I still love my '16 4Runner so...

[Swampmonger]

...why do I want a LC200 so freakin' bad? In the year I've had my 4Runner I've researched and window shopped for a 200 probably a half dozen times. I'm doing it again, and this time it seems to be getting serious. A local dealership is selling a new '16 for a good discount. I think I want to stop myself, but I know in a month or two I'll be window shopping again.

When I was shopping for a replacement to my 2006 Jeep I really fell in love with the 4Runner. I saw a LC in the dealership and just about choked when I saw the window sticker. I thought it was just a status symbol like so many luxury SUVs/CUVs out there. I didn't know anything about the LC's history or why a new LC costs what it does.

It's difficult to be active on places like T4R.org and ExPort without hearing about the LC so in the past year I've come to realize what the LC really is. The sticker price is still shocking, but I understand it.

I see lots of 4Runners around here in PHX and I love seeing how people mod them. When I see an LC, though, I really take note, because they are much more rare, and they are so understated and classic.

Whatever I do, I'm now pretty devoted to MIJ Toyota SUVs. When the time comes my current 4Runner will be replaced with another 4Runner (as long as they don't stop making them), an LC, or one of the two Lexus SUVs. Honestly, though, if I get an LC I think it'll be my 'forever' vehicle.

So, feel free to pull me back off the ledge...or...push me.

Some questions...

1. It will be my DD. I get 19.5 to 20.5 mpg in the 4Runner when commuting. Any idea what to expect in an LC? I drive like a granny so I'm pretty good at eking out fuel efficiency.
2. I live in PHX now, but we are looking to move to the PNW. Which is preferable up there--part or full time 4WD?
3. I know my insurance and fuel expenses will go up. What about maintenance? Would there be a large difference in price for the same maintenance task between the LC and 4Runner?
4. Are all the creature comforts a nuisance or a pleasure? Stuff like auto headlights and high beams, dynamic cruise, auto wipers, lane depart, etc.
5. If you can't tell by all my questions about it's on-road manners (I have no doubt about its offroad capabilities) this will be my DD and our road tripping/people hauling/around town vehicle. Am I going to regret replacing the 4Runner with a bigger, heavier, less efficient vehicle?

 

[TonyP]

1. A little less
2. All 200s are full time
3. No
4. Subjective, I'm indifferent about everything except cooled seats and radar cruise.
5. Not sure how we're to anticipate your feelings. A 200 is in a different league than a 5th Gen 4Runner.

 

[Ali M]

...why do I want a LC200 so freakin' bad? In the year I've had my 4Runner I've researched and window shopped for a 200 probably a half dozen times. I'm doing it again, and this time it seems to be getting serious. A local dealership is selling a new '16 for a good discount. I think I want to stop myself, but I know in a month or two I'll be window shopping again.

When I was shopping for a replacement to my 2006 Jeep I really fell in love with the 4Runner. I saw a LC in the dealership and just about choked when I saw the window sticker. I thought it was just a status symbol like so many luxury SUVs/CUVs out there. I didn't know anything about the LC's history or why a new LC costs what it does.

It's difficult to be active on places like T4R.org and ExPort without hearing about the LC so in the past year I've come to realize what the LC really is. The sticker price is still shocking, but I understand it.

I see lots of 4Runners around here in PHX and I love seeing how people mod them. When I see an LC, though, I really take note, because they are much more rare, and they are so understated and classic.

Whatever I do, I'm now pretty devoted to MIJ Toyota SUVs. When the time comes my current 4Runner will be replaced with another 4Runner (as long as they don't stop making them), an LC, or one of the two Lexus SUVs. Honestly, though, if I get an LC I think it'll be my 'forever' vehicle.

So, feel free to pull me back off the ledge...or...push me.

Some questions...

1. It will be my DD. I get 19.5 to 20.5 mpg in the 4Runner when commuting. Any idea what to expect in an LC? I drive like a granny so I'm pretty good at eking out fuel efficiency.
2. I live in PHX now, but we are looking to move to the PNW. Which is preferable up there--part or full time 4WD?
3. I know my insurance and fuel expenses will go up. What about maintenance? Would there be a large difference in price for the same maintenance task between the LC and 4Runner?
4. Are all the creature comforts a nuisance or a pleasure? Stuff like auto headlights and high beams, dynamic cruise, auto wipers, lane depart, etc.
5. If you can't tell by all my questions about it's on-road manners (I have no doubt about its offroad capabilities) this will be my DD and our road tripping/people hauling/around town vehicle. Am I going to regret replacing the 4Runner with a bigger, heavier, less efficient vehicle?

