Trade 2011 4runner for a LC 100?

[KCcarguy]

Well, I feel like an idiot, but I'm having some second thoughts about my 4runner. I bought the 4R (2011 SR-5) when I had originally intended to buy a used LC 100. I thought it was the wiser purchase.....better MPG's, new car warranty and no previous owner, etc. There's nothing wrong with it per se (actually there's a lot I like about it), but there are little things here and there that have been bothering me......things I was foolish for not noticing before I bought it that I think affect it's utility. This is our family's utility vehicle for hauling, fishing, camping, hunting, towing, etc.

-Handling sucks and I wouldn't mind a bit more ground clearance.....and a full fuel tank skid.

-rear-exit exhaust is a burn hazard (with chrome tip) and would blow hot exhaust all over whatever cargo I might decide to carry on a hitch-mounted carrier (I would prefer not to put dead animals or other nasty things inside).

-SR5 rear bumper design will not allow for a custom side- exit exhaust

-Access to the recovery points up front is really poor. There are removable panels on the front air-dam that help, but still limit access.....especially if you were at a lower level than those pulling you out. You know, like sunk in mud or snow when you usually need a pull out (are you listening toyota?)


So, I could spend some money on a nice lift kit, and maybe TE body parts to solve these issues.......or I could trade her for a LC and likely not have to Mod at all (except exhaust)

This is my DD so MPG's matter somewhat but not a huge issue (until gas $ goes up that is)

Keep in mind I have never driven LC.....but always wanted one.

I also wonder if the LC would hold up better long-term.....even if you're comparing a LC with 60k miles vs a new 4R with 10K. Am I right?

The third-row seating might be nice too.

Opinons? Has anyone owned an LC before their 4runner? I'd appreciate your thoughts on how the two compare.....not for off-roading, but for longevity, utility, passenger carrying, etc.

 

[jetboy1975]

Now you have to consider depreciation as well. You can fix a lot of your issues with the T4R for the same amount, or less, than you'll likely lose on trade in.

 

[Thai]

To be honest, i would not do the trade. A used car (even a TLC100) can still be a money pit...exception maybe being a low mileage used car.

 

[KCcarguy]

Well, I looked at a 2004 LC today to satisfy my curiosity. It had more miles than I would want, but used LCs are hard to find and it was just a test drive anyway. The LC was definitely built more solid than the 4runner (which is pretty impressive), but the 5th gen has the LC beat in a rear legroom and the third row was a joke. Cargo room in the LC was slightly more but seats didn't fold flat like in the 4runner. I also like the roll-down window in the 4R for hauling. In short, the LC is a hell of a vehicle, but for my purposes a 4runner will do just fine :driving:

Now I can move on to saving some $$$$ for a TE bodywork conversion and lift......

 

[pengy]

All the 'short comings' you mentioned to me are cosmetic -- and I can't imagine taking a new 4runner to extreme offroading you need others to pull you out of an elephant mud hole (and the associated damage that might goes along with it). You might be having second thoughts about taking such a nice vehicle off-roading where you worry less about scuffing paint etc, but in all likelyhood, your 4runner can take when you can dish out until your wallet starts to cry uncle long before you get the 4runner stuck where the LC100 wouldn't get stuck.

Opinions aside, the depreciation you will take on a brand new 4runner w/ 10K Miles would be significant. If you really want a fun vehicle, go get a 10 yrs old rock scraper.. I just read someone picked one up for $2600 that looked prestine.

Keep your family hauler clean, reliable, and keep family happy. Why buy someone's potential trouble? Good luck with whatever you decide -- but your family won't be disappointed if they are being haul around in a new shiny (and reliable) 4runner that will keep you happy for a long time to come.

Pengy

 

[KCcarguy]

All the 'short comings' you mentioned to me are cosmetic -- and I can't imagine taking a new 4runner to extreme offroading you need others to pull you out of an elephant mud hole (and the associated damage that might goes along with it). You might be having second thoughts about taking such a nice vehicle off-roading where you worry less about scuffing paint etc, but in all likelyhood, your 4runner can take when you can dish out until your wallet starts to cry uncle long before you get the 4runner stuck where the LC100 wouldn't get stuck.

Opinions aside, the depreciation you will take on a brand new 4runner w/ 10K Miles would be significant. If you really want a fun vehicle, go get a 10 yrs old rock scraper.. I just read someone picked one up for $2600 that looked prestine.

Keep your family hauler clean, reliable, and keep family happy. Why buy someone's potential trouble? Good luck with whatever you decide -- but your family won't be disappointed if they are being haul around in a new shiny (and reliable) 4runner that will keep you happy for a long time to come.

Pengy

"Extreme offroading" huh? If you're going to be using 4WD, there's probably a chance you might get stuck. I've had to be pulled out of mud or sand (or helped friends) plenty of times just driving through a pasture or down to a river bank in my old trucks. I'd like to at least have the option to hook up and get some help if I needed it. I'm not doing anything stupid (no blasting through brush or climbing boulders), but I do plan to get out there and use my truck.

So, which of my complaints was cosmetic? I thought I explained the practical aspects pretty clearly. Maybe the TE body kit? I say that because the TE has the front and rear recovery points exposed. The rear bumper design on the TE also allows for easy conversion to exhaust exit behind the rear wheel.

.......Anyway, I do agree it would be awesome to have a beater to take out in those situations, but the fact is it's not practical. I want something that can do double-duty. If only I had a bigger garage!