Why Does the 200 Get Hated On? (1 Viewer)

[TeCKis300]

The 4runner is lost IMHO until it gets more power.... whey they never put the 460 motor into it escapes me... capable rig but not up to the task if armoured up and loaded.

I think you know they did have a 470 V8 in there at one point. I had an '05 4Runner 4x4 Limited. That was a great SUV with plenty of power, being it was the VVTi V8 as well. It's power was not unlike the 200-series to it's 5.7 V8, as it was smaller and lighter. That said, I don't think enough people voted for V8 examples to keep it going, especially with gas prices what they were in late 2000s.

I agree they should bring back the 460 in the 4R now that gas prices are good again. Then there's always the GX460 which is for all intents and purposes a V8 4R, with the the associated Lexus accouterments .

I haven't noted much criticism of the 4Runner. Mostly the comparison has been value for the money...comparing NEW 4Runners vs. USED LC/LX. If you change that to USED 4Runner vs. used LC/LX, it's a different value conversation.

Totally agreed. And instead of someone getting a new RAV4 - they should spring for a used 4R!

 

[hankinid]

Thanks guys. Have any of you owned GX or LX and moved to LC? If not just give me your ownership experience...

Btw, the one thing that does sit in back of my mind is how my $80k will eventually become $10k! This applies to nearly every vehicle MB S class, Rover, you name it. Except... Ferrari, Lambo which often bottom out at almost 50% - but I digress!

and I have one of each...my dd was originally an '01 LX purchased used in 2009; 's dd at the time was a 1-owner chevy suburban that never hauled anything save a concert sized harp. We sold the 'burb, I found a 1-owner perfect maintenance LC in Spokane about a year and a half ago...flew up, paid for it, and drove it home. My LX is now 's dd, and mine the LC.

I could have paid cash for new models of both trucks, but given great maintenance records the price delta between new and used was too sweet not to go forward with used trucks. I prefer to let the first owners chomp on the depreciation bone.

Anyone with concern over depreciation really should look at used....because you almost instantly beat the depreciation beast.

Personally, I can't even imagine buying new as it's just too much for my pocketbook.
-But even if you CAN afford new? -When you can get a MINT used 200 for LESS than a new 4-Runner? ...In my book its a no-brainer that the 200 wins hands-down value-wise.

It's most definitely a no-brainer. My Cruiser was ~$45K. A new LC at the time was > $80K. That's ~ $1500 per month I'm saving in just depreciation.

Despite the somewhat high cost, 4Runners and Tacomas sell like crazy. I don't really get the Tacoma craze, especially the double cab which is absurdly long.

...with a bed that is absurdly short.

 

[M1911]

I agree they should bring back the 460 in the 4R now that gas prices are good again. Then there's always the GX460 which is for all intents and purposes a V8 4R, with the the associated Lexus accouterments .

I looked long and hard at the GX460, but it has issues for me. Visibility is poor as it has a high beltline. I found it hard to see overhead traffic lights. View out the rearview mirror was pretty horrid, and upswept kink in the D-pillar also increased the blind spot.

I don't like the side-hinged rear door. I'm not a fan of the Lexus spindle grill, and it significantly reduces approach angle.

Finally, the fold-flat third row in the GX460 really sucks up interior room. Here are the stats for cargo room with 2nd row (and, if applicable, 3rd row) folded:

4th Gen 4Runner without 3rd row: 70 cu ft
5th Gen 4Runner without 3rd row: 80 cu ft
200 Series Land Cruiser: 80 cu ft
GX460: 60 cu ft.

We were already using a rooftop box on my 4th Gen 4Runner when we went on vacation, as the Mrs. and I completely filled the back. We rent a house on Martha's Vineyard for a couple weeks most years, so we bring groceries, bed linen, towels, etc., that either aren't provided by the landlord or are very expensive on the island. So going from 70 cu ft down to 60 cu ft wouldn't have been great for us.

