LC200 f/Hawaii Family Vehicle Questions (1 Viewer)

[jpeterferrell]

BLUF: I'm considering buying an LC200 as my next vehicle, to ship to Oahu in ~6 months and be my primary vehicle and our family island transport. I noticed there are zero LC200s for sale on the island, and need to know if there's something I'm missing. Also, I'm not really an off-road type, more a long time shade tree mechanic type who enjoys obtaining/maintaining/experimenting with different vehicles!

I have an emotional connection to the LC200 - I was deployed to Afghanistan for a year in 2012-2013. My primary vehicle was an up-armored 2012 Landcruiser. I drove it all over in Kabul, between Kabul and Bagram, and as far as they would let me go without having to put together a more serious convoy or take rotary. It was probably stupid of me to do that at the time, but as far as I know while driving my white Landcruiser, nothing bad ever happened to me. It also got me out of some jams when I'm fairly positive the other fleet vehicles would have had an issue. I loved that thing, and while I was glad for my deployment to end, I missed my vehicle.

Since then, my use scenario has never really suited an 200-series. When I was single I had smaller, faster, more fun cars (GTI, Golf R, Macan, 350Z, stuff like that). In 2019 when I moved to Colorado, and our family started growing, I took on larger vehicles as my secondary project cars. I restored a high-mileage 2002 Sequoia and made it into my mountain transport for the family for our ski trips. On a lark, I built up a 2500-series Suburban with the 8.1L Vortec, to serve the same purpose. We moved to DC, and I went back to just having one primary car. Because of my commute and driving scenario, I lease an EV (a Hyundai Ioniq 5). It's perfectly fine, works great, no issues. I now have orders to Hawaii, leaving in late June 2025. I'll need to turn my lease in before that, and get something to take to Oahu. My wife drives a Volkswagen ID.4, which we own outright, and which we'll take to Oahu also. We are allowed to transport two cars (both of us are active duty, we met in Afghanistan, another connection to my previously beloved LC200).

I've been kicking around a lot of things to potentially get here stateside and prep for going to Oahu. My wife wants a vehicle that can potentially seat 7, so we can drive ourselves, our two kids, and some visitors around the island. I want to get the kids outside more (they are 3 and 5 right now) and Hawaii is a great place to do that. My commute will be very short (<10 miles a day), and we'll have the ID.4 for my wife's longer commute (~30 miles a day). On Oahu, Tacomas and 4Runners are INSANELY popular. I figured a 200-series would be also, for the same reasons (reliability, capability, etc). Then I went to see how they do on the used market there and saw...none. Zero. Literally none listed for sale, at all, on the common sites.

I know that if I get a 200 series, it's not my forever car. It'll be another step in my car adventure. I don't even know if I'll bring it back to the states when our assignment ends, although I certainly can (the DoD will ship it back). I don't have any issue with bringing it back with me and maybe selling it before I start whatever the job is that will start in summer 2027. What I don't want to do, is show up on the island and all of a sudden realize "OH, THIS is why nobody has these here...." and put myself in a bad spot. So, I guess I have three questions:

(1) Do any of you know why a 200-series would not be a popular vehicle to have in this setting?
(2) Am I right to target a vehicle like my baby from Afghanistan (basically a 2010-205 LC or LX570, preferably white exterior)?
(3) If I get one, anything in particular I should be looking to do while I'm here stateside, with my tools, and able to prepare the vehicle for the 2 years in HI?

 

[Aloha Jen]

The reason why you don’t see them (LC200) for sale here in Hawaii is because they never sold very many here to begin with. Actually, Toyota never sold very many 200s in any state on the mainland. The reason here in Hawaii was most likely the cost. 200s were $85k-$100k vehicles, and the vast majority of the population here could not afford that price point. The people that could, and bought a 200 series, most likely still have it!
I’ve been pretty in tune with Land Cruiser sales over the last 10 years here on Oahu (I own 5), and 200 series rarely come up for sale…simply because there just isn’t very many of them and people hold on to them. But the 200 series would be great out here in this setting, it’s basically designed for it. I have an 80 series LC that seats 8 for the very reason you described above…except it’s an 80 series and has no problem touring the more rugged off-road areas.
If you get one stateside to ship here, I don’t think you need to any special prep before bringing it out here. I would only suggest if you are getting an aftermarket roof rack, front or rear bumpers, upgraded suspension kits, etc… that you get those on the mainland because shipping large parts like those is crazy expensive. If not going that route, just ship it out and enjoy it for your limited time here.

