Decisions, decisions

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ceb

ceb

Joined
Jun 6, 2016
Threads
3
Messages
244
Location
Virginia
Since 9/11, I’ve had a job that requires 24/7 mobility and I’ve always had winter tires and AWD – Yukon, Audi S6, r32, BMW 335, but I moved closer to work a few years ago and bought my current Acura (still with winter tires). Now, it looks like I’ll be commuting daily about 50 miles each way (in all weather conditions). The last five miles are up a windy hill where there is often very significant fog – to the point where you have to drive by listening for the dots on the road (double in the middle and single on the outside). Long story short, I need a new car. I’ve narrowed it down to the following and listed the downsides as I’m also going to use this for a DD. I decided to post this here because everyone here seems pretty rational and may actually be willing to suggest something other that "only what the forum is about".

New’ish (2018/9?) 4Runner Limited – downsides – crappy headlights (you know how I feel about lighting upgrades) and lousy A/C in the rear (the dog won’t be happy) – upsides – reliable, goes everywhere, semi-OK gas mileage.

New’ish (2017/8?) Lexus GX460 – downsides – more expensive, crappy turning radius, not great gas mileage – upsides – good lights, great rear A/C with the lux package, comfy ride

2016ish Lexus LX/Toyota Land Cruiser – downsides – price, gas mileage, size – upsides – holds value, reliable, better turning radius than the GX.

I was initially ready to buy a new LC but that was when the company was footing the bill. Now I’m getting paid more but no car, so I’m looking at having somebody else take the depreciation (sorry Eric...).

I’ve eliminated anything that isn’t reliable but have I missed anything? Anybody want to chime in? Need space for German Shepherd, so sedans don't work.
 
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In reading both what you wrote and some “between the lines” implications, you may want to take a look at the Subaru Ascent Limited and get Michelin X-Ice tires. My son has one and I’ve used it a number of times. Feel free to PM me if you want details, since this is a 200 forum and not a Subaru forum ;)
 
ceb said:
Since 9/11, I’ve had a job that requires 24/7 mobility and I’ve always had winter tires and AWD – Yukon, Audi S6, r32, BMW 335, but I moved closer to work a few years ago and bought my current Acura (still with winter tires). Now, it looks like I’ll be commuting daily about 50 miles each way (in all weather conditions). The last five miles are up a windy hill where there is often very significant fog – to the point where you have to drive by listening for the dots on the road (double in the middle and single on the outside). Long story short, I need a new car. I’ve narrowed it down to the following and listed the downsides as I’m also going to use this for a DD. I decided to post this here because everyone here seems pretty rational and may actually be willing to suggest something other that "only what the forum is about".

New’ish (2018/9?) 4Runner Limited – downsides – crappy headlights (you know how I feel about lighting upgrades) and lousy A/C in the rear (the dog won’t be happy) – upsides – reliable, goes everywhere, semi-OK gas mileage.

New’ish (2017/8?) Lexus GX460 – downsides – more expensive, crappy turning radius, not great gas mileage – upsides – good lights, great rear A/C with the lux package, comfy ride

2016ish Lexus LX/Toyota Land Cruiser – downsides – price, gas mileage, size – upsides – holds value, reliable, better turning radius than the GX.

I was initially ready to buy a new LC but that was when the company was footing the bill. Now I’m getting paid more but no car, so I’m looking at having somebody else take the depreciation (sorry Eric...).

I’ve eliminated anything that isn’t reliable but have I missed anything? Anybody want to chime in? Need space for German Shepherd, so sedans don't work.
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May I suggest: For Sale - 2016 LC200 66k miles grey/terra
 
From your choices the fuel consumption on the ones you’re considering are closely similar. Between the LC200 and the LX570, if you are to use it daily, no doubt the LX drive more butter than the LC (comfort-wise). And these are AWD vehicles, better traction. And LX to a GX, the LX is more spacious.
 
ceb said:
New’ish (2018/9?) 4Runner Limited – downsides – crappy headlights (you know how I feel about lighting upgrades) and lousy A/C in the rear (the dog won’t be happy) – upsides – reliable, goes everywhere, semi-OK gas mileage.
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I remember my 16 4Runner Limited getting like 15 mpg, not much better than LC. Still all-time AWD.
 