I found that I greatly preferred the 200 over the GX. YMMV.

 

[KLF]

Finally, the fold-flat third row in the GX460 really sucks up interior room.

This was the deal-killer with me on the 2nd gen GX. Stupid power third row that we will never ever use, taking up tons of room, and a huge PITA to remove.

 

[Borebrotherbore]

First post, long time lurker, had to jump in on this one.

I just went from a '15 4Runner PRO (from an 08 FJ) and just traded that off for a '14 LC with 75k on the clock.

I actually got the exact amount that I paid for my Runner (minus taxes, registration, fees) at trade in with 25k on the clock

I think that's damn good value , but I do have to agree that the thing is a pig and unless you put your foot to the floor it feels like its in 3 feet of water pushing it's way down the road. I will miss it though, my wife HATED the color though.

I've been scouring the web for a used LC for almost a year now. It's been my dream vehicle for a long time and I finally pulled the trigger on a beautifully maintained (but high miles for the year) LC!

Couldn't be happier, thing towed the boat to the lake with ease last weekend!

I'm super stoked to be apart of this community now!

 

[lcgeek]

First post, long time lurker, had to jump in on this one.

I just went from a '15 4Runner PRO (from an 08 FJ) and just traded that off for a '14 LC with 75k on the clock.

I actually got the exact amount that I paid for my Runner (minus taxes, registration, fees) at trade in with 25k on the clock

I think that's damn good value , but I do have to agree that the thing is a pig and unless you put your foot to the floor it feels like its in 3 feet of water pushing it's way down the road. I will miss it though, my wife HATED the color though.

I've been scouring the web for a used LC for almost a year now. It's been my dream vehicle for a long time and I finally pulled the trigger on a beautifully maintained (but high miles for the year) LC!

Couldn't be happier, thing towed the boat to the lake with ease last weekend!

I'm super stoked to be apart of this community now!

View attachment 1474416

Congrats on the new rig. Allow me the pleasure of giving you your first "like"

 

[Markuson]

First post, long time lurker, had to jump in on this one.

I just went from a '15 4Runner PRO (from an 08 FJ) and just traded that off for a '14 LC with 75k on the clock.

I actually got the exact amount that I paid for my Runner (minus taxes, registration, fees) at trade in with 25k on the clock

I think that's damn good value , but I do have to agree that the thing is a pig and unless you put your foot to the floor it feels like its in 3 feet of water pushing it's way down the road. I will miss it though, my wife HATED the color though.

I've been scouring the web for a used LC for almost a year now. It's been my dream vehicle for a long time and I finally pulled the trigger on a beautifully maintained (but high miles for the year) LC!

Couldn't be happier, thing towed the boat to the lake with ease last weekend!

I'm super stoked to be apart of this community now!

View attachment 1474416

Welcome!

 

[jblatl]

My wife insisted on new so the 4Runner was the best option. She will keep it until it hits 200k and trade for a new one. I never drive it, go it really never bothers me the lack of power. I must say though, it gets right at 20 mpg with her mostly highway driving!

She told me last night the service light was on, that is my que. the only time I drive it is to the dealer for service...

 

[Redbull]

Car and driver gets it

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser - Instrumented Test

Motortrend were also very kind to it recently when they compared it to a G550 and a Wrangler as "apocalypse" vehicles.

Re: 4Runner - I don't think we have anything to worry about. They sell well enough and Toyota already sells a Pathfinder-alternative it's called the Highlander.

 

[KLF]

Car and driver gets it

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser - Instrumented Test

LOL... "The Land Cruiser scoffs at change." Nice.

