If all LC/LX were gone…what would you buy to replace it?

[bloc]

Agreed. Just posted the same and then scrolled up to see your AEV mention. I feel the same way about their Colorado upfits. Would be fun, but I know it would age like milk.

The brilliance of moving the axle forward slightly to allow a 37 with stock like ride and minor lift really impressed me. Tbh if the chassis/interior build quality on the circa 5.9 24v engines wasn’t so atrocious I may never have gotten my 200. Or maybe it would have just delayed it. I’m sure I’d find it too big for a bunch of the stuff I like to do.

 

[ElJayBird]

Probably a G-Wagon or an old Defender

Most likely the G-Wagon, even though I prefer the looks of the Defender. The only problem with the Defender is that it’s still a Land Rover.

 

[yonah]

The brilliance of moving the axle forward slightly to allow a 37 with stock like ride and minor lift really impressed me. Tbh if the chassis/interior build quality on the circa 5.9 24v engines wasn’t so atrocious I may never have gotten my 200. Or maybe it would have just delayed it. I’m sure I’d find it too big for a bunch of the stuff I like to do.

AEV does a phenomenal job with their engineering work. I started following the company many years ago when they were stretching Jeep TJs to 112” wheelbase (that famous ratio ). Their OEM-quality TJ conversions convinced Jeep to produce the LJ Unlimited, which eventually became the JK/JL four door models we know today. An interesting example of the aftermarket nudging a major auto manufacturer in the right direction.

Pics:

Agreed on the interior critique for Mopar. I looked at a ‘09 Power Wagon: one owner, silver, double cab, mint, with under 30k miles and couldn’t bring myself to buy it despite the fair price. The interior felt like it was made out of grey, thin Lego plastic. I think we’re talking about the same Ram vintage, just different engines with the PW’s 5.7L Hemi.

 

[Tex68w]

It’s crazy how far the RAM interiors have come in the last 10-15 years. Many think they now have the best interiors.

 

[UnFadeable21]

2023 Sequioa

 

[LCHOU]

still be in a BMW X5 and looking at a redesigned sequoia or soon to be redesigned gx or 4Runner

 

[JMSLX]

Volvo V90 Cross Country

 

[Leelanau]

It’s crazy how far the RAM interiors have come in the last 10-15 years. Many think they now have the best interiors.

My LC is not my daily driver, and I love it, but I have to chime in with positive comments about my daily.

I absolutely love my 2021 Ram Trx. The interior quality is fantastic, the power is literally insane, and the comfort and utility of this full size pickup is off the charts. It is better than my old Raptor in every way. The only major downside is the fuel efficiency is abysmal (about 10 mpg) and it is big (a negative on trails or in the city). I would pick it over the 200 to tow my wakeboard boat. It is definitely more comfortable on long road trips with the family than the 200, with more interior room, utility, seat comfort, tech, and a better ride. I’m 6’2” and I think the 200 seats are good but not great.

It is exceptional in so many ways, and it is exceptional right off the showroom floor without any need to correct flaws through modifications. I could see where a HD Ram with mods would be great and potentially give you better fuel economy.

I’m expecting the 200 to have far better reliability and collector resale, although the Ram has been perfect in its first 10,000 miles. I haven’t done it yet, but the 200 is clearly better suited to sleeping inside.

I know it’s apples and oranges, but there is considerable crossover between a 200 and a full size pickup with uses and capability. I’m really thankful to have both!

 

[Fisher23]

G500 with portal axles.

 

[TeCKis300]

My LC is not my daily driver, and I love it, but I have to chime in with positive comments about my daily.

I absolutely love my 2021 Ram Trx. The interior quality is fantastic, the power is literally insane, and the comfort and utility of this full size pickup is off the charts. It is better than my old Raptor in every way. The only major downside is the fuel efficiency is abysmal (about 10 mpg) and it is big (a negative on trails or in the city). I would pick it over the 200 to tow my wakeboard boat. It is definitely more comfortable on long road trips with the family than the 200, with more interior room, utility, seat comfort, tech, and a better ride. I’m 6’2” and I think the 200 seats are good but not great.

