Questions from a (possibly) future owner

[smokey0066]

Hi guys. Been lurking on here awhile. Currently in a 3rd gen 4runner since new (2000) and love the vehicle, however the wife is saying its old, dirty, and rusty and wants me to replace it. I said I'll take a look at what's out there.

Took a couple versions of the 4runner out and I'm thoroughly disappointed with the vehicle and ergonomics for the driver. The car sounds like a tin can when you close the door. The seating position feels like Im sunken in and can barely see over the dash. And who the heck thought putting the window switch's so high on the door. Ugh. The driving characteristics seem close to my 3rd gen though so they did something right.

So the only logical option after that was to take out a 200. Man this thing is a beast. There are some minor things I don't like such as the cooler box and the uper wide center console. 3rd row seems doable as we are shorter folks. Now onto the questions. On my test drive I noticed every time I braked there was some electronic type noise/switch going off. I might just have overly sensitive ears? Or is something else going on? Almost felt like the brakes on our hybrid just as regen kicks in. Next I noticed the power folding mirrors come in at different rates. The driver side took longer to complete than the passenger side. Are power mirrors prone to issues? Salesman wasn't very familiar with the truck and neither am I. He was telling me that this thing has a power rear window, lol. I was a Little hesitant to activate the features, push various buttons. Any tips? Should I be running through crawl control locking the diff etc?

The last thing. Is there anything I should watch for since this truck has been on the lot for over 200 days according to their computer. I'm inclined to wait on a new one or they said they could do a trade with another dealer for a newer one. I'm in no hurry and may wait for the '16 with the 8spd.

 

[bjowett]

The noise you heard was likely the hydraulic brake booster pumping up. As for the mirrors, I'll try to pay attention next I fold them... no issues with them that I have heard of. 200 days = a better deal... the only other significant things that can really have issues are the rotors rusting and the battery going flat.

 

[T4Runner]

Rule #1: you will most certainly know more about the LC200 than any Toyota sales guy. The few that I spoke to seemed to default to their Tundra and Sequoia knowledge. The guy I ended up purchasing from was at least good enough to say he didn't know the answer to my question and find out.

The 5th gen 4Runner is a nice truck but no comparison with an LC. You could almost get two 4R's for the price of one LC (although I presume the LC is more deeply discounted).

Many here concur with you re: cool box vs center console storage. Helpful homeowner tip: put milk-filled sippy cups and bottles in a ziplock bag if you're using it for such cuz the inevitable leaked milk doesn't smell like a piney air freshener.

Not sure about the brake sound you experienced. Despite the price tag, they're still typical mushy feeling Toyota brakes but they will stop the beast when necessary...

I'm squirrelly about the power mirrors too as they seem only like something to eventually die; however, I've had no issues with mine and I open and close them all the time -- it's still and LC after all... Not aware of any issues discussed on here except for I believe in the LX the automatically retract when parked.

You'll find existing LC stock sits around a while or ends up being a demo model for the dealer's wife because they don't sell (most people don't even know Toyota still makes a Land Cruiser). Aside from a few tweaks, some new color options and the aforementioned 8-speed there's not much difference between the '15 and '16MY but wait a few months and you'll be able to compare in person.

 

[Tripledave]

Like T4Runner says, you know more about the LC than any salesman on the lot plus any service tech or parts guy.

My advice would be to find someone who will allow you to drive and inspect their LC, so you have the knowledge first hand.

Plus keep hanging around here and asking questions/searching the forum.

Wierd noises when you hit the brake pedal=nothing to worry about. Every newer toyota I've owned has made a click or a whoosh upon depression of the brakes.

You will not be disappointed should you purchase a new or used 200 provided it has been taken care of.

Depending on where you live, dealers will sell at almost invoice if a vehicle has been on their lot for an extended time.

Good luck and enjoy your hunt.


Sent from my extremely unreliable mobile device using IH8MUD Forum

 

[smokey0066]

Thanks guys. The rotors were fine but the whole passenger side was covered in hard water spots because it was parked next to a sprinkler all summer. 200+ days and only ~25 miles.

My salesman wasn't very knowledgeable but I've been working with him for close to 15yrs on various Toyotas including my 4r. He just handed me the keys and said take your time with a half tank of gas.

I'm pretty sure I'll pick up a 200 after driving one. It's just a matter of finding the right one.

 

[Rando Kuruza]

Personally I like the 2016... Go in the dealerships end of November or on December 28th 2015 you will get a good deal on a 2016 model... Salesman will want a deal and so will the dealerships

 

[Desert Nomad]

The brake noise is normal and with the power mirror mirrors they shouldn't have a delay of more than 0.5 sec between the two but if you're buying new don't worry everything should be dealt with under warranty. The only thing I'd advise is get the underside rustproofed for peace of mind in the UAE almost every car salesman will throw in free rustproofing if asked. For US cruisers I don't think power tailgate was an option, have them print out a spec sheet off the vin number and you'd be able tell all the bells and whistles on it.