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

[ga12r1]

From a former 2016 4Runner TRD Pro owner:
Back in 2015 I purchased a new 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner. I sold a 2000 jeep TJ that was my trail rig and a 2010 Prius that was daily driver to help justify the 4Runner. My thought was to have one vehicle to perform both tasks. Once I had it I was in love. I couldn't even think of taking it off-road because it was so nice and new. I couldn't bare the thought of the first scratch. So I started the search for a new low priced trail ride to supplement the 4Runner.

I somehow luckily stumbled on a 1996 triple locked 80 series for a good price and snatched it up. I couldn't stop driving the 80. I couldnt get enough of ih8mud.

I soon sought out and purchased a nice 2000 100 series. I had to have one, had to try it. That was the beginning of the end of the 4Runner. I completely stopped driving the 4Runner. It was like driving down the road in a tin can after coming out of the 100. It's still crazy to me that a 17 years old vehicle can drive better, more solid, and feel more satisfying then a 2016. I sold the 4Runner soon after.

I became a believer. My entire outlook on vehicles has changed. Mileage means nothing. Maintenance is everything. I do all my own work and it feels so good. Earlier this year my wife and I drove the 100 from Ga through Colorado down to the Grand Canyon and back to Ga. 17 years old with 170k miles and we didn't think twice about it. I go to sleep at night looking forward to the next days commute. Nothing but cruisers for me from here on out. The community is great, ih8mud is great, and it's a great feeling to be behind the wheel of a cruiser.

Next up is a 200. I can't begin to imagine what a 200 must be like knowing that the 100 is so rock solid, so vault like

Bring home a cruiser and you'r done. You will never be satisfied with anything less. Quality, capability, history... just amazing machines. You will never look back.

 

[LALC]

Just to throw in my experience, 2016 LC bone stock with ECT on 24/7 I get 18 MPG highway, 15 city. If I turn that ECT off, I drop about 2 MPG highway and gain 1 MPG in the city. ECT off allows you to go from 0 to your maintained speed on less gas, but long-term driving at cruise-maintained speed ECT gets better gas mileage.

 

[Recon Aircrew]

From a former 2016 4Runner TRD Pro owner:
Back in 2015 I purchased a new 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner. I sold a 2000 jeep TJ that was my trail rig and a 2010 Prius that was daily driver to help justify the 4Runner. My thought was to have one vehicle to perform both tasks. Once I had it I was in love. I couldn't even think of taking it off-road because it was so nice and new. I couldn't bare the thought of the first scratch. So I started the search for a new low priced trail ride to supplement the 4Runner.

I somehow luckily stumbled on a 1996 triple locked 80 series for a good price and snatched it up. I couldn't stop driving the 80. I couldnt get enough of ih8mud.

I soon sought out and purchased a nice 2000 100 series. I had to have one, had to try it. That was the beginning of the end of the 4Runner. I completely stopped driving the 4Runner. It was like driving down the road in a tin can after coming out of the 100. It's still crazy to me that a 17 years old vehicle can drive better, more solid, and feel more satisfying then a 2016. I sold the 4Runner soon after.

I became a believer. My entire outlook on vehicles has changed. Mileage means nothing. Maintenance is everything. I do all my own work and it feels so good. Earlier this year my wife and I drove the 100 from Ga through Colorado down to the Grand Canyon and back to Ga. 17 years old with 170k miles and we didn't think twice about it. I go to sleep at night looking forward to the next days commute. Nothing but cruisers for me from here on out. The community is great, ih8mud is great, and it's a great feeling to be behind the wheel of a cruiser.

Next up is a 200. I can't begin to imagine what a 200 must be like knowing that the 100 is so rock solid, so vault like

Bring home a cruiser and you'r done. You will never be satisfied with anything less. Quality, capability, history... just amazing machines. You will never look back.

Having been a former 4Runner owner myself, I could not have said it any better than this.

 

[Markuson]

Another thought...

Personally, I think spending $55k on a perfect used one...then the extra $20k on turning into a dream BEAST is the better move. But then I'm more budget-limited. I just just would rather let someone else take the new-car-price hit, and pick it up a little later for a song.