It is exceptional in so many ways, and it is exceptional right off the showroom floor without any need to correct flaws through modifications. I could see where a HD Ram with mods would be great and potentially give you better fuel economy.

I’m expecting the 200 to have far better reliability and collector resale, although the Ram has been perfect in its first 10,000 miles. I haven’t done it yet, but the 200 is clearly better suited to sleeping inside.

I know it’s apples and oranges, but there is considerable crossover between a 200 and a full size pickup with uses and capability. I’m really thankful to have both!

We're in an age of pretty incredible factory specials. The TRX is arguable at the top of that heap. Enjoyed your thoughts and I think it's fair to compare and contrast against the LC and they're in the same price bracket. They're both pinnacle vehicles in their respective spaces. Just wish that Toyota would have stepped up and do some similar enthusiast specials. Instead we have mostly a badge job that is the HE. Worse, Toyota took their halo vehicle off the market, in a time when overlanding and off-roading is exploding in popularity. Sure, there's the Sequoia TRD Pro, Tundra TRD Pro, and maybe even a more extreme Tundra variant coming out, but LCs they are not. I think there's enough space for an LC still, especially if they were to bring some more exciting variants. Maybe it's the realities of their production constraints, but still...

 

[AnyMal]

We're in an age of pretty incredible factory specials. The TRX is arguable at the top of that heap. Enjoyed your thoughts and I think it's fair to compare and contrast against the LC and they're in the same price bracket. They're both pinnacle vehicles in their respective spaces. Just wish that Toyota would have stepped up and do some similar enthusiast specials. Instead we have mostly a badge job that is the HE. Worse, Toyota took their halo vehicle off the market, in a time when overlanding and off-roading is exploding in popularity. Sure, there's the Sequoia TRD Pro, Tundra TRD Pro, and maybe even a more extreme Tundra variant coming out, but LCs they are not. I think there's enough space for an LC still, especially if they were to bring some more exciting variants. Maybe it's the realities of their production constraints, but still...

Its crazy because i also feel like toyota has the second biggest aftermarket behind jeep. So much money to leave on the table. At least give us a full trd parts bin to play with. We, especially you would buy everything they sell. I guess the tundra is getting some of that though.

 

[Leelanau]

We're in an age of pretty incredible factory specials. The TRX is arguable at the top of that heap. Enjoyed your thoughts and I think it's fair to compare and contrast against the LC and they're in the same price bracket. They're both pinnacle vehicles in their respective spaces. Just wish that Toyota would have stepped up and do some similar enthusiast specials. Instead we have mostly a badge job that is the HE. Worse, Toyota took their halo vehicle off the market, in a time when overlanding and off-roading is exploding in popularity. Sure, there's the Sequoia TRD Pro, Tundra TRD Pro, and maybe even a more extreme Tundra variant coming out, but LCs they are not. I think there's enough space for an LC still, especially if they were to bring some more exciting variants. Maybe it's the realities of their production constraints, but still...

It is truly the golden age if you are a truck person. I have always been a truck guy and it blows me away how many cool trucks are available today, both IC and EV.

If I could only have one, that would be a gut wrenching decision, but I would probably pick the 200, even with its flaws.

 

[AnyMal]

Its crazy because i also feel like toyota has the second biggest aftermarket behind jeep. So much money to leave on the table. At least give us a full trd parts bin to play with. We, especially you would buy everything they sell. I guess the tundra is getting some of that though.

Woefully lame HE I forgot to mention the LC never even got a TRD trim!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Chevy squarebody will be my next vehicle purchase.

