Your Thoughts on the LC 250? (4 Viewers)

[Rednexus]

Absolutely. I traveled to japan last year and everything was about 30%-40% off compared with the price for the same thing back in the States.

I bought my JDM trussed 8.2 rear axle housing from Megazip earlier this year and had it shipped from Japan (that was a hard part to get but saves me the hassle and some of the cost relative to upgrading to a 9.5" or a Dana 60).

I think the USD price for the housing was something like $500. Less than half what the USDM, non-trussed version cost from my local dealer. Shipping was actually more than the housing was, but it came within a few days via FedEx air. I don't see Toyota can fabricate the housing for $500 USD, paint it, and still make a profit. Must just be the exchange rate allowing to make them parts so cheaply.

 

[Jetboy]

Isn't the strong dollar vs. yen partly responsible for this discrepancy? I was recently talking with a Japanese woman and she said now is a great time to visit her country due to the exchange rate.

That's definitely part of it. But the LC200 was also about $40k USD in global markets in base form. It may have been in the 30's. I remember looking at the Toyota Gibraltar pricing 10 years ago and it they were similar. But it also makes sense IMO - if Toyota can build an SR tundra for $40k in the USA, they can build an LC300 for $35 or less. A base LC300 or base LC200 was a simpler cheaper vehicle than a base SR Tundra - the stripper LCs came as low optioned as having literally no infotainment at all - just a blank plastic cover and have a 1GR engine that's a lot less complicated than the V35A that comes in a $40k Tundra.

It is a great time to visit. So far we're still friends - could change any day now given our erratic national behavior lately. I love Japan as a tourist. Safe, clean, great transit network, and very polite friendly society.

 

[Rednexus]

It is a great time to visit. So far we're still friends - could change any day now given our erratic national behavior lately. I love Japan as a tourist. Safe, clean, great transit network, and very polite friendly society.

I'd probably still pay a 25% surcharge for a Japanese-made car or SUV instead of North American made crap from our domestic automakers. But damn that's a tough pill to swallow, and will just make prices for older Toyota SUVs go even higher. Kind of like prices for pre-2007.5 diesel pickups.

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

That's definitely part of it. But the LC200 was also about $40k USD in global markets in base form. It may have been in the 30's. I remember looking at the Toyota Gibraltar pricing 10 years ago and it they were similar. But it also makes sense IMO - if Toyota can build an SR tundra for $40k in the USA, they can build an LC300 for $35 or less. A base LC300 or base LC200 was a simpler cheaper vehicle than a base SR Tundra - the stripper LCs came as low optioned as having literally no infotainment at all - just a blank plastic cover and have a 1GR engine that's a lot less complicated than the V35A that comes in a $40k Tundra.

It is a great time to visit. So far we're still friends - could change any day now given our erratic national behavior lately. I love Japan as a tourist. Safe, clean, great transit network, and very polite friendly society.

Phenomenal country to visit. I’ve been lucky to visit over 30 countries and Japan is definitely one of the best. Beautiful land, fascinating culture, amazing food, exceptional craftsmanship, friendly people, very clean and safe. Highly recommend.

 

[MRego]

Obviously, Toyota doesn't care about the names much either if you look at the family tree of Land Cruiser/GX/LX/Prado market not just in the US but everywhere.
If you went strictly by the name of Land Cruiser half the people in this forum wouldn't be here.

Quite the opposite. Toyota knows very well the power of the name, hence why they did all this dodo with the 250Prado in the US. They know that even people that drive Land Cruiser variants that do not have the name - GXs, LXs, etc are here and (most) still say "under the skin" they are Land Cruisers.

 

[MRego]

I'd probably still pay a 25% surcharge for a Japanese-made car or SUV instead of North American made crap from our domestic automakers. But damn that's a tough pill to swallow, and will just make prices for older Toyota SUVs go even higher. Kind of like prices for pre-2007.5 diesel pickups.

