Complete 360 (1 Viewer)

[Borebrotherbore]

Just a heads up as I just went from a 2015 TRD Pro to a 2014 LC with high miles. The PRO really is not worth the premium you are going to pay over a Trail Premium. If you really REALLY want a pro. Just get a Trail and use the money you saved to give it the face lift and get a better suspension setup and still have thousands of dollars saved.

A used LC is your best bet, you get into it with almost all of the depreciation eaten by the prior owner and you get a truck that will last you twice as long as that 4runner would have!

Just my 2 cents

 

[mcgaskins]

Agree but how many are in CA now for sale. There is only 1 red one within 50 miles. And all the others have miles and 2015/2016.

Plus I called around and every dealer told me the one they have is already allocated. Called the dealership on every one that is posted in the limited cement color.

Obviously it's your choice to do whatever you want, but don't delude yourself that you can buy it off the lot and then flip it and net $10k in profit in a month (assuming you are not a dealer and actually take title and register it).

 

[Godfr33]

Obviously it's your choice to do whatever you want, but don't delude yourself that you can buy it off the lot and then flip it and net $10k in profit in a month (assuming you are not a dealer and actually take title and register it).

Agree. I know it's my choice but hearing others opinions and then making a decision is smart.

Problem is a 2014 LC near me is 45 to 53k. Plus TTand tax

 

[Godfr33]

I know this is a worldwide forum but living in a country of its own (CA) the market is the market. They were asking and getting $ over for an SR5 rear wheel drive 4R here.

Plus it's going to always be a San Diego vehicle.

My 2000 Wrangler is commanding a ton just for that fact.

 

[ranma21]

4Runner is pretty good too especially in tight trail. But 4Runner and 200 are two totally different vehicles. 200 is way better in every aspect if you compare them both. Once you get your butt in a Landcruiser, it is Landcruiser for life, so beware! It is quite hard to find anything else in the market that is comparable in terms of reliability, resale value, ride quality, off-road capability and robustness all in one package There is just none so far.

 

[ga12r1]

I realize its a different market but it took me 6 months to sell my Super White 2016 TRD Pro T4R. It had 18k miles, new 285/70/17 Goodyear MTRs , a 2" toytec lift, weathertech liners and the trd mats that were never used, and was spotless, never been off the hwy, it still had the new car smell. I ended up getting $42,500 for it. I saw all of the other pros being listed for more, but i have my doubts that they ever sold for asking price. I wouldn't recommend trying for the flip.

All of That being said I sold the Pro to move to a nice 100 series. Believe it or not the older 100 was much more solid and had a "nicer" feel to it. Ive said it before and ill say it again, driving the 4runner down the hwy was like driving a tin can compared to the Cruiser, and that was a 100, you are talking about a 200. Find a cruiser for around 41K and then drop a rear locker in it (in my opinion that's the only thing the 4runner has over the cruiser), and forget the 4runner, you won't regret it.

 

[Canyonero]

So if the title was really just a Freudian slip, his decision is already made (4Runner). However, after reading these posts he'll end up driving a 200 and THEN his decision will be made. So which is it? Anyone feel like we're in the wine scene from Princess Bride?

Clearly he cannot choose the truck in front of him!

 

[Canyonero]

Pirouette work? Look I just got the call and scrambling. Of course I know the LC is superior in every way and want one. The issue was finding one in so cal. Which is hard. The TRD Pro is impossible unless I pay LC price for it.

My vernacular my not be right. But My head is spinning.

Just asking advice! Not comparing 4r to LC ever.

Blasphemous as this may sound, I would suggest getting the 4Runner IF you don't need: 1) 3 rows of seating, and 2) the LC towing capacity. In terms of off-road ability, the 4R is going to be right there with the LC, if not better out of the box.

4Runner will get considerably better fuel economy also if that's a concern.

A 200 series LC is built better, that's a fact. Not really any way to dispute that. But that may or may not be a serious consideration, as clearly 4Runnes have a reputation for QDR of their own.

Plus, a stock TRD Pro 4Runner looks way better than a stock LC. LC's need about $20k tossed at them to look the business IMO. Out of the box, a 200 series LC looks like a bloated last gen-Highlander. Good luck!

 

[ga12r1]

Blasphemous as this may sound, I would suggest getting the 4Runner IF you don't need: 1) 3 rows of seating, and 2) the LC towing capacity. In terms of off-road ability, the 4R is going to be right there with the LC, if not better out of the box.

4Runner will get considerably better fuel economy also if that's a concern.