 

[Swampmonger]

Another thought...

Personally, I think spending $55k on a perfect used one...then the extra $20k on turning into a dream BEAST is the better move. But then I'm more budget-limited. I just just would rather let someone else take the new-car-price hit, and pick it up a little later for a song.

I'm certainly looking at that option as well. A local BMW dealership has a Magnetic Gray 2015 for $52k. Unfortunately, it already has 62,000 miles on it and no service records in the Carfax. I'm also looking at CPO, but they really aren't that much cheaper than a new one. A high resale value is a double edged sword, I guess.

 

[1shetan]

Just traded in the 2014 4runner limited on the 200, after a long line of 4runners SR5 and other. Good machines the 4runners are, however:
at 4600 feet above sea level and some hills the engines are buzzing, and downshifting a lot, the power is not there, neither is the smoothness. They handle bad weather well, and are lighter so they feel more lively. The ride is quite a bit harsher, maybe better for big city and tight streets.

The LC is quieter, more powerful, and so very smooth on the road. A little extra room is always a good thing.

LC is getting around 16.2 around town, smoothly driven, that is 1.5-2 mph less than the 4runner.

Since this last 4runner was all-wheel drive, I like it that way, would I enjoy being able to cruise on the highway and be able to go to rear wheel for extra economy, yes, but that is not an option. The traction is great in the snow and ice. The LC drives better however with its all-wheel drive, the vehicle responds to steering input faster, I can back it up into the tight garage easier, it pivots faster, if that makes sense. That said, the LC handles well, on the 18s. I am willing to say you it could be much more fun to toss around on pavement with a set of 20".

The creature comforts are worth it, the technology is useable and I have found it user friendly. As far as safety, well , there is no better than the LC. So, I switched, and it is ten times the vehicle the 4runner was, and the 4runner is good.

 

[Redbull]

There is nothing like a Landcruiser. I had an S class and the Landcruiser feels every bit as special.

I also get all of the toy's but everybody thinks it's a jumped-up Highlander - I love that!

 

[EPUro2019]

We also drove the GX prior to purchasing a 200. Definitely a nice vehicle. For me I can't stand the front appearance. If it had a better look I may have gone that direction. I agree with others about used. I purchased a 2015 CPO with 23K miles, from AZ - zero rust on the undercarriage other than surface rust on KDSS - which I have removed. I paid 59K. I'm sure I could have found another one for less as others have. Mine has all service records, it was originally sold and then resold from same dealer with all service done there. It is essentially brand new. 59K is a lot cheaper than 70+k. The 2016 and up 200s do seem to have a better infotainment system. Transmission is debatable but most seem to think the older 6speed is more durable. You can't go wrong either way, at the end of they day it is just money.

 

[RS6tofj80]

I've had all US version of the LC and every 4runner from my 84' to a 13'..... I wanted to love the TRD pro but the motor killed it.... for the extra $$ the 200 is just a whole different beast..... but it isn't cheap to mod....but there is solid support for 95% of the things you'd want...... the final being solid rear bumpers w/ swingouts ( slee and others are que'ing those up) and extra range fuel tanks are being worked thru....

for a DD I can't imagine a better rig...... ( unless we coudl get the Euro twin turbo motor)....

happy hunting and buy the cleanest rig you can -

Cheers

E

 

[Rex9802]

My truck is stock wit the exception of a snorkel.

I have been able to finagle 20+ mpg on the highway if it were flat, relatively decent traffic (ride behind a larger truck), and VERY light on the gas.

I was playing once and think I got 22mpg BUT- I wasn't paying attention to topography- could've been all downhill for what I know.

I had a 13 4r limited- the LC is just special. The heritage is certainly there but I felt the 4R could somewhat piggy back on that argument and it has street credit. But the LC is more like a solid/ stuck the ground truck. I love the full time 4wd and when you need it (forget MPG)- the engine is a monster!

