I recently bit the bullet myself and traded in my 2008 328i on a 2014 LC and only paid 38,500. It had a complete mechanical history, no major cosmetic issues. I have never been happier, the wife....well..... it'll have to grow on her. I say do it! You want it, you won't regret it.
Convince me not to (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter divemedic
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Most people are saying to get the landcruiser and I agree.
I will buy a Landcruiser soon and the first thing I was concerned about was the fuel economy. Then I realized with my driving it will cost me $1-2k more in fuel a year compared to other cars I was looking at. Not that bad for something you love. It will be more in your case but I think you can assume the LC will be more reliable than the Golf so you can deduct some of the gas cost in repairs (not much but it's something).
Right now the only thing I can't decide on is adding 11 x 4 = 44 lbs in unsprung weight on A/T tires when I won't even go offroad that much (just love the look). There is no question I want a LC.
@Reckless got it right. I had the same car as him and I didn't want an S65 to replace it. The LC will be my next daily.
Go for it.
I will buy a Landcruiser soon and the first thing I was concerned about was the fuel economy. Then I realized with my driving it will cost me $1-2k more in fuel a year compared to other cars I was looking at. Not that bad for something you love. It will be more in your case but I think you can assume the LC will be more reliable than the Golf so you can deduct some of the gas cost in repairs (not much but it's something).
Right now the only thing I can't decide on is adding 11 x 4 = 44 lbs in unsprung weight on A/T tires when I won't even go offroad that much (just love the look). There is no question I want a LC.
@Reckless got it right. I had the same car as him and I didn't want an S65 to replace it. The LC will be my next daily.
Go for it.
- Thread starter
- #23
Same boat here. If I do move on it, I'll wait till the new year. It's been on the lot for 10 days. Once it hits closer to 30 days and 1 year older I feel the dealer will be more flexible.
I've done up a pro con list and it's tough. I don't have cash to pay outright for it, and I don't like debt. But I wouldn't be paying on it for more then a year. That said, I can't sit and wait too. I don't need the truck. But It's tough to justify the Golf on account of its snow performance (I just about put the car in a ditch last week with my whole family in the middle of bfe Illinois circumventing the i65 s*** show). It needs snow tires, and of course a second set of wheels. Plus a family of four with a dog is ridiculous and boarderline unsafe when on a trip.
I am getting mixed information about the 2011 200's safety equipment. Does it have blind spot monitoring, rear body airbag, lane monitoring, and rollover protection?
Markuson
SILVER Star
About unsprung weight, ATs and MPG...
Even with 285/70/17 BFG KO2's...and no speedometer correction for the larger tires, I averaged over 18MPG on my 6000+ mile, mostly highway trip this summer. 18MPG is pretty darn good for a loaded down 200 with 500 lbs of people besides. The only exception, of course, was wheeling in Ouray, CO. But in my experience, KO2's have been quite economical, with minimal impact at the pump. When it was bone stock? I got just over 19MPG on a highway trip to Mammoth... When you add actual miles for the small tire size difference? It's a wash...and I was amazed.
Oh...and that was with 87 octane on the recent trip (or 85 where that was all they had).
That was averaging about 70-75 on the highway.
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I had the same dilemma. Discount Tire has a policy that you can try a tire for 30 days so I tried the KO2s and man was I blown away. I have been a sworn Michelin man for 20 years. From my perspective it is same as stock but with much more traction. I strongly urge you to get KO2s, even when they warn you that your car will have more noise/etc (I haven't noticed). The only issue I ran into with the bigger wheel/tire combo was a reduction in mpg, approximately 1.5 mpg. Get the Rock Warrior wheels as well.
Thank you for your input! I'll be placing an order for some KO2's soon.
Thanks for the recommendation. I wasn't too concerned about the noise and ride as I know the truck itself is quiet/refined enough it wouldn't make much difference either way. I'll get some once I decide which one to buy. Could be as soon as next week!
