Hey all, my first post on the forum here and looking for some advice from the Toyota community.
I'm in the process of buying my first LC and going with the new 300 series, being based in the Middle East we get two options to choose from:
My heart is telling me to push forward with the new 3.5 TT engine/gearbox combo as who doesn't enjoy the extra power (especially in the desert), however, my brain keeps telling me to go for the tried and tested 1GR-FE version but I worry 280hp in a 3ton vehicle will be too slow. I offroad my rigs, either overlanding through UAE/Oman or dune bashing in the empty quarter, so I would appreciate the extra power of the 3.5 TT.
Due to budget, I'm able to get either a 2022 3.5TT with less than 5000 miles on the clock or a 2024 4L brand new - This will be a vehicle I plan to keep for the next 7-10 years.
My question is, would it be irrational to jump on the 2022 3.5TT with this being the first year of production on that engine/gearbox combo in the LC when I have the 4L as an option? I've read a few issues others are facing with the hard shifting at low speeds on the 10spd gearbox, along with a few engine failures of the 3.5TT (predominantly in the Tundra though, which I believe is built in the US vs the 300 series engines in Japan)?
If you own either of these engine/gearbox combos, it would be great to hear your experiences with it now we are a couple of years on from launch and what your opinion would be on this decision. I could be overthinking this but it would be great to hear from everyone.
Thanks so much, appreciate the guidance.
J
I'm in the process of buying my first LC and going with the new 300 series, being based in the Middle East we get two options to choose from:
- V6 4L (1GR-FE) with the 6-speed (280hp)
- V6 3.5 TT (V35A-FTS) with the 10 speed (409hp)
My heart is telling me to push forward with the new 3.5 TT engine/gearbox combo as who doesn't enjoy the extra power (especially in the desert), however, my brain keeps telling me to go for the tried and tested 1GR-FE version but I worry 280hp in a 3ton vehicle will be too slow. I offroad my rigs, either overlanding through UAE/Oman or dune bashing in the empty quarter, so I would appreciate the extra power of the 3.5 TT.
Due to budget, I'm able to get either a 2022 3.5TT with less than 5000 miles on the clock or a 2024 4L brand new - This will be a vehicle I plan to keep for the next 7-10 years.
My question is, would it be irrational to jump on the 2022 3.5TT with this being the first year of production on that engine/gearbox combo in the LC when I have the 4L as an option? I've read a few issues others are facing with the hard shifting at low speeds on the 10spd gearbox, along with a few engine failures of the 3.5TT (predominantly in the Tundra though, which I believe is built in the US vs the 300 series engines in Japan)?
If you own either of these engine/gearbox combos, it would be great to hear your experiences with it now we are a couple of years on from launch and what your opinion would be on this decision. I could be overthinking this but it would be great to hear from everyone.
Thanks so much, appreciate the guidance.
J