Howdy all-
First, I'm sorry if this has been discussed to death. I did flip back through the 150 forum and didn't see much.
TL;DR: I can't decide between GX/4R/LC/LR4.
Anyhow, I'm the (mostly happy) owner of a 2010 VW Touareg TDi. It has air suspension. It's had a low range. The interior is great, it looks OK and the fuel econ is wonderful. On the other hand it has it's share of Euro-car'ness (mostly electrical gremlins) and theres that whole TDi scandal... and the rig goes back under buy-back in about 8 weeks.
So, now it's time to find a replacement vehicle. I'm really torn between a few camps. A bit about my requirements and use: DD in Los Angeles. Comfortable interior, heated seats, HID preferred, parking aids mandatory (sensors + camera ideal - I'm married), 4 low mandatory, center locker mandatory. Full time AWD (aka, Torsen center) is preferred, but not completely mandatory. Air suspension is nice, but not exactly desired (long term breakage is the concern). Most frequent non-DD use is weekend trips to the Eastern Sierras (off road and snowy/icy switchbacks), road trips to Arizona (with lots of fire trails and Sonoma-type adventures) and occasionally towing a 3000lb single axel trailer.
Budget: Ideally $40k (about), but I could be pursueded to go up to 60k... Maybe.
So far I've identified four possible options, all used: GX460, New/late 4Runner Trail Premium, 200 Series LC, and Land Rover LR4.
The 200 Series LC has all sorts of tech and comfort, the three biggest drawbacks are the price, the abysmal econ and the horrid approach/departure angles. It's one of the more expensive options and I feed like I'd need to drop 5+ grand on bumpers to get anywhere close to the off road capability of the 4Runner or LR4.
The LR4 is very capable, has great road manners and my wife likes it. The downsides are purchase price, reliability and repairs.
The 4Runner came out strong in this contest. Well priced. V6 for reasonable econ. Center and rear locker. KDSS optional. What's not to like? Interior is VERY dated (seriously, I had a new Corolla rental the other day that was much nicer - sorry if that's offensive), and the 4L V6 and 5AT are ancient. I also take major issue with the 4WD system on the non-Limited models: 4H with an open (or limited slip) center diff (aka: Torsen) is incredibly useful for 90% of my limited-traction conditions: Mountain switchbacks in the winter with ice and snow. These are times when you want to drive as smoothly as possible and tire scrub isn't desirable. I could get a Limited, but then I'd be stuck with a wheel/tire combo I don't want and lose KDSS - which I'm quite intrigued by.
The GX460 snuck up on me. On paper it has a lot going for it: V8 with minimal econ penalty. Lockable Torsen, KDSS, and off-road tech goodies. Nice interior, seating for 7, and it's a Prado so there are tons of aftermarket parts. The downsides are the looks, the stupid JDM rear door, and LC-like approach/departure angles.
So, given all of this, what say ye? Is the daft 4WD system on the 4Runner that big a deal? How much will resale take a dump when the 6th gen comes out in a few years? Is KDSS worth it (oh, I know there have been threads about that...)? Is the GX departure angle THAT bad? Same question for the LC? Should I just suck it up, but the LR4 to please my wife and take all the money I'd spend modding' the LC/GX and put it towards repairs?
The forum's guidance and expertise is greatly appreciated.
-S
First, I'm sorry if this has been discussed to death. I did flip back through the 150 forum and didn't see much.
TL;DR: I can't decide between GX/4R/LC/LR4.
Anyhow, I'm the (mostly happy) owner of a 2010 VW Touareg TDi. It has air suspension. It's had a low range. The interior is great, it looks OK and the fuel econ is wonderful. On the other hand it has it's share of Euro-car'ness (mostly electrical gremlins) and theres that whole TDi scandal... and the rig goes back under buy-back in about 8 weeks.
So, now it's time to find a replacement vehicle. I'm really torn between a few camps. A bit about my requirements and use: DD in Los Angeles. Comfortable interior, heated seats, HID preferred, parking aids mandatory (sensors + camera ideal - I'm married), 4 low mandatory, center locker mandatory. Full time AWD (aka, Torsen center) is preferred, but not completely mandatory. Air suspension is nice, but not exactly desired (long term breakage is the concern). Most frequent non-DD use is weekend trips to the Eastern Sierras (off road and snowy/icy switchbacks), road trips to Arizona (with lots of fire trails and Sonoma-type adventures) and occasionally towing a 3000lb single axel trailer.
Budget: Ideally $40k (about), but I could be pursueded to go up to 60k... Maybe.
So far I've identified four possible options, all used: GX460, New/late 4Runner Trail Premium, 200 Series LC, and Land Rover LR4.
The 200 Series LC has all sorts of tech and comfort, the three biggest drawbacks are the price, the abysmal econ and the horrid approach/departure angles. It's one of the more expensive options and I feed like I'd need to drop 5+ grand on bumpers to get anywhere close to the off road capability of the 4Runner or LR4.
The LR4 is very capable, has great road manners and my wife likes it. The downsides are purchase price, reliability and repairs.
The 4Runner came out strong in this contest. Well priced. V6 for reasonable econ. Center and rear locker. KDSS optional. What's not to like? Interior is VERY dated (seriously, I had a new Corolla rental the other day that was much nicer - sorry if that's offensive), and the 4L V6 and 5AT are ancient. I also take major issue with the 4WD system on the non-Limited models: 4H with an open (or limited slip) center diff (aka: Torsen) is incredibly useful for 90% of my limited-traction conditions: Mountain switchbacks in the winter with ice and snow. These are times when you want to drive as smoothly as possible and tire scrub isn't desirable. I could get a Limited, but then I'd be stuck with a wheel/tire combo I don't want and lose KDSS - which I'm quite intrigued by.
The GX460 snuck up on me. On paper it has a lot going for it: V8 with minimal econ penalty. Lockable Torsen, KDSS, and off-road tech goodies. Nice interior, seating for 7, and it's a Prado so there are tons of aftermarket parts. The downsides are the looks, the stupid JDM rear door, and LC-like approach/departure angles.
So, given all of this, what say ye? Is the daft 4WD system on the 4Runner that big a deal? How much will resale take a dump when the 6th gen comes out in a few years? Is KDSS worth it (oh, I know there have been threads about that...)? Is the GX departure angle THAT bad? Same question for the LC? Should I just suck it up, but the LR4 to please my wife and take all the money I'd spend modding' the LC/GX and put it towards repairs?
The forum's guidance and expertise is greatly appreciated.
-S