 

[NLScooby]

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

I had the exact same experience. I drove one of the first 4Runner TRDPros in the area - and I went there with the intent of purchasing it. I drove there in my X5 (with the 4.4, M sport package, etc....) and was so underwhelmed by the 4Runner's power, handling and was shocked at how "cheap" it all felt compared to the car I drove there in. I walked away and bought my LC 6 weeks later. I do still miss the seats and the overall German ride of the X5, but I am really enjoying the utility of the 200.

 

[NLScooby]

From a former 2016 4Runner TRD Pro owner:
Back in 2015 I purchased a new 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner. I sold a 2000 jeep TJ that was my trail rig and a 2010 Prius that was daily driver to help justify the 4Runner. My thought was to have one vehicle to perform both tasks. Once I had it I was in love. I couldn't even think of taking it off-road because it was so nice and new. I couldn't bare the thought of the first scratch. So I started the search for a new low priced trail ride to supplement the 4Runner.

I somehow luckily stumbled on a 1996 triple locked 80 series for a good price and snatched it up. I couldn't stop driving the 80. I couldnt get enough of ih8mud.

I soon sought out and purchased a nice 2000 100 series. I had to have one, had to try it. That was the beginning of the end of the 4Runner. I completely stopped driving the 4Runner. It was like driving down the road in a tin can after coming out of the 100. It's still crazy to me that a 17 years old vehicle can drive better, more solid, and feel more satisfying then a 2016. I sold the 4Runner soon after.

I became a believer. My entire outlook on vehicles has changed. Mileage means nothing. Maintenance is everything. I do all my own work and it feels so good. Earlier this year my wife and I drove the 100 from Ga through Colorado down to the Grand Canyon and back to Ga. 17 years old with 170k miles and we didn't think twice about it. I go to sleep at night looking forward to the next days commute. Nothing but cruisers for me from here on out. The community is great, ih8mud is great, and it's a great feeling to be behind the wheel of a cruiser.

Next up is a 200. I can't begin to imagine what a 200 must be like knowing that the 100 is so rock solid, so vault like

Bring home a cruiser and you'r done. You will never be satisfied with anything less. Quality, capability, history... just amazing machines. You will never look back.

Well said!.......[and now talking out the side of my mouth so that you can't hear me}....looks like someone went back in line a few time to get an extra helping of Land Cruiser Kool-aid!

 

[mooneywa]

Here's my 2 cents:

1. Stock tires I avg 18 or a bit under highway, but like 13 around town. With stock size BFGs, that dropped to 16-17 hwy, and 12 in town.
2. The AWD/Full time on the cruiser is seamless and you don't notice a transition. Just works. Always nice to have.
3. The cruiser has a lot of fancy stuff (see #4) that I could see being expensive if it breaks, but I'd say you're about even. Oil change is always synthetic for me so I see some added cost there, but a full 30K service was around $300. Not outrageous. You're not servicing a Porsche or BMW. That being said, the worst part of owning the Cruiser is the Toyota dealer experience. I find it to be marginally better than Ford service, but not Lexus quality. The service writers (geez, they don't even advise anymore) are trained to the common denominator which is probably an entry-level Camry. Rolling into the dealer in a Cruiser gets you no special treatment like you'd receive at Lexus dealer whether you came in an LX or an IS. Fortunately it being a Cruiser, dealer trips are rare.
4. They're great, but if they break they'll be expensive. All that stuff is now on new cars anyways so I think it's the new norm.
5. Like others have said, it doesn't drive big. It felt tiny compared to my F-150 I traded in for it. Compared to my airport car which is a CR-V I think it obviously is bigger but doesn't "drive" bigger. Steering is appropriately light, acceleration is faster than the Runner, etc etc.

I've found that a lot of things on the Land Cruiser are just "done right." It's kind of like an Apple (at least in my experience) where it may not have the best this or that, but it just simply works. I love mine as a DD and find no ill effects on size or other.

