Who else is buying a new or even used when available (last of the mohicans!) 2021 LC 200 series as last model year?

[bloc]

To each his own of course, but I’m surprised at the desire for the HE trucks. From a looks standpoint I prefer the standard wheels over the bronze, I much prefer the standard leather (especially in terra), I use the cool box constantly, and am happy to have a third row from time to time. The HE is a stripped down version that costs more. Makes no sense.

This has been debated a lot but for me it comes down to the most expensive/hardest to customize part.. the coolbox. If you want real center console storage HE is your rig, if you want a coolbox go Base. @dnh1 had a Base customized with dark front end, silver HE wheels, paint/body work to remove the rub strips, and a few other things, because he liked the appearance of the HE but needed the third row (and maybe the coolbox).

Most of the other stuff can be customized.. but buying the rig that has what the buyer wants makes perfect sense.

 

[NY2LA]

To each his own of course, but I’m surprised at the desire for the HE trucks. From a looks standpoint I prefer the standard wheels over the bronze, I much prefer the standard leather (especially in terra), I use the cool box constantly, and am happy to have a third row from time to time. The HE is a stripped down version that costs more. Makes no sense to me.

I can only say that I'm approached at least once a week by strangers who compliment the looks of my black/bronze HE.

 

[dnh1]

This has been debated a lot but for me it comes down to the most expensive/hardest to customize part.. the coolbox. If you want real center console storage HE is your rig, if you want a coolbox go Base. @dnh1 had a Base customized with dark front end, silver HE wheels, paint/body work to remove the rub strips, and a few other things, because he liked the appearance of the HE but needed the third row (and maybe the coolbox).

Most of the other stuff can be customized.. but buying the rig that has what the buyer wants makes perfect sense.

Yes! I do love the coolbox and the ability to reinstall the third row. I preferred the Heritage front end and deleted chrome strips on doors.

I honestly like the bronze HE rims but I felt the silver was a little more understated.

Builds - "Heritage" creation build

I wanted to wait until this was done to post. @Eric Sarjeant just created what I will call a Heritage Edition+ for me. He took a regular LC base with black interior and did the following: Added Heritage grill Had headlights blackened like Heritage edition Took OEM FJ40 emblem (identical to...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Madtiger]

I can only say that I'm approached at least once a week by strangers who compliment the looks of my black/bronze HE.

that is because they have never seen a Highlander with bronze rims.

 

[fullybalanced]

Have any data to support that claim? I have a hard time believing Mr T would compromise on its halo vehicle.

It’s also easy to say you wouldn’t buy the first generation of an entire redesign but look at the amount of 2007 Tundras and 2008 Cruisers with well over 250k miles without any “new model” teething issues.

Training employees on new assembly techniques, complex parts etc is FAR harder than managing a fleet of “tired” robots.

sure i have a ton of data that i would never let out into the general public. And if i named manufacturers likely you would have never heard of them

i also wouldn’t buy a first year of a new generation, probably not a second year either.

robots? Your perception of the auto industry is highly flawed. most tier 2 and 3 (and a hell of a lot of tier 1) can’t afford robots... and btw, upkeep on robots is god awful expensive and cost a crap to of money.

and finally did you read my last statement on the original post? I’ve never been associated with a Toyota supplier. Probably why I’ve only owned Toyota’s and Lexus for a while.

 

[NY2LA]

that is because they have never seen a Highlander with bronze rims.

Haha. The Land Cruiser Heritage really doesn't look anything like them. Toyota did a good job on the details.

 

[Artie]

We ordered a ‘21 HE. We decided on the 200 based on the proven history and the established and substantial aftermarket And the HE because we don’t want the 3rd row or cool box... the bronze wheels are icing on the cake. It’s not going to be a daily driver, strictly our adventure vehicle. We already have a capable overland trailer and needed a serious tow vehicle to get the most out of it. My daily is a twin turbo Navigator with all the tech and gizmos you need and some you don’t, so we didn’t feel like we needed the newest iteration and we didn’t want to wait for the aftermarket to catch up.

 

[TheBigB]

I’m buying a ‘21 LC base model (here in the US) because I love a V8 and don’t like the look of the heritage edition. Who knows if a V8 or even the LC will be here in the US for the ‘22 model year? I’m not waiting around to see. I really like the ’21 base model. The HE comes with a box on top I’ll never use and no cooler box inside that I will absolutely use.