A 200 series LC is built better, that's a fact. Not really any way to dispute that. But that may or may not be a serious consideration, as clearly 4Runnes have a reputation for QDR of their own.

Plus, a stock TRD Pro 4Runner looks way better than a stock LC. LC's need about $20k tossed at them to look the business IMO. Out of the box, a 200 series LC looks like a bloated last gen-Highlander. Good luck!

While I haven't had a 200 (yet), I've had an 80 and a 100. To me there is more to it then just those 2 things. The build quality (at least in materials), sound insulation, tech, and refinement are not present in the TRD Pro. You cant get a sunroof, or even leather. The tech is way behind. There is no radar cruise, BSM, lane departure, etc. No auto-climate control. Its very utilitarian. Some like that fact, some do not. If i want utilitarian I'll find a perfect triple locked 80 to spend my money on, because that's what the TRD Pro reminds me of the most, just not as capable. And I think you can have a great looking 200 with just lift and tires. The stock terra grapplers on the Pro never did it for me anyhow. But that's all just opinion anyways

She was mean looking though...

 

[Borebrotherbore]

Agree. I know it's my choice but hearing others opinions and then making a decision is smart.

Problem is a 2014 LC near me is 45 to 53k. Plus TTand tax

That's what they are going for in the entire country, not just CA. If you really want a PRO call a dealership in Utah. SLC gets allotted a crap ton of PRO's and they won't gouge you on the price.

I put 25k miles on mine and sold it back to the dealership what I paid for it in the first place. PRO's are a weird niche vehicle. They command a good price at auction, but selling to private party you are going to have to wait for the right person. If you look up KBB value it's going to be way less then you think (but dealerships will go off recent auction prices).

The farthest I drove to check out a LC was 4 hours (to Kansas City), made my appointment to test drive it. Made it there an hour before my appointment and they sold it out from under me before I had a chance to make them an offer. But in hindsight it was a blessing as it was in horrible shape. The interior looked like a daycare was ran out of it and the paint was all scratched and dinged up (not from offroading either).

Then some lady opened up her truck door into my PRO while I was inside the dealership trying to keep my cool. Not a good day.

Now I have a pristine '14 that was driven lots by a lawyer, but even at 70k miles the truck isn't even broken in yet

Oh and when you get your 4Runner, because you probably will, get ready for your front window to make a super annoying popping sound when it gets around 60 degrees or colder outside (probably not too often in SD).

 

[DomSmith]

I have a buddy who's TRD Pro is arriving this week as well. He's been looking for 2 months and got in line to pay $1500 over MSRP in NorCal. Flying up to drive it home.

As most have said, 2 totally different trucks. Build, feel, mileage etc. I like the solid feel of my 100 and have been looking for the right 200 for 2 months. Nationwide (well, west coast and South) because CA prices are typically far above NADA. It took 8 months to find my 100.

Get what you want... the 4runners are great for what they are. But don't buy it thinking you'll flip it for a profit. 18's will be here in a few months too.

I always cringe when I see people forced to make a quick decision on a reasonably large purchase. If it doesn't feel right or you're pressured I'd tend to say walk away and regroup. With that said, if you want a truck this week 4Runner it is. You'll need a lot of patience to find a good 200 that's just right.

Good luck!

 

[Citius]

Three weeks ago I sold my unreliable '14 Sierra SLT and bought a '13 200 sight unseen. I've owned a 4Runner and a Sequoia and both were awesome trucks, but they were NOT a Land Cruiser. I had my doubts prior to pulling the trigger, but reading all posts on MUD assured me that I was making the right decision. This truck is the best truck I've ever owned.

Good luck with whatever you decide to buy. Listen to what these guys are saying. I'm sure glad I did.

 

[codyaustin5]

I'm going to stick up for the 4Runner. It's a great vehicle and I've loved everyone I've owned which is every generation except for the first which essentially was a truck which I had as well. You can't compare the two as they are completely different. But I would buy another 4Runner in a heartbeat. Still made in Japan and last forever. Oh and I sold my last 4Runner ('14 trail premium) for $2k less than what I paid for it 3 years earlier to get a new GX.

Point is the 4Runner is an awesome vehicle (so is the 200).

 

[Markuson]

I'm going to stick up for the 4Runner. It's a great vehicle and I've loved everyone I've owned which is every generation except for the first which essentially was a truck which I had as well. You can't compare the two as they are completely different. But I would buy another 4Runner in a heartbeat. Still made in Japan and last forever. Oh and I sold my last 4Runner ('14 trail premium) for $2k less than what I paid for it 3 years earlier to get a new GX.

