Over a month ago I posted that I was starting the search for a 200. Yesterday, I found what I was looking for!
The newest member of my family is a 2018, Pearl White LC200!
The very long story is that in August 2019, my 2002 Chevy Tahoe (that I'd had for 14 years) sprung a leak in it's air conditioner. We had it lifted with BFG KO2s put on and those were on their last tread. Steering was loose and the tie-rods were shot. We decided that instead of fixing it up, we'd get something new. At the time, I knew I wanted something for overlanding. I tried a 4Runner, but being 6'3" tall and stout, it was not a comfortable fit. So I went with what I thought was the next best thing. A Sequoia! I was dead set on it. But as I started researching the Sequoia's overlanding mods (or small amount that I could find), I came upon a Land Cruiser. Before that, if you had pointed out a Land Rover, I would have easily mixed up the name for a Land Cruiser. That's how out of the loop I was. I started reading more and more and watching videos (thank you Andres St. Pierre White). When I discovered the activity in the 200 forums here on MUD, I think that hooked me. Unfortunately, it was still out of our budget range, so we got a 2017 Sequoia.
Driving the Sequoia was nice enough, but it was just a behemoth. It was gigantic. It was too big. But we had to deal with it. I kept pining after a Land Cruiser. My 3 year old son and I would watch hours of videos on LCs. We would point them out on the road.
A month ago, my wife and I had a random discussion about replacing the Sequoia. We did some math and realized we could afford up to a certain price point. Not a new LC, but something darned close. The search began! It culminated last week when I saw one that was local, in the color I wanted, and the model year. We waited over the weekend as I had work. Yesterday, the car was still on Auto Trader. I emailed the dealership, and after a few text messages and text bargaining, we came up with an agreeable price. We picked it up last night!
The car is so nice to drive. Looks great in our garage, too (which is how you know you made the right choice!). It has all the features that I was looking for. Soft open tailgate, power lift gate, capacitive touchscreen (which only became an option in the middle of the 2018 year, I believe), remote start and it was white! Only thing I didn't get was rubber floor mats, but I think that's easily fixed. It drives wonderfully. The only issues I have right now are:
I know this was a long post, but I wanted to thank you all for all the ideas and inspiration. Our family's fun is just getting started!
Only question left is, what do I name him?
The newest member of my family is a 2018, Pearl White LC200!
The very long story is that in August 2019, my 2002 Chevy Tahoe (that I'd had for 14 years) sprung a leak in it's air conditioner. We had it lifted with BFG KO2s put on and those were on their last tread. Steering was loose and the tie-rods were shot. We decided that instead of fixing it up, we'd get something new. At the time, I knew I wanted something for overlanding. I tried a 4Runner, but being 6'3" tall and stout, it was not a comfortable fit. So I went with what I thought was the next best thing. A Sequoia! I was dead set on it. But as I started researching the Sequoia's overlanding mods (or small amount that I could find), I came upon a Land Cruiser. Before that, if you had pointed out a Land Rover, I would have easily mixed up the name for a Land Cruiser. That's how out of the loop I was. I started reading more and more and watching videos (thank you Andres St. Pierre White). When I discovered the activity in the 200 forums here on MUD, I think that hooked me. Unfortunately, it was still out of our budget range, so we got a 2017 Sequoia.
Driving the Sequoia was nice enough, but it was just a behemoth. It was gigantic. It was too big. But we had to deal with it. I kept pining after a Land Cruiser. My 3 year old son and I would watch hours of videos on LCs. We would point them out on the road.
A month ago, my wife and I had a random discussion about replacing the Sequoia. We did some math and realized we could afford up to a certain price point. Not a new LC, but something darned close. The search began! It culminated last week when I saw one that was local, in the color I wanted, and the model year. We waited over the weekend as I had work. Yesterday, the car was still on Auto Trader. I emailed the dealership, and after a few text messages and text bargaining, we came up with an agreeable price. We picked it up last night!
The car is so nice to drive. Looks great in our garage, too (which is how you know you made the right choice!). It has all the features that I was looking for. Soft open tailgate, power lift gate, capacitive touchscreen (which only became an option in the middle of the 2018 year, I believe), remote start and it was white! Only thing I didn't get was rubber floor mats, but I think that's easily fixed. It drives wonderfully. The only issues I have right now are:
- Brakes. They're much different than the Sequoia. I know I'll get used to it.
- Dent. There's a tiny dent in the rear passenger door. I'm OK with it as there is no paint damage and I bet it could be popped out easily enough.
- Driver's Seat Position. This is the one I struggle with in every car (except the '02 Tahoe). Being 6'3, I have to move the seat back fairly far just so my knees aren't up in the steering wheel or resting hard against the START button panel. I'm still playing with the controls, but I think I'm getting close. I wish that lumbar support came out a bit farther.
I know this was a long post, but I wanted to thank you all for all the ideas and inspiration. Our family's fun is just getting started!
Only question left is, what do I name him?
