Thoughts From the 200 Crew On the LC250 Reveal (9 Viewers)

[Girl Dad of 3]

A GX550 gas nearly the same gas mileage (when factoring in premium gas), size and weight.

True. One of the reasons why I will probably look to other makes/models (Audi q7 and Genesis GV80 look good to me or go electric like Rivian R1S or Model X) when my current daily driver lease expires.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

Just here to say leasing is dumb.

Why do you think that? To me it depends on the vehicle. You don’t want to own some of these vehicles long term but they are nice to drive when they are new and you pay less for a lease.

 

[krice118]

I just can’t get behind paying ~$30k over 3 years and have no car to show for it. I also drive 15-20k per year so wouldn’t want mileage restrictions

I have however dumped $$28k into a 98 100 series over the last 10 years

Idk paid off our cars early and like having no payments.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

I just can’t get behind paying ~$30k over 3 years and have no car to show for it. I also drive 15-20k per year so wouldn’t want mileage restrictions

I have however dumped $$28k into a 98 100 series over the last 10 years

Idk paid off our cars early and like having no payments.

That makes perfect sense, as long as you buy a good car at a fair price. You're also more at risk if you have maintenance issues or accidents.

The economics of buying vs leasing are complicated. The cash payments over 3-4 years are significantly less on a lease. Little to no down payment, and a monthly payment that is much lower than a typical finance payment. If invested, the cash you save can generate returns that outpace the interest rate. So it's arguably a more economical approach, and you get a new car every few years with a complete covered warranty.

The mileage restrictions are a problem though. I usually put about 10-12k on my daily so that makes it more feasible.

 

[DrivenLyfe]

I just can’t get behind paying ~$30k over 3 years and have no car to show for it. I also drive 15-20k per year so wouldn’t want mileage restrictions

I have however dumped $$28k into a 98 100 series over the last 10 years

Idk paid off our cars early and like having no payments.

That makes perfect sense, as long as you buy a good car at a fair price. You're also more at risk if you have maintenance issues or accidents.

The economics of buying vs leasing are complicated. The cash payments over 3-4 years are significantly less on a lease. Little to no down payment, and a monthly payment that is much lower than a typical finance payment. If invested, the cash you save can generate returns that outpace the interest rate. So it's arguably a more economical approach, and you get a new car every few years with a complete covered warranty.

The mileage restrictions are a problem though. I usually put about 10-12k on my daily so that makes it more feasible.

Agreed. Personal vs company vehicle can be a factor here as well.


I have a friend with a GX550 and it is really nice. I also like the torque down low from the TT V6. That said it doesn’t feel as sturdy as the 200. The tech and seats are certainly an improvement over the 200 though.

I agree with what has been stated in that they’re nice vehicles that would be suitable for DD and ability to hit some lighter trails.

 

[krice118]

Why do you think that? To me it depends on the vehicle. You don’t want to own some of these vehicles long term but they are nice to drive when they are new and you pay less for a lease.

That makes perfect sense, as long as you buy a good car at a fair price. You're also more at risk if you have maintenance issues or accidents.

The economics of buying vs leasing are complicated. The cash payments over 3-4 years are significantly less on a lease. Little to no down payment, and a monthly payment that is much lower than a typical finance payment. If invested, the cash you save can generate returns that outpace the interest rate. So it's arguably a more economical approach, and you get a new car every few years with a complete covered warranty.

The mileage restrictions are a problem though. I usually put about 10-12k on my daily so that makes it more feasible.

I appreciate your comments. It is a complex decision. I prefer to stay out of dealerships and finance managers offices

I too and a GD of 2 thoigh

The LX570 is great for us- the lc250/ GX second row is simply too small for our use- big dog 2 car seats. And usually a parent back with the kids.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

I appreciate your comments. It is a complex decision. I prefer to stay out of dealerships and finance managers offices

I too and a GD of 2 thoigh

The LX570 is great for us- the lc250/ GX second row is simply too small for our use- big dog 2 car seats. And usually a parent back with the kids.

Absolutely! I'm thrilled to own one. Really excited about all the adventures my girls and I will have with it for many years to come.

 

[Gazziza]

Weighing in here as a recent 200 series (2020 LX) purchaser that contemplated getting a GX 550 or LC 250.

It depends what you are buying the vehicle for. If you want something built like a tank that will go anywhere and last forever, it has to be the 200. The new GX and LC 250 are not remotely in the same class as the older models.

