Hey buddy.. From one 3rd gen T4R owner to another, what's the transition expectation going from your 3rd gen to the LX450. I've had some mighty temptations lately and have been wanting one. However, as built as my 3rd gen is I'm having problems letting go. Especially cus I've dumped way too much money in it to just have to start all over again. I just don't want to have any remorse or regrets if I were to make the switch. With that said, are you happy about the switch? I'm sure you miss the 4Runner at times, but what do you miss more/less and what parts make you feel like you did the right thing?
Thanks
Hey man, good to hear from you over here!
First off, I'll admit, my seat time in the Cruiser is minimal at best, in comparison to how much I wheeled the 4Runner.
That being said:
CONS
- It sucks starting over. I was ready/planning 35's and a crawl box on the 4Runner if I was going to keep it. It was pretty much "done" when I sold it and it was so nice just being able to enjoy the vehicle and go explore. Don't get me wrong, i LOVE building vehicles but sometime I forget actually how much labor/time/money went into creating the 4Runner. Now I'm given a reality check with the LX.
- Solid Axle is terrible on washboards: this might be because I have absolutely sh** shocks, but I could instantly see the difference in regular drivability when going to the LX. Not that I'm a baja racer but even running logging or forestry access roads in the LX are way more painful than the 4Runner ever was. I mean I expected it not to be as good as the IFS but I won't even tempt such roads now in the LX unless my tires are below 25psi
- It's gutless, more so than my 4Runner... lol
- I might be the only one, but I think it "feels" like an old vehicle compared to my 4Runner, despite it being only a year in age difference. The LX feels more like my old 94' Yota pickup. However some of that might go back to the suspension differences
PROS
- it's a tank. And it's awesome. LOL It's just a bigger and more solid feeling rig. With the drawbacks of the SA as you drive on the pavement, come the advantages offroad. I find it way more comfortable in really off-camber situations and front wheel travel is improved. Although I dont have any travel numbers to confirm that.
- Even in my LX's half-built form, without bumpers, it turns heads all the time. They are more rare than 4Runners and I am constantly catching people pointing and gawking. I guess it's just cool seeing people appreciate the Cruiser, cause like I said, it's awesome!
- Interior space: this was one of my biggest draws to this platform. I just wanted more room especially headroom. The rear quarters are way taller and are going to be so much less cramped when my sleeping platform is done.
- Ability to run 37" Tires without that much work.... 35's are easy.
- Rear sliding windows are super cool if you plan on sleeping inside and the rear tail gate vs. hatch is a god-send.
I think as far as reliability is concerned they would be on par. Although the 4Runner definitely requires less baby-sitting of small maintenance items. PHH, head gasket issues, bad wiper seals are always something in the back of my head. Gas mileage is slightly worse in the LX but not by much. One of the big movers for me was the fact that my LX is an Arizona vehicle and completely rust free and it had lower miles. I've always wanted an 80 and the timing was perfect. The truck fell into my lap and I wasn't even looking.... My circumstances have also changed, having a DD and the LX as my "play" vehicle is awesome. I think if I didnt have the dedicated DD I honestly would have been happier in the 4Runner. I think you also have a DD?? Hope something within that ramble helps...
