Anything else like the 200? (1 Viewer)

[Girl Dad of 3]

As we all know, the 200 series LC/LX is one of the most durable, dependable, “overbuilt” vehicles in history. Is there another car or truck available on the market today, new or used, that can rival the 200 for its sheer build quality and reliability?

I ask in part because I’m already plotting my next move, probably at least a year away, to buy a sedan that will stand the test of time like the 200 and also hopefully be a really cool car with understated style like our 200 beauties. Any ideas?

BMW 540i with the B58 engine? Mercedes E class? Saab 9000? Is there a sedan counterpart to the incomparable 200 series trucks?

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

LS 460... maybe an LS500.

 

[Sandroad]

Here are 50 some pages of posts on what other members own. Might be some insights in there.

Just curious, what's your OTHER vehicle?

My "wife's car" is the LC200 (aka Marshmallow). Me? I drive a 2010 civic that just won't die, but I hope will die in 3 years. I may get a Prius to save on gas (I know, I know), or just may say forget it and get a used Lexus IS-F. Maybe even a pickup? (Read: Raptor)

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[eatSleepWoof]

There's really not much out there IMO.

A few of the modern Lexus models (IS500, LS500, LC500) are a maybe, depending on what you want. Modern BMWs, MBs, Audis... forget it. Disposable trash - all of it. Only get these if you don't care about throwing away money and expect to replace the car in 4-5 years tops.

If it's just for a weekend toy, I would look back to 1995-2005 years, find a clean "classic" that rubs you the right way, and expect to pay a big premium for it.

NSX, MK IV Supra, E39 M5, E46 M3, 911s, a few AMGs from the same era... None of them will really "rival" the 200 series, but can provide good fun if that's what you're looking for.

 

[Kylackey]

LS430. V8 and built like a tank. I'd honestly say it's THE sedan version of a cruiser

Also this isn't going to be popular. But if you found a clean low mileage panther body they're incredibly reliable and reasonably fun to drive. Although you're not winning in any prizes in the looks department.

 

[Zill]

LC 500 for a sport coupe.

Sedans? That’s slim pickings at this point. Most of the survivors are only around to fit the rolling econobox criteria at this point.

 

[skrypj]

Crown Vic.

V8, rwd, body on frame, solid axle, used for decades for law enforcement.

I don’t see anyone coming up with anything better.

 

[unclemat]

Crown Vic.

V8, rwd, body on frame, solid axle, used for decades for law enforcement.

I don’t see anyone coming up with anything better.

Mercury Marauder version of it. Kinda badass.

 

[gasman4u]

Crown Vic.

V8, rwd, body on frame, solid axle, used for decades for law enforcement.

I don’t see anyone coming up with anything better.

Mercury Marauder version of it. Kinda badass.

+1 for both of the above. I know (clutches pearls), they're BOTH fOrD products!?!?!? Indeed they are, but they got these right. They're tough as nails and easy to work on with abundant parts (for now).

They won't be as fast or as nimble as some of the euro options above, however will likely be MUCH easier and cheaper to maintain comparatively (audi "service position" anyone?).

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

There's really not much out there IMO.

A few of the modern Lexus models (IS500, LS500, LC500) are a maybe, depending on what you want. Modern BMWs, MBs, Audis... forget it. Disposable trash - all of it. Only get these if you don't care about throwing away money and expect to replace the car in 4-5 years tops.

If it's just for a weekend toy, I would look back to 1995-2005 years, find a clean "classic" that rubs you the right way, and expect to pay a big premium for it.

NSX, MK IV Supra, E39 M5, E46 M3, 911s, a few AMGs from the same era... None of them will really "rival" the 200 series, but can provide good fun if that's what you're looking for.

At what point did the German cars become so unreliable? They have so many electronics and gizmos in them now that are bound to breakdown (with possible exception of B 58 engines). But I do see people still driving late 90s and early 2000s Bimmers (mostly 3 and 5 series) and Mercedes (mostly E class) that have an “old school” cool vibe and seem like they run forever with proper care.

 

[Willie G]

Variety for me would be an LX in a different color.

Then you are assured that it's as reliable as the LX you already own.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

Variety for me would be an LX in a different color.

Then you are assured that it's as reliable as the LX you already own.

Probably the most correct answer. Also I have thought about going GX 460 for the wife and zipping around town in.

 

[Willie G]

Not knocking the GX (there's one in my garage) but the exterior/interior dimensions are so close....

It remains a "lesser vehicle."

You'd need a station wagon/mini van/suburban to have more people/stuff capacity.

A 200 is the "ne plus ultra."

 

[Willie G]

I've always thought that Romer had the right idea: put your kids in their own LC and go worry about something else.

 

[Supra Turbo]

LS 460... maybe an LS500.

Having owned both - while the LS460 and LS500 are great in their own right, I personally closer align the built quality of the 200 series to that of LS430 and LS400 prior to it, and other Toyotas designed and build in 90s and early 2000s - the pinnacle of Toyota years. Obvious being 80 series LC, 3rd gen T4R, MKIV Supra, and the aforementioned Lexus models.

Edit: Posted before reading others responses. These guys know what they are talking about.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Having owned both - while the LS460 and LS500 are great in their own right, I personally closer align the built quality of the 200 series to that of LS430 and LS400 prior to it, and other Toyotas designed and build in 90s and early 2000s, obvious being 80 series, 3rd gen T4R, MKIV Supra, and the aforementioned Lexus models.

Edit: Posted before reading others responses. These guys know what they are talking about.

That has been my thought process. I also have a '97 80 and a '98 LS400. Both flagships of their time with the LS400 being the Land Cruiser of sedans.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

At what point did the German cars become so unreliable? They have so many electronics and gizmos in them now that are bound to breakdown (with possible exception of B 58 engines). But I do see people still driving late 90s and early 2000s Bimmers (mostly 3 and 5 series) and Mercedes (mostly E class) that have an “old school” cool vibe and seem like they run forever with proper care.

In the late 2010s. // edit - I meant the late 2000s, leading up to 2010. //

They're still quality vehicles, just unreliable as hell. Plenty of people love them, but they need serious $$ to be maintained.

 

[Supra Turbo]

That has been my thought process. I also have a '97 80 and a '98 LS400. Both flagships of their time with the LS400 being the Land Cruiser of sedans.

I haven't owned an 80 series (yet), but have owned 17 other Toyota/Lexus models and the LS400 is undoubtfully one of the greats. Its too bad some are not getting the love they deserve, but maintained right - I think they and LS430 are better cars than their successors.

And speaking of BMWs, we traded in our last two with 18k and 34k miles on the clock. Bad enough under warranty, couldn't imagine outside of it.