Yep. Music to our ears - people here that have more than one, usually multiple, Toyota trucks. Unless you were planning on buying a new one.

 

[Noctilucent]

Quite the opposite. Toyota knows very well the power of the name, hence why they did all this dodo with the 250Prado in the US. They know that even people that drive Land Cruiser variants that do not have the name - GXs, LXs, etc are here and (most) still say "under the skin" they are Land Cruisers.

Who hurt you man? It sounds like Toyota Hurt you. The 250 Is an awesome Land Cruiser that many of us enjoy that we picked over a lightly used 200. 99% of us won't trade it in for a 200 series after driving it for thousands of miles either. We like it. We Enjoy it. does that sting a little? Good. The Land Cruiser Prado is 100% a LAND CRUISER. and you're trying to spin it off as ''Just a Prado'' This toxic s*** is the problem in the LC community. It's not just a Prado, its full name is Land Cruiser Prado. Get it right. People know full and well that this is the Light Duty Land Cruiser. next to Nobody bought the 200 bro. Lots of people are buying and ENJOYING the 250 LAND CRUISER. Including the Japanese they love it.

 

[Jetboy]

I'd probably still pay a 25% surcharge for a Japanese-made car or SUV instead of North American made crap from our domestic automakers. But damn that's a tough pill to swallow, and will just make prices for older Toyota SUVs go even higher. Kind of like prices for pre-2007.5 diesel pickups.

I think the outcome will be that the domestics will just raise prices to be competitive with the tarriff'd imports. So, all the cars will have a 25% tax on them. It'll just be in the form of increased profit margin for domestic manufactured ones. If it ended up that a LC250 adds another $15k - so they're now $60-80k and a Bronco Raptor is still $70k - I just can't imagine anyone buying the LC250. Or $83k for a 4Runner TRD Pro. It's a non-starter. 10 out of 10 buyers would take a Bronco Raptor for $13k less.

 

[Specialeyes]

I think the outcome will be that the domestics will just raise prices to be competitive with the tarriff'd imports. So, all the cars will have a 25% tax on them. It'll just be in the form of increased profit margin for domestic manufactured ones. If it ended up that a LC250 adds another $15k - so they're now $60-80k and a Bronco Raptor is still $70k - I just can't imagine anyone buying the LC250. Or $83k for a 4Runner TRD Pro. It's a non-starter. 10 out of 10 buyers would take a Bronco Raptor for $13k less.

Make that 9 out of 10. No way, no how I’d purchase a Bronco Raptor over a 250 or 4R. Honestly can’t think of one vehicle I’d take a Bronco Raptor over.

 

[Rednexus]

I think the outcome will be that the domestics will just raise prices to be competitive with the tarriff'd imports. So, all the cars will have a 25% tax on them. It'll just be in the form of increased profit margin for domestic manufactured ones. If it ended up that a LC250 adds another $15k - so they're now $60-80k and a Bronco Raptor is still $70k - I just can't imagine anyone buying the LC250. Or $83k for a 4Runner TRD Pro. It's a non-starter. 10 out of 10 buyers would take a Bronco Raptor for $13k less.

Domestics would be hit too, since so many of their parts are made in Mexico or Canada. Someone should see how much of the Bronco is made outside of the US. I bet it's a lot.

Toyota trucks may be more USA-made than Ford/Chevy/Ram for all I know (someone should look that up too). They build them in TX to avoid the chicken tax. All of the SUVs that we love so much are made in Japan and they would be screwed.

My next purchase will be a small commuter car. Probably a hybrid, and hopefully Japanese. Hopefully the masses will continue to revolt and the market will be calmed by the time I'm ready to buy next year.

 

[hoser]

Does the 70 have any chance of passing US safety, crash, fuel economy, and emissions regulations?

Zero. It’s basically a tractor compared to what’s on sale over here.

The 70 Series Cab/Chassis could've had a chance of passing all those US safety/emissions.

