From 100 to 250?

[Pura Vida]

Starting from scratch, buying new, I'd certainty choose a 250 over any Bronco or J33P. I'd probably choose it over a 4runner because of the "J" in its VIN.

4runner is built in the tahara plant in japan, so it also has a J in the vin

 

[Jetboy]

4runner is built in the tahara plant in japan, so it also has a J in the vin

And it has 50 more Toyota points!

 

[Rednexus]

Well, it's really a matter of taste.

While I'm a fan of the squared look of my 60, the bodywork of the 250 and 550 doesn't charm me at all (in person, though I was charmed by the photos). With the factory tire, the 2 model seemed to me to be puny. It's literally a Prado, as I'm sure you know.

It's certainly a Landcruiser, but it's a low-duty Landcruiser nonetheless. It's much closer to a 4runner than to the famous heavy-duty station wagon Landcruiser in the tradition of the 60, 80, 100 and 200. If you were to say that the GX470 or GX460 were "not" Landcruisers and ignored this model in the past, we're literally in the same place here.

At Overland Expo, during the «fireside chat» with Toyota engineers, I had the opportunity to ask a question. I asked if "THIS" Landcruiser, with its "low duty" chassis and drive train, would be named Prado, as is the case everywhere else on the planet where the 300 is also offered. The Toyota people simply told me that here, in North America, it would bear the name Landcruiser. Literally, it's North America's consolation prize for the 300's demise.

The name of the post is "From 100 to 250". So what I'm saying in relation to the name of the post is a 100 owner considering a 250 would be making a gesture equivalent to considering a 4runner or a GX460 in 2019 for example.

DON'T GET ME WRONG... it's a Toyota. It's a fantastic vehicle, capable and very reliable. I could certainly consider buying one one of these days, but right now, I'd experience a transition from my 100 to a 250 as a demotion.

Starting from scratch, buying new, I'd certainty choose a 250 over any Bronco or J33P. I'd probably choose it over a 4runner because of the "J" in its VIN.

May the Cruiser God keep me from my sins

We are sincerely sorry that you may in the future have to reside with us lowly 120/150 platform and, even more regrettably, the 4Runner folks, with our inferior rear differentials, narrower bodies, and thinner windshield glass.

In all seriousness I'd love a 200 Series for a lot of different reasons (despite it being too big for my trails around here), but my understanding is that the 250/GX550 shares most suspension, frame, and axle components with the 300 (ex: 9.5" rear diff). The rear diff specifically is also shared with the 100/200. Therefore, it seems that it should be equally as robust from a mechanical perspective as a 100/200 and more robust than a 120/150 which did use smaller differentials than the 100/200.

Perhaps the difference is in interior quality and overall build quality is a bit less, but I see this as upping the Prado/4Runner to be as mechanically solid as a it's big-brother LC brethren (which was not the case previously - as evidence by lots of blown-up 8" diffs in GXs), not the reverse. I'm not really sure how much money Toyota saved by making an 8, 8.2, 9.5, and 10.5 at the same time anyway so it makes since they'd drop the weaker components and just use the 9.5 in all of the wagon-style vehicles (and probably the Taco too though I haven't verified what it uses).

 

[David*BJ70]

4runner is built in the tahara plant in japan, so it also has a J in the vin

Come on pal !

You knew what I mean... not the first digit of the VIN which indicates the country of origin

Rather the J for the model

FJ40
BJ60
UZJ100
GRJ120
HZJ79
.
.
.
.

N stand for the 4runner model
RN56
RZN185
UZN210
GRN280
.
.
.
.

 

[Jetboy]

We are sincerely sorry that you may in the future have to reside with us lowly 120/150 platform and, even more regrettably, the 4Runner folks, with our inferior rear differentials, narrower bodies, and thinner windshield glass.

In all seriousness I'd love a 200 Series for a lot of different reasons (despite it being too big for my trails around here), but my understanding is that the 250/GX550 shares most suspension, frame, and axle components with the 300 (ex: 9.5" rear diff). The rear diff specifically is also shared with the 100/200. Therefore, it seems that it should be equally as robust from a mechanical perspective as a 100/200 and more robust than a 120/150 which did use smaller differentials than the 100/200.

Perhaps the difference is in interior quality and overall build quality is a bit less, but I see this as upping the Prado/4Runner to be as mechanically solid as a it's big-brother LC brethren (which was not the case previously - as evidence by lots of blown-up 8" diffs in GXs), not the reverse. I'm not really sure how much money Toyota saved by making an 8, 8.2, 9.5, and 10.5 at the same time anyway so it makes since they'd drop the weaker components and just use the 9.5 in all of the wagon-style vehicles (and probably the Taco too though I haven't verified what it uses).

