Should I move up from my T4R to a Land Cruiser?

[Lewis&Clark]

I want to drive my 2008 T4R V8 Limited until it dies and runs into the ground. It's only at 150,000 miles and even though my maintenance bills are starting to climb significantly, it's still in fantastic shape and is the most reliable car I've ever had.

My wife wants a moderately bigger SUV.

I'm not interested in newer T4R's, because I don't want to give up the V8 and its towing capacity. That's why I bought a used 2008 4th gen in 2013, rather than a brand new one. And I'm not really interested in any other SUVs, nor in losing off-roading capabilities.

So here I am. What to do?

I don't know much about the Land Cruiser, other than: (A) they seem to last forever and get passed from generation to generation; and (B) in a million years, I could never afford a brand new one.

So how does its performance on and off road compare with a 4Runner?

Edumacate me, please.

 

[99problems]

My wife wants a moderately bigger SUV.

Enjoy your new SUV then. In addition to the Landcruiser, many around here also love the Lexus GX series for the reasons you listed (basically a 5th Gen 4Runner with a V8 and more amenities) if you don't want the full-size 'yota.

 

[MSRP.]

I want to drive my 2008 T4R V8 Limited until it dies and runs into the ground. It's only at 150,000 miles and even though my maintenance bills are starting to climb significantly, it's still in fantastic shape and is the most reliable car I've ever had.

My wife wants a moderately bigger SUV.

I'm not interested in newer T4R's, because I don't want to give up the V8 and its towing capacity. That's why I bought a used 2008 4th gen in 2013, rather than a brand new one. And I'm not really interested in any other SUVs, nor in losing off-roading capabilities.

So here I am. What to do?

I don't know much about the Land Cruiser, other than: (A) they seem to last forever and get passed from generation to generation; and (B) in a million years, I could never afford a brand new one.

So how does its performance on and off road compare with a 4Runner?

Edumacate me, please.

More reliable, heavier and larger. Won't fit in the tightest areas maybe slightly more of a chore to dig out.
Electronics and lockers will get you unstuck easier though.
Slightly less aftermarket support, though you will need it less.

 

[WVhillbilly]

As much as I'm liking my 4Runner, if I would have felt like spending the (lots) of extra coin I would have gotten a Land Cruiser.

 

[Off-choader]

I want to drive my 2008 T4R V8 Limited until it dies and runs into the ground. It's only at 150,000 miles and even though my maintenance bills are starting to climb significantly, it's still in fantastic shape and is the most reliable car I've ever had.

My wife wants a moderately bigger SUV.

I'm not interested in newer T4R's, because I don't want to give up the V8 and its towing capacity. That's why I bought a used 2008 4th gen in 2013, rather than a brand new one. And I'm not really interested in any other SUVs, nor in losing off-roading capabilities.

So here I am. What to do?

I don't know much about the Land Cruiser, other than: (A) they seem to last forever and get passed from generation to generation; and (B) in a million years, I could never afford a brand new one.

So how does its performance on and off road compare with a 4Runner?

Edumacate me, please.

Performance on road is night an day, it is very solid, quiet and smooth ride, and this is a 18 year old land cruiser I am comparing to my 2017 4runner. Idk if I would do it all different but I am fairly disappointed in the power of the 5th gens.

 

[mnofpeace]

i love my SR5 with a few extras...

but looking at whats out there, the ONLY vehicle i would trade it in for is a Land Cruiser...even an older 200 series model...


and would make it the very last vehicle i would ever buy...

T4Rs last for years
LC's last for decades...

 

[Squire]

I want to drive my 2008 T4R V8 Limited until it dies and runs into the ground. It's only at 150,000 miles and even though my maintenance bills are starting to climb significantly, it's still in fantastic shape and is the most reliable car I've ever had.

My wife wants a moderately bigger SUV.

I'm not interested in newer T4R's, because I don't want to give up the V8 and its towing capacity. That's why I bought a used 2008 4th gen in 2013, rather than a brand new one. And I'm not really interested in any other SUVs, nor in losing off-roading capabilities.

So here I am. What to do?

