Long-time Toyota owner here. I've had plenty of experience driving their North American offerings as well as some of the overseas models. Love Toyota's to death and won't consider switching to another brand, even if there might be other options more "practical" for more daily needs.
Here is where I'm at: No kids, active-outdoors (camping, hunting, target shooting, dog training/tracking), 1 big German Shepehrd (~100lbs, all muscle and bone) with perhaps a similar dog on the way (Dutch Shepherd or Belgian Malinois). Need something that can be practical and somewhat efficient (I use that term loosely here) for commuting to work on weekdays but can still get me down the dirt road to my next outing. I currently drive a 5th gen 4runner Trail; great all-around vehicle which has gotten me through some tough spots (areas I probably shouldn't have been going by myself). I'm looking elsewhere because:
What's the trade-off between going for a GX 460 and going all out for a LC 200. On the cost issue alone, I know that a used LC will be significantly more expensive than a comparably used GX, by about $15k-$18k at least. I don't like the premium fuel requirement for the GX 460, and I'm not sure the rear cargo area is big enough for my needs, but everything else about it I like.
On the other hand, the LC 200 would likely need nothing in the way of modifications, and I'm pretty sure I could fit 2 dogs and some gear in the back without any issues. Anyone here have experience with both rigs who can provide a comparison in terms of cargo capacities?
Here is where I'm at: No kids, active-outdoors (camping, hunting, target shooting, dog training/tracking), 1 big German Shepehrd (~100lbs, all muscle and bone) with perhaps a similar dog on the way (Dutch Shepherd or Belgian Malinois). Need something that can be practical and somewhat efficient (I use that term loosely here) for commuting to work on weekdays but can still get me down the dirt road to my next outing. I currently drive a 5th gen 4runner Trail; great all-around vehicle which has gotten me through some tough spots (areas I probably shouldn't have been going by myself). I'm looking elsewhere because:
- Ride & Refinement: 5-speed + 4.0l v6 isn't all that refined on highway drives. The cabin is somewhat noisy. Part-time 4wd with manual shifter was "cool" for the first year of ownership; after that it got to be a bother, especially on roads where you transition from snow/ice to dry & bare pavement (drivetrain binding is something I always have to be aware of with the 4runner's part-time 4wd). 99% of my driving is on a paved road, and most of the "overland" roads in the NorthEast are somewhat well-maintained dirt roads. So while I appreciate the offroad capabilities of a 4runner (especially the locker + ATRAC), I find that they're not so relevant to my normal driving habits. I'm willing to sacrifice just a little bit of offroad capability for some better onroad comfort.
- Engine torque: the 4runner's 4.0l v6 is better than the new 3.5l v6 that went into the Tacoma, but it still doesn't offer all that much low-end grunt. I'd like some more gears and a bit more torque...which again has me looking elsewhere.
- Heated & comfortable seats: sounds petty and stupid I know. The 4runner seats are decent, but on long drives I find myself starting to shift around because of an aching back. Whereas I've done 10 hour drives in a heavily abused Hilux and my butt/back was just fine. I want a bit more seat comfort.
- Character: I want something that stands out from the crowd...not necessarily that I want to show-off to anyone but rather I want to distance myself from the ever-growing crowd of yuppies who buy TRD Pro Tacoma's and 4runner's, install a roof rack and some knobby tires and drive around Main Street like Crocodile Dundee wanna-be's....I know, I'm being harsh. Bottom line is: I like Toyota vehicles and their reputation for reliability. I'm fine with enduring the mediocre fuel economy and putting up with the very slow life cycle updates. I just want something that not everyone else owns or even knows about. A sleeper 4x4.
What's the trade-off between going for a GX 460 and going all out for a LC 200. On the cost issue alone, I know that a used LC will be significantly more expensive than a comparably used GX, by about $15k-$18k at least. I don't like the premium fuel requirement for the GX 460, and I'm not sure the rear cargo area is big enough for my needs, but everything else about it I like.
On the other hand, the LC 200 would likely need nothing in the way of modifications, and I'm pretty sure I could fit 2 dogs and some gear in the back without any issues. Anyone here have experience with both rigs who can provide a comparison in terms of cargo capacities?
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