MM Full-Review: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
05-17-16, 03:54 AM
#46
Exactly, even though the land cruiser might not look the flashiest or most luxurious, it is also a status symbol in many countries around the world.
The Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice to carry UN dignitaries around war zones.
I have seen first hand how much abuse a 200 series Land Cruiser can take, not surprising because Toyota really tests these vehicles in the harshest of conditions and for very long periods of time, you add that with the experience they already have with building a incredibly durable, high quality and capable four wheel drive and the result is very impressive.
You can easily use it as a work vehicle, infact some versions in the middle east have 2 full size real spare tires + electric winch + (36 gallons) we get standard here, and a manual transmission on select versions. No other direct competitor offers all these options combined in one vehicle, not even the Nissan Patrol.
Thank you for the review MM
The Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice to carry UN dignitaries around war zones.
I have seen first hand how much abuse a 200 series Land Cruiser can take, not surprising because Toyota really tests these vehicles in the harshest of conditions and for very long periods of time, you add that with the experience they already have with building a incredibly durable, high quality and capable four wheel drive and the result is very impressive.
You can easily use it as a work vehicle, infact some versions in the middle east have 2 full size real spare tires + electric winch + (36 gallons) we get standard here, and a manual transmission on select versions. No other direct competitor offers all these options combined in one vehicle, not even the Nissan Patrol.
Thank you for the review MM
I think one album cover sums up the 200 series Land Cruiser lol . . .
Seriously though, if I won the lottery, I would buy a brand new Land Cruiser for a daily driver. It is simply the best made 4wd vehicle on the planet.
Last edited by Aron9000; 05-17-16 at 03:57 AM.
05-17-16, 05:55 AM
#47
Lexus Test Driver
Yeah, that's the difference between new money and wise money.
05-17-16, 06:17 AM
#48
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
The Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice to carry UN dignitaries around war zones.
I have seen and experienced firsthand how much abuse a 200 series Land Cruiser can take, not surprising because Toyota really tests these vehicles in the harshest of conditions and for very long periods of time, you add that with the experience they already have with building a incredibly durable, high quality and capable four wheel drive and the result is very impressive.
I have seen and experienced firsthand how much abuse a 200 series Land Cruiser can take, not surprising because Toyota really tests these vehicles in the harshest of conditions and for very long periods of time, you add that with the experience they already have with building a incredibly durable, high quality and capable four wheel drive and the result is very impressive.
Thank you for the review MM
05-17-16, 07:06 AM
#49
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by My0gr81
Yeah, that's the difference between new money and wise money.
05-17-16, 07:18 AM
#50
Lexus Test Driver
The RR and GL are also the same type of buys in US and Europe. But, you see them on the trails, on the farms and as work horses in Asia, Africa and the middle east. You will never see an RR cloth seat here, but in Africa, not only is it common, but also not powered. People see these a working tools, that lasts and then some with the means, when they are here buy them fully loaded.
You see the same pattern with BMW's. In Europe, the 2 and 3 series can be bought stripped, and used as cabs, delivery vehicles and other work duties. Here, they are a nouveau riche status symbol.
05-17-16, 07:22 AM
#51
Lexus Fanatic
Thats just a difference between American sensibilities about brand and european sensibilities about brand, and about carmaker's approaches to each market.
I know lots of people who are not "nouveau riche" that drive these "status symbols" too lol
I know lots of people who are not "nouveau riche" that drive these "status symbols" too lol
05-17-16, 07:28 AM
#52
Lexus Test Driver
BMW North America championed the "lease a 325 for 325 a month", so you are right, they are not nouveau riche, they are working stiff status symbol.
05-17-16, 07:38 AM
#53
Pole Position
Thanks for the review. Never driven a LC. Sat in one at the NY auto show and there is a marked difference in the level of opulence between it and the LX. Worth the price in my opinion. Also rode in my gf's uncles 1996(?) with the old straight six and that thing was quite comfortable too and still solid for such and old vehicle. Feels even more solid than my 2015 gs. If I ever win the lottery, the LX will get my money.
05-17-16, 10:49 AM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by My0gr81
BMW North America championed the "lease a 325 for 325 a month", so you are right, they are not nouveau riche, they are working stiff status symbol.
