what changes took place from 2011-2017 ?

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Guys I haven't kept up with Cruiser changes since the 100's. I haven't had one in years.

But that old itch came back again strong now. :)) I was going to buy a new Cruiser and I realized I didn't want a new one......I want to own one vehicle that I am not going to worry about scratches and nicks and small dents with. My other vehicles are high dollar machines and you worry about some dummy keying it. Or bumping a curb and ruining a $2500 dollar wheel.

It also seemed nuts to buy a new one because I want different bumpers, a winch, a lift, and bigger tires.

So I starting looking at 2011 and 2013, 2014 models

Then became curious what changes and features have come along since 2011 to the present 2017 models that people find particularly nice to have or wish they had??

What has come along that people really find great and worthwhile since 2011??

Really appreciate hearing your feedback on this. Technology has been changing so much.
 
You didn't ask for this but I'll start a little 200 history for you to help. Only difference between an 08-11 is blue tooth audio if an earlier 200 is a consideration. Head lights and fogs / lower facia change in 13 as well as cooled / vented seats, 2 more speeds on the crawl control, brake / turn assist and the graphics on the navi screen were improved. So that brings you up to speed from 08-13 ..... I may have left something off but I think I'm correct
Good luck and happy hunting
 
great....thanks guys
 
I am under the impression the Bluetooth streaming Audio was a 2011 only feature when looking at the 08-11s body style.
There are some color changes as well over the years.
IE.
You loose regular gloss white (Super White) after 2011, the 2013-2018 white is an off white metallic.
I believe 2016/17 is when Black also became a metallic color. Personally I am not a fan of metallic Whites or metallic Blacks. White and black are my two of favorite automotive colors, but I much prefer they stay a true gloss black and or bright gloss white, I don't care for either one with metallic mixed in.
 
@cc1999 that what I said bunny bread
Only difference between 08-11 is BT audio.
 
2016, 2017: changes to front grill and hood (improvement, in my opinion), 8-speed tranny (some issues reported; mine has been fine), built-in screens on the back of the front seats (not an improvement, in my opinion ** but the kids love it), larger NAV screen, buttons placed in front of center console and actually usable whilst driving (huge improvement, in my opinion), overhead camera view (i like this feature), new terra interior color (many folks love it), loss of super white as a color option (as mentioned earlier), new wheel style that is a fairly big departure from earlier models, and a gaggle of "new" safety features that you can find on 10 year old german cars :) (some folks like them)... that's all that comes to mind for the '16+ models.
 
BUNNY BREAD??? lol

IMG_1485.webp

Ha ha
 
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I am under the impression the Bluetooth streaming Audio was a 2011 only feature when looking at the 08-11s body style.
There are some color changes as well over the years.
IE.
You loose regular gloss white (Super White) after 2011, the 2013-2018 white is an off white metallic.
I believe 2016/17 is when Black also became a metallic color. Personally I am not a fan of metallic Whites or metallic Blacks. White and black are my two of favorite automotive colors, but I much prefer they stay a true gloss black and or bright gloss white, I don't care for either one with metallic mixed in.

FWIW, my '10 has BT streaming audio
 
Of course you do lol. I'm finished
 
2008-2011 are the best years for land cruisers IMHO. The vinyl seats are the most durable, my seats have 150k miles and still look brand new - plus very easy to clean. As someone who loves high quality leather I never thought I would advocate vinyl over leather. There are three features I did wish my 2009 had: Rain sensing wipers (added in 2010), HID lights (although my lights aren't bad), and 360 degree view when parking the car. I think newer land cruisers 2011 have UV windshields which is a very nice option. The stock windshield makes me feel like an ant under a magnifying glass.

I originally wanted ventilated cooling seats (2013+) but seeing how the leather holds up has me turned off from them. Personally I hate the chrome strips on 2013+ vehicles. It looks soo much nicer in 2008-2011 form. The one must have upgrade is the RW wheels with KO2 tires. Make sure you budget for that. Stay away from 2016+ land cruisers with 8 speed transmissions as they are known to be problematic and may affect longevity of the vehicle.
 
FWIW, I have a 2008 LX570 which has all the 2011-> L/C features mentioned above, H/C seats, HID heads, 360° parking view, radar assisted cruise control, AHC, etc.

I bought mine instead of a L/C because I felt that I'd get more for my money. It was 4 years old when I bought it.
 
13 and onwards also has front and side view mirror cameras, turn assist, and HID low beams. All options were included from this point forward.
 
@cc1999 that what I said bunny bread
Only difference between 08-11 is BT audio.

LOL

I saw that, and thought "08-11 BT audio" was saying either they all had it or none had it or somewhere within that range it changed.

So I was trying to clarify that only 11' had it.

I had 10, I don't recall having access to anything but my phone calls.
So if there were 10s with BT streaming audio, it must have been a late model year change or something.

Just trying to clarify for the OP.

As far as LC cameras go The 09-11 LC had the front and right side camera no left side camera till 13 up.
 
2008-2011 are the best years for land cruisers IMHO. The vinyl seats are the most durable, my seats have 150k miles and still look brand new - plus very easy to clean. As someone who loves high quality leather I never thought I would advocate vinyl over leather. There are three features I did wish my 2009 had: Rain sensing wipers (added in 2010), HID lights (although my lights aren't bad), and 360 degree view when parking the car. I think newer land cruisers 2011 have UV windshields which is a very nice option. The stock windshield makes me feel like an ant under a magnifying glass.

I originally wanted ventilated cooling seats (2013+) but seeing how the leather holds up has me turned off from them. Personally I hate the chrome strips on 2013+ vehicles. It looks soo much nicer in 2008-2011 form. The one must have upgrade is the RW wheels with KO2 tires. Make sure you budget for that. Stay away from 2016+ land cruisers with 8 speed transmissions as they are known to be problematic and may affect longevity of the vehicle.

HID lights are an easy fix. You can get a high quality LED kit to replace the halogen low beams for 100 dollars (or less) that will be the best 100 dollars you spend on your truck.

That is what plasti dip/vinyl is for. :)

Agreed on the Rock Warriors. It is the lightest wheel available allowing the largest tire.
 
2008-2011 are the best years for land cruisers IMHO. The vinyl seats are the most durable, my seats have 150k miles and still look brand new - plus very easy to clean. As someone who loves high quality leather I never thought I would advocate vinyl over leather. There are three features I did wish my 2009 had: Rain sensing wipers (added in 2010), HID lights (although my lights aren't bad), and 360 degree view when parking the car. I think newer land cruisers 2011 have UV windshields which is a very nice option. The stock windshield makes me feel like an ant under a magnifying glass.

I originally wanted ventilated cooling seats (2013+) but seeing how the leather holds up has me turned off from them. Personally I hate the chrome strips on 2013+ vehicles. It looks soo much nicer in 2008-2011 form. The one must have upgrade is the RW wheels with KO2 tires. Make sure you budget for that. Stay away from 2016+ land cruisers with 8 speed transmissions as they are known to be problematic and may affect longevity of the vehicle.


Can you please elaborate on this and how did you find out or verify this fact. I thought the leather seats in the 2013+models were more durable than the vinyl seats. Thanks in advance.
 
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