Stock Stripped down Land Cruiser?

[Xfercase]

I saw a movie last night called Japanese Story that took place in Australia. Anyway the movie centered around a couple people exploring the outback in a newer looking rental LandCruiser. The thing was awsome with a diesel engine and winch. The interrior was spartan with vinal looking seats and manual crank windows ect. Made me wonder why Toyota never offered this type of model in the US? With everyone going for that macho offroad SUV look this thing would sell like hotcakes. The current offering here is so loaded with luxury extras and overpriced its no wonder that they are so rare on dealers lots and not taken off road(for the most part) I imagine its all marketing and that a lower priced, no frills Cruiser would encroach on 4runner sales? Too bad - it appeared to be one of the most rugged looking SUVs out there and a thrifty diesel would help with the current high fuel costs.

[dyogim]

Originally Posted by Xfercase

Made me wonder why Toyota never offered this type of model in the US?

Most likely the cost to have it legal in the US. I wish the Toyota Hilux(diesel) was available in the US. I saw them left and right when I was in the Philippines.

[nucleus]

From what I understand the Aussie market is quite modest. It's mainly the US where everyone wants cubes, hp, power everything, gsp, disco balls, etc.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by nucleus

From what I understand the Aussie market is quite modest. It's mainly the US where everyone wants cubes, hp, power everything, gsp, disco balls, etc.

you mean you dont like gps navigation system ,dvd player, blue tooth cell phones ? It's funny the hummer h2 seem to be the next icon status symbole of big suv's.. I totally agree with you us american's are too dam spolied

[Owyhee tundra]

Toyota makes numerous Land Crusiers that are available to the rest of the world but not north America. Have you ever seen a Land Cruiser PU Truck? Look at this web site and you might consider moving to Austraila or South America or some other country where these awsome Toyota trucks are available. http://www.brian894x4.com/FOREIGNTOYOTAMAINPAGE.html

[pagemaster]

There is a Land Cruiser over at Australia Toyota that comes with a snorkel. Anyone explain?

[Owyhee tundra]

The Land Cruiser 78/79 Series often came with a factory intalled snorkel. Vist the link above and see for your self.

Also, The Japanese Story is one excellent film!

[lelandstanford]

Only LC 100 and Prado (GX-470) are available in US.

A LC-70 might not sell too well.

Simplying production line (higher profit) is what TMC US is good at.

Just like LC80 and 4.7L engines w/ A34X transmissions instead of Heavier A44X.

[colli]

Originally Posted by dyogim

Most likely the cost to have it legal in the US. I wish the Toyota Hilux(diesel) was available in the US. I saw them left and right when I was in the Philippines.

Originally Posted by Xfercase

I saw a movie last night called Japanese Story that took place in Australia. Anyway the movie centered around a couple people exploring the outback in a newer looking rental LandCruiser. The thing was awsome with a diesel engine and winch. The interrior was spartan with vinal looking seats and manual crank windows ect. Made me wonder why Toyota never offered this type of model in the US? With everyone going for that macho offroad SUV look this thing would sell like hotcakes. The current offering here is so loaded with luxury extras and overpriced its no wonder that they are so rare on dealers lots and not taken off road(for the most part) I imagine its all marketing and that a lower priced, no frills Cruiser would encroach on 4runner sales? Too bad - it appeared to be one of the most rugged looking SUVs out there and a thrifty diesel would help with the current high fuel costs.

I am from australia, the Land cruiser you saw was the RV model, poverty pack, N/A diesel, then we have GXL Which is velour interior with V8 or turbo, then there is Kakadu, snowy and winter special editions aboove GXL then SAHARA, Basically the same as a lexuse bar the front

The Utes (or pickups as you call them) are the &( series ute and the come with Vynil interor and the choice or turbo on NA diesels, the most popular farm vehicle in australia, hope this elps

and for the record my dad has V8 05 Gxl and i have a 96 hilux dual cab