My issue with the LC isn't only about brand. Quite frankly it's not a very nice vehicle IMHO, the inside feels like a $45,000 Toyota, it's no nicer inside than a loaded Highlander. The exterior styling isn't elegant. For $85,000 you can buy a vehicle that us a much better interior and more elegant styling, or for $10,000 more you can buy a Lexus LX that's the same vehicle but with that additional quality and style.
I can understand why people buy them in other parts of the world, where they are priced and optioned lower and their abilities are of value. But here? I'd never even consider one.
05-17-16, 02:13 PM
#55
Lexus Fanatic
The LC does just fine for it's intended market and audience. For US market, it may be just a nostalgic buy, for people who have the means, appreciate the quality and couldn't care less about the perception at the country club as they drive in.
The RR and GL are also the same type of buys in US and Europe. But, you see them on the trails, on the farms and as work horses in Asia, Africa and the middle east. You will never see an RR cloth seat here, but in Africa, not only is it common, but also not powered. People see these a working tools, that lasts and then some with the means, when they are here buy them fully loaded.
You see the same pattern with BMW's. In Europe, the 2 and 3 series can be bought stripped, and used as cabs, delivery vehicles and other work duties. Here, they are a nouveau riche status symbol.
The RR and GL are also the same type of buys in US and Europe. But, you see them on the trails, on the farms and as work horses in Asia, Africa and the middle east. You will never see an RR cloth seat here, but in Africa, not only is it common, but also not powered. People see these a working tools, that lasts and then some with the means, when they are here buy them fully loaded.
You see the same pattern with BMW's. In Europe, the 2 and 3 series can be bought stripped, and used as cabs, delivery vehicles and other work duties. Here, they are a nouveau riche status symbol.
Outside of the US, the Land Cruiser is more popular and is perceived as more desirable than the Lexus version. I think there are some diesel models with the same 20 in rims and suspension as the LX that go for $125k US in some area.
I would take the LC over the LX. No remote touch
and the front end does not look hideous.
05-17-16, 02:35 PM
#56
Lexus Fanatic
The LC is a prestige vehicle here among people who know what it is. 98% of people don't, and to them it's just a Toyota SUV. If you stopped people on the street and pointed to an LC and asked them what it cost, very very few people would say $80,000. All you have to do is hang out by one at a car show and watch people's reactions when they see the price.
If you point to an LX or RR you'll get a much larger % of people who will get close on price.
As for the front end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but IMHO the front of the refreshed LC is pretty hideous. I think the front of the new LX is a lot more attractive, and I'm not a universal spindle grill fan.
If you point to an LX or RR you'll get a much larger % of people who will get close on price.
As for the front end, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but IMHO the front of the refreshed LC is pretty hideous. I think the front of the new LX is a lot more attractive, and I'm not a universal spindle grill fan.
05-17-16, 04:35 PM
#57
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
It's more or less the same way with the RR. Many people don't realize that they can easily run 100K or more. And, even at that price, in this D.C. area, RRs still fly off dealer lots.
05-17-16, 05:08 PM
#58
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by mmarshall
It's more or less the same way with the RR. Many people don't realize that they can easily run 100K or more. And, even at that price, in this D.C. area, RRs still fly off dealer lots.
05-17-16, 05:26 PM
#59
Lead Lap
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In case anyone is interested, full year 2014 sales figures for the lc + lx .
Land Cruiser 200 ( 121,500 )
Lexus LX 570 ( 28,600 )
Combined ( 150,100 )
No doubt sales will increase for 2016 after the refresh.
Land Cruiser 200 ( 121,500 )
Lexus LX 570 ( 28,600 )
Combined ( 150,100 )
No doubt sales will increase for 2016 after the refresh.
Last edited by UZJ100GXR; 05-17-16 at 05:31 PM.
05-17-16, 05:47 PM
#60
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Have you tried asking any yourself? When I tell people today's RR costs over 100K loaded, the first reaction is something along the line of "Good Heavens" or "Amazing". Of course, to be honest, I don't get many serious inquiries from potential RR buyers....simply because most people who ask my advice don't have that kind of money to spend on a new vehicle, even on a lease.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-17-16 at 05:52 PM.