You’ve come to the right place for positive 200-series confirmation bias.

Before I bought my LC, I had two new 4runners, KDSS and non-KDSS. I saw those as a viable and “cheaper” substitute to a Land Cruiser, but I always had the feeling I should have bought the LC. Ultimately, I “had to have” an LC.

As a long range daily driver, the 200-series is more comfortable and has lots of creature comforts that make time in the cockpit less taxing. The one thing you will notice is interior noise. In the T4R, you will hear a lot of engine noise.

As for size, the LC is just as nimble as the T4R. It has surprisingly never felt like a compromise.

IIRC, all three platforms have a 24gal fuel tank, and all of them have subpar fuel economy. I averaged 13mpg in my T4R, and 13 mpg in the LC before I added armor, storage and larger tires.

Highway noise. The T4R always sounded uncomfortable on the highway. The 6-speed always seemed a little confused around 70mph, and hunted a lot. The engine noise grates on the nerves after a little while. The LC 8-speed, even with larger tires doesn’t seem to hunt for gears like the T4R did. It usually remains comfortably in 6th, until I coax it into 7th.

Your shepard will appreciate the 4-zone climate control. I have a 15 month old, and the three rows of climate control have made the rear habitable for the boy. The wife’s Tundra, not so much.
 
LC will do decent on the MPGs (and uses regular) as long as you keep highway tread tires on it and don't add racks, lifts, snorkels, etc.
 
empty80 said:
You’ve come to the right place for positive 200-series confirmation bias.

Before I bought my LC, I had two new 4runners, KDSS and non-KDSS. I saw those as a viable and “cheaper” substitute to a Land Cruiser, but I always had the feeling I should have bought the LC. Ultimately, I “had to have” an LC.

As a long range daily driver, the 200-series is more comfortable and has lots of creature comforts that make time in the cockpit less taxing. The one thing you will notice is interior noise. In the T4R, you will hear a lot of engine noise.

As for size, the LC is just as nimble as the T4R. It has surprisingly never felt like a compromise.

IIRC, all three platforms have a 24gal fuel tank, and all of them have subpar fuel economy. I averaged 13mpg in my T4R, and 13 mpg in the LC before I added armor, storage and larger tires.

Highway noise. The T4R always sounded uncomfortable on the highway. The 6-speed always seemed a little confused around 70mph, and hunted a lot. The engine noise grates on the nerves after a little while. The LC 8-speed, even with larger tires doesn’t seem to hunt for gears like the T4R did. It usually remains comfortably in 6th, until I coax it into 7th.

Your shepard will appreciate the 4-zone climate control. I have a 15 month old, and the three rows of climate control have made the rear habitable for the boy. The wife’s Tundra, not so much.
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Good advice and kind of what I was leaning towards. The commute (except for the last 5 miles) will be highway'ish - two/three lanes in either direction with a 55 speed limit and only a handful of stop lights. The last 20 miles is a fixed 55 miles (56 gets you a ticket) and a reverse commute, so 20 out of the 50 miles is 55 and 20 miles is 60mph - the first and last 5 are in the 40mph range, weather permitting. I'm hoping for 15mpg average to keep me happy.

Do all LC's have the 4 zone climate control?
 
ceb said:
Do all LC's have the 4 zone climate control?
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I’m not sure about the pre-MY16, but the 4-zone on MY16+ is standard equipment.
 
ceb said:
Damn you Eric, you're hell bent on getting my money, aren't you? Are you working Monday or Tuesday?
Click to expand...
Call 24/7. Always answer
 
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