However, I would not want the 200 as a daily driver. Old tech, gas mileage, size and weight. For daily driving and light duty, i would consider leasing not buying the new GX or LC. It’s a nice looking vehicle that can handle that kind of work well.

With that said, however, the things that have distinguished the Land Cruiser nameplate are the former qualities. If you’re not getting that rugged durability, strength, and go-anywhere-do-anything, you’re not getting the best of an LC. There are plenty of other options that can do what a GX 550 or LC 250 can do, and perhaps better.

For a high tech daily driver light duty lease, an Audi Q7 or Genesis GV80 (and many other vehicles) can do what the GX and LC do.

Bottom line; If you want a real land crusher, get a 200 series. If you want a nice SUV and like the look and feel of the GX / LC 250, it’s a fine choice but there are a lot of good options in that space.

I disagree. I daily a 200 series and it's paid off. The cost of buying another vehicle for a DD along with insurance premiums, maintenance and upkeep is not worth it. There's no reason for me to buy another car for a DD or lease anything else. The cost savings in gas is lost when you trade in a paid off vehicle for a new fuel friendly one that you'll have to make payments on.

What other options compare to a GX550 or LC250? Bronco, Wrangler, Ineos and Defender 110 are kinda all in the same boat as the LC250/GX550. We're talking about body on frame truck that has proper 4WD, rear lockers, disconnecting sway bars and a bevy of off-road goodies, aftermarket parts and capable of running 35" tires. The LC250/GX550 is not as robust in terms of stoutness/durability as compared to a 200 series but in terms of off-road capability it is just as good if not better. Again, having a proper locking rear differential makes the difference here. Are you saying LC250/GX550's are light duty off-roaders? Are you really here suggesting an Audi Q7 or Genesis GV80 is as capable of an off-roader as an LC250/GX550? I guess you didn't see Dissent Off-Road build up the new Land Cruiser 250 and take it on the Rubicon. Yeah lemme see that Audi Q7 or Genesis GV80 try do some easy like the White Rim Trail.

I'm glad you like your 200, I have one and I do too. But lets not act like the LC250/GX550 is a Bronco Sport...

 

[xeuxaz]

A GX550 gas nearly the same gas mileage (when factoring in premium gas), size and weight.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

I disagree. I daily a 200 series and it's paid off. The cost of buying another vehicle for a DD along with insurance premiums, maintenance and upkeep is not worth it. There's no reason for me to buy another car for a DD or lease anything else. The cost savings in gas is lost when you trade in a paid off vehicle for a new fuel friendly one that you'll have to make payments on.

What other options compare to a GX550 or LC250? Bronco, Wrangler, Ineos and Defender 110 are kinda all in the same boat as the LC250/GX550. We're talking about body on frame truck that has proper 4WD, rear lockers, disconnecting sway bars and a bevy of off-road goodies, aftermarket parts and capable of running 35" tires. The LC250/GX550 is not as robust in terms of stoutness/durability as compared to a 200 series but in terms of off-road capability it is just as good if not better. Again, having a proper locking rear differential makes the difference here. Are you saying LC250/GX550's are light duty off-roaders? Are you really here suggesting an Audi Q7 or Genesis GV80 is as capable of an off-roader as an LC250/GX550? I guess you didn't see Dissent Off-Road build up the new Land Cruiser 250 and take it on the Rubicon. Yeah lemme see that Audi Q7 or Genesis GV80 try do some easy like the White Rim Trail.

I'm glad you like your 200, I have one and I do too. But lets not act like the LC250/GX550 is a Bronco Sport...

That’s fair. It’s definitely a luxury to have more than one vehicle. The GX 550 / LC 250 is a really good pick for its versatility and ability to do a little bit of everything especially if it’s the only car. I wasn’t trying to knock it. It can be a daily driver, shuttle the family cross country, and take you off road. Not a bad combination at all.

That said, for lighter duty, I prefer the GX 460 over the new models since you can get a gently used one for a song and it’s got a V8. I also think the design might stand the test of time better than the trendy boxier design. If I were buying a GX, I’d go with a ‘22 GX that some old lady just returned off a lease.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

That’s fair. It’s definitely a luxury to have more than one vehicle. The GX 550 / LC 250 is a really good pick for its versatility and ability to do a little bit of everything especially if it’s the only car. I wasn’t trying to knock it. It can be a daily driver, shuttle the family cross country, and take you off road. Not a bad combination at all.

