Done Vacillating Between Used 200 and New T4R

[SgnDen]

Well, thought I'd ask for some opinions/wisdom. Those aren't mutually exclusive, are they? (hah).

In the way of quick background, I've owned 4 LC's (two 40s, a 55 and a 60 all in the late 1980's), four 4Runners (two 2nd gen, one 4th gen V8, and one 5th gen), a Pathfinder, two classic RR's a 1990 base and a 1992 County, a 2017 RR Autobiography (V8), and too many other trucks, cars, motorcycles to ramble-on about here. Yes, "My name is Steve and I have a buy/sell problem." Aaaanyway...

I am going to get a vehicle that will be my DD on the Northeast where I am starting a new job. Part of my package is to have a new vehicle leased for me ($500/mo) or I can buy something of my choice and they'll give me $500/mo to offset my cost for 3 years. I'm thinking a 100K mile LC or LX could be something I'd enjoy driving and be able to keep after we sell this company in 3-4 years.

I'm thinking I'll spend ~$40K-$45K to buy something or pay a monthly lease around $500, all offset by the company so I'm thinking:

I drove a 2021 4Runner and it felt small and a bit "cheap"...I can't recall it feeling like that when I had my last one. I knew what to expect with the engine but it was just really gutless feeling to me these days. It has been a LONG time since I've owned an LC so need to be sure I know what I need to know and what's the "best" to look-for in that price range

Thanks for any opinions! $40-$45K LC 200 Series...any guidance (year, key maintenance, facelifts, etc)?

 

[CharlieS]

#1, Land Cruiser not LX (so you don't look like "that guy" to your employees). Best option by far.

No maintenance concerns of note. Radiators are the most common service item on 100k+ cruisers. The rest is wear items or preventative maintenance.

For $45K you may be in a very high mileage '16-17, but can probably get a quite nice '13-15.

I'd go '13+ since that is when a lot of comfort and convenience features were added.

You will undoubtedly be disappointed in the infotainment, but that is probably the only low point on the vehicle.

 

[TeCKis300]

First world problems eh? No need to feel guilty, it's an opportunity and you have a lot of great choices in front of you.

There's other threads on this, but as a previous 4Runner owner that really enjoyed that vehicle, it absolutely pales in comparison to any 200-series. Not unexpected as it is almost twice the price of entry.

You can't go wrong with any variant or model year of the 200-series. Land Cruiser or LX. IMO, the LX is a Land Cruiser with an additional dollop of whip cream on top. Some really meaningful things too in my mind. It'll come down to your personal choice of image and the LC is the more purist choice that you'll never have to qualify as a Land Cruiser.

On features, it's easy enough to dismiss them but I encourage you to look at the list which is pretty extensive. It's only fluff until you see threads of LC owners try to add LX features. Newer LCs got some of the trickle down features, but newer LXs also got a dollop more. And there are material differences that allow an LX to perform objectively above and beyond an LC in ways, because it's an uber LC.

Copied from here
LX features:
1) Substantially more sound deadening
2) Powered rear hatch for open/close
3) Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4) Surround camera system
5) Ventilated/Heated front row
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround
7) Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (I believe later LC's go this)
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, auto and multi-step damping, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc., etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
11) Steering headlights (AFS)
12) Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
13) Headlight washers
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
19) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
20) Substantial Lexus key fob (LC uses same one as corolla)
21) Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
22) Puddle and side step lights
23) Door sil lighting
24) Interior ambient lighting
25) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
26) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
27) More luxurious interior appointments
28) Ventilated outboard rear seats
29) Four-zone climate concierge
30) LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
31) LED Cornering Lamp
32) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
33) Head-up display
34) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment

 

[SgnDen]

#1, Land Cruiser not LX (so you don't look like "that guy" to your employees). Best option by far.

Thanks Charlie! I changed my post a bit as I re-read and clearly was answering my own question. I appreciate the LC vs LX comment too. My truck would fit right-in, I have a 3/4 ton GMC 2500hd but I'll leave that in CO if for no other reason than trying to park it almost anywhere in New England would be a joke.

Now to find the newest in that price range that has been the absolute best maintenance history and records.

 

[CharlieS]

Also, if you ever want a 4Runner, do not get in a 200 and drive it. You will forever question your decision to buy the 4Runner. Been there, done that, bought another land cruiser a couple of months later...

 

[SgnDen]

First world problems eh? No need to feel guilty, it's an opportunity and you have a lot of great choices in front of you.

There's other threads on this, but as a previous 4Runner owner that really enjoyed that vehicle, it absolutely pales in comparison to any 200-series. Not unexpected as it is almost twice the price of entry.

