In the market for a 200 series

[daPitbull]

Just wanted to introduce ourselves here in the 200 forum. We're in the market for a 200 series. We currently have a built 2008 4th Gen 4runner that we use for overlanding, offroading, roadtrips, and camping. We've got 3 young kids, 3,5,7 years old, and a two dogs, and as you can imagine space is becoming an issue, even though we started to pull an offroad trailer. Kids are only getting bigger, and starting to realize the 4runner will be outgrown really soon. Wo go on trips that can range anywhere from a weekend to 3 weeks.

Here is a picture of our current set up:

Plan is to keep the 4runner as more of a weekend rig, and put a solid axle under it.

Anyway, back to our search....hoping to trade in our 2015 Sienna SE, which the wife drives, for a 200 series. Hoping to find a 200, sub $50k, relatively low miles. I think this seems doable. It seems not much has changed in the 2008-2014 years, is that true and anything to really look out for? We'll keep this build pretty tame for a few years, but want to more comfortably be able to do our yearly 3000-4000 mile trips, which typically take us to remote locations.

We've thought about the Sequoia, but i'm really stuck on the heritage and mystique of the LC, plus hoping it sticks with the family for 20+ years. We'll probably make a trip to the local toyota dealership to really see what the interior space differences are, but any feedback from others that have first hand experience with both is welcome.

Anyway, really just wanted to introduce myself since I've been in stalker mode on these forums for the past few months, lol.

 

[usmcHOG]

You've been stalking in the right place. You're not going to find anyone here to tell you to with the a Sequoia. If you can afford the LC, you won't be disappointed. I owned a 4runner, 3 Tundra's (still have the '13) and am now in a 200 series LC. That are bullet proof and will go well over 20 years if taken care of and maintained. Start your search for a low milage, well maintained LC and be patient. Took me 3 months to find a "14 with 16K for $64k.

 

[mark71]

Three growing kids plus two dogs? They will fit in the LC, but they will fit soooooo much better in the Sequoia. But coming from a 4Runner, the LC will feel spacious (for a while).

Went through the growing family issues myself when I sold my first 2008 LC for a Sequoia. Still think it was the best family road trip vehicle I've ever owned. But once we were finally down to two at home, I did sell it for another LC 2008.

Enjoy the hunt!

 

[Markuson]

Three growing kids plus two dogs? They will fit in the LC, but they will fit soooooo much better in the Sequoia. But coming from a 4Runner, the LC will feel spacious (for a while).

Went through the growing family issues myself when I sold my first 2008 LC for a Sequoia. Still think it was the best family road trip vehicle I've ever owned. But once we were finally down to two at home, I did sell it for another LC 2008.

Enjoy the hunt!

LC with a serious roof rack and carrier will pretty well make up for the missing rear cargo space of the sequoia.... and once you set up camp...or get to your destination? LC will get you up and over Black Bear and more in ways the Sequoia just can't cut it.

 

[ryanCA]

@daPitbull

How do you fit 3 kids in car seat in your 4 runner?

Personally Sequoia and LC don't compare. LC is way better built. Having said that, I would never put 3 kids and 2 dogs in LC. I have family members that do, and its a horrible option for space.

I have to use my 21 Cubic feet Thule Cargo box all the time. It is a pain in the butt.
I would be better served with a Sienna (won't buy) or a Sequoia (Also won't buy).

I envy all my friends with Caddy ESV Escalades that can fit 8 people and all luggage with no roof rack. Life is a lot simpler.

Good luck with your choices .

I agree 100% with @mark71 below

Three growing kids plus two dogs? They will fit in the LC, but they will fit soooooo much better in the Sequoia. But coming from a 4Runner, the LC will feel spacious (for a while).

Went through the growing family issues myself when I sold my first 2008 LC for a Sequoia. Still think it was the best family road trip vehicle I've ever owned. But once we were finally down to two at home, I did sell it for another LC 2008.