A couple of things to consider (in my humble opinion):
1) Getting 34 MPG is definitely a bonus, as you would get roughly half that in the LC. What will really matter is how many miles you average per week. If you are close to work, it wont really hit you that hard, but if you have a lengthy commute, you will notice the increase. I went from a 2001 4Runner which averaged around 18.5 MPG to the 2009 LC which seems to average around 17 MPG, so it has not been noticed in the wallet.
2) Insurance varies obviously, but I believe I pay around $90/Month for my 2009 so you will likely see a pretty decent increase in cost per year.
3) That price seems pretty reasonable for year/mileage. I bought my 2009 back in October with 97k for 33k (included shipping the car to me, bought out of state, sight unseen). I think i got a pretty good deal, as it had just arrived at the dealership, and was a 1-owner with PERFECT service history. We would all like to physically inspect the cars we buy, but the service history and detailed pictures gave me enough confidence to pull the trigger, and I have not regretted it for a minute. These cars are few and far between, and others around my area in worse condition and higher miles were priced 2-3k higher on average so it made sense for my situation.
4) Buy it, and if you don't like it, or aren't satisfied with the mileage/additional insurance cost, sell it in a year when you have it paid off. Like someone else said, you'll probably get the same price for it then that you pay for it today (or close to it). I bought my 2001 4runner with 98k miles back in 2008 for around $12k and sold it a few weeks ago with 240k miles for $6k. Not bad for around 8 years of amazing reliability and adding around 140k miles to the clock! (Fairly irrelevant, i know, but my point is that these Toyota SUVs hold their value like no other vehicle make that I have seen)
5) It's hard to beat the feeling of owning what you know is one of, if not the single-most capable vehicle available. The refinement of the 200, coupled with the dependability and off-road prowess are second to none. A lot of people (they don't know any better) will think you are crazy for spending that kind of money on a vehicle that is several years old and with that amount of mileage already on it, that is, until they go for a ride in it when you are driving them to pick up their car from the shop....
1) Getting 34 MPG is definitely a bonus, as you would get roughly half that in the LC. What will really matter is how many miles you average per week. If you are close to work, it wont really hit you that hard, but if you have a lengthy commute, you will notice the increase. I went from a 2001 4Runner which averaged around 18.5 MPG to the 2009 LC which seems to average around 17 MPG, so it has not been noticed in the wallet.
2) Insurance varies obviously, but I believe I pay around $90/Month for my 2009 so you will likely see a pretty decent increase in cost per year.
3) That price seems pretty reasonable for year/mileage. I bought my 2009 back in October with 97k for 33k (included shipping the car to me, bought out of state, sight unseen). I think i got a pretty good deal, as it had just arrived at the dealership, and was a 1-owner with PERFECT service history. We would all like to physically inspect the cars we buy, but the service history and detailed pictures gave me enough confidence to pull the trigger, and I have not regretted it for a minute. These cars are few and far between, and others around my area in worse condition and higher miles were priced 2-3k higher on average so it made sense for my situation.
4) Buy it, and if you don't like it, or aren't satisfied with the mileage/additional insurance cost, sell it in a year when you have it paid off. Like someone else said, you'll probably get the same price for it then that you pay for it today (or close to it). I bought my 2001 4runner with 98k miles back in 2008 for around $12k and sold it a few weeks ago with 240k miles for $6k. Not bad for around 8 years of amazing reliability and adding around 140k miles to the clock! (Fairly irrelevant, i know, but my point is that these Toyota SUVs hold their value like no other vehicle make that I have seen)
5) It's hard to beat the feeling of owning what you know is one of, if not the single-most capable vehicle available. The refinement of the 200, coupled with the dependability and off-road prowess are second to none. A lot of people (they don't know any better) will think you are crazy for spending that kind of money on a vehicle that is several years old and with that amount of mileage already on it, that is, until they go for a ride in it when you are driving them to pick up their car from the shop....