 

[coleAK]

Thank you for your service, Still active duty? We were stationed there twice over the last 24 years.

Will you be owing a home there?

We also own a place on Oahu and live there 2-4 months a year. I have my 200 in Alaska and would never want one on island. And You are not going to off road. The island is small, there are very few roads, Gas is super expensive, traffic is awful, roads are small and tight, parking is small and tight, space in general is small and tight, and most of your driving will be <45 mph or stopped if traffic. For these reasons you don’t see many large SUVs, way more vans, the large suvs you do see are mostly lifted Escalades on 24’s+ on MT ties with black out tint. I live in one of the “more exclusive” areas on the island and most people drive EVs, sedans, and the larger family rigs are vans.

if you are owning a home there or can charge where you live I can’t stress how good EVs are on Oahu. Range dosn't matter as to drive >100 mile you are just going in circles, weather is temperate year round, almost no high speed driving, if you are going to sell when you leave demand for EVs is high…. I have a standard range model 3 over there and most of the time can get 15-20% better then rated range. Model Y 3 row?

 

[DRCocaCola]

I'd buy a 200 to have shipped and do any mods before it goes. Then sell it for a profit before you come back. There's just not that many available so it would be bring a nice premium.

 

[coleAK]

I'd buy a 200 to have shipped and do any mods before it goes. Then sell it for a profit before you come back. There's just not that many available so it would be bring a nice premium.

I think if turning a profit is a thought a van or used 3 row EV (Rivian R1S? Or model X) would be way easier and lower risk.

Think about it. If ton of money was to be made on used LCs, used car lots would be importing them from the lower 48 and selling them.

Most People with $$$ don’t buy gas guzzler SUVs on island, if they do it is new range rovers, RR Cullians, Lamborghini Uris (which there are at least 6-8 around me),…. And a ton of Rivian and model X.

 

[DRCocaCola]

OP stated he has an emotional connection to the LC200, especially in white. I would think a decent, rust free 200 with a lift and some 35s, roof bars with pads for surf boards would sell in less than a day. And it would comfortably seat 7 during his tour to paradise.

 

[Aloha Jen]

 

[jpeterferrell]

These are all great points. Yes, I'm active duty, so is my wife. We'll be there July 2025 - July 2027. We are definitely EV fans, if not EV apologists. I've owned a Model S, Model Y, BMW i3, and now our family ID.4 and my Ioniq 5. We are very much in on EV. That said, my wife is fairly insistent that one of us have a 7 passenger vehicle for this tour, and in the EV world this leaves a Kia EV9, a VW ID.Buzz, and a Tesla Model Y with the third row. I had very bad experiences with both of my previous Teslas, and have no desire to own another. The ID.Buzz is new enough to where I would have to buy new, and I think I'd get CRUSHED on depreciation. The EV9 is an option...but I'm afraid the used ones I could find still have lots of short term depreciating to do.

You are correct, we will be living on Oahu. I'm sure we'll live in military housing one way or another (either on JBPHH or in the Navy/USMC run housing close by), we will not be renting or buying on the economy. I won't know my charging situation until I'm there. I think we can probably be fine with L1 charging if we have to, for my wife, but having two EVs without a home charging station would be problematic.

I have never been to Oahu. I don't know how much of a pain in the neck it would be to navigate around with something the size of an LC200. I figured it couldn't be TOO bad, since everyone runs around in Tacomas, which are similar exterior dimensions? But I'm happy to hear alternatives...but the whole discussion is predicated on "you will have something that is a 7 passenger vehicle."

