New here, LC shopping for the first time

[slomaro]

Hi y'all, I've been lurking and reading so I figured it was time to make an account and get serious. The land cruiser is on my list of "need to own during my life cars" and I think it's getting to be that time. I've currently got a 2018 Taco and it's honestly been great so why not go from one Toyota to another. Pics of my 2 current rides below (yes that is a Tacoma in the snow in Austin, TX):

The used market is insane right now, but hopefully that means selling the taco will more or less help me break even. I'm mostly looking at 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 LC200s and while I do my research I have some real stupid questions.

• It seems like the big difference between the 14/15 and 16/17 trucks is the electronics like blind spot assist plus the newer 8-speed trans, were any of those updates a big selling point for y'all?
• For the years I'm looking at they all have ventilated seats right? I love the ventilated seats in my corvette.
• Will I hate going from a newer fairly well optioned Tacoma to an older LC? It seems like most of my options are standard on the older cruisers.

Thanks for having me!

 

[bloc]

The ventilated seats are nothing to write home about, on any year of 200. But yes anything 13+ will have them.

All of your year ranges will feel modern “enough” (IMO) compared to that taco, maybe other than lacking CarPlay. Again 13+ has an updated gauge cluster and multi-color MFI which you stare at all the time and goes a long way toward making it feel more modern than the 08-11. But a huge difference between any 200 and the taco will be the feeling of “quality”. Everything is solid, heavy, well built. Not that the taco is bad, it’s just a different level.

 

[slomaro]

Thanks for the reply! For sure on the ventilated seats I honestly haven't heard of many cars having extra chilly seats, but any little bit helps. No carplay in my year taco anyways. So maybe a 14/15 with money left over for mods would be the way to go.

 

[Gazziza]

Hi y'all, I've been lurking and reading so I figured it was time to make an account and get serious. The land cruiser is on my list of "need to own during my life cars" and I think it's getting to be that time. I've currently got a 2018 Taco and it's honestly been great so why not go from one Toyota to another. Pics of my 2 current rides below (yes that is a Tacoma in the snow in Austin, TX):

View attachment 2694755

View attachment 2694756

The used market is insane right now, but hopefully that means selling the taco will more or less help me break even. I'm mostly looking at 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 LC200s and while I do my research I have some real stupid questions.

• It seems like the big difference between the 14/15 and 16/17 trucks is the electronics like blind spot assist plus the newer 8-speed trans, were any of those updates a big selling point for y'all?
• For the years I'm looking at they all have ventilated seats right? I love the ventilated seats in my corvette.
• Will I hate going from a newer fairly well optioned Tacoma to an older LC? It seems like most of my options are standard on the older cruisers.

Thanks for having me!

I went from a 2016 Toyota 4Runner to a 2013 Land Cruiser. Have also owned a 2013 4Runner.

• I test drove a 2016 LC prior to purchasing my 2013. I'd have to say the seat feel, modern amenities, buttons, interior quality and appearance is much nicer on the 2016+. The 2013-15's aren't bad perse but the 2016+ is much modern feeling inside. If you can swing the absurd prices on the 2016+ then that's what I'd do. I noticed on the test drive that the 8 spd felt a little sluggish. Seemed like it wanted to upshift more often and then I'd really have to get on the pedal to make it downshift and move. The 6 speed feels much more linear IMO and I enjoy it more. I have read that the 8 speed does well once you upsize tires so that might put it in the right gear ratio.
• 2013-2015's also have ventilated seats
• I don't think you'd miss too much going from a 2018 Taco to the 2013-15 LC's. You're still getting a lot standard features on the LC that the Tacoma's might not have. Entune sucks a little less on the newer versions but it still sucks. Unless you have the 2020 Tacoma with Apple Carplay/Android Auto and the LED headlights there's not much you'll miss from the Tacoma.

My opinion is that if you can afford it, go for a 2016+. If not the 2013-15 MY are excellent choices as well.

 

[Madtiger]

2016+ has BIGGER brakes in addition to the 8-speed auto.

From my other post:

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2020+: new front differential design…maybe better/stronger differential carrier??

2018+: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key (very cool) design.

2016+ LC also gains bigger front brakes, semi-aniline leather of the LX, and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

 

[slomaro]

2016+ has BIGGER brakes in addition to the 8-speed auto.

From my other post:

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2020+: new front differential design…maybe better/stronger differential carrier??

