Help me understand the appeal. (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter AnyMal
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I had a West German Army surplus Unimog 404.1 communications van converted to a camper. It was built in 1968 and completely re-furbished in 1976. I owned it from 1984 until 2018. It had about 60,000 Km on it. It was powered by a 2.2 L inline six with 82 HP at the crank, with all ancillary devices driven. It gave a new meaning to the word "slow". Absolutely unstoppable off road. I could get any part I wanted at any Mercedes dealer, just had to order from Germany and wait for shipping. I even re-jetted the carb for higher elevation. Ran like a top. It was loud, fully manual on everything, tiring to drive and not the most comfortable. Heater was just adequate. Canvas top was drafty and leaky. It would go through a couple of feet of snow as if it was not there. It was a blast to drive. Problem was it required leaded gas (never did get around to installing nitrite valve seats to run unleaded gas) and think the Land Cruiser gets low gas mileage? Drive a Unimog. Also, it was a rolling road-block on the freeway. Top speed was 50 MPH. That was not so much a problem when the national limit was 55. BIG problem now. Gave it to a friend who lives in Texas. Broke my heart to let it go but now that I am retired, just can't keep everything. Even thinking now about unloading the VW GTI and Porsche Macan (high maintenance costs and insurance) and getting some small 4X4 run-a-bout for bad weather and a daily commuter. With a bunch of money, the Unimog could have been the ultimate overlander. Install high-speed axles - top speed of 75 MPH - get a custom fitted hardtop, install dual circuit power brakes, and a more powerful engine. Just didn't have the money.
The newer ones are a whole different breed from what I had. Would love to get into another new one. Oh well....
I did the next best thing to a Unimog with a LMTV/M1101. It had a CAT diesel and Allison transmission, I installed high speed gears so that it could hit 70-75 mph and air conditioning. It was still insanely loud, rough, uncomfortable but most of all just a massive turd most of the time. I sold it before I go trapped in the expensive build out of the habitat/living system. I still dream of one day getting a Unimog or MAN fully built to live out of on the road for months at a time but they draw a lot of attention, are costly to operate, maintain and repair and they are simply too big if not outright not allowed for many places.
Now there's a term I haven't heard since my days on BC Sport Bikes forum! The winter threads were always an... interesting... time.i think this post was inspired from seasonal affective disorder symptoms, just wait until march, you'll change you mind
Well done on venting your frustration. I get it! I’m in my 4th 200 because I wonder why I own a 200 and don’t live in the outback. But, every time I buy some fancy new suv, I start to miss my 200 whenever I see one. Yeah, they are not the best at one particular thing. However, it’s that dependable Swiss Army knife I don’t worry about when l take my family on trips and get lucky to find a nice beat up scenic dirt road to travel on. Sure, I could do all this in an f-150 but I absolutely can‘t stand Ford dealerships or any other domestic dealers. If for some reason I end up selling it, I’ll probably end up with a Cayenne or a Range Rover and build a room above the garage for my mechanic.Im not saying the thing is not dependable. I own one. My second.
What i am saying is I've kinda lost the passion for old faithful here.
And most likely feel this way because, as I've been told here rightfully so by TbIsaacs, im not using it to its potential.
@Tex68w still working on a meetup. So, im looking forward to beating it to s*** at some point and taking out some of my frustrations.
And im still dicking with the thing to get it where i want it. But lets just not pretend there aren't any downsides.
As far as the forum goes, guys, reality check for one second with me, the LC sells one unit a year, and were all here on MUD.
The amount of failures and s*** i see here is abnormal for this reputation to hold true. If it were any other vehicle i would concede the point. But its not.
We are like 50% the sample size of the entire total sales number.
Face the music or not, I'm just expressing my observation. In addition, im worried the 300 will further complicate things.
And yes, i am ignorant of what its like to actually own a jeep, or GM product, or even an f-150 which do hard miles all over USA, And if living in the USA has taught me anything, they are more gung ho about their brand loyalty than yall are.
Point is you can see many examples of trucks lasting out there when taken care of just like those suburbans on the list.
Maybe not to the level of the 200 platform sure, but at the same time, the level of admiration IMO is a little too rosey.