 

[ga12r1]

I would like to add this about the community, especially ih8mud. I've never felt unwelcome here, and ive never seen others to be made unwelcome, or looked down on becuse of purchasing a certain vehicle. On the other hand the 4runner community wasn't quite as friendly. t4r.org was a rough place for TRD Pro owners when i had mine, us Pro owners were looked down on and we were constantly reminded of that. I kind of felt like a paria over there. Not the case here, nothing but great guys and great information.

 

[tabraha]

I would like to add this about the community, especially ih8mud. I've never felt unwelcome here, and ive never seen others to be made unwelcome, or looked down on becuse of purchasing a certain vehicle. On the other hand the 4runner community wasn't quite as friendly. t4r.org was a rough place for TRD Pro owners when i had mine, us Pro owners were looked down on and we were constantly reminded of that. I kind of felt like a paria over there. Not the case here, nothing but great guys and great information.

Get outta here!

 

[ga12r1]

Get outta here!

It was crazy stuff man. TRD Pro owners would get blasted because they "could have bought a trail premium and added bilsteins" and had a vehicle just as capable. Every single thread mentioning a Pro. It was to the point if I had a question I would post that I had a trail so the thread wouldn't be hijacked into a TRD bashfest.

The nutty thing is the majority of those guys we're going out of their way to clone the pros by buying pro wheels and Pro body work and grills and installing them on their trails. Crazy.

 

[1shetan]

I would like to add this about the community, especially ih8mud. I've never felt unwelcome here, and ive never seen others to be made unwelcome, or looked down on becuse of purchasing a certain vehicle. On the other hand the 4runner community wasn't quite as friendly. t4r.org was a rough place for TRD Pro owners when i had mine, us Pro owners were looked down on and we were constantly reminded of that. I kind of felt like a paria over there. Not the case here, nothing but great guys and great information.

Agreed, classy vehicle and classy owners....

 

[TonyP]

T4R.org is a complete s***show.

 

[FatHero]

Between the wife and I we've had 3 4runners (1995, 1999, and 2004) and 5 Land Cruisers (1999 LX, 2000 LC, 2003 LC, 2005 LC, and 2008 LC). Each of these were purchased at 2 or 3 years used but with low miles. Big believer in letting a couple of years of depreciation scrub off.

I echo the positive sentiments above about going from a 4runner to a Land Cruiser. The 4runners are really great vehicles as DD or Off-roading, but Land Cruisers are just a different flavor altogether and once I got in one I never looked back. As you can tell from the timeline we have had some overlap in ownership and had Land Cruisers and 4runners at the same time (the last one I actually bought for the nanny to use to take our little one around). Once there was a Land Cruiser or 2 around, the 4runner got little use from us. Didn't matter what the use was for - the Land Cruiser(s) was first choice. Once the wife got an LX - she described the 4runner as cheap feeling (although I attribute that to the heavier more stout feeling in the LC due to it's size and weight - not the luxury oriented stuff).

To my dismay the wife decided to go BMW (X6 which I hate) for her last 2 purchases which means I don't have any Land Cruisers to take as hand-me-downs, but still love the 100 and 200 that I currently keep. If I have to buy another SUV for some reason and the budget isn't in Land Cruiser range I'll just keep looking at older ones until I hit the sweet spot.

I've found regular scheduled maintenance on Land Cruisers to be the biggest difference in upkeep (price wise) over 4runners, but maybe because I've gone to the same Lexus dealer for the last 15 years since a couple of cruiser guys work there and my rigs get well taken care of.

I think you should buy the 2016

 

[Swampmonger]

It was crazy stuff man. TRD Pro owners would get blasted because they "could have bought a trail premium and added bilsteins" and had a vehicle just as capable. Every single thread mentioning a Pro. It was to the point if I had a question I would post that I had a trail so the thread wouldn't be hijacked into a TRD bashfest.

The nutty thing is the majority of those guys we're going out of their way to clone the pros by buying pro wheels and Pro body work and grills and installing them on their trails. Crazy.

Full disclosure...I did put TRD Pro wheels on my Trail Premium. I didn't need the other stuff on a Pro and I wanted a sunroof. Now, if the TRD Pro still came in Inferno I'd have bought one. I loooooove Inferno orange.