Enjoy the hunt!

 

[fireball]

3 kids and 2 dogs? Sequoia all the way.

We had a 3rd gen 4R. Then my wife drove the '99LC. Now she DDs an '06 Sequoia which has so much more space than the LC. If you aren't going to really build up the 200, then a Sequoia will take you to the same places.

 

[Rex9802]

I have 2 kids now- 3rd one on the way in January and a mother in law that travels with us. The ONLY benefit I saw to a sequoia was with the captains chairs in the middle row which allows dogs to sit on the floor in the middle.

Otherwise I don't think the Seq is much bigger is it? We test drove both- I didn't like the way a Seq drove- LC was a much better choice IMO).

Still cramped but what do you expect? Thought about a suburban which was the only option for 6 + dogs comfortably. Personally I don't mind the suburban but the LC does have something different. In fact, if it weren't for the LC, I would have chosen a Suburban over the Seq.

Good luck- hold off until you find what you want. I am pretty sure if your talking axle swaps on your other 4R you will know what to look for in a 200.

 

[ryanCA]

Getting a Sequoia with captain chairs defeats the purpose of taking people and cargo.

Agree Suburban is great. If I could get my butt to accept the low quality crap of American cars, I would have a Suburban/Escalade ESV. It really is the only option of ANY third row SUV that actually has cargo room AFTER the rear seat.

If you only need to use two rows, and don't need the 3rd row, LC and Patrol are the best options from the Japs.

 

[Rex9802]

Getting a Sequoia with captain chairs defeats the purpose of taking people and cargo.

Agree Suburban is great. If I could get my butt to accept the low quality crap of American cars, I would have a Suburban/Escalade ESV. It really is the only option of ANY third row SUV that actually has cargo room AFTER the rear seat.

If you only need to use two rows, and don't need the 3rd row, LC and Patrol are the best options from the Japs.

So My kids are 4, 1 and (will be born in January). I automatically think of 3 car seats plus 3 other adults including myself and wife (6 total). I was going to use the full 3 rows and still wanted room for 2 dogs. Suburban would make the most sense if I wanted everyone comfortable because of room behind 3rd row. I wouldn't say it's bad quality- not too familiar with new ones but I had a 2005 and ran that up to 250k with not a single problem- so I disagree with your assessment of it being crap. A Suburban/ Tahoe is a great family hauler and light off road/ street truck.

For dapitbull- I guess the 3 kids could fit in the middle row and dogs go in the far back.

I thought about captains chairs because I can put 2 in middle, 2 in back and dogs bumbling around the center- thus captains chairs make more sense then bench.

I've resigned myself to cargo always going on roof or trailer hitch shelf.

 

[Tripledave]

LC is the best, not the biggest, rig you can get. Luggage/cargo can be stored up top or out back (racks and storage Tetris are part of the fun for me). Three kids and two dogs will fit inside but it'll be "cozy". Hope they all get along . I imagine that if you've been getting along in your T4R, then you can make the LC work for sure. Good luck man.

 

[ryanCA]

I am a Suburban/Escalade ESV fanboy. That would solve all my problems in my life.

As much as I travel with the family (2 kids + inlaws), putting things up in the cargo roof is a hassle x 100. I hate it.

Suburban/ESV trans/motor might be good, but my friends who have been driving t hem since they first came out and switches them every 100K, the interior just falls apart. Dashes coming apart, door panels are off.

Look at a 100K LC vs a 100K interior of a Suruban/ESV and tell me the quality is there. I am not willing to put up with it.

Heck before I bought my Lotus I looked hard at a Vette, but I couldn't get over the interior quality. Initial quality might be OK for now, but give it a few years and use and they look terrible.