I don't know much about the Land Cruiser, other than: (A) they seem to last forever and get passed from generation to generation; and (B) in a million years, I could never afford a brand new one.

So how does its performance on and off road compare with a 4Runner?

Edumacate me, please.

I just sold my '96 Lexus LX450 and got a 2018 T4R SR5. The T4R feels so small but granted i did have a 2.5" lift and 33" tires on LX. The 4Runner doesn't feel as stout and i really don't like nose droop while braking or how soft the suspension feels. The interior of LX was roomier but I'm not sure you'll notice a significant difference in feel of interior size but you will definitely appreciate exterior size. Since my 4runner is leased for moment I'm kind of babying it and hesitant to be too rough with her. I miss having a used vehicle that im not afraid to get a bit rough with. Downside of the land cruisers available is the price and rust. My body mounts were rusted, frame was rusted and cracking, brake lines, mountings etc Make sure you find a rust free one and then treat frame. My next land cruiser will be a 60 series, love the 80s but the 60s just have so much more useable space. By the way, I never have back seats up and actually remove them from my vehicles, all I haul are dogs and animal feed or gear to go camping or fishing. Good luck in your search.

 

[mulepen]

I actually just traded in my 2015 T4R for a 2018 Sequoia because of a growing family and the need for something more comfortable.

Definitely a more comfortable ride of course and the price is much better than a land cruiser. I was missing my T4R for a few months until my youngest had a blowout. We easily changed her inside the vehicle (impossible in a T4R since we use two car seats). Loved it ever since.

 

[TForceRunner]

I own a 2010 Amazon Green LC 200, and I just bought my son a 2016 T4R.

For the price difference, there is zero chance I would get the Land Cruiser. The T4R is quite refined. While the ride is not as smooth as the LC, it feels every bit as quality and the ride is nothing to sneeze at.

The LC is going to have more creature comforts. I'm not sure what the T4R Limited offers, but my son has the SR5 premium.

The LC has the following that his T4R does not:

- folding mirrors
- dual memory seats
- rear entertainment system (pretty much useless these days)
- park assist (I never use mine - I turn it off)
- cold drink box
- probably other stuff I'm leaving out

The LC's resale value (percentage of MSRP) four years after it is sold brand new can't light a candle to the T4R. The T4R is the best SUV in terms of resale value, neck-and-neck with the Range Rover Sport (which I also own).

The T4R fit and finish is every bit as good as the LC. I'm shocked actually at how good it really is.

My only beef with Toyota is their interior finishes: His 2 year old T4R already has the dye coming off the steering wheel, little chips in the "chrome" trim around the drink holders, and some discoloring of the door grabs. I think that is completely unacceptable quality. I mean give me a break - toss another 50 bucks at these units on the interior plastic finishes so that they will last at least a decade before uglying out.

The LC is actually not much, if any, better.

The SUV with the best fit and finish currently is the Range Rover Sport. We have 51K on ours and it still looks and drives flawless. Perhaps that's why they are bringing stupid strong money on the resale market.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

Enjoy your new SUV then. In addition to the Landcruiser, many around here also love the Lexus GX series for the reasons you listed (basically a 5th Gen 4Runner with a V8 and more amenities) if you don't want the full-size 'yota.

Old thread to respond to, but whatever....

The Lexus GX is a Landcruiser Prado in other countries..... which is also why I find it odd this T4R forum has a separate section for the GX but not LC's.

 

[toyotaspeed90]

I just sold my '96 Lexus LX450 and got a 2018 T4R SR5. The T4R feels so small but granted i did have a 2.5" lift and 33" tires on LX. The 4Runner doesn't feel as stout and i really don't like nose droop while braking or how soft the suspension feels. The interior of LX was roomier but I'm not sure you'll notice a significant difference in feel of interior size but you will definitely appreciate exterior size. Since my 4runner is leased for moment I'm kind of babying it and hesitant to be too rough with her. I miss having a used vehicle that im not afraid to get a bit rough with. Downside of the land cruisers available is the price and rust. My body mounts were rusted, frame was rusted and cracking, brake lines, mountings etc Make sure you find a rust free one and then treat frame. My next land cruiser will be a 60 series, love the 80s but the 60s just have so much more useable space. By the way, I never have back seats up and actually remove them from my vehicles, all I haul are dogs and animal feed or gear to go camping or fishing. Good luck in your search.