I guarantee you if a nissan xterra or honda cr-v of yore were $90k worth of overbuilt like the LC is they would last just as long.
My family member had at one point put 200k of literally oil change only miles on a 99 CR-V back in the day.
Its not that LC is the best in the world but as a couple of you have put it now, its sort of a unique offering and stands on its own.
Nothing quiet like a $90k Toyota exists that was built with longevity in mind...
The other things at this price point are toys, and aimed at a totally different market segment. And unsurprisingly to me sell much better as well...
I do use the truck very frequently to haul family around, and i pick up a lot of furniture in it. It does get used, i didnt just buy it to complain about it.
But we as all know, there are drawbacks to going into the T fold, and now even they are making moves to correct that.
But sometimes i think maybe they start to tip the scale in my mind and the bells and whistles out there get that much more shiny.
So i came here mostly for horror stories from former LR and G class owners. I did not bargain for the amount bandwagoning but i accept that its my fault. sorry.
Afterall, if frugality wasnt a thing, i wouldn't exactly be here.
If a LR was not absolute dogs*** i would be there. If an G63 wasnt quarter million bucks, id be there too.
Perhaps i need to be one of the sell and come back MUD members to get a reality check.
Or keep watching defenders fail on youtube.
But if you think you will out-wheel one of these new trucks theyre putting out there stock for stock your nuts.
Or hook me up with whoever is supplying you that good good dope.
With the right amount of care and consideration, this thing can be a do it all marvel and last a long time.
Its just the ommitance of the care and consideration part that i commented on earlier,.
Im not throwing the towel in because i have a wobbly mirror and need to replace a belt next week, a tensioner and idler.
But it would be nice if it was acknowledged that there are issues.
So apologies for any hyperbole, but if im being honest thats happening more in favor of the LC than against.
And in any case IM NOT SELLING!!!!
In all seriousness, I may buy a new Tesla MYLR with a hitch(for mtb)for the daily errands and road trips under 220mi. to keep the wasteful mileage off the 200.
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I think the unimog army style trucks are cool and the new Acela Straya 4 door and that is probably what I'd get $$$$ not considered. Realistically I think I'd prefer a Ford/RAM 5500 level truck with an extended frame and chassis mounted hard camper. IMO it's the most practical in terms of capability, comfort, familiarity with driving style, and ease in which I could take it to a dealer to have them work on it or fix an issue. Can't argue with with having a heated steering wheel along with heated/cooled seats in a full time offroad vehicle.
I look forward to more pot-stirring!Im not saying the thing is not dependable. I own one. My second.
What i am saying is I've kinda lost the passion for old faithful here.
And most likely feel this way because, as I've been told here rightfully so by TbIsaacs, im not using it to its potential.
@Tex68w still working on a meetup. So, im looking forward to beating it to s*** at some point and taking out some of my frustrations.
And im still dicking with the thing to get it where i want it. But lets just not pretend there aren't any downsides.
As far as the forum goes, guys, reality check for one second with me, the LC sells one unit a year, and were all here on MUD.
The amount of failures and s*** i see here is abnormal for this reputation to hold true. If it were any other vehicle i would concede the point. But its not.
We are like 50% the sample size of the entire total sales number.
Face the music or not, I'm just expressing my observation. In addition, im worried the 300 will further complicate things.
And yes, i am ignorant of what its like to actually own a jeep, or GM product, or even an f-150 which do hard miles all over USA, And if living in the USA has taught me anything, they are more gung ho about their brand loyalty than yall are.
Point is you can see many examples of trucks lasting out there when taken care of just like those suburbans on the list.
Maybe not to the level of the 200 platform sure, but at the same time, the level of admiration IMO is a little too rosey.
I guarantee you if a nissan xterra or honda cr-v of yore were $90k worth of overbuilt like the LC is they would last just as long.
My family member had at one point put 200k of literally oil change only miles on a 99 CR-V back in the day.
Its not that LC is the best in the world but as a couple of you have put it now, its sort of a unique offering and stands on its own.
Nothing quiet like a $90k Toyota exists that was built with longevity in mind...