 

[dan360]

import a Nissan Patrol diesel
build something cool, like a Scout Traveler, Wagoneer/Cherokee, or maybe even an older 4 door shortbox 60s-70s truck with modern running gear.

but probably a G Wagen

 

[Supra Turbo]

So..... every other post includes a G wagon. Group buy anyone?

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Imagine you no longer had the LC/LC to buy regardless of the year/model, what would you buy to replace it? Could be functional or emotional. Price is no option. No Tie Fighters or X-wings allowed.

The "price is no option" part of the question really ruins the question IMO. With an unlimited budget I'd retire and the rest would be minute details.

Now say I got current market value for my LX and was unable to get another one, that's a better discussion. I'd almost certainly stick with the SUV form factor, but which SUV is a difficult question. There are aspects of the new Sequoia which I like, but there are some I do not. I've previously owned an ML350 and quite liked it, so the similar, but newer MB models would likely be a contender, too.

I've lately been re-evaluating my needs and wants. I realized I have little to no interest in making serious vehicle modifications, or dragging my whole setup deep into the bush over technical terrain. What I want is simplicity, efficiency, practicality, and if possible, reliability. What I want even more is free time.

I'd likely end up picking up something a bit older than what I've got, for half the price of what I received for the LX, and take more time off (at my expense) to go live.

--

Now back to the unlimited money and retirement idea...

992 911 Targa 4 GTS manual for good-weather daily duties. Garage-queened over the winter.
Kimberley Karavan T3 travel trailer.
New Sequoia to tow the Kimberley and be my winter vehicle.
Lexus sedans and RXs for the family.

 

[Leelanau]

Chevy squarebody will be my next vehicle purchase.

I am extremely lucky to have cool parents and got to drive my dad’s 1984 Chevy Blazer when I first got my license. Navy blue/navy top with the white bottom. Miss that truck!

 

[biff44]

Very capable offroad. Goes everywhere my 200 can. Good on road DD too but you are definitely not sleeping in it and the second row seating is basically useless if you have kids in carseats.

Does make a good backup hunting truck.

IF i won the lottery, a G Wagon would be near the top of the list!

i wonder, seriously though, if they are reliable enough. No matter WHERE you break down, it is going to take days (weeks?) to get parts shipped in for it!

 

[biff44]

The "price is no option" part of the question really ruins the question IMO. With an unlimited budget I'd retire and the rest would be minute details.

Now say I got current market value for my LX and was unable to get another one, that's a better discussion. I'd almost certainly stick with the SUV form factor, but which SUV is a difficult question. There are aspects of the new Sequoia which I like, but there are some I do not. I've previously owned an ML350 and quite liked it, so the similar, but newer MB models would likely be a contender, too.

I've lately been re-evaluating my needs and wants. I realized I have little to no interest in making serious vehicle modifications, or dragging my whole setup deep into the bush over technical terrain. What I want is simplicity, efficiency, practicality, and if possible, reliability. What I want even more is free time.

I'd likely end up picking up something a bit older than what I've got, for half the price of what I received for the LX, and take more time off (at my expense) to go live.

--

Now back to the unlimited money and retirement idea...

992 911 Targa 4 GTS manual for good-weather daily duties. Garage-queened over the winter.
Kimberley Karavan T3 travel trailer.
New Sequoia to tow the Kimberley and be my winter vehicle.
Lexus sedans and RXs for the family.

I test drove an ML350, and even had an offer on one at a MB dealer, but it arrived damaged in transit and i backed out of it.

It was nice, but it rode horribly on the highway. I was kind of dreading taking it on cross country road trips. the best way i can describe it was "Squishy". change lanes suddenly, and the ship rocked back and forth. Not as bad as a BMW x7, but nowhere as stiff as an LX570! that sort of wallowing about really makes the wife sea sick


I would consider a lexus GX, and the new sequoia, if my LX got stolen and i could not find another. The GX is not wide enough for long distance cross countries though.

i wonder about the new jeep grand wagoneer