The new Tacoma has at least 2 different rear axle sizes still. The off-road versions get the 9.5" shared with LCs. But the smaller one isn't something I've seen any info on yet. The 8.2 was a big strength improvement over the 8" diff despite a small size increase in ring gear. The pinion side by side is much larger and the bearings are a lot bigger on the pinion to resolve the deflection issue. It seems to be good enough for supercharged power with 35's. And the front is stronger than the LC100 I think. The J150 series is more robust than the J100 - at least more durable in the more technical terrain in my experience. The hybrid has so much torque I think they need the 9.5" rear end now for the full range of BOF models.

 

[David*BJ70]

We are sincerely sorry that you may in the future have to reside with us lowly 120/150 platform and, even more regrettably, the 4Runner folks, with our inferior rear differentials, narrower bodies, and thinner windshield glass.

I would be absolutely delighted to have a GX470 or a GX460...even more than a GX550

 

[Rednexus]

I would be absolutely delighted to have a GX470 or a GX460...even more than a GX550

They are all great rigs . I wanted a 100 before my GX actually but went with the GX as they were half the price on the used market, Keeping it for a long time and I have no desire to upgrade for 5+ years once these TT motors/turbo hybrids get ironed out.

 

[Rednexus]

The new Tacoma has at least 2 different rear axle sizes still. The off-road versions get the 9.5" shared with LCs. But the smaller one isn't something I've seen any info on yet. The 8.2 was a big strength improvement over the 8" diff despite a small size increase in ring gear. The pinion side by side is much larger and the bearings are a lot bigger on the pinion to resolve the deflection issue. It seems to be good enough for supercharged power with 35's. And the front is stronger than the LC100 I think. The J150 series is more robust than the J100 - at least more durable in the more technical terrain in my experience. The hybrid has so much torque I think they need the 9.5" rear end now for the full range of BOF models.

I'm planning on the 8.2 upgrade for my GX since it's not terribly expensive and a bolt-in. A 9.5 would be nice but is another $1K on top of that. The 8" was just too small for a V8 with big tires. I don't know why Toyota made all 4 for so long.....

 

[Jetboy]

Come on pal !

You knew what I mean... not the first digit of the VIN which indicates the country of origin

Rather the J for the model

FJ40
BJ60
UZJ100
GRJ120
HZJ79
.
.
.
.

N stand for the 4runner model
RN56
RZN185
UZN210
GRN280
.
.
.
.

Call me crazy - but I'm pretty sure this is the same spot on the same factory line with the same guy.

 

[Jetboy]

I'm planning on the 8.2 upgrade for my GX since it's not terribly expensive and a bolt-in. A 9.5 would be nice but is another $1K on top of that. The 8" was just too small for a V8 with big tires. I don't know why Toyota made all 4 for so long.....

I think you'll be happy with the 8.2 other than gearing options not having a 4.10 or 4.30 if you want those. The difference in ring gear size doesn't represent well how much difference there really is. Pictures and more info here if you haven't seen the internals: Some 150 Diff Tech/pics - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/some-150-diff-tech-pics.1133241/

 

[Pura Vida]

I have no desire to upgrade for 5+ years once these TT motors/turbo hybrids get ironed out.

I’m not against you waiting, that’s your choice, but Toyota has been ironing out hybrids and turbos before anyone else. Turbo and hybrid won’t be the weak link of the 250

 

[Rednexus]

I’m not against you waiting, that’s your choice, but Toyota has been ironing out hybrids and turbos before anyone else. Turbo and hybrid won’t be the weak link of the 250

In case you didn't review my signature, we own a Toyota hybrid, and it's great. I have zero qualms with their hybrid technology, although the TTV6 and TTI4 are both pretty new.

As a rule of thumb we never buy the 1st year of anything. On top of that, it would be a foolish investment to drop $50-80K onto something that is going to be too nice/expensive to take in the woods, when my GX is a regear away from being a perfect rig. If I do pick on up it will be on the used market in the future when they are depreciated enough that I won't totally tank the value by getting it covered in pinstripes and scuffs.

 

[Rednexus]

I think you'll be happy with the 8.2 other than gearing options not having a 4.10 or 4.30 if you want those. The difference in ring gear size doesn't represent well how much difference there really is. Pictures and more info here if you haven't seen the internals: Some 150 Diff Tech/pics - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/some-150-diff-tech-pics.1133241/

With how much towing my rig gets and how little unloading commuting miles it gets, I'm OK with getting 4.56 gears. I want to be able to tow 65 mph with the cruise on in 5th, which just ain't possible with 3.73s unless it's totally flat. I might even buy the OEM-trussed housing from a Mexico-market FJ Cruiser if my local dealer can actually get it.

