota could move to aluminum body panels like Ford did with the F150, though expect more dents and deeper scrapes if you're wheeling. A twin turbo V6 would likely shed weight but then everyone will bitch about losing the 5.7L V8

re: head unit, Chinese electronics are not my first choice, I'm just pointing out that there are options that will slowly come onto the market over time, and that part of the reason the Toyota electronics seem dated is because they go through a lot of testing and are built to be reliable. Maybe in the future a DDIN kenwood and Aussie manual climate controls will be an option. That said the other part of the reason that they suck is that Toyota has refused until recently to use carplay or the like, but the big tech companies build far more advanced UIs than Toyota can. The up side is that in most cases a failed Nav unit doesn't render the vehicle inoperable and aside from climate controls it's really just an inconvenience (lack of maps and audio).

Just my $0.02, which most people wouldn't bother bending down to pick up.

 

[coleAK]

Also funny when he states - “I don’t subscribe to Eriksson’s blanket dismissal of non-Toyotas“

Only 1 of the 3 vehicles he mentioned is a Toyota. Cruiser - Toyota, Partol - Nissan, pajero - Mitsubishi.

 

[mcgaskins]

Regarding the seats, I have to admit the LX seats are materially better than the LC ones. The LX seats are firmer with better support and more adjustability including an adjustable thigh support. Everyone has their own idea of what comfort is, but generally speaking European seats are among the best.

 

[Markuson]

I liked my 100 seats better than the 200. On the other hand, the plastic cows Toyota raises do provide much more durable “leather.”

 

[ToyotaIsLife]

No...this is not click-bait. It’s just nice to finally read a guy who sees the best and worst of the LC as I (and many of us) actually see it. Written based on an 800 mile family trek in a 2018 LC.

Worth a read.

Funny that his biggest gripes are mine. Namely: the ultra-mini fuel tank.

A non-idiot! Woo!

https://www.google.com/amp/s/jalopn...ser-bends-the-world-to-its-wil-1823171685/amp

Interesting read!, always happy to read about lc's

Haha you seem to be very frustrated with the MPG fuel rank ratio. Luckily Qatar my country is extremely small , I imagine in the states its a little different

 

[Markuson]

Interesting read!, always happy to read about lc's

Haha you seem to be very frustrated with the MPG fuel rank ratio. Luckily Qatar my country is extremely small , I imagine in the states its a little different

Yep. I ran a “quick errand” to Los Angeles today... and just now filled my tank for the second time TODAY.