I own 2016 LC and I am getting 13.4 city and 15 hwy so it's a lot less than your 4-runner. The LC is not light on its feet like the 4-runner. Honestly the 4-runner is a better DD in your case from fuel efficiency. That said, I would compare the LC to Mercedes G wagon or Range Rover in terms of weight, comfort, performance, load, towing, off-roading and luxury.

 

[Swampmonger]

1. A little less
2. All 200s are full time
3. No
4. Subjective, I'm indifferent about everything except cooled seats and radar cruise.
5. Not sure how we're to anticipate your feelings. A 200 is in a different league than a 5th Gen 4Runner.

Thanks for the input.

Regarding question 2, I was referring to 4Runner vs LC. Not full time vs (nonexistent) part time 4wd LC.

 

[TeCKis300]

Like mentioned, the LC is in a different league. Be careful, cause if you make the leap, there is really no going back. You will find that it will be your new benchmark by which other cars are judged, and it's hard to be content with just about anything else.

In regards to MPG, it might look like a little, but it's because MPG is non-linear near the bottom. Assuming you have a light foot, you'll likely see 16 mpg vs your 20 mpg. That's equivalent to a 32mpg car vs 40mpg car. Another way to look at it is per 100 miles, you'll use 1.25 gallons more. Or ~$3.50 more per 100 miles, or $350 per 10k miles. Depending on how serious your commute is. It can be incrementally more than the 4runner, but much more compared to say a car.

Maintenance is incrementally more again at 8qts vs 6qts for your 4runner. Until (if) a big ticket item may need addressing at which point the prices are likely much higher.

I'd say operating cost are probably 25% higher than the 4runner.

On road manners, it's a steadfast hefty rig to drive. The 4runner (and GX) feel way more spry on its feet. I personally enjoy it's calming demeanor. Sounds like you drive in a relaxed way (based on your MPG), so this may suit you, unless you're in a tight city environment.

You already have an itch, only thing you can do is scratch it. You won't regret it unless finances are tight.

 

[gaijin]

A local dealership is selling a new '16 for a good discount.

If you can really purchase a brand new 2016 LC "for a good discount," then it would be hard to resist. Real discounts on new Land Cruisers are, generally, not easy to achieve.

HTH

 

[Swampmonger]

If you can really purchase a brand new 2016 LC "for a good discount," then it would be hard to resist. Real discounts on new Land Cruisers are, generally, not easy to achieve.

HTH

Well, it's "good" compared to other published prices. The LC is a low volume vehicle so there's very little sales data to use for a price estimate. They're listing it for $77.5k. I figure if I could get it in the $74s I'd be doing pretty good. But...maybe not.

 

[tabraha]

I'd say Tony nailed it but as far as #5 goes? You won't look back. If I had a dollar for everyone in the 100 series forum that moved from a 4R to a 100; well I'd probably be able to buy another 200! Seriously it's almost a 1-way street. The only times I've seen someone go from a 100/200 to a 4R was kids were out of the house so they downsized to drive a smaller vehicle or life happened and they needed to cut some $ out of the budget.

I think you are right that $74 would be a good place to be on a new '16.

 

[M1911]

1. It will be my DD. I get 19.5 to 20.5 mpg in the 4Runner when commuting. Any idea what to expect in an LC? I drive like a granny so I'm pretty good at eking out fuel efficiency.
2. I live in PHX now, but we are looking to move to the PNW. Which is preferable up there--part or full time 4WD?
3. I know my insurance and fuel expenses will go up. What about maintenance? Would there be a large difference in price for the same maintenance task between the LC and 4Runner?
4. Are all the creature comforts a nuisance or a pleasure? Stuff like auto headlights and high beams, dynamic cruise, auto wipers, lane depart, etc.
5. If you can't tell by all my questions about it's on-road manners (I have no doubt about its offroad capabilities) this will be my DD and our road tripping/people hauling/around town vehicle. Am I going to regret replacing the 4Runner with a bigger, heavier, less efficient vehicle?

1. A lot less. My commute is a 15 mile slog that takes 45 - 75 minutes. I get about 13 mpg. On the highway, I've once gotten 19 mpg. My K02 tires have caused a 1-2 mpg drop.

2. I don't think it would make a huge difference. I prefer full-time 4wd, as you it is always active so you have more traction on slippery surfaces (whether rain or snow). Remember, though, that 4wd helps you go, but it doesn't help you stop or turn. So full-time 4wd can cause you to become over-confident in slippery conditions if you are not careful.

3. So far, my LC 200 has required less maintenance than my '03 4Runner. My 4Runner's calipers were susceptible to corrosion, which caused the pistons to freeze up.