In 2016, Australia was a risk of banning the 70 series due to safety standards. Toyota came through and added airbags, body strengthening and bunch of other safety features. It obtained a 5 star crash rating. The chassis/body can accommodate a V8 turbo diesel and so I'm sure the US market 2.4 or V35A engine would fit. It previously had a 1GR in other markets. Last year, they upped all electronic safety aids in the 70 series too.

Fast forward to 2024, Australia was again at risk of losing the 70 series. The 2016, 5 star crash rating expired. Luckily, the 70 was reclassified as a Medium Truck in Australia and skirted regulations.

Given the 25% chicken tax plus an extra 25% new administration Tariff, there's no chance we would see a 70 series Cab/Chassis in the US.

As for the 76 Series (SUV), I wouldn't be surprised if it could not pass NHTSA side impact standards and rollover roof standards.

 

[Jetboy]

Make that 9 out of 10. No way, no how I’d purchase a Bronco Raptor over a 250 or 4R. Honestly can’t think of one vehicle I’d take a Bronco Raptor over.

Would you buy an LC250 for $75k? Maybe the 1 out of 10 wouldn't buy either one at that point. I guess we're going to find out - Trump just said as part of his 8 hour per day press conference schedule that this new tariff on imported vehicles is going to be in place the rest of his term.

The Braptor isn't a great daily driver or long road trip mobile. Different tool for a different job. But it's fun as hell. And it's ready out of the box for almost everywhere. It's pretty impressive IMO as a factory toy. If Toyota had a LC or 4R that came on 37s with long travel, Fox live valve setup, and a 400HP tune of the turbo v6 - it would be the GOAT. Toyota's never built anything like it.

 

[MRego]

Domestics would be hit too, since so many of their parts are made in Mexico or Canada. Someone should see how much of the Bronco is made outside of the US. I bet it's a lot.

Toyota trucks may be more USA-made than Ford/Chevy/Ram for all I know (someone should look that up too). They build them in TX to avoid the chicken tax. All of the SUVs that we love so much are made in Japan and they would be screwed.

My next purchase will be a small commuter car. Probably a hybrid, and hopefully Japanese. Hopefully the masses will continue to revolt and the market will be calmed by the time I'm ready to buy next year.

I have heard they were excluding the US-MX-CA treaty compliant manufacturers from the tariff. Anyway, not really solves our issue since we all like that J VIN.

 

[Rednexus]

I have heard they were excluding the US-MX-CA treaty compliant manufacturers from the tariff. Anyway, not really solves our issue since we all like that J VIN.

The tariff strategy (or lack thereof) seems to change daily. For what it's worth, I really liked the Mexican-made Mazda 3 I had but sold a few years ago. The build quality was just as good as the Japanese-made cars I've had.

Looks like the Civic Hybrid (an attractive option) is made in Indiana, as is the Subaru Impreza. So, I might at least have a couple US-made, Japanese-designed options on the table if tariffs are still a thing in 2026. Kudos to the Japanese for making at least some of their USDM-production tariff-resistant.

 

[Specialeyes]

Would you buy an LC250 for $75k? Maybe the 1 out of 10 wouldn't buy either one at that point. I guess we're going to find out - Trump just said as part of his 8 hour per day press conference schedule that this new tariff on imported vehicles is going to be in place the rest of his term.

The Braptor isn't a great daily driver or long road trip mobile. Different tool for a different job. But it's fun as hell. And it's ready out of the box for almost everywhere. It's pretty impressive IMO as a factory toy. If Toyota had a LC or 4R that came on 37s with long travel, Fox live valve setup, and a 400HP tune of the turbo v6 - it would be the GOAT. Toyota's never built anything like it.

Regardless of the money I just am not a fan of the Bronco Raptor. There's not one thing that I find appealing about it. If I were to get something with a Raptor badge it would be the Ranger.