You can't go wrong with any variant or model year of the 200-series. Land Cruiser or LX. IMO, the LX is a Land Cruiser with an additional dollop of whip cream on top. Some really meaningful things too in my mind. It'll come down to your personal choice of image and the LC is the more purist choice that you'll never have to qualify as a Land Cruiser.

On features, it's easy enough to dismiss them but I encourage you to look at the list which is pretty extensive. It's only fluff until you see threads of LC owners try to add LX features. Newer LCs got some of the trickle down features, but newer LXs also got a dollop more.

Excellent, TeCK! Really appreciate the list.

Any experience around region of the country with highest probability of finding the "right" rig in this $45K ish range? These days, I'm just assuming anywhere is game and I can ship it to CT. I'll search for "what to look for" threads as I'm sure there are plenty.

Thanks again.

 

[CharlieS]

You're in a tough buying market. Since the end of life for the Land Cruiser in the us was announced officially, the market for both new and used has been chaotic, and favors sellers. Be prepared with cash (or secure preapproved financing) and jump on one when it comes up.

 

[SgnDen]

You're in a tough buying market. Since the end of life for the Land Cruiser in the us was announced officially, the market for both new and used has been chaotic, and favors sellers. Be prepared with cash (or secure preapproved financing) and jump on one when it comes up.

Thanks Charlie.

So shall I presume the pricing I see out there...and it appears very organized dealer buying efforts scoop-up every one they can find...are priced for market conditions and I ought to just pay and not try to put much pressure on a deal?

Man, how I wish I had kept any/all of my past Land Cruisers...I was too young to know better clearly. I sure most of us have plenty of coulda-shoulda-woulda stories. I see SO many college-aged and 20-somethings driving beautiful 100's and early 200's around my college town, irritates me. but I'm prepared to just "get over it" and pay. Man, I am getting old and grumpy...

 

[40Man]

If I am buying a car to resale in a few years, it would be a 4Runner, as they hold their value really well (even with the likelihood of less depreciation due to the discontinuation of the LC, the current pricing will likely offset any depreciation savings).

A new 4Runner gets you a warranty as well. I have a 2020 4Runner and a 16 Land Cruiser. As others have said, the LC is a much better vehicle, but it also depreciates a lot more. Even going from 100k miles to say 136k miles in 3 years. And at 100k miles, plan to have the radiator replaced at a minimum. The 4Runner has no known regular issues like the LC does. I have had two 5th gen 4runners and two 200 Land Cruisers. I had zero repairs needed on the 4Runners. The first LC had the radiator and water pump replaced. The LC also burns through brakes, especially on the pre 16 with smaller rotors.

If you are going to keep it long term, go for the LC. I will say you will likely spend more in repairs on the LC, as it tends to have more "regular" but still rare issues. Radiator is guaranteed to fail. Water pump, valley coolant leak, and cam tower leak happen on occasion. Even with these possibilities, I still prefer the LC, but the 4Runner is also a very good vehicle, just in a different class.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks Charlie.

So shall I presume the pricing I see out there...and it appears very organized dealer buying efforts scoop-up every one they can find...are priced for market conditions and I ought to just pay and not try to put much pressure on a deal?

Man, how I wish I had kept any/all of my past Land Cruisers...I was too young to know better clearly. I sure most of us have plenty of coulda-shoulda-woulda stories. I see SO many college-aged and 20-somethings driving beautiful 100's and early 200's around my college town, irritates me. but I'm prepared to just "get over it" and pay. Man, I am getting old and grumpy...

No, I'm not saying that you shouldn't negotiate, in fact, I always do. Just be prepared to pull the trigger and not draw things out too long. The supply and demand is out of balance and it has driven prices up, as one might expect.

I feel the same about former vehicles. I'd love to have either of my 80 series, my 100, or my former '72 911. Hindsight is 20-20.

 

[iwashmycar]

You said vacillating.......so get the LC.

 

[afgman786]

200 prices are a bit lower on the east coast around where you're going, but they might also be a bit crustier. I know I've seen some decent priced used 200s around this area but skipped over them since they were from NY and the likes

 

[AverageJones]

As far as LC vs LX, the list above is at least 50% off as you can get a lot of that in an LC as well. I was going between the LC and the LX and decided adjustable hydraulic suspension is just not that great and the screen, although larger in the LX< has to be controlled by that weird joystick thing, out on that. Not to mention an LC looks in place with off road wheels and tires whereas the LX is more of a 20"+ wheel and on road tires.

Definitely go LC and not 4Runner. There will be a new 4Runner next year thankfully, no more anemic engine and cheaper build than the previous generation. I've had both and would take the LC all day long and twice on Sunday. Heck, you could pocket that $500 they are giving you and spend another couple hundo out of your pocket and get a substantially newer LC.