Your location matters too. City dwelling warm weather flatlanders like me don’t need their daily to handle anything but pavement and rain. You folks that live in colder climes and mountains need more capability out of all of your vehicles to handle the weather and terrain.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I'll add a little bit here on thoughts between the two after owning the GX. The following is an exert from a PM conversation I had with another member:

The GX Overtrail+ is a great truck; but it ultimately felt a little hollow to me when compared to my 200 and even my 100. The driving experience is good, power is plentiful and the truck is overall quite comfortable. I found that my 200 and 100 felt a little smoother on certain roads and stretches of highway. The GX felt skiddish on certain parts of i70 between Arvada and downtown. Granted my KO2s were adding to this, but I couldn't shake the feeling the the GX was too lightweight.

My 200 isn't fully built, but its heavy with skids, sliders, and a hidden winch and it always feels well composed on all roads.

The technology and creature comforts are leaps and bounds ahead of the 200 but the feel of materials and build quality are higher in the 200. Safety sense 3.0 is the real deal as the truck basically drove itself from Tulsa to Denver and did a remarkable job with lane tracing.

Being a 250 series, it really did feel only like a half step successor to the 200. So on a whim I went and test drove an LX600 at Stevinson Lexus for a couple hours around town. It TRULY felt like the successor to the 200 (sans tailgate).

To summarize it all; I've sold the GX recently and I will be taking delivery on an LX7 here in the next month.

Hope this helps, reach out if you have more specific questions. I got 6,000 in the GX before I sold it.

 

[krice118]

I concur the Lx570 is a great daily. 200s are good at many things which is why it appeals to me. Comfy daily, can dial my suspension for pavement then on the weekends slide into comfort and high to bomb around the trails at our farm.

5.7 has great power. Can’t think of a better vehicle for my use at $35k…. Then again I am a bean counter.

 

[open country]

Now that 6G 4Runners are hitting lots, I wonder how the LC250 will fare. If you don't mind the 4 cylinder, you could save $10-20k going down to a 4Runner (basically the same size), or if you want the 6 cylinder, the GX is only a bit more. Since a lot of the legendary qualities of the LC are gone, seems like it's in a no-man's land within the lineup.

 

[ryanCA]

Now that 6G 4Runners are hitting lots, I wonder how the LC250 will fare. If you don't mind the 4 cylinder, you could save $10-20k going down to a 4Runner (basically the same size), or if you want the 6 cylinder, the GX is only a bit more. Since a lot of the legendary qualities of the LC are gone, seems like it's in a no-man's land within the lineup.

4runner guys will keep buying 4runners

americans who have no clue what a prado is will buy the 250 so they can say they own a land cruiser

winner = toyota due to gullible americans

gx = suburban women will keep buying

 

[ryanCA]

I concur the Lx570 is a great daily. 200s are good at many things which is why it appeals to me. Comfy daily, can dial my suspension for pavement then on the weekends slide into comfort and high to bomb around the trails at our farm.

5.7 has great power. Can’t think of a better vehicle for my use at $35k…. Then again I am a bean counter.

hallelulah....

cant afford 35k, my $17k 200 is fantastic......

 

[MRego]

4runner guys will keep buying 4runners

americans who have no clue what a prado is will buy the 250 so they can say they own a land cruiser

winner = toyota due to gullible americans

gx = suburban women will keep buying

Perfectly put.

 

[Zill]

Keep in mind, the 250 looks a hell of a lot better than the new 4Runner with it’s underbite and weird body lines (3rd window not being in line with the rest).

Aesthetics drive a ton of sales as well. If you see a LC 250 on the lot right next to the 4Runner, my bet is many people will take a further dive into the LC.

 

[ryanCA]

Keep in mind, the 250 looks a hell of a lot better than the new 4Runner with it’s underbite and weird body lines (3rd window not being in line with the rest).

Aesthetics drive a ton of sales as well. If you see a LC 250 on the lot right next to the 4Runner, my bet is many people will take a further dive into the LC.

I wouldn't buy either of these POS, but word on the street is 4R is more macho


and we all know how instagrammers love macho

 

[Zill]

Looking at that pic, I have no idea why anyone would say the 4Runner looks better. It’s not even close.

That’s one of the best things about the 250 is how it looks. Finally a modern vehicle that doesn’t look like it got mangled up by safety standards.

But I realize this is my opinion on this one.