 

[AcmeSys]

Fond memories of stooging around JBAD and N2KL in a low profile 200 that screamed "Team America". Spurred my CONUS 200 buy years later after I needed something for a family ride..

Buy one to scratch the itch but know the tinnitus causing rattles will magically be absent in the CIV ones and the nerf bars and hardened frame horns are not there if you want to give a love tap.

 

[coleAK]

These are all great points. Yes, I'm active duty, so is my wife. We'll be there July 2025 - July 2027. We are definitely EV fans, if not EV apologists. I've owned a Model S, Model Y, BMW i3, and now our family ID.4 and my Ioniq 5. We are very much in on EV. That said, my wife is fairly insistent that one of us have a 7 passenger vehicle for this tour, and in the EV world this leaves a Kia EV9, a VW ID.Buzz, and a Tesla Model Y with the third row. I had very bad experiences with both of my previous Teslas, and have no desire to own another. The ID.Buzz is new enough to where I would have to buy new, and I think I'd get CRUSHED on depreciation. The EV9 is an option...but I'm afraid the used ones I could find still have lots of short term depreciating to do.

You are correct, we will be living on Oahu. I'm sure we'll live in military housing one way or another (either on JBPHH or in the Navy/USMC run housing close by), we will not be renting or buying on the economy. I won't know my charging situation until I'm there. I think we can probably be fine with L1 charging if we have to, for my wife, but having two EVs without a home charging station would be problematic.

I have never been to Oahu. I don't know how much of a pain in the neck it would be to navigate around with something the size of an LC200. I figured it couldn't be TOO bad, since everyone runs around in Tacomas, which are similar exterior dimensions? But I'm happy to hear alternatives...but the whole discussion is predicated on "you will have something that is a 7 passenger vehicle."

We have level 2 charging for the 3 in Alaska but charge the model 3 in Hawaii off level 1 (a 110 outlet in our garage).

Thought about a Used Rivian R1S? My buddy is a dire hard cruser guy and after he got his R1s sold his 200 and 80 (still has a 40).

Both bases have decent housing, and enjoy your time there. My wife is still active duty (almost 25 years now), we bought our place last time she PCSed there ~16 years ago, now that we are in a different stage (2 kids in college) we spend more time there. Heck with military housing an EV you will charge for free at home.


You will not drive many miles but will spend a lot of time sitting in traffic, especially going in and out of Honolulu. Gas is approaching $6 a gallon most of the time.

I would ask your self what vehicle do want to sit in traffic in. If it’s a 200 series? I would say get a 2017+ LX570 that has the better Traffic aware cruise control.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

This one might still be FS in Hilo. Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2658994774302960

Registration fees are based on weight, so that's one disincentive for owning one. Also, parking spaces in shopping areas tend to be small. I've seen a couple 200 series around Hilo/Puna. Not many land cruisers overall, however. Aloha Jen on Oahu and sofj45 in Puna are notable outliers with their outstanding collections of 20th century examples.

 

[AcmeSys]

FYSA- If it must fit 7- the third row on the 200 is small compared to the full size suburban that can seat 7 normal humans plus a trunk monkey. Try it out before you get dead set on one.

 

[Aloha Jen]

These are all great points. Yes, I'm active duty, so is my wife. We'll be there July 2025 - July 2027. We are definitely EV fans, if not EV apologists. I've owned a Model S, Model Y, BMW i3, and now our family ID.4 and my Ioniq 5. We are very much in on EV. That said, my wife is fairly insistent that one of us have a 7 passenger vehicle for this tour, and in the EV world this leaves a Kia EV9, a VW ID.Buzz, and a Tesla Model Y with the third row. I had very bad experiences with both of my previous Teslas, and have no desire to own another. The ID.Buzz is new enough to where I would have to buy new, and I think I'd get CRUSHED on depreciation. The EV9 is an option...but I'm afraid the used ones I could find still have lots of short term depreciating to do.

You are correct, we will be living on Oahu. I'm sure we'll live in military housing one way or another (either on JBPHH or in the Navy/USMC run housing close by), we will not be renting or buying on the economy. I won't know my charging situation until I'm there. I think we can probably be fine with L1 charging if we have to, for my wife, but having two EVs without a home charging station would be problematic.