 

[TeCKis300]

As far as LC vs LX, the list above is at least 50% off as you can get a lot of that in an LC as well. I was going between the LC and the LX and decided adjustable hydraulic suspension is just not that great and the screen, although larger in the LX< has to be controlled by that weird joystick thing, out on that. Not to mention an LC looks in place with off road wheels and tires whereas the LX is more of a 20"+ wheel and on road tires.

Definitely go LC and not 4Runner. There will be a new 4Runner next year thankfully, no more anemic engine and cheaper build than the previous generation. I've had both and would take the LC all day long and twice on Sunday. Heck, you could pocket that $500 they are giving you and spend another couple hundo out of your pocket and get a substantially newer LC.

There is variability to the list depending on the model year LX vs LC being compared, or even newer LC to older LC, as the later years LC benefitted from a trickle down of features.

I thought we were beyond putting the LX in a box though style is always highly subjective. Just know there's no physical or practical limitations to the LX variant of the 200-series, including easier fitment of 35s and 4"+ lifts.

 

[1world1love]

Well, thought I'd ask for some opinions/wisdom. Those aren't mutually exclusive, are they? (hah).

In the way of quick background, I've owned 4 LC's (two 40s, a 55 and a 60 all in the late 1980's), four 4Runners (two 2nd gen, one 4th gen V8, and one 5th gen), a Pathfinder, two classic RR's a 1990 base and a 1992 County, a 2017 RR Autobiography (V8), and too many other trucks, cars, motorcycles to ramble-on about here. Yes, "My name is Steve and I have a buy/sell problem." Aaaanyway...

I am going to get a vehicle that will be my DD on the Northeast where I am starting a new job. Part of my package is to have a new vehicle leased for me ($500/mo) or I can buy something of my choice and they'll give me $500/mo to offset my cost for 3 years. I'm thinking a 100K mile LC or LX could be something I'd enjoy driving and be able to keep after we sell this company in 3-4 years.

I'm thinking I'll spend ~$40K-$45K to buy something or pay a monthly lease around $500, all offset by the company so I'm thinking:

I drove a 2021 4Runner and it felt small and a bit "cheap"...I can't recall it feeling like that when I had my last one. I knew what to expect with the engine but it was just really gutless feeling to me these days. It has been a LONG time since I've owned an LC so need to be sure I know what I need to know and what's the "best" to look-for in that price range

Thanks for any opinions! $40-$45K LC 200 Series...any guidance (year, key maintenance, facelifts, etc)?

What you want is a 2015 LX570. You should be able to find one in that price range. here is my reasoning:

- 2013-2015 YM are the best looking of all of the 200 series IMO. It was before the major grill overhaul for the LX and has more personality than the LC (which does tend to look like a highlander)
- 2015 has more safety features than prior YM
- 2015 does NOT have the joystick control
- The difference between a 4R and an LX is like night and day, in every possible way. You will regret the 4R. It is a great vehicle and reliable, but it just lacks the comfort of a 200. There just isn't a compelling reason to choose a 4R over a 200 unless you are planning on some serious mods. Even then a LC is a much nicer vehicle.
- The LX is great for areas with a large variety of weather. Heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, full time 4WD, excellent safety features, and AHC is great because in normal driving it allows for a smoother ride and better efficiency (plus lowering it to get in and out is great), but in snow, you can raise it up to High mode to help get through snow drifts.
- As long as it is well maintained, it will have excellent resale value

 

[JeffreyVB]

I'm having the SAME struggle. $40-45k budget. 2020-2021 4Runner Limited with next to no miles......or a 2013-2014 LC with 100,000ish miles.

What to do, what to do!!!!! The brain says 4Runner, but the heart REALLY wants a 200!!!

 

[1world1love]

Not to mention an LC looks in place with off road wheels and tires whereas the LX is more of a 20"+ wheel and on road tires.

It’s certainly a interesting theory. On the other hand:

 

[TeCKis300]

I'm having the SAME struggle. $40-45k budget. 2020-2021 4Runner Limited with next to no miles......or a 2013-2014 LC with 100,000ish miles.

What to do, what to do!!!!! The brain says 4Runner, but the heart REALLY wants a 200!!!

Sounds like the LC bug has bit you hard. And a 4R is not going to scratch the itch. Maybe cheaper in the long run to just bite the bullet rather than purchase twice.

A 2013-14 LC is not going to see much more depreciation at this point.

 

[04UZJ100]

It’s certainly a interesting theory. On the other hand:

View attachment 2597210View attachment 2597211View attachment 2597214

Hmmm can’t see a Lexus logo in any one of those pictures.....

 

[tbisaacs]

Not to mention an LC looks in place with off road wheels and tires whereas the LX is more of a 20"+ wheel and on road tires.

Ahem.