 

[desmocruiser]

Yes, because I like the 200 as a daily driver, another Heritage this time in Silver with a similar build as current.

Why a heritage? I like the few small changes, no side molding, the headlights (because I will dechrome), the lack of third row tremendously helps cargo space (I know I could take them out and do what, put them in storage with 6 pairs of 80 Series 3rd row seats?), we never used the cool box in the family 200 and the wheels have grown on me after a year or so!

Will I like a 300? Maybe, but having the newest body style means nothing to me, it would have to feel, ride and drive as well as my 200, which I have finally made ride more like my 80’s!

I have traditionally been an 80 series driver, 15+ years and still love them, but they have a few shortcomings as a daily driver and even more so as OEM parts dry up.

Full disclosure, it took a few suspension and other mods to get a 200 to the point where I really liked them, but I finally reached that point!

How will history view them? I am indifferent as to what others think, I personally like them regardless, but it is a Land Cruiser so there will be other fans and those who don’t understand!

 

[Crush 4]

Yes, because I like the 200 as a daily driver, another Heritage this time in Silver with a similar build as current.

Why a heritage? I like the few small changes, no side molding, the headlights (because I will dechrome), the lack of third row tremendously helps cargo space (I know I could take them out and do what, put them in storage with 6 pairs of 80 Series 3rd row seats?), we never used the cool box in the family 200 and the wheels have grown on me after a year or so!

Will I like a 300? Maybe, but having the newest body style means nothing to me, it would have to feel, ride and drive as well as my 200, which I have finally made ride more like my 80’s!

I have traditionally been an 80 series driver, 15+ years and still love them, but they have a few shortcomings as a daily driver and even more so as OEM parts dry up.

Full disclosure, it took a few suspension and other mods to get a 200 to the point where I really liked them, but I finally reached that point!

How will history view them? I am indifferent as to what others think, I personally like them regardless, but it is a Land Cruiser so there will be other fans and those who don’t understand!

Soo you have an HE you are selling?

 

[desmocruiser]

Soo you have an HE you are selling?

That is unknown at the moment, initial thought was to Keep and pass it down and sell the 15’, we will just have to see when the time arrives!

 

[bloc]

Full disclosure, it took a few suspension and other mods to get a 200 to the point where I really liked them, but I finally reached that point!

What suspension did you end up with?

 

[desmocruiser]

What suspension did you end up with?

Full BP 51 with UCA’s, it took a few miles to settle in however, I am very pleased with the way it firmed up the truck.

I also added the aux LRA tank which addressed another 200 series complaint.

 

[Crush 4]

Full BP 51 with UCA’s, it took a few miles to settle in however, I am very pleased with the way it firmed up the truck.

I also added the aux LRA tank which addressed another 200 series complaint.View attachment 2423872

Good lookin truck, you have more pics?

 

[rscoleman]

OK I am vain, I got a used 2016 had I not I would still be trying to find a 2016 to 2020 model with V8. So why V8, I am not opposed to V6 Turbo I just really wanted to own a V8 before I no longer get a chance. First vehicle was 77 F100 with 4.9L inline 6, then 88 Thunderbird with inline 4 turbo, then 97 T100 3.4 v6, then 06 Honda PIlot with v6, then finally my 16 LC with v8. In 20 years when I look to replace the 16 LC I will get what ever is out their.
As to the diesel, if they sold it in states I would have bought that just for mileage gains and still v8.

 

[Madtiger]

Just looking at review Mercedes G550 this morning on CNET. It has a TT 4.0L V8 making 416 HP / 450 Torque. I think that it’s curb weight is less than LC200 by 300-400 lbs.

It’s fuel economy is rated 13 / 17 on premium gas.

Hmmm, our LC200 with V8 fuel economy is not that bad after all. And our numbers for an “old” normally aspirated engine is not that far off (381-383 HP / 401-403 Torque).

So, unless Toyota has some magic dust, the LC300 fuel economy PROBABLY won’t be much better than what we have now. I am sure that power will go up (competitive with Mercedes 4.0 above).

 

[bloc]

Full BP 51 with UCA’s, it took a few miles to settle in however, I am very pleased with the way it firmed up the truck.

I also added the aux LRA tank which addressed another 200 series complaint.View attachment 2423872

That is a badass looking truck.. So you had the roof and spoiler wrapped along with the chin? And looks like a full rack delete?

