Where does the J310 fall then?
Broken LC250
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well, yea, we get the super luxury version of the 300
but those are 'wheeled' less than the new 250
when most here on mud state '300', we are referring to the Toyota 300 series and its variety of drivetrains and trim levels, many desgined for hard core rugged overland work
but those are 'wheeled' less than the new 250
when most here on mud state '300', we are referring to the Toyota 300 series and its variety of drivetrains and trim levels, many desgined for hard core rugged overland work
The 4th/5th Gen 4Runner (along with the Prado 120/150 and GX470/GX460) didn't have the ultra-thin suspension brackets, different-length CVs, 5,700# of bloat, and diff that takes out the oil pan like the LC250 does. Those are all very reliable Toyota 4x4s in stock form and they respond well to modification. Those platforms were largely unchanged from 2003-2023 and have been proven. Weak links do exist but they can be easily rectified (which I've personally done on my 120).
If the 6th gen 4Runner shares the same overall design and failure modes as the LC250 this represents a wholesale change in design philosophy for the entire Toyota 4x4 line, rather than something specific to the LC250.
I will say that I've been shocked with just how low-hanging suspension, drivetrain, exhaust, and other components are on both the new 4Runner as well as the Tacoma. Looks like something that GM would produce as opposed to a Toyota that is built to wheel in stock form.
I hear you. ( was comparing 250 to the 200/300......sure the new Runner and 250 are a tick downward)
Race to the bottom across the board.
But they sure are selling! The DOW!!!!!!
Race to the bottom across the board.
But they sure are selling! The DOW!!!!!!
Toyota must have learned a thing or two from American automakers. Make something that looks cool but has serious design, performance, and reliability flaws. Jack up the price, then sit back and watch as they fly off the lots
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For sure they are copying Americans business model.Toyota must have learned a thing or two from American automakers. Make something that looks cool but has serious design, performance, and reliability flaws. Jack up the price, then sit back and watch as they fly off the lots
Durable goods does not make money.
Make new vehicles like cell phone that need to be uodated every few years. Then customer have to choice other than buying new stuff again. And if possible make them to pay subscription too to be able to use some features.
Throwaway goods might be one of the worst traits of our consumer and economic culture in the US, to be honest. Toyota had until recently offered us an alternative to that, and we were willing to pay more for it. Let's just hope this is a temporary aberration and not the start of a long-term change.
Toyota must have learned a thing or two from American automakers. Make something that looks cool but has serious design, performance, and reliability flaws. Jack up the price, then sit back and watch as they fly off the lots
Very possible. Around my parts the big body GM SUVs are disposable and the buyers know it. They don't care. They keep repeat buying them. As owner of multiple older Toyota/Lexus over the long term, it's bizarre.
Most folks I know who fall in that bucket get bored with vehicles every 3-4 years and simply enjoy getting something new. An endless string of payments on a rapidly-depreciating asset like a car is not my cup of tea, but as you said, "they don't care"!
This.
I own a J310 AKA LX700OT, have wheeled it and can confirm it is as every bit as solid and HD (even more) as the 200 (which I also owned before). Would I have liked to get the LC300 here? hell yeah, especially the GR, but Toyota obviously read the market and choose the easy money route by going with the Prado for the US market and sullied the name big time calling it the "new land cruiser". The issue has been beaten to death here.
Now we have comparison tests between the "Land Cruiser" and Honda Passport - something laughable before.
Some guys that bought the Prado (as a wife-mobile or light duty grocery getter) recognize it is an inferior product but are just fine with it and moved on. Some others are as in denial akin to flat-Earth defenders, live in their own bubble justifying their purchases tooth and nail and think the "new LC" is the best of all LCs.
To each their own.
I certainly don’t think my LC250 is the best of all LCs by any means, but it’s a very capable rig and has hit some very tough trails here in Colorado. Longevity will tell the story. I love the truck. I never wanted a 200. Too big. So is the 300 to me. To each their own. Now a 100,,.. that’s a different story. If and when s*** breaks, I’ll post a report here because I have zero intention of taking it easy on this rig. It’ll do what a LC is built to do and we’ll see how she fairs. New BP51s coming shortly. Why? Factory shocks suck.This.
I own a J310 AKA LX700OT, have wheeled it and can confirm it is as every bit as solid and HD (even more) as the 200 (which I also owned before). Would I have liked to get the LC300 here? hell yeah, especially the GR, but Toyota obviously read the market and choose the easy money route by going with the Prado for the US market and sullied the name big time calling it the "new land cruiser". The issue has been beaten to death here.
Now we have comparison tests between the "Land Cruiser" and Honda Passport - something laughable before.
Some guys that bought the Prado (as a wife-mobile or light duty grocery getter) recognize it is an inferior product but are just fine with it and moved on. Some others are as in denial akin to flat-Earth defenders, live in their own bubble justifying their purchases tooth and nail and think the "new LC" is the best of all LCs.
You do realize the 250 is wider than the 200, right?
You’re correct. It is not wider and the dimensions are very similar all the way around. The width on the 250 comes from measuring out to the fender flares. It certainly feels and looks smaller for a 6,000 pound tall box. Should I have bought a 200 when I bought my BMW X5 with the twin turbo V8? I lived in Chicago at the time and had no need and that BMW was still cheaper fully loaded. Man was it fast too.
Dimension Comparison
| Dimension | Land Cruiser 200 Series | Land Cruiser 250 Series | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | ~4,950 mm (194.9 in) | ~4,925 mm (193.9 in) | 25 mm shorter (~1 in) |
| Width | ~1,970 mm (77.6–78.0 in) | ~1,980 mm (78.0 in w/o mirrors) | Virtually identical / slightly narrower cab feel |
| Height | ~1,880–1,905 mm (73.4–74.0 in) | ~1,870–1,935 mm (73.6–76.1 in) | Varies by trim/roof rails; generally similar |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (112.2 in) | 2,850 mm (112.2 in) | Exactly the same |
| Ground Clearance | ~230–235 mm (9.1 in) | ~220 mm (8.7 in) | ~10 mm (0.4 in) lower on the 250 |
Yeah, so it’s wider, but also has less interior room. The exterior width is what matters on the trails, and the interior width is what makes it comfortable for a daily.
I would say, your wallet would have liked the 200 series purchase more. That BMW depreciates 50-60% within the first 3 years of ownership if that tells you anything about ownership over the long term.
Zill, aren’t you the guy who for months recreationally complained about the 250, then bought a 250, then raved about the 250’s true Land Cruiser quality, and then sold the 250 to resume recreational complaining?
Complaining about what?
Yes, I did buy a 250 first edition to try it out before we even knew anything about the vehicle and its actual underpinnings. Toyota’s specs on their website were a flat out lie at that time if you remember that. Thankfully was able to liquidate it for break even before the bad news got out that it’s less robust than even a 4Runner. I have first hand experience owning one, and why I recommend anyone to look for a used 200 instead. Way better value.
Portals and Tacoma CVs work great. No breakage yet. 
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