Not sure comparing rust issues of an 80 series to a brand new T4R is fair...

I had a 1993 3x locked 80 series with 320k miles and it had zero rust other than minor surface rust in silly areas (like the solenoid on the original starter I replaced at 310k miles) . The rust issues of LC's are worse with age, but very dependent on where the vehicle lived it's life. If you don't like rust, don't buy a 60 series - it will only be worse.

Our 100 series (01 LX) is larger (interior-wise), nicer, more quiet, definitely more refined... it doesn't have the same "stout" feeling as the 80 series, but it isn't far off. We bought it with 193k miles.

 

[Sam2393]

I have been thinking of making the switch myself. My 4Runner is great offroad but I also would like something with more room. I rode in my friends 80 series out in AZ and I was hooked. It was a 97 which was the last year they were built with the solid axle. It also had front and rear lockers. It crawled up anything without hesitation. It was lifted on 37"s.
It also had way more options than my 05 Sr5 has. If someone wanted to trade me one I would not think twice. I'll probably keep and wheel the 4Runner more this winter then sell it in the spring.

 

[Bumbo]

I would love to move up from a 4R to a LC or LX. Once you throw some aggressive tires on it with a modest lift, they really float my boat.

GX still seems like the smartest practical buy for me as a city truck because I do off-road and camp, it's no where as much (or as aggressive) as I used to, but I still want the capability for when I do. The smaller size also makes it a bit easier around town.

 

[BearBio]

Happy wife= Happy life!!

However, I have both an FJ40 and a 4Runner and I'll take the 4Runner any day.

I'd look at towing capacity and gas mileage comparisons.

 

[hdshawks]

I recently traded my 16 trail 4runner for a 17 GX460. The ride quality is a huge improvement. The 4runner had KDSS and 5100s all the way around. The new to me GX has KDSS and the Ironman Suspension all the way around. I like the V8 as well.

 

[omega3651]

Why not just get both a T4R and a LC200?
Best of both worlds and you'll be driving both of them for the next 20-30 years.
In all honesty-the current 5th GEN 4Runner is the modern day 80 series with IFS and more modern electronics.
The 200 series LC is really only 2 inches longer than a 100 series and the wheel base is exactly the same so I don't know why people keep the narrative going that the 200 is as big as the titanic.
If I could have toyota make me the perfect 4X4 it would be the 200 series with the TRD PRO face and the 4Runner roll down rear window.
I have both, I like them both.
If you can have both I say do it.
If you can't and you can swing the price of the 200 then get that.
If you can only get one and price is a factor the 5th GEN 4Runner is a great vehicle that will hold its value forever (better than a LC) and in 20 years, it will be lusted after like the 80 series is today.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sempkim]

LC are awesome cars......we have a 4R and LX570 (pretty much same car).

Only thing I dont like about it is the tiny gas tank/range.....full tank is about 250mls because that V8 is thirsty.

Other than that, we love the trunk space vs the 4R and the way that they open that makes a pretty cool "bench".

 

[Flyer]

I'm in the same boat. We would like something bigger (and the 5th Gen is out with its peaky motor) but decided to not get the current LC due to the dismal fuel economy and outdated V8....not for that kind of cash. We are waiting to see if Toyota changes the Sequoia in any significant way.

I heard that the LC may not come to the US but maybe Lexus will get the equivalent? Either way, we don't need a vehicle that is very off-road focused with its gadgetry since I have the Rubicon. We need something quiet and comfortable for long drives and some forest-road forays. I'd stray from Toyota if I could find a decently reliable SUV, so we continue to look while we wait to see what happens with the Sequoia and Lexus version of the LC.

 

[QuintupleTurbo]

What's everyone's thoughts on the 80 series LC vs the 3rd gen T4R?

I know I'm probably setting myself up for a bit of bias here, but the prices on the 80 series LCs make zero sense to me.