Just looking at review Mercedes G550 this morning on CNET. It has a TT 4.0L V8 making 416 HP / 450 Torque. I think that it’s curb weight is less than LC200 by 300-400 lbs.

It’s fuel economy is rated 13 / 17 on premium gas.

Hmmm, our LC200 with V8 fuel economy is not that bad after all. And our numbers for an “old” normally aspirated engine is not that far off (381-383 HP / 401-403 Torque).

So, unless Toyota has some magic dust, the LC300 fuel economy PROBABLY won’t be much better than what we have now. I am sure that power will go up (competitive with Mercedes 4.0 above).

To be fair it's very difficult to compare the aero profiles of the two base vehicles. The G wagon is the shape of a fridge, ours are the shape of a fridge with the edges much more rounded off. As big as these things are toyota seems to have put a lot of time and money into making them as aerodynamically efficient as possible... (just look at the outer edge of your side view mirror surround and now the plastic is designed to let the air cleanly flow off the edge of the glass and join the air going around the front.. or how cross-winds seem to upset fuel efficiency more than head winds) and there just isn't much you can do to a G wagon without taking away the distinctive "LOOK AT MEEE... please?!?!" body shape that 95% of their US buyers want (need?).

So toyota could have 13+ years more experience in aerodynamic efficiency, the new engine will almost certainly be gasoline direct injection, which will definitely increase efficiency even if they hypothetically kept it a 5.7V8.. but on top of that the rumors are that it'll be lower displacement with FI to provide the grunt when needed. Look at the mileage ford can get out of an Ecoboost F150.. it is quite impressive.

IMO where the efficiency gains will fall apart is when upsetting that finely tuned aero/load/efficiency package by towing a large (not necessarily heavy) trailer, or lifting, armor, etc.. anything that increases the HP demands of simply driving down the road. That will require more and more boost to get that little engine to make the required power, so more and more fuel...

To me the sad thing about your G550 reading is that thing only makes 414hp. Clearly that is lowballed to make the AMG version stand out more.

 

[Artie]

Just looking at review Mercedes G550 this morning on CNET. It has a TT 4.0L V8 making 416 HP / 450 Torque. I think that it’s curb weight is less than LC200 by 300-400 lbs.

It’s fuel economy is rated 13 / 17 on premium gas.

Hmmm, our LC200 with V8 fuel economy is not that bad after all. And our numbers for an “old” normally aspirated engine is not that far off (381-383 HP / 401-403 Torque).

So, unless Toyota has some magic dust, the LC300 fuel economy PROBABLY won’t be much better than what we have now. I am sure that power will go up (competitive with Mercedes 4.0 above).

Very possible. My 3.5L ecoboost is 450/510 HP/torque and the best I squeeze out of it is 20MPG on Highway and 14MPG around town. It’s close to 6000 pounds and is 6 seconds to 60 so it’s not trying to be efficient. Ford/Lincoln owners who have the ecoboost say you can have eco or boost but not both, I’d expect the same from whatever Toyota brings out in the 300. It may be a slight improvement but not enough for me to regret ordering my 200.

 

[TheBigB]

Fact is, V8’s are disappearing from new car lineups, I believe the LC will follow suit very soon. They can replace the V8 with a more powerful turbo 6, but but but that V8 sound....vs a turbo whine.. That’s why I bought an LC now vs waiting a couple years. In a few years you won’t be able to buy a new V8, in any vehicle, then everything will be hybrid 6 cylinder or 4, then soon after all electric. It’s coming.

 

[Artie]

Fact is, V8’s are disappearing from new car lineups, I believe the LC will follow suit very soon. They can replace the V8 with a more powerful turbo 6, but but but that V8 sound....vs a turbo whine.. That’s why I bought an LC now vs waiting a couple years. In a few years you won’t be able to buy a new V8, in any vehicle, then everything will be hybrid 6 cylinder or 4, then soon after all electric. It’s coming.

This is all true, no doubt. As for the sound... I sold a V8, early model mustang, and drive a turbo now. It just be my age because I enjoy the quietest ride over the rumble of the V8. What I do miss is the visceral connection to the machine that is also mostly gone or disappearing from vehicles today. My thoughts my change once I get behind the wheel of our new 200. At least I’ll have both naturally and forced induction to choose from.