I have a 2007 Tundra that is just awesome but it is huge. Obviously a plus and a minus. Generally it's length is a minus in the 98% of the time I'm not towing my 5-6000 lb boat and trailer combo. But, I do have said combo to tow.
I'm considering variants of these 3 suv's. The LC is odds on favorite but the other two are players. Thinking about the GL 450 and the Cayenne S. Considered the LX570 but can't really figure out why it's 10k more than the LC.
Well, you get the idea and what I would really appreciate is some input (pluses and minuses) of these SUV's in the minds of you out there. Yes, I realize this is the LC forum but I think I could use your thoughts.
Although there are several high-end SUVs I do like, I'm not really an "SUV person." I need the truck bed, and don't have any kids.
The GL is just a bloated, overpriced version of the ML, IMO. The previous generation, and the generations before that, were awesome. It had a true rugged appeal. Now it's just too minivan-esque like all generations of the ML.
My personal pick is the Cayenne. The Cayenne GTS and the Range Range are the only SUVs I'd even own. I think the Cayenne has a certain Deutsch flavor that you won't get with the Landcruiser. The styling (IMO of course) is sexy and exotic. HP is the same as the LC, not to mention it's $5,000 to $10,000 less.
The Landcruiser is definitely a quality vehicle with a colorful history. Still, I'm not sure that what you currently get for $70,000 is worth it? I guess value is only in the eye of the buyer.
Never driven GL, but owned both LX570 and Cayenne (V6).
I know LX570 is not LC but close.
I like looks of Cayenne, but its all plastic insde and if you want to upgrade to nicer versions, then add mucho deneros
LX570 is very nice, more options on a SUV then propably an airplane.
HDD Traffic Navigation. Electronic Syspension. 4+ Cameras for parking. Plus million gadgeds. Size wise its smaller then my Sequoia.
If it be me buying a high end SUV, I would propably buy either LC or LX570.
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2006 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 w/ lxr package, 7008 navi, rear entartaiment system, 20" x-sp enkei.
2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 4x4 - TRD 9+Psi Supercharged, JBA Ceramic Headers, Walboro 255LPH Fuel Pump, 1UZ Rods, 20" x-sp enkei wheels, 7009 navi w/custom JBL wire harness + OEM XM/Sirus radio, drive by wire, and many other mods.
I might have to eliminate the Cayenne. It is probably too small. I think the LC is as small as I want.
I don't think I want the 20's on the LX570. Probably just ding them one way or the other. It's got some cool features and some that worry me for reliability. For instance, elect shocks? Hmmm.
As far as RR goes, prob not since its reliability is apparently horrible.
The GL is still a player but doesn't have a low range. Not sure if I might need it pulling to boat out of the water or in a muddy road. I still hunt a little.
Hell, maybe I need a nice car and a old work truck 4x4 to do the rest. Just don't really want 2 cars.
Checked out a GL450 (no time for drive). Very nice. Killer stereo and features but liked the LX/LC better. Will withhold judgement until a test drive. The GL just doesn't strike me as much as the LX/LC does.
I know it. 2 is better. Problem is one's always in the way in my rear entry driveway/garage. It complicates things. 5 years ago I had a sports car and a 4x4 truck and it just chafed me owning the sports car. You can't go fast unless you go to a track and it rides rough and the roads are tough around here for potholes. Trashed a rim once and bits on that car were expensive so I sold it. Can't say I miss it either.
I have a 2007 Tundra that is just awesome but it is huge. Obviously a plus and a minus
While the Tundra is huge, the Land Cruiser is slightly smaller than what most American people like in their cars offered in the United States. If you are a large adult, make sure you like the slightly smaller dimensions inside.
Example...elbow room is less that Sequoia or Tundra, rear seats are fixed on LC, 3rd row cannot be removed and cargo room is not very large. So if you have a large family, large dog, lots of cargo for your trips make you check out the inside.
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But, I do have said combo to tow.
LC will tow your boat trailer no problem. Also, it will haul payload inside with no problems as the payload matches that of a DBL cab Tundra.
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pluses and minuses
Finally. While the Land Cruiser is very reliabile...it also uses newer technology that can be very, very expensive to fix outside of warranty.
For example,
1. KDSS is not cheap to replace.
2. Nav/hvac/radio system is fully integrated into one unit. I have hear of 100 series Land Cruiser replacement hvac/radio/nav combos costing close to $6k for replacement.
Personally I would choose a Land Cruiser over everything, no because they make the most sense but because i have always liked them.
Thanks for the input. The Tundra is huge. The length of the vehicle is really what I referred to. Can be a minor pain in city driving. I do enjoy the room on the inside, especially the cupholders.bg. I can manage fine with the new interior dimensions of the LC and would really like having a shorter vehicle that can tow, though.
All these vehicles have a lot of expensive new tech on them. I like my odds with the LC for reliability, I'm sure MB has improved but reliability on the GL concerns me.
The LC is still my pick so far, too. The GL is nice but a little too polite for me. The LX is nice but the options packages don't always work for me and finding what I want might not happen.
Last edited by Jonesky; 01-04-2009 at 07:47 PM.
Reason: Needed to add to post.
One other thing I should point out. The Land Cruiser trailer wiring input is far on the right hand side of the hitch. Not sure how much of a difference this makes but it is different that domestic hitch recievers.
i can't speak for the '08 LC's but the seats in my 99LC have more hip and leg room than my '04 DC Tundra. The 3rd row seats are removable. Even with 139K miles, it is still a pleasure to drive. It is as good off road as it is on the highway or in town. Very manageable in parking lots and has cost less that $1000K in repairs in 10 years...which includes CV boot replacement( just did for $400). However, it fortunately doesn't have AHC,VSC or Navigation...none of which I need.
Landcruiser vs MB GL vs Cayenne
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