I have never been to Oahu. I don't know how much of a pain in the neck it would be to navigate around with something the size of an LC200. I figured it couldn't be TOO bad, since everyone runs around in Tacomas, which are similar exterior dimensions? But I'm happy to hear alternatives...but the whole discussion is predicated on "you will have something that is a 7 passenger vehicle."

The size of the 200 is not a pain at all, please be wary of people that never get out of Honolulu that tell you that. I’ve have an 80 series, 60 series and 4 door long bed Tacoma (all similar over all size as 200) for over 10 years out here . Plus, you will see thousands of 4Runners, Sequoias, Tundras, and Suburbans (last 3 are larger then a 200) all over the island finding it easy to Navigate our roads around the island. Having a 7 passenger vehicle is key to touring around family/visitors, so I would highly recommend it if you are expecting company.

If you do end up coming, try your best to stay out of Honolulu/Waikiki, it’s a zoo and always congested with tourists. There are some decent restaurants and nightlife there, but there are far better beaches and places to go then Honolulu/Waikiki area. I live on the North shore of Oahu (It’s quiet and peaceful there and I love it) and there are hundreds of good beaches along the north and east sides of the island. If you are staying at JBPHH area, it’s a beautiful 20 minute drive to the east side near Kaneohe and Kailua, you will like it over there and H3 rarely has traffic. If people tell you they are always stuck in traffic on the whole island, they are either mistaken or not aware of when you take certain routes (basically like any metropolitan area on the mainland, choosing to go to your destination at rush hour is a foolish choice). Yes, sometimes traffic is unavoidable…but it’s much nicer when you are in the comfort of a Land Cruiser. Oh, and I’ve never paid for gas at $6 a gallon on Oahu. I just filled up today at and it was $3.69 a gallon (which is cheaper then California when I was there last week visiting). It’s been around the price for the last year, so again be wary of your information from tourists/visitors that may not know all the secrets that local residents might know.

 

[hoser]

I visit Oahu regularly and agree with what @Aloha Jen says. I don't think vehicle size will be an issue. A 200 would certainly get the attention of Toyota folks... amongst the sea of Tacomas/4Runners. Fuel might be more than what you are used to paying but you probably won't rack up that many miles... the island is only so large.

But one feature about some electric vehicle is you can keep the interior temp cool while the vehicle is unattended. That would be very useful!

 

[Adrenaline6]

I'm originally from Hawaii and still have family and friends there. One of them saw an LX for sale about a year ago when he was looking, but that was it. There are definitely challenging places to go if you so desire. Mud is a bitch there.

Everything Toyota there is overpriced on O'ahu because it is run by one company (Servco). No competition is allowed because it is an "old boys" network and they are in with the politicians who protect them from any competition coming in. Corrupt as hell. Toyota is crazy popular though. The people just get reamed though and are willing slaves to the corrupt system because of their unions.

 

[coleAK]

I'm originally from Hawaii and still have family and friends there. One of them saw an LX for sale about a year ago when he was looking, but that was it. There are definitely challenging places to go if you so desire. Mud is a bitch there.

Everything Toyota there is overpriced on O'ahu because it is run by one company (Servco). No competition is allowed because it is an "old boys" network and they are in with the politicians who protect them from any competition coming in. Corrupt as hell. Toyota is crazy popular though. The people just get reamed though and are willing slaves to the corrupt system because of their unions.

Haha. Isn’t everything on island like that?

I needed a dishwasher last year, between all the costcos, Home Depot’s, Lowe’s, Best Buy, fergusons, and the local shops there were 2 dishwashers on the island at that time. An island of almost 1million people. One was $8k the other was a basic white one at Best Buy for $1500. Everything else was 2-3 months out. We weren’t going to be back for a little while so I waited three months to get a dishwasher that matched our appliances.