- Thread starter
- #28
Thank you for the insight and matter-of-fact response. We average about 10k miles a year so I'm all reality the motor economy isn't a huge factor. The more I dwell the more I lean on the 200. Fact is, the golf is a TSI motor, I know I get 2 more free oil changes, then after that it's rotella t6 every 8k miles or 8 months. I'm also OCD about shelle premium in the car. Cost of Mx on a VW prone to carbon build-up is cheaper then the 200. In al reality, after the warrenty expires cost of ownership is probably neglagable. Insurance only jumped $35/6mos. I'm leaning hard to the cruiser.
Side bar, will it clear 17 inch rims. 18's are off-putting as s***.
Yes, for 10k miles/year, I think that the switch to the 200 would not be too hard on the bank. I have just scheduled my 100k service at my local toyota dealership, and they will be doing oil/filter, replace engine coolant, lube undercarriage points, and re-torquing my propeller shaft, all for $250. The engine coolant alone is about $180 of this, so I am happy to report that the regular scheduled maintenance seems reasonable thus far. I'm sure others will have input who have had much more experience than myself at the ole' dealership.
As for 17s, it seems many members on here prefer them and make the switch to them. I too am curious about this conversion, the pros/cons if any, and recommendations from those who have made the change.
gaijin
GOLD Star
Toyota offered the 17" TRD "Rock Warrior" wheels as a dealer installed option for the 08+ Land Cruisers and stipulated the use of the LT285/70-17 BFG A-T T/A tires:
I've been running that setup on my stock 2013 LC (no lift) for over 4 years with no problems:
Never experienced any rubbing, annoying noise, etc. In fact, the speedometer now reads dead on accurate opposed to reading fast with the stock 285/60-18 tires.
HTH
i'm running 17" rock warriors on 285/70 BFG KO2s on my MY '16 as well... the ride feels a bit more planted - probably due to the size difference from stock. they feel stickier than the stock tires for sure... and it looks a heckuva lot better in my opinion.
i also just downloaded a speedometer app for my iphone yesterday. sure enough, on the larger tires, my speed via iphone is a dead match with my speedometer (i didn't test with the stock wheels and tires, but seems like it must've been off a bit). i think the RW wheels are a bit lighter than the stock wheels, so it should help offset some of the additional weight of the LT tires.
i also just downloaded a speedometer app for my iphone yesterday. sure enough, on the larger tires, my speed via iphone is a dead match with my speedometer (i didn't test with the stock wheels and tires, but seems like it must've been off a bit). i think the RW wheels are a bit lighter than the stock wheels, so it should help offset some of the additional weight of the LT tires.
- Thread starter
- #32
I'd rather have more sidewall then rim. Additionally, tires are cheaper...
I'm imagining a "heritage" theme. 17" steel wheels from the fj painted grey, and some other things.
I just bought an 09 LP 570 with 50,000 miles for my wife, so I have some thoughts.
The gas mileage on the car is an atrocity. We average around 9 mpg around town. I know you're prepared for bad gas mileage, but I'm guessing it's the worst car on the road With respect to gas mileage. It will be well worse than you're expecting.
A car with 130k will have problems, even if only cosmetic or minor ones. My glove compartment randomly opens. The passenger mirror vibrates.
A couple other things to consider. I think interior storage capacity is poor. Back seat storage capacity is small for a vehicle this size. The cup holders are shallow, and drinks spill. There's not a great place to put your phone.
My wife likes the car, so we're keeping it. I'm disappointed in it. I have an 03 Sequoia with 200k on it, and in my opinion, it blows the lx 570 out of the water.
I realize this is a land cruiser forum, but think you deserve a dissenting opinion. There are plenty of other safe options out there for you to consider that cost less, with less miles, that would get the job done.
Good luck in your search, and if you do buy the car, I sincerely hope you like it.