 

[Jetboy]

With how much towing my rig gets and how little unloading commuting miles it gets, I'm OK with getting 4.56 gears. I want to be able to tow 65 mph with the cruise on in 5th, which just ain't possible with 3.73s unless it's totally flat. I might even buy the OEM-trussed housing from a Mexico-market FJ Cruiser if my local dealer can actually get it.

There is an OEM 4.56 8.2 rear axle. They're rare. But if you can find a 2010 4cyl model in a junk yard they have 4.56 gears. Bit of a unicorn. But you never know.

 

[Rednexus]

There is an OEM 4.56 8.2 rear axle. They're rare. But if you can find a 2010 4cyl model in a junk yard they have 4.56 gears. Bit of a unicorn. But you never know.

Thanks, I had no idea! Will keep that in mind for sure as then I'd just have to throw an elocker in it.

EDIT: Zero in salvage yards in the USA. But i did find some non-elocked complete 8.2s for <$1,500 in my region. This will be a next year mod anyway so it's a ways out. Thanks for the tip.

 

[RND1]

Well, it's really a matter of taste.

While I'm a fan of the squared look of my 60, the bodywork of the 250 and 550 doesn't charm me at all (in person, though I was charmed by the photos). With the factory tire, the 2 model seemed to me to be puny. It's literally a Prado, as I'm sure you know.

It's certainly a Landcruiser, but it's a low-duty Landcruiser nonetheless. It's much closer to a 4runner than to the famous heavy-duty station wagon Landcruiser in the tradition of the 60, 80, 100 and 200. If you were to say that the GX470 or GX460 were "not" Landcruisers and ignored this model in the past, we're literally in the same place here.

At Overland Expo, during the «fireside chat» with Toyota engineers, I had the opportunity to ask a question. I asked if "THIS" Landcruiser, with its "low duty" chassis and drive train, would be named Prado, as is the case everywhere else on the planet where the 300 is also offered. The Toyota people simply told me that here, in North America, it would bear the name Landcruiser. Literally, it's North America's consolation prize for the 300's demise.

The name of the post is "From 100 to 250". So what I'm saying in relation to the name of the post is a 100 owner considering a 250 would be making a gesture equivalent to considering a 4runner or a GX460 in 2019 for example.

DON'T GET ME WRONG... it's a Toyota. It's a fantastic vehicle, capable and very reliable. I could certainly consider buying one one of these days, but right now, I'd experience a transition from my 100 to a 250 as a demotion.

Starting from scratch, buying new, I'd certainty choose a 250 over any Bronco or J33P. I'd probably choose it over a 4runner because of the "J" in its VIN.

May the Cruiser God keep me from my sins

Thanks for elaborating. I'm afraid I may come to the same conclusion. I honestly could care less about the name plate LC or Prado. I actually wouldn't mind it being a little smaller. I care about the way it looks and how it feels when driven. Online, I think it looks killer, but really needs 33" BFG K02's from the factory. In terms of feel, the 100 has a heaviness to it that I love. No rattles after 20 yrs and 200k miles. It's fun driving it slow. If the 250 doesn't have the same heaviness, then I too will be disappointed and just have to find a used 200.

 

[M1911]

I would be absolutely delighted to have a GX470 or a GX460...even more than a GX550

I test drove a GX460 three times. I didn’t care for it. Visibility was poor. The built in third row dropped rear cargo room to 60 cu ft. You either love or hate barn doors — I hate them. I found the front seat cushions to be uncomfortable. The V8 was smooth but had little torque off the line. The exterior size was good for me. I’m much more interested in the GX550.

 

[Patassa]

I probably missed in back in page 9 or 13 or whatever but the LC looks like it's coming with a 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty on the battery? Any word on replacement cost for those of us that keep our vehicles longer? I've seen averages of 2k-8k depending on which toyota model. Definitely an interesting new maintenance cost to contend with for those of us used to doing all maintenance ourselves on older cruisers.

 

[Pura Vida]

I probably missed in back in page 9 or 13 or whatever but the LC looks like it's coming with a 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty on the battery? Any word on replacement cost for those of us that keep our vehicles longer? I've seen averages of 2k-8k depending on which toyota model. Definitely an interesting new maintenance cost to contend with for those of us used to doing all maintenance ourselves on older cruisers.

batteries are very expensive but they last far longer than the warranty time on other Toyota hybrid vehicles. The land cruiser however uses Nickel Metal hydride batteries, which are cheaper and longer lasting than lithium-ion.

 

[UZJ100LC]

I probably missed in back in page 9 or 13 or whatever but the LC looks like it's coming with a 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty on the battery? Any word on replacement cost for those of us that keep our vehicles longer? I've seen averages of 2k-8k depending on which toyota model. Definitely an interesting new maintenance cost to contend with for those of us used to doing all maintenance ourselves on older cruisers.

Just to be clear this is when the warranty ends not the life of the battery. You won’t need to replace your battery every 150,000 miles.