Point is the 4Runner is an awesome vehicle (so is the 200).

Agree 100% with Cody here. Nothing wrong with a 4Runner, and glad Toyota is a body-on-frame hold-out while everyone else has turned their SUVs into cars (just look at the once-beefy Nissan Pathfinder for an example of true SUV death).
I would just say that buying a NEW 4Runner vs. a USED 200 is a tough sell for me.
On the other hand...a USED 4Runner vs. Used LC is an entirely different equation.

 

[sPaulp]

Respectfully, the TRD Pro 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma are nothing more than a base SR5 model with a decent lift kit and color keyed exteriors. They are actually stripped down and have very few options. Yet, because of the TRD Pro designation, they bring a premium at the dealers. I will never understand the appeal of a base model SR5 with the "TRD Pro" name bringing $$ above MSRP. I just talked a buddy of mine out of Tundra TRD Pro so that he could buy (for less money) a Platinum addition Tundra. He then purchased the color keyed Pro grille for a few hundred $, and essentially had a Pro looking truck with ALL of the amenities for less than a Pro. Granted, he plans to install a lift (Icon) which will cost additional $, but in the end he will end up with a truck that has a better lift than a Pro, all of the amenities, and almost identical look for close to the same money he would have paid for the Pro. Each to their own, and I respect anyone's decision to spend their money how they would like. But, I just can't wrap my head around the appeal of a base model product at a premium price. I have owned a 4runner limited, tundra, and tacoma over the years and none of those vehicles come close to the drive quality of my 6 year old 200. You can literally feel the quality as it's palpable.

 

[Borebrotherbore]

Respectfully, the TRD Pro 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma are nothing more than a base SR5 model with a decent lift kit and color keyed exteriors. They are actually stripped down and have very few options. Yet, because of the TRD Pro designation, they bring a premium at the dealers. I will never understand the appeal of a base model SR5 with the "TRD Pro" name bringing $$ above MSRP. I just talked a buddy of mine out of Tundra TRD Pro so that he could buy (for less money) a Platinum addition Tundra. He then purchased the color keyed Pro grille for a few hundred $, and essentially had a Pro looking truck with ALL of the amenities for less than a Pro. Granted, he plans to install a lift (Icon) which will cost additional $, but in the end he will end up with a truck that has a better lift than a Pro, all of the amenities, and almost identical look for close to the same money he would have paid for the Pro. Each to their own, and I respect anyone's decision to spend their money how they would like. But, I just can't wrap my head around the appeal of a base model product at a premium price. I have owned a 4runner limited, tundra, and tacoma over the years and none of those vehicles come close to the drive quality of my 6 year old 200. You can literally feel the quality as it's palpable.

You're better off comparing the Trail Premium to the TRD Pro. The SR5 doesn't come with a locker or any of the fancy 4x4 tech (multi terrain, atrac) unless you want to pay a couple of grand for the options.

The price difference (MSRP) on those two versions is still pretty drastic. 38 for the trail and 43.3 for the PRO, but you can get a trail for much cheaper then MSRP and the PRO your going to be paying at or above (some want 5k or more above MSRP). Plus, you can get KDSS on the trail/trail premium.

If you're never going to take it on anything harder then a forest road then an SR5 is the best savings as you can put a locker on later and with all that extra money get your suspension, tires, and wheels.

 

[TonyP]

But it says "Pro" on the side. That's like, professional or something.

 

[sPaulp]

But it says "Pro" on the side. That's like, professional or something.

I think Toyota engineers weren't able to complete the rest of the "Pro" word. Evidently, due to economic conflicts, they were unable to print Prostate on the side because after paying a premium for the SR5 models with a Pro indentation in the metal, one feels as if they just had a prostate exam?

 

[Romer]

I think the new 4runners are a good design and nice looking vehicle. If they put a V8 in it it would be a great vehicle. My wifes old 2006 runner was one of the few V8s. The V6 was a dog was why we bought the V8

 

[Bighead]

I agree with a few of the previous posters in that it makes more financial sense to buy a Trail and add the Pro bits later. That is unless you want the Pro-specific color for that year then you don't have much of a choice. The Pro worked for me because I wanted the Cement color, didn't want KDSS or sunroof and have no desire to mod my 200. Sure there are plenty of shortfalls when compared to the 200 but nothing that bothers me. As for the 200, I like the way it drives bone stock and really have no desire to mess with it.