 

[Dan Higgins]

Came over to LC from the other, "last" body on frame with a split tailgate - the Land Rover LR4. If you look at what Land Rover has done with the new Discovery (LR5) it is a disaster. Travesty. As for the GX, I hate the "barn door" access to the rear. I make serious use of the LC (as I did my LR4) as a platform for "adventures" be it hiking or snow shoeing or cycling or camping or just having a picnic in some remote area. The flip down tailgate is awesome. I also make heavy use of a roof rack and I am constantly standing on the tailgate to access it. And as for the LR4, it was great for me but I traded it in at 55K miles. It was just about to get into some significant $ to replace the air suspension compressor. And I would have had to pay $650 to replace the battery for the "economy" feature that turns off the engine when you stop and then restarts it when you pull you foot off the brake. Had a neighbor with an LR4. Yesterday I saw it heading somewhere on the back of a truck. And in the end, that is some of what you are paying for with a LC - the confidence that you are far, far, far less likely for it to break down when you are off on some adventure.

And for me there is the SAE certified tow rating of 8100lbs (w/ 850 lbs of tongue weight), the always-included low range and yet the great drive when you are doing a long freeway road trip.

(I did consider the LX but the tow rating is lower and the 3rd row is more difficult to remove and the adjustable suspension more difficult to upgrade/lift. So not worth it for me.)

 

[DeckerT4R]

Car and driver gets it

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser - Instrumented Test

Motortrend were also very kind to it recently when they compared it to a G550 and a Wrangler as "apocalypse" vehicles.

Re: 4Runner - I don't think we have anything to worry about. They sell well enough and Toyota already sells a Pathfinder-alternative it's called the Highlander.

I liked that motor trend article. Seemed pretty fair.

 

[linuxgod]

I read more into the reliability ratings on Consumer Reports, as they are supposed to be based on actual buyers experiences. Unfortunately the 200-series doesn't sell enough, so they have "insufficient data".

There are some long term quality/reliability reports out there if you look. The LC is at the top.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Toyota_Land_Cruiser.html

Granted this is based on 843 vehicles, so statistically there's going to be a higher standard deviation since the sample is about 1/10th of other vehicles reported.

 

[Redbull]

There are some long term quality/reliability reports out there if you look. The LC is at the top.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Toyota_Land_Cruiser.html

Granted this is based on 843 vehicles, so statistically there's going to be a higher standard deviation since the sample is about 1/10th of other vehicles reported.

I think if you just pull up enough service history records you'd find there's a reason this website exists and we all trade stories of our Landcruiser reliability.

I remember helping a friend look for a used Range Rover - the ones with carfax service history records quickly sobered her up on the cost of ownership. Less than 20,000 miles and most have had something replaced.

You ever hear of the Mercedes G-wagon headlight and tailight theft problem? Youtuber Salomondrin talks about thieves targeting his wife's G-wagons.

For confirmation I just looked up G63's for sale in major metropolitan areas and found the words "Headlights replaced" and "tail-lights replaced" numerous times. One of them had each pair replaced 3 times!

 

[KLF]

I bought my 200 from a Land Rover dealer, it was a trade-in on a new Rover. It was an eye opening experience.

While I was there on a Saturday getting the paperwork done, it was a lousy rainy day, and a young couple came in. They were dropping off their Evoque off for a warranty repair. The windshield was leaking. Car was only a month old, and this was not the first time it was in. Hubby was pissed, mostly at young wife for not listening when he wanted to buy a Highlander.

I was out in the shop for awhile, they let me put the truck up on a lift to really check it out. There was a Discovery in the next bay, had a panoramic sunroof. Which was shattered and sitting next to the truck on the floor. I chatted with the tech, he said they fix about one a month. I guess people don't pay attention when they toss stuff up on the roof rack, and if it misses the crossbar and hits the glass panel... POW it shatters. Repair cost is about $4K.

The sales guy was cool, he used to sell Toyotas. I observed that their lot was really tight, they really didn't have a lot of room to move vehicles around, it was a big Tetris game to get a car out. He said that yeah, and they were getting pressure to also sell Jaguars. I could tell he didn't want any parts of that.

