LC100 to 5th Gen 4Runner

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bap

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I have an 04 LC100 that is in great shape. There are times it feels a bit too big. Fuel economy is not great, but I love the vehicle. It has been a third car and has seen about 5K miles in the past year. It looks like it might become a daily driver. While I love the vehicle, I'm not sure it's practical as a daily driver for me and my briefcase and a few hand tools.

I'm considering a Gen 5 4Runner.

For those of you who have already moved from LC100 to the 4Runner, what have been your observations.

I'm considering a Trail or Limited. I do have a trailer that we take from Phoenix to Flagstaff several times per year. It weighs 3,000# loaded. The climb is from 1000 above sea level to 7,300 feet above sea level.

I love the AC on the cruiser. I'm curious about the performance of the AC on the 4Runner.

Thanks,

Bruce
 
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Admittedly I went the opposite direction.

I personally see it as a downgrade. The land cruiser is built to a higher standard than arguably any other model vehicle in and out of the Toyota lineup.

With that said the land cruiser and 4Runner are the most reliable and durable vehicles in production today. You can't go wrong either way.
 
I don't do much towing, but I don't think a 4runner is the best choice for tugging things around in the mountains on a regular basis.

My AC seems to work fine here in TX, but I do find myself leaving it on a pretty high fan speed a lot of the time. Sounds like your LC is serving your purposes as well or better than a 5th gen would.
 
Since you have a perfectly good LC100 it would be very silly to buy a 5th gen 4runner at this time. In one year or less we will be slowing getting more info about the 6th gen 4runner. I would not get rid of my LC100 for a 5th gen. I also see it as a downgrade in terms of build quality and the materials used.

Wait alittle longer and see what the 6th gen 4runner has in store. Should be coming out late 2016.
 
I would get real time numbers on gas mileage between your LC and the 5th Gen. Don't be fooled by the smaller size of the 4Runners, their gas mileage isn't anything to write home about. Then when you add modifications to the 4Runner it gets even worse. The A/C is not amazing either, it works, but in places like AZ where you are and in Vegas where I was you need to keep it running on the higher to highest setting when those triple digit days hit in the summer. In truth, practicality is a car when its a daily driver and you're not hauling things around but then if we were all practical we wouldn't have any fun. The lack of head room is also something to be desired if you're a tall guy.
 
My 2014 has a hard enough time pulling itself up and down those steep grades on Rt 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff. There are spots I can not maintain the speed limit and it is revving so high in lower gears it feels like it might blow up trying.. I could not imagine having another 3000 lbs. to pull there. Even the semi trucks will be passing you.
 
bap said:
I have an 04 LC100 that is in great shape. There are times it feels a bit too big. Fuel economy is not great, but I love the vehicle. It has been a third car and has seen about 5K miles in the past year. It looks like it might become a daily driver. While I love the vehicle, I'm not sure it's practical as a daily driver for me and my briefcase and a few hand tools.

I'm considering a Gen 5 4Runner.

For those of you who have already moved from LC100 to the 4Runner, what have been your observations.

I'm considering a Trail or Limited. I do have a trailer that we take from Phoenix to Flagstaff several times per year. It weighs 3,000# loaded. The climb is from 1000 above sea level to 7,300 feet above sea level.

I love the AC on the cruiser. I'm curious about the performance of the AC on the 4Runner.

Thanks,

Bruce
Click to expand...

M1911 said:
Keep the LC100. Buy a fuel efficient car as your daily driver.
Click to expand...

This. I have a 4runner and FZJ80. However, for the cost of gas monthly in a big fat SUV, you can get an inexpensive commuter and it pays for itself in gas savings. The LC100 is a fantastic rig and far better for your use case.
 
Even with the 4Runner and gas, I went and got a $2000 beater as my daily within a couple of month cause that $100 a tank was hurting.
Otherwise I think u should wait to consider the 6th gen runner.
 
bap said:
...

For those of you who have already moved from LC100 to the 4Runner, what have been your observations....

Bruce
Click to expand...

We had an 80 series and an '03 LC. The '03 was smooth ( excellent V8) and felt good towing 3,000 lbs. (trailer, ATVs and gear) in the mountains around us (6K to 10K passes). It was more comfortable than our 4R for highway cruising as well. For around town driving, the 4R holds no major advantage for us. We don't tow anymore. Comparing A/C for my wife, myself and our dogs is a wash between the LC and 4R. 4R is more maneuverable and fun off pavement. MPG is about the same; within 2 mpg.

As you don't put that many miles on the LC, keep it. The 4R would be a downgrade for your stated purposes.
 
I probably would've gone with a LC if they were available in Canada. Lame. The 'Runner is a tad small at times. Sometimes I wish I would've gone with an FJ for the greater aftermarket support, but the 5th gen is slowly gaining support.
 
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