I have owned a Land Cruiser 100 series for 14 years. In those 14 years I have racked up a lot of miles – 310Kmiles to be precise.

I am now reaching that point where my repair costs are no longer justified given the age of the vehicle…. Which leads me to the following dilemma.
Do I buy a new (meaning used as I cannot afford $80K on a new car) LC or do I look at an alternative? I love LC’s but the low mileage and resulting high gas bills have made me reconsider. If Toyota would bring the diesel LC into the US the choice would be clear but…….

So here is what I am considering:
1. 2008-ish used LC
2. 2015 4 Runner TRD PRO (about $45,000ish) - would love to hear thoughts on how this compares to other options!!!
3. 2010-ish Mercedes GL 350
4. Foreign import of diesel LC (through Canada?, conversion of LC to diesel)
What’s important to me:
1. Reliability – longevity of vehicle
2. Mileage and low operating costs
3. On road handling
4. Off-road capability
5. Towing capability (ideally more than 5000lbs)

Thoughts? I would appreciate other’s experience.

Mark

I'm afraid that I can't offer personal experience on most of your options but for what it's worth:

1. LC's are rare in Canada. When they do come up for resale, the prices are rather ridiculous. We don't even get them new anymore. Our only option is the Lexus LX.

2. I looked at the GL350 also. It was a serious contender. However, the long-term cost of ownership (parts and servicing?) and the initial cost...well, might as well get a Lexus LX?

3. The GL happens to be really hot now (at least in my neck of the woods). The dealers aren't willing to bargain at all. If there was a bit more wiggle room, I may have ended up with one.