The other things at this price point are toys, and aimed at a totally different market segment. And unsurprisingly to me sell much better as well...
I do use the truck very frequently to haul family around, and i pick up a lot of furniture in it. It does get used, i didnt just buy it to complain about it.
But we as all know, there are drawbacks to going into the T fold, and now even they are making moves to correct that.
But sometimes i think maybe they start to tip the scale in my mind and the bells and whistles out there get that much more shiny.
So i came here mostly for horror stories from former LR and G class owners. I did not bargain for the amount bandwagoning but i accept that its my fault. sorry.
Afterall, if frugality wasnt a thing, i wouldn't exactly be here.
If a LR was not absolute dogs*** i would be there. If an G63 wasnt quarter million bucks, id be there too.
Perhaps i need to be one of the sell and come back MUD members to get a reality check.
Or keep watching defenders fail on youtube.
But if you think you will out-wheel one of these new trucks theyre putting out there stock for stock your nuts.
Or hook me up with whoever is supplying you that good good dope.
With the right amount of care and consideration, this thing can be a do it all marvel and last a long time.
Its just the ommitance of the care and consideration part that i commented on earlier,.
Im not throwing the towel in because i have a wobbly mirror and need to replace a belt next week, a tensioner and idler.
But it would be nice if it was acknowledged that there are issues.
So apologies for any hyperbole, but if im being honest thats happening more in favor of the LC than against.
And in any case IM NOT SELLING!!!!
With regards to competing brands, Honda has had a bit of a slip in QC in their newer Odyssey's. The CR-V of that timeframe mentioned had fewer electronics, less weight saving measures (EPA mandate satisfaction was a lower bar then), and likely made in Japan still. Whether or not country of manufacture matters on drivetrains depends on who you ask as I don't want to derail your thread.
I too was thinking of the issues mentioned on the forum a while back. A lot are legitimite, and some are likely not to be noticed by anyone other than the type-A personalites this platform seemingly attracts given its pedigree. I'd say most owners of the LC/LX are detail oriented and notice minor degredations of performance and want optimal performance at all times. This leads to OCD PM which most other owners would not perform. Necessary or not is not known as the LC/LX owners who aren't on the forum likely stick to the book recommendations or less and may or may NOT have issues from the lack of maintenance. We will never know as that is the road we shudder to view.
I'm just going to say: if you don't understand the appeal, following ownership, then you either got a "lemon" (or an older, poorly-maintained one) or the whole Land Cruiser thing is not for you. May just be time to try something else.
- Thread starter
- #110
i think this post was inspired from seasonal affective disorder symptoms, just wait until march, you'll change you mind
This may be ... very accurate LOL.
It has been absurdly grey and just s***ty for a long time now. Those cold garage on the floor days all alone must have got to me.
I think thats exactly my problem too. I need something zippy and probably electric to use and not put dumb costco miles on my LX in the city.
I also have the feeling in the back of my mind that ill never be able to buy something like it again. Really.
I imagine in 10 years, the offerings will be nothing like this and wonder what choices i will really have. So i want to make it last as long as possible.
And lord help us all if these dystopian trends continue in the industry.
And then im conflicted because i hate pampering my belongings, but i do take care of my things.
I didnt exactly grow up well off (its very complicated but my family were political refugees from Iran were we were essentially extremely rich and lost everything)
And that therefore leads me to not use it off road, while simultaneously having the mod bug, and some weird vicious cycle begins...
So it stings when quality issues come up so early for me. Im too emotionally invested. I do love the 200! Though yall may not believe it sometimes!
Don't mean to stir at all but honestly, as my reply to 1Mav above reads, kinda needed a forum hug.
And yes, honda has really slipped. And toyota is experiencing the same thing with San Antonio Tundra vs Japan built LC / LS with the same turbo motor.
I would definitely agree that everyone here, to varying levels is attached to the truck in a umm not exactly healthy way.
Which is why i get the forum beat down usually when i open my mouth LOL.
But yall cant say my threads dont pop off! Im a fiend for the conversation sometimes.
Yeah, you have definitely taken the “Most Hated” person trophy away from me.
Whew, for a while there, i thought that the trophy would be uncontested for years to come.