I found the PO name and address in the glovebox of the Cruiser, so I did some Internet sleuthing, found an email address. Investment banker/wealth manager. She didn't have much to share about the truck that I didn't already know, but she said she really missed it, loved the thing, she just needed something smaller.

 

[Redbull]

I bought my 200 from a Land Rover dealer, it was a trade-in on a new Rover. It was an eye opening experience.

While I was there on a Saturday getting the paperwork done, it was a lousy rainy day, and a young couple came in. They were dropping off their Evoque off for a warranty repair. The windshield was leaking. Car was only a month old, and this was not the first time it was in. Hubby was pissed, mostly at young wife for not listening when he wanted to buy a Highlander.

I found the PO name and address in the glovebox of the Cruiser, so I did some Internet sleuthing, found an email address. Investment banker/wealth manager. She didn't have much to share about the truck that I didn't already know, but she said she really missed it, loved the thing, she just needed something smaller.

Hahahahah I had almost exactly the same experience.

I bought my Cruiser used from a Land Rover dealer and the salesman was trying to sell me on a Land Rover. I don't blame him. Many people would fall for the luxury badge and the features - but I was set on that Cruiser!

While he is telling my friend and I

"Land Rover is very reliable, the Lexus dealership next door gets a lot of cars in service..and they're not all there for an oil change!!"

So when the deal was being finalized the salesman was going through some relationship troubles and left early. While I was in the finance office there was a floor-to-ceiling window of the entrance to the service garage. My friend and I nearly fell out of our chairs laughing when 6 service techs were struggling to push a 6000+ pound early Range Rover Sport up the hill into the garage.

Sure wished my salesman were still there so I could see the look on his face.

All that being said, as long as I have a Cruiser in the stable I will definitely buy a Range Rover in the future.

 

[slowride]

Bought my LC from a Mercedes dealership... When I bought the LC it only had one key... They ordered another key and when I went in to pick it up about a week or so later, I was talking to the sales rep and saying how maybe I'll be in for a GL someday... His reply was basically, why, you've already got the best SUV on the lot...

 

[Markuson]

Bought my LC from a Mercedes dealership... When I bought the LC it only had one key... They ordered another key and when I went in to pick it up about a week or so later, I was talking to the sales rep and saying how maybe I'll be in for a GL someday... His reply was basically, why, you've already got the best SUV on the lot...

Clearly an honest guy who knows what you just bought. Always good to see.

I had a similar experience.
The Chevrolet dealer I bought my used 200 from basically said the same thing. Another sales guy pulled me aside and asked if he could talk me into a NEW Denali rather than my almost 7-year-old 200. I kinda grinned, and said, "Honestly, do you think that would be wise?" He paused, and said, "Well, no...not really." End of conversation.

 

[sect0r]

I made the mistake of hoping on the Tacoma band wagon. $32,000 on the truck, $10,000 in upgrades and I was another $15,000 from being "done". I posted my truck for $35,000 sold it for $34,500 and now I'm searching for a 200.

The 200 can go anywhere my $42,000 Tacoma could go and beyond. All for $25,000-$30,000 used with a 100k miles. Oh and it can fit more than a few bags inside with car seats in the back.

 

[Landpimp]

I can't tell you how many 1 owner cruiser owners I have talked to over the years, many had their rigs for 20-30 years(or more) and just won't part with them or in some cases they have had their cruisers totaled in an accident. ......most will cry, almost none are happy to see them go.

My mom who is 75 now, been driving her 97 40th aniversary for 20 years, bought it new, she never keeps a car more than 4-5 years......when she talks of selling it, she gets tears in eyes. There is nothing she want to replace it with.

Got a call 3 months ago, gentleman in his 80's, he bought a 88 fj62 new....and it was in an accident and totaled....he wanted another....and yes I could tell he was choked up about it.

Very few vehicles have this effect on people.

I'll move to a 200 one day.....