The tariff situation definitely throws a wrench into some of my ideas. I am still interested in revisiting a GX550 in hopes that they can tighten up some of the build quality issues. I have given thought to adding a mid size truck to the stable but am not sure which one I'd go with. I have interest in an X5 & 3 Series. Possibly an Accord Hyrbid but they have an assembly plant stateside if I were to get into one of those. That's really about it... anything else I would buy on the used market.

All that being said, if 25% was added onto any of these it's a dealbreaker.

 

[tacoshawn]

The domestics will see their costs rise due to tariffs on imported automotive parts. They will not eat the cost. Their shareholders won’t let them. They will price their vehicles higher, but just a little less than their imported peer-competition vehicle and pocket any extra profits (aka capitalism).

In the end prices will go up, volumes will go down, supply chains and manufacturing systems will be disrupted and then restabilize. Weaker players will exit lowering competition and driving more consolidation. And the consumer will pay higher prices due to the taxes (tariff’s are taxes paid by us) and lower volumes and less/fewer competition.

We may very well see that 2024 as year 1 of the LC250 and GX550 was the banner year because demand will diminish @ higher prices. Full stop.

Fortunately for me I’m not in the market for wheels (knock on wood) for a few years. I am in the market for F/R bumper for my GX, no doubt those just got $hundreds more expensive too.

 

[Jetboy]

Regardless of the money I just am not a fan of the Bronco Raptor. There's not one thing that I find appealing about it. If I were to get something with a Raptor badge it would be the Ranger.

The tariff situation definitely throws a wrench into some of my ideas. I am still interested in revisiting a GX550 in hopes that they can tighten up some of the build quality issues. I have given thought to adding a mid size truck to the stable but am not sure which one I'd go with. I have interest in an X5 & 3 Series. Possibly an Accord Hyrbid but they have an assembly plant stateside if I were to get into one of those. That's really about it... anything else I would buy on the used market.

All that being said, if 25% was added onto any of these it's a dealbreaker.

There's a lot I don't love about the Bronco. Mostly build quality issues. But also the rear suspension design sucks. And a few other issues. I can't deny that they're a hoot to drive though.

The GX with a 25% tariff - guessing on invoice price - will be $82k - $106K. I think it'll be a dealbreaker for a lot of buyers. LX will now start around $140k.

Americans are about to get poorer at a rate we haven't seen in any of our lifetimes. Economy cars and bus passes will be the big winners.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

The tariff strategy (or lack thereof) seems to change daily. For what it's worth, I really liked the Mexican-made Mazda 3 I had but sold a few years ago. The build quality was just as good as the Japanese-made cars I've had.

Looks like the Civic Hybrid (an attractive option) is made in Indiana, as is the Subaru Impreza. So, I might at least have a couple US-made, Japanese-designed options on the table if tariffs are still a thing in 2026. Kudos to the Japanese for making at least some of their USDM-production tariff-resistant.

With the newer Subaru models some of the engines and transmissions are built in Japan, so tariffs could bump up their prices even though the final assembly is in Indiana.

 

[Rednexus]

Americans are about to get poorer at a rate we haven't seen in any of our lifetimes. Economy cars and bus passes will be the big winners.

Poorer with less options of things to buy. Of those things we can buy, they'll be lower quality and more expensive, if they can be bought at all.

We are just glad we built our house in 2024 and didn't wait until 2025.

 

[TWILLY]

The GX with a 25% tariff - guessing on invoice price - will be $82k - $106K. I think it'll be a dealbreaker for a lot of buyers. LX will now start around $140k.

Americans are about to get poorer at a rate we haven't seen in any of our lifetimes. Economy cars and bus passes will be the big winners.

Without diminishing the problem of wiping out vast American wealth, I’m also curious to see how many foreign models are pulled from the US market or discontinued altogether.

The tariff cancer, as it grows, is ultimately anti-competitive, leaving consumers with fewer and worse options as it destroys market incentives for innovation, quality, and value.

The Ford Pinto is making eyes at us.