Ifs,sfa

[Darkhorse]

Just wondering what is the % of owners here who are IFS and SFA...what is the deciding point to choose either..is the SFA produced only in the 105 form or is there a luxry version of the SFA...any info would be greatly appreciated, as I am trying to decide whether to go for an IFS or SFA

 

[woody]

If you are in the US, IFS will be your only option....where are you located?

 

[Darkhorse]

South Africa...we have both options here

 

[dclee]

Try here for the info:

http://www.toyota.co.za/models/viewrange.aspx?id=landcruiser

For the U.S. users, there is no decision point, we don't have a choice. Otherwise, I would think it would be engine availability. Can't get the V8 or turbo diesel with the solid front axle. Only the naturally aspirated diesel or the beloved 1FZ-FE straight six petrol.

 

[e9999]

try and contact Bongani on this site. IIRC he has the 105. He wheels it hard and is a good guy. He can probably give you some valuable feedback.

 

[Jim_Chow]

If you have deep pockets, you could always swap in the TD or V8 into a 105. In a recent issue of LC mag, there's a guy w/ a LC80 with 2UZ swapped in.

 

[Darkhorse]

Thamls for your replies...I am actually surprised that you cant get SFA in the US? Why is that? No demand or what?

 

[Darkhorse]

Toyota Ifs No More Petition

THIS is now in a seperta thread

 

[dclee]

Thamls for your replies...I am actually surprised that you cant get SFA in the US? Why is that? No demand or what?

Most people in the U.S. do not ever actually USE their SUVs as they were intended. Instead, they're mainly driven by affluent soccer moms who don't work (their husbands do), used for kid shuttle service and grocery runs (OK, a bit of soap box preaching there, but you get the idea - and not that there's anything wrong with what moms do, but most of them drive these beasts around like they don't care about anyone else on the road, yapping on their cell phones and quieting the kids by playing movies on the in-vehicle DVD player...).

SUVs are status symbols here, not working vehicles. In this market, Toyota decided sometime in the late 1980s to only bring the highest spec Cruiser possible to the States, probably for two reasons:

1.) The higher profit margins to be realized from the higher spec vehicles, and...

2.) The value of having such an iconic vehicle in its lineup (sort of like an Acura/Honda NSX, Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, etc.).

PS: My wife drives our 100 Series daily for... kid shuttle duty...

 

[Darkhorse]

Thanks...pls see my other thread about the IFS Petition..
Yes nothing anoys me more then people driving with their head stuck into a cell phone..I am afraid the female race is a worst offender and I am not a macho either..It causes accidents etc..I always horn when I see one...

Most people in the U.S. do not ever actually USE their SUVs as they were intended. Instead, they're mainly driven by affluent soccer moms who don't work (their husbands do), used for kid shuttle service and grocery runs (OK, a bit of soap box preaching there, but you get the idea - and not that there's anything wrong with what moms do, but most of them drive these beasts around like they don't care about anyone else on the road, yapping on their cell phones and quieting the kids by playing movies on the in-vehicle DVD player...).

SUVs are status symbols here, not working vehicles. In this market, Toyota decided sometime in the late 1980s to only bring the highest spec Cruiser possible to the States, probably for two reasons:

1.) The higher profit margins to be realized from the higher spec vehicles, and...

2.) The value of having such an iconic vehicle in its lineup (sort of like an Acura/Honda NSX, Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, etc.).

PS: My wife drives our 100 Series daily for... kid shuttle duty...

 

[dclee]

Thanks...pls see my other thread about the IFS Petition..

Just signed it!

edit: One reason I waited for the `04 was for Bluetooth, so that she (and I) could at least talk hands-free if we absolutely had to talk while driving (but she's actually very good about not being on the phone while driving, mainly because of having the baby in the vehicle). In fact, the Bluetooth functionality has worked out so nicely that I bought a Motorola add-on kit for the SAAB and wired it into the car's pre-existing hands-free harness, because I sometimes do have to be on the phone while driving, for work.

 

[spressomon]

Most people in the U.S. do not ever actually USE their SUVs as they were intended. Instead, they're mainly driven by affluent soccer moms who don't work (their husbands do), used for kid shuttle service and grocery runs (OK, a bit of soap box preaching there, but you get the idea - and not that there's anything wrong with what moms do, but most of them drive these beasts around like they don't care about anyone else on the road, yapping on their cell phones and quieting the kids by playing movies on the in-vehicle DVD player...).

SUVs are status symbols here, not working vehicles. In this market, Toyota decided sometime in the late 1980s to only bring the highest spec Cruiser possible to the States, probably for two reasons:

1.) The higher profit margins to be realized from the higher spec vehicles, and...

2.) The value of having such an iconic vehicle in its lineup (sort of like an Acura/Honda NSX, Mercedes SL, Porsche 911, etc.).

PS: My wife drives our 100 Series daily for... kid shuttle duty...

I second this. I'll sign the petition but if you think you're going to dissuade Toyota from serious revenue/profit by catering to a very select minority segment of the market here in the states you better get yourself a stronger cup o'joe

 

[Darkhorse]

Sounds like Toyota has put in IFS into their SUVs to kind of give what the competition is offering..like an extra bit of must have gadgetary...to keep them in line of what is being offered

I second this. I'll sign the petition but if you think you're going to dissuade Toyota from serious revenue/profit by catering to a very select minority segment of the market here in the states you better get yourself a stronger cup o'joe

 

[spressomon]

Sounds like Toyota has put in IFS into their SUVs to kind of give what the competition is offering..like an extra bit of must have gadgetary...to keep them in line of what is being offered

Or...Toyota put IFS in the LC, et al, (USA destined vehicles) to achieve their design perimeters for the intended audience. To that I would assume, based upon their other model offerings, Toyota has accumulated significantly greater unit sales volume and bottom line profit. You would not see the sheer numbers of Sequoias on the streets if it had a straight axle under the front end...afterall they are in business to make a buck