Buying advice for my first modern cruiser (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Dec 16, 2023
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Location
Charlottenlund, Denmark
Hi everyone,

I have had a few different SUVs in my life, and currently, I'm driving a Porsche Cayenne, which I never really bonded with.

However, my favorite car is my old '76 FJ43, but it doesn't go well with small kids (at least my wife doesn't think so)

For that reason, I've decided to ditch the old Cayenne and get a 200-series LC instead.

As someone who is new to these "modern" Land Cruisers, my question are:

  • Is there anything I should avoid (like KDSS)?
  • Is there a sweet spot in regards to mileage? (I am thinking if some expensive parts might break down at a certain mileage, so a truck with 150k miles, might be a better buy than one with 100k miles)
Thank you so much for your helt in advance!
 
Every 200 series LC has KDSS. All LX570s have AHC- hydraulic suspension. Both are great- KDSS is less maintenance but the LC holds its value more than the LX.

Buy the newest/ lowest mileage you can comfortably afford….

If towing a lot, consider the LX.
 
What engines and transmissions are available in the 200s there? That may influence your decision.
 
After owning both LC and LX (both 18's), my thought are if you do a lot of highway driving, the LX would be my choice due to the fact that it is quieter. I still have my LC and traded my 18 LX on a LX600. Sometimes I really miss my 18 LX. I'm not certain in Denmark, but in the US you might still be able to find a Lexus certified 21 LX570, and for a couple of grand more, have a long term, unlimited mileage warranty.
 
I found a nice 170k-mile LC200. It seems to have the AHC. Would I regret that? It's spec'ed a little weird, though.

It was born with the 2UZ 4.7L and AHC but without a backup camera. The seller had Toyota install it on a Pioneer unit.

Screenshot 2025-08-07 at 14.57.49.webp


Is the 2UZ in an LC200 a sexy combination, or something to stay away from. All fluids and timing belt has been replaced prior to sale.
 
I found a nice 170k-mile LC200. It seems to have the AHC. Would I regret that? It's spec'ed a little weird, though.

It was born with the 2UZ 4.7L and AHC but without a backup camera. The seller had Toyota install it on a Pioneer unit.

View attachment 3965832

Is the 2UZ in an LC200 a sexy combination, or something to stay away from. All fluids and timing belt has been replaced prior to sale.
Some will argue that the 2UZ 4.7 is one of Toyota's best gasoline V8 engines.
 
Have you drove a 200 series?

It’s going to be a completely different animal than a Cayenne. In many ways. It will not be sporty. It’s a luxury tank.

Personally I wouldn’t want a 4.7 200 series after having a 5.7 200 for 100k miles. Mine has 300k on it and I would drive it to Alaska tomorrow.

I know you aren’t in the states so no idea what is available where you are. If a 5.7 isn’t then I would try to find a diesel.
 
After the HG issues on the 3UR popping up, Im starting to think a 2UZ 200 might be kinda nice! It is a smooth motor! But definitely weak compared to the 3UR.
 
You won't regret the trade. There is not a better built modern vehicle on the road.

All things being equal, newer/lower mileage is better. But my general advice is to focus more on solid maintenance records not just mileage. These trucks will run a very long time if properly maintained. I passed on multiple trucks for lack of good records.

I've never driven a 200 with the 4.7 but my gut is telling me it would be slightly more reliable than the 5.7 in the long run but would feel underpowered. These are fat pigs.

Good luck with your search!
 
Lots of great input! Thank you guys! And no, I have never driven a 200 series, so I really have no experience at all with these.

The Land Cruiser 200 was never sold in Europe (at least only in very few examples) and only two are currently for sale in Europe in the years I am looking at 2008-2012.

But its really easy for me to purchase from anywhere in the world and import to Denmark (I bought my Cayenne in Qatar, my FJ42 in Colombia, another from Japan and a few from the US).

The one I was mentioning with the 2UZ is for sale here in Denmark (I am not sure of its origin), which obviously makes the purchase easy but also expensive. But I am also strongly considering importing a 5.7 from the US. However I would not be able to test drive a car that I import, which is also why I am seeking help on what to look for.
 
If you’re able to import from Qatar, have you considered a diesel 200? Or (gasp) a 300 series?
 
Hi everyone,

I have had a few different SUVs in my life, and currently, I'm driving a Porsche Cayenne, which I never really bonded with.

However, my favorite car is my old '76 FJ43, but it doesn't go well with small kids (at least my wife doesn't think so)

For that reason, I've decided to ditch the old Cayenne and get a 200-series LC instead.

As someone who is new to these "modern" Land Cruisers, my question are:

  • Is there anything I should avoid (like KDSS)?
  • Is there a sweet spot in regards to mileage? (I am thinking if some expensive parts might break down at a certain mileage, so a truck with 150k miles, might be a better buy than one with 100k miles)
Thank you so much for your helt Happiest day of owning a Cayenne Turbo is when I sold it! German Hugo.
 

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