2018+: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key (very cool) design.

2016+ LC also gains bigger front brakes, semi-aniline leather of the LX, and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

Unfortunately 2018+ is probably out. Assuming I snag the 35k-ish I think my taco is worth in this insane market my budget is in the low 50s to avoid a loan. If it takes me a couple of months to find the right one and I continue saving a 2016 might be a possibility.

I didn't realize the leather changed. Hopefully I can drive both a 15 and 16 to see what the braking and interior differences feel like.

 

[bloc]

There is something to be said for having the earlier rig which is functionally 97% the same as the 8spd and bigger front brakes… and cash in your pocket for mods.

I’m in your area so if you want to see what a mildly modded 13-15 with ~160k on it feels/drives/functions like drop me a PM.

 

[slomaro]

There is something to be said for having the earlier rig which is functionally 97% the same as the 8spd and bigger front brakes… and cash in your pocket for mods.

I’m in your area so if you want to see what a mildly modded 13-15 with ~160k on it feels/drives/functions like drop me a PM.

I might take you up on that. This will probably be one of the more challenging to find vehicles I've shopped for. Putting the Taco up for sale this week though!

 

[marketShark]

@slomaro there are several of us in the 200 section local to you in ATX. Introduce yourself in the local chapter. Monthly meets are starting back up, would be a good oppty for you to check out different iterations of 200s

TX- Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin Chapter

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[slomaro]

Going to look at this tonight: Used 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale at Apple Sport Imports | VIN: JTMCY7AJ4K4085054 - https://www.applesi.com/used/Toyota/2019-Toyota-Land+Cruiser-09303f270a0e09af752dd683ef4c5d22.htm

I'm a little worried I'll really like the 2018+ LCs. I think it's priced ~$5k high, but who knows with the current market.

@slomaro there are several of us in the 200 section local to you in ATX. Introduce yourself in the local chapter. Monthly meets are starting back up, would be a good oppty for you to check out different iterations of 200s

TX- Lone Star Land Cruisers - Austin Chapter

forum.ih8mud.com

I will!

 

[Madtiger]

Going to look at this tonight: Used 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale at Apple Sport Imports | VIN: JTMCY7AJ4K4085054 - https://www.applesi.com/used/Toyota/2019-Toyota-Land+Cruiser-09303f270a0e09af752dd683ef4c5d22.htm

I'm a little worried I'll really like the 2018+ LCs. I think it's priced ~$5k high, but who knows with the current market.


I will!

That is ridiculous pricing. But like you said, this is the current market. Personally, i would wait another year and let this “bubble” crash. FYI, i paid $77k for my LC in 2019 brand new. heck, maybe i should sell mine now and not lose a single dime.

 

[slomaro]

That is ridiculous pricing. But like you said, this is the current market. Personally, i would wait another year and let this “bubble” crash. FYI, i paid $77k for my LC in 2019 brand new. heck, maybe i should sell mine now and not lose a single dime.

I think if I weren't trading in a car I'd probably wait, but the kbb instant cash offer is 10k more than what I paid for my tacoma and I think I'll be able to squeeze another couple of grand on top of that (maybe more selling privately). It'll be interesting to see how LC prices move over the next 5 years anyways.

 

[Jerz]

I sold my Taco on Tacoma World recently but kept my daily 'fun' driver . I jumped on a 2015 LC as the newer 8 speed did not interest me. To me the 2016+ appeared to go 'Americanized' with bells and whistles. Don't get me wrong the color schemes and interior choices are top notch while having all the other electronic goodies but none of that interests me. I'll echo about ventilated seats, they suck.

I sold my truck then found one on the classifieds here. The right deal will come along, just be ready to jump as they don't last long on these boards. Make sure you set up alerts when new posts come in. Private party is going to cost way less than any Stealership. Also don't bet that you will talk any Stealership down much on their price, the resale market on ALL vehicles is crazy right now.

 

[marketShark]

Going to look at this tonight: Used 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser For Sale at Apple Sport Imports | VIN: JTMCY7AJ4K4085054 - https://www.applesi.com/used/Toyota/2019-Toyota-Land+Cruiser-09303f270a0e09af752dd683ef4c5d22.htm

I'm a little worried I'll really like the 2018+ LCs. I think it's priced ~$5k high, but who knows with the current market.


I will!

@slomaro you should PM @aznxfactor He works at Charles Maund Toyota in Austin