The gas mileage on the car is an atrocity. We average around 9 mpg around town. I know you're prepared for bad gas mileage, but I'm guessing it's the worst car on the road With respect to gas mileage. It will be well worse than you're expecting.
A car with 130k will have problems, even if only cosmetic or minor ones. My glove compartment randomly opens. The passenger mirror vibrates.
A couple other things to consider. I think interior storage capacity is poor. Back seat storage capacity is small for a vehicle this size. The cup holders are shallow, and drinks spill. There's not a great place to put your phone.
My wife likes the car, so we're keeping it. I'm disappointed in it. I have an 03 Sequoia with 200k on it, and in my opinion, it blows the lx 570 out of the water.
I realize this is a land cruiser forum, but think you deserve a dissenting opinion. There are plenty of other safe options out there for you to consider that cost less, with less miles, that would get the job done.
Good luck in your search, and if you do buy the car, I sincerely hope you like it.
Markuson
SILVER Star
If your primary objectives are cup holders, internal storage and skipping the mirror flaw (easy fix)...maybe Sequoia. But on that criteria, *minivans* win too.
Honestly the only time I've seen mileage in the 8range is while wheeling. The LC/LX is built like a battle tank compared with the Sequoia...especially comparing what's lies beneath the outer shell.
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The Back is correct about gas mileage being an atrocity if you leave the car running idle alot. I had to change that bad habit once I bought my LC which made a 2 mpg difference. I do have a solution for the cell phone placement problem:
Amazon.com: Extra Large 26 x 15cm Magic Anti-Slip Non-Slip Mat Car Dashboard Sticky Pad Adhesive Mat for Cell Phone, CD, Electronic Devices, iPhone, iPod, MP3, MP4, GPS - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories
I put this on top of the dash and leave my cell phone on top of it.
My car had the side mirror shake problem which my mechanic tightened the screws and has been completed solved (my car has 130k miles). My glove box problem just started which I bought a new glove box cover off of ebay for $30 last week. Since I came from a 100, I am used to storage capacity being on the lighter side. I haven't had a drink spill but never drove a sequoia to compare cup holders. Coming from german cars, I was thrilled to have 4 working cup holders in the front along with a cooler!
Amazon.com: Extra Large 26 x 15cm Magic Anti-Slip Non-Slip Mat Car Dashboard Sticky Pad Adhesive Mat for Cell Phone, CD, Electronic Devices, iPhone, iPod, MP3, MP4, GPS - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories
I put this on top of the dash and leave my cell phone on top of it.
My car had the side mirror shake problem which my mechanic tightened the screws and has been completed solved (my car has 130k miles). My glove box problem just started which I bought a new glove box cover off of ebay for $30 last week. Since I came from a 100, I am used to storage capacity being on the lighter side. I haven't had a drink spill but never drove a sequoia to compare cup holders. Coming from german cars, I was thrilled to have 4 working cup holders in the front along with a cooler!
- Thread starter
- #36
This is what I'm looking for. Thank you. It's the small things that will irritate me.
My 77 has a Prado center console so ive got 1.5 cup holders. The golf has two in the center and 1 in each foot large enough to hold my 1l bottle. Amazingly enough they work well too.
Convince you not to buy one? That's an odd request. Here I'll try: don't buy one.
Just picked up '11 LX with 68k miles for $38k also to be used as a tow rig (see my intro post). The more I drive this thing the more I'm impressed (only 2 days so far). Buyers remorse is going away. The other car I considered was '11 GL550 since I already have GLK and familiar with Benzes, but I don't have faith in american made truck (as bad as it may sound).
Markuson
SILVER Star
What's buyer's remorse?
When I bought my 100, I was giddy. For the next 13 years, I was GIDDY every single time I got in it...
Now in my 200 for two years? Love it every single time I even SEE it.
Ridiculous? Maybe. But to me, it's not just a vehicle. -It's like a memory builder, and adventure enabler. My oooonly regret is that I haven't fully built it yet, but money is a thing...