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- Thread starter
- #112
Yeah, you have definitely taken the “Most Hated” person trophy away from me.
Whew, for a while there, i thought that the trophy would uncontested for years to come.
Its lonely at the top! And you're welcome Mr. Kitty.
In all seriousness ive got a big mouth sure, but theres equal parts love / hate. And i dont think anyone really hates each other at the end of the day.
Even you and teck hehe. What fun would there be in a monoculture?
Only line i really draw with enemies is 26PSI. LOL and that boy knows who he is.
Or if we want to form mobs we can switch back to talking which tire is best?
- Thread starter
- #113
Its lonely at the top! And you're welcome Mr. Kitty.
In all seriousness ive got a big mouth sure, but theres equal parts love / hate. And i dont think anyone really hates each other at the end of the day.
Even you and teck hehe. What fun would there be in a monoculture?
Only line i really draw with enemies is 26PSI. LOL and that boy knows who he is.
Or if we want to form mobs we can switch back to talking which tire is best?
But also where my trophy at tho?
- Thread starter
- #114
What about the Ineos Grenadier? Is it even released yet?
Does anyone have any experience with it or got their hands on?
I really like the concept. I wonder how successful it will be.
Detailed Walk-Around :: Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster for Overlanding - Expedition Portal
For this video, we dive deep on the Grenadier's specifications and components, reviewing the drivetrain, traction devices, features, and more.
expeditionportal.com
I think the appeal and only way a Land Cruiser is worth it to me is if you use it for its intended purposes. If I didnt camp / enjoy wheeling I would have a sporty car with 3 pedals.
There is no better Daily Driver that can also wheel / camp / offroad.
There is no better Daily Driver that can also wheel / camp / offroad.
- Thread starter
- #117
Detailed Walk-Around :: Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster for Overlanding - Expedition Portal
For this video, we dive deep on the Grenadier's specifications and components, reviewing the drivetrain, traction devices, features, and more.expeditionportal.com
Thanks! Didn't catch that video release even though im subscribed.
I thought it was a BMW V8 for a moment though and nearly shat myself. Its a B58.
And theyre rockin skinnys! @grinchy
I'm 68 years old and had a 1991 80 series and a 2014 4Runner. I made the decision to step up and buy my last vehicle (2015 LC), a promise I made to myself and my Wife. I'm definitely a Toyota guy I think they make a great product, not a perfect product. My motto for my rig is "It's a tool, not a jewel". It's like an old pair of Levis it fits and it's comfortable. I use it and don't abuse it and I'm hoping I have the discipline to stick to my promise. So far I am.
This will be the way when my 3ur-fe ever goes... EV conversion into old suv chassis.
www.zerolabs.com
Zero Labs Automotive - Electric Vehicle Technology
Zero Labs, based in LA, specializes in industrial design, technology, and engineering. We provide Premium Classic Electric Vehicles, Net Zero Labs (NZL) readiness, and ZLABS Electric Platform manufacturing. Partner with us to streamline your electric classic vehicle conversions, benefiting from cost
www.zerolabs.com
- Thread starter
- #120
This will be the way when my 3ur-fe ever goes... EV conversion into old suv chassis.
Zero Labs Automotive - Electric Vehicle Technology
Zero Labs, based in LA, specializes in industrial design, technology, and engineering. We provide Premium Classic Electric Vehicles, Net Zero Labs (NZL) readiness, and ZLABS Electric Platform manufacturing. Partner with us to streamline your electric classic vehicle conversions, benefiting from cost
Im really really looking forward to this trend taking off.
If the environment is of any real concern, this needs to be pushed to the mainstream.
But seems like "sell more" is always the solution...
For the 200 specifically, just the fuel tank, and subtank volume combined should be decent space for a split pack, never-mind the engine bay which is designed to accomodate the heavy 3UR anyway. I really wonder what the final weight change would be for a full retrofit ditching all that and most of the drivetrain.
It would be awesome, and im really not a fan of the way EV trucks are designed. Ive commented before. I hate that low slung skateboard look.
And the windows are always tiny. Yall know i like my light, canopy windows and sunroofs.