So My kids are 4, 1 and (will be born in January). I automatically think of 3 car seats plus 3 other adults including myself and wife (6 total). I was going to use the full 3 rows and still wanted room for 2 dogs. Suburban would make the most sense if I wanted everyone comfortable because of room behind 3rd row. I wouldn't say it's bad quality- not too familiar with new ones but I had a 2005 and ran that up to 250k with not a single problem- so I disagree with your assessment of it being crap. A Suburban/ Tahoe is a great family hauler and light off road/ street truck.

For dapitbull- I guess the 3 kids could fit in the middle row and dogs go in the far back.

I thought about captains chairs because I can put 2 in middle, 2 in back and dogs bumbling around the center- thus captains chairs make more sense then bench.

I've resigned myself to cargo always going on roof or trailer hitch shelf.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Going back to one of your original questions:

Has the 200 series changed much through 2014?

Well, in 2013 they had a fairly good update to the electronics, so I would pick something 2013 or newer to get those features. You may be able to find a 2013 under $50k, but you will probably have to negotiate to get there.

Good luck.

 

[daPitbull]

They fit now, even with 3 car seats. The oldest is in a booster now which makes it easier. And for the dog, we have a 1.5yr old and a 15yr old. The older dog doesn't come along on our trips anymore, he's much happier staying home with my parents.

@daPitbull

How do you fit 3 kids in car seat in your 4 runner?

Personally Sequoia and LC don't compare. LC is way better built. Having said that, I would never put 3 kids and 2 dogs in LC. I have family members that do, and its a horrible option for space.

I have to use my 21 Cubic feet Thule Cargo box all the time. It is a pain in the butt.
I would be better served with a Sienna (won't buy) or a Sequoia (Also won't buy).

I envy all my friends with Caddy ESV Escalades that can fit 8 people and all luggage with no roof rack. Life is a lot simpler.

Good luck with your choices .

I agree 100% with @mark71 below

 

[daPitbull]

Thanks all for the input. Super helpful...we're going to the dealership this weekend to check out both the LC and Sequoia.

 

[daPitbull]

Well the idea is that I'd build it up, but limited to lift, tires, sliders. Then when the kids are old enough, I'd take it and go to town on it, which is why I'd like the LC. But my wife may agree with some of ya'lls input on space with the Sequoia.

3 kids and 2 dogs? Sequoia all the way.

We had a 3rd gen 4R. Then my wife drove the '99LC. Now she DDs an '06 Sequoia which has so much more space than the LC. If you aren't going to really build up the 200, then a Sequoia will take you to the same places.

 

[Clayton4x4]

I have a new '16LX570 but decided to keep my '08 Sequoia. I have 3 small children and the difference in space between LX and Sequoia is quite big. Although LX drives significantly better not only off-road but also on-road, Sequoia is not so bad. You can get almost everywhere when you can get with LX or LC 200.

 

[LWA55DAL]

Jumping in here - I just sold an 08' Sequoia Limited that we ordered new. We put about 150k miles on the Sequoia before I sold it and got into a 2011 LC. There is no question that the Seqoia is larger and a better overall "road trip" vehicle, but technically there are many differences and if you plan to "build" even the slightest - the LC is the ONLY way to go as nobody makes anything, even OME, for the rear suspension on the Sequoia. We loved the Sequoia, but build quality, 4wd system (crawl), skid plates, etc - the LC wins every time if you are going to use it even remotely off the highway. 2 kids and 2 dogs fit just fine in the LC - we have a roof carrier for the longer road trips.

 

[ryanCA]

Ah that makes sense. Booster saves space. Otherwise 3 full-size car seats in the middle would be tough

They fit now, even with 3 car seats. The oldest is in a booster now which makes it easier. And for the dog, we have a 1.5yr old and a 15yr old. The older dog doesn't come along on our trips anymore, he's much happier staying home with my parents.

 

[daPitbull]

Ah that makes sense. Booster saves space. Otherwise 3 full-size car seats in the middle would be tough

Oh no, we've done 3 full size car seats before...Two summers ago we did 2500 miles over 3 weeks, no trailer either lol. But again they're growing so fast I doubt we can do another year.