My primary residence the last 16 years is in rural Alaska. Which is way harder to access and way more isolated than Hawaii. Also, the entire state of Alaska has roughly 2/3 the people as the island of Oahu in an area the size of the entire lower 48. It is exponentially easier to get things in Alaska and everything is 20 to 30% cheaper in Alaska than in Hawaii.

In terms of traffic. Most people that live on the island are oblivious to how bad their traffic is. Every road almost all the time I also live on the North Shore and avoid Honolulu like the plague. It’s been great that there are more things available in Pearl city and Kapolei so I don’t have to go into Honolulu often.

 

[Adrenaline6]

Haha. Isn’t everything on island like that?

I needed a dishwasher last year, between all the costcos, Home Depot’s, Lowe’s, Best Buy, fergusons, and the local shops there were 2 dishwashers on the island at that time. An island of almost 1million people. One was $8k the other was a basic white one at Best Buy for $1500. Everything else was 2-3 months out. We weren’t going to be back for a little while so I waited three months to get a dishwasher that matched our appliances.

My primary residence the last 16 years is in rural Alaska. Which is way harder to access and way more isolated than Hawaii. Also, the entire state of Alaska has roughly 2/3 the people as the island of Oahu in an area the size of the entire lower 48. It is exponentially easier to get things in Alaska and everything is 20 to 30% cheaper in Alaska than in Hawaii.

In terms of traffic. Most people that live on the island are oblivious to how bad their traffic is. Every road almost all the time I also live on the North Shore and avoid Honolulu like the plague. It’s been great that there are more things available in Pearl city and Kapolei so I don’t have to go into Honolulu often.

Yea... I lived in Makakilo most of my life. Also lived in Waianae (I know. But I'm local so it wasn't bad at all for me...I fit right in...lol) and Ewa Beach.

It took me 45 minutes to go 16 miles from Ewa Beach to the Mapunapuna area in 2004. I can't imagine what is like now.

 

[Adrenaline6]

The size of the 200 is not a pain at all, please be wary of people that never get out of Honolulu that tell you that. I’ve have an 80 series, 60 series and 4 door long bed Tacoma (all similar over all size as 200) for over 10 years out here . Plus, you will see thousands of 4Runners, Sequoias, Tundras, and Suburbans (last 3 are larger then a 200) all over the island finding it easy to Navigate our roads around the island. Having a 7 passenger vehicle is key to touring around family/visitors, so I would highly recommend it if you are expecting company.

If you do end up coming, try your best to stay out of Honolulu/Waikiki, it’s a zoo and always congested with tourists. There are some decent restaurants and nightlife there, but there are far better beaches and places to go then Honolulu/Waikiki area. I live on the North shore of Oahu (It’s quiet and peaceful there and I love it) and there are hundreds of good beaches along the north and east sides of the island. If you are staying at JBPHH area, it’s a beautiful 20 minute drive to the east side near Kaneohe and Kailua, you will like it over there and H3 rarely has traffic. If people tell you they are always stuck in traffic on the whole island, they are either mistaken or not aware of when you take certain routes (basically like any metropolitan area on the mainland, choosing to go to your destination at rush hour is a foolish choice). Yes, sometimes traffic is unavoidable…but it’s much nicer when you are in the comfort of a Land Cruiser. Oh, and I’ve never paid for gas at $6 a gallon on Oahu. I just filled up today at and it was $3.69 a gallon (which is cheaper then California when I was there last week visiting). It’s been around the price for the last year, so again be wary of your information from tourists/visitors that may not know all the secrets that local residents might know.

Good to see someone in Hawaii representing. A female no less. Awesome.

 

[Hehena]

Long time Kauaian here, Tacos, 4Runners, and Rav4s dominate.

My advice, skip the sentimental and buy something once you're here. You'll save 3k+ in cross county/cross ocean shipping.

 

[Adrenaline6]

Long time Kauaian here, Tacos, 4Runners, and Rav4s dominate.

My advice, skip the sentimental and buy something once you're here. You'll save 3k+ in cross county/cross ocean shipping.

Sweet. My Father's side of the family is from Anahola. My favorite place growing up.

The problem is he wants a 200. Everything a Taco and 4runner can do, so can a 200.