4. Mine doesn't have lane departure. Auto headlights are great. I like the dynamic cruise. The auto wipers don't work all that well at times.

5. It is bigger, but it actually drives relatively small. Visibility is very good. The times when the size is an issue is parking in a narrow space. The parking garage at my workplace has narrow spots, and the wider vehicle can be a pain. The rear view camera and parking sensors are awesome.

I love my 2013 LC.

 

[mcgaskins]

Well, it's "good" compared to other published prices. The LC is a low volume vehicle so there's very little sales data to use for a price estimate. They're listing it for $77.5k. I figure if I could get it in the $74s I'd be doing pretty good. But...maybe not.

If you can score a new / unused / no demo for $74k, hurry up and do it!

 

[LBridges]

People up above answered your numbered questions, so I'm gonna just amplify some of the contrast between vehicles answers. My family has been almost exclusively Toyota since the 90s (starting with a 1991 MR2). We've had a Corolla, a couple of MR2s, a couple of Camrys (and a Lexus ES), a couple of 4Runners, a Tacoma, a Prius, and in 2015 the wife just HAD to have the last new FJ Cruiser being sold in east Central Florida. And in 2015 I picked up a 100 series to use as a project/fun truck. Late 2016 the wife drove it (LX470) to work a couple of times. The FJ is gone and a 2017 LC is in the driveway.

The short version: If you have a wife, don't let her try out the LC/LX unless your back account is healthy.

 

[EPUro2019]

The 4runner feels gutless compared to a 200, it also feels very loose compared to a 200. As others have said, they are in different leagues so it is hard to compare. Overall for DD the 200 is a very capable, comfortable ride.

 

[Swampmonger]

I ran to the dealership at lunch. It's a 2016 Demo with 6100 miles on it. They want $75.5k, but oddly enough they offered me the 2017 I test drove for $77.5k. Doesn't seem like a very good discount for last year's model with 6100 miles. I may take my girlfriend to see it and offer them 68-70.

 

[allan man]

It's waiting for you....they are probably still open! Do you wanna be like the rest of the guys? Or be THAT guy!

 

[mike mooradian]

I own 2016 LC and I am getting 13.4 city and 15 hwy so it's a lot less than your 4-runner. The LC is not light on its feet like the 4-runner. Honestly the 4-runner is a better DD in your case from fuel efficiency. That said, I would compare the LC to Mercedes G wagon or Range Rover in terms of weight, comfort, performance, load, towing, off-roading and luxury.

Honestly, I'm getting 15 around town and 17 on the highway @ 70mph with non ethanol gas. I can't answer for the Range Rover but G Wagons generally get closer to 11 on average for mpg.
I've had my fair share of 4 runners and I do love them but I've vowed to be a land cruiser guy forever. There is nothing like it. I feel like the king of the road. Worth every penny and then some. The 200 is "insane in the membrane" as my kid puts it.

 

[EPUro2019]

I really wanted to like the 4runner. I drove a new trd pro. Granted I'm coming from a 535 diesel but it was gutless, sloppy and spartan. I know they are great vehicles, very capable and are slightly more efficient. Just not in the same league at all. The 200s are incredible. Even for a very heavy truck it still has power plus is very comfortable. can't go wrong either way, but the 200s are pretty incredible

 

[TeCKis300]

I very much enjoyed my '05 V8 4Runner Limited back in the day. For the money, it was great substance and value, with a lot of the same core virtues that the LC has. My parents '06 GX470 was likewise awesome, with that much more substance for incrementally more money. If I were looking for value, that's where I'd look. (though I don't think I'd enjoy a V6 4Runner).

 

[gaijin]

I ran to the dealership at lunch. It's a 2016 Demo with 6100 miles on it. They want $75.5k, but oddly enough they offered me the 2017 I test drove for $77.5k. Doesn't seem like a very good discount for last year's model with 6100 miles. I may take my girlfriend to see it and offer them 68-70.

I'd jump all over that 2017 for that price. Come on, you know you want it!

 

[White Stripe]

The 4runners are extremely reliable. The transmission shifts lazy in order to improve gas mileage which makes it feel gutless. 77k is a lot of coin, and you could do a lot to a 4Runner with that coin and still be ahead. Both will last a long time. Why not compromise and get a gx? They are really nice, retain the 4runners feel of being more nimble but you get a v8 and power everything, and will handle offroad stuff well. The 200 is a big vehicle for commuting mostly.

 

[TonyP]

The one of the only things I don't like about GXs is that awful barn door. The split gate on the LC is sooo much better. Otherwise the GX is a decent vehicle, like a 200's adorable little sister