I need some opinions from experienced owners please - Topic 2025 LC purchase

[mikey]

Hello,
I am looking at moving from a 2023 4Runner V6 to a used 2025 LC with 13K miles. The dealer is really moving on the sales price to move it, since most people order specific colors and features rather than buying someone else's choices (this is what he tells me). It is a fully loaded LC hybrid with 13K miles, the original owner over bought, and traded for a new camry. The color is a burnt yellow with white top and black interior. My question is 1) can I trust the dealer that this is not someones lemon 2) am I making a mistake moving from a 6 cylinder to a hybrid 4cy 3) Is the premium gas requirement a big deal to anyone 4) It comes with a toyota "gold" warranty, should I ask for additional coverage with the purchase.
Overall, the dealer has come off $8K from their asking price, and gave me a very attractive trade in offer for my 4runner. It just gives me pause why it is such a good deal. Appreciate any and all comments (negative or positive) I can take it. Thanks...

 

[Midcentury Man]

1. Unless you share the name of the dealership, no one can possibly speak to the reliability of the sales manager;
2. Going from 6 cylinders to four is a mistake if you don’t like the four cylinder performance;
3. Premium gas is as big a deal as you make it;
4. You can always ask, but highly doubtful that you’re going to get an even better warranty on a used car for free.

Also, $8,000 off being a good deal is completely dependent upon the asking price and the trade-in value.

 

[bigcat]

2) am I making a mistake moving from a 6 cylinder to a hybrid 4cy

I've had V6 4Runners for 19 yrs. I still own a 2022 V6. I went to my dealer earlier this year to test drive a 6th gen 4R as I needed to add a vehicle to the family. I hated, hated, how this 4R felt compared to the V6s I was used to. The salesperson pretty much begged me to test drive a 2025 LC he had on the lot (which was rare), I declined initially because I thought it was the same "I-forcemax" platform, and the LC was a bit out of budget anyway. Fortunately, he insisted, and we eventually agreed to take the LC for a ride. After about 5 minutes on the road, I turned around, and put a deposit down for a 2027 model. I just couldn't believe how different the ride felt compared to the 6th gen 4R. The LC just still felt like a "truck" to me.

That's about the ride though. These new machines pack a whole lot more of new technology and complexity, and I'm not expecting things to be as smooth and reliable as they were for many years with the 4Runners

 

[DubDub]

If you want honest feedback, we need to know the asking price, offer and packages on the LC in question.

1) Trusting a dealership to do anything more than try and make money is foolish. There is a middle ground where both parties can be happy, but this does not require trust.
2) The conversation of NA 4.0 vs hybrid I4 is subjective. Go drive one and draw your own conclusions. As a prior owner of multiple 4.0 Tacos and 4Rs, I don’t feel like the 250 is inferior. I also don’t think the powertrain feel between the 6G4R is that substantial as others claim. I would not say this without having driven them both myself.
3) Do the math using 20-22mpg as your reference point. Your money, your decision. Many are comfortable using 87. Again, all on you.
4) Get as much warranty as you can, but you’re buying a car and not the warranty. Kia and Hyundai are good examples of putting that cart before the horse. Again, if they are giving you that warranty it’s a no brainer. If they are offering it for a cost, well, that’s a choice.

 

[Dawgprimo2025]

I bought used and don't regret it!
Like everyone has said we don't really have all the details or seen it or taken it for a test drive but if the dealership is giving you a discount of $8000 off......not something to ignore.
You can check the history and all its service, which gives you a window of how the LC was taken care of.
There is a warranty still which is good!

If you have doubt get someone to give you a second opinion.

Good Luck!!

 

[MSINAL]

1. Get carfax and the entire service history from the dealer to put your mind at ease. You can't trust a saleperson, ever. Trust facts.
2. 6 to 4 cylinder, if no one told you it had a four cylinder, you wouldn't know by just driving it. Assuming you use premium and don't (try to) tow 6000lbs up steep grades at 75mph, it has plenty of power. I tow about 1500lbs and cant feel it most of the time.
Cost of premium vs regular in the grand scheme of things is negligible if you do the math.

As others mentioned, you would be swapping a bullet proof simple powertrain and electrical system to a modern one with nannies and brief reliability history to judge. My LC has had no dealer worthy issues with 28k miles.

 

[LCDakota]

Hello,
I am looking at moving from a 2023 4Runner V6 to a used 2025 LC with 13K miles. The dealer is really moving on the sales price to move it, since most people order specific colors and features rather than buying someone else's choices (this is what he tells me). It is a fully loaded LC hybrid with 13K miles, the original owner over bought, and traded for a new camry. The color is a burnt yellow with white top and black interior. My question is 1) can I trust the dealer that this is not someones lemon 2) am I making a mistake moving from a 6 cylinder to a hybrid 4cy 3) Is the premium gas requirement a big deal to anyone 4) It comes with a toyota "gold" warranty, should I ask for additional coverage with the purchase.
Overall, the dealer has come off $8K from their asking price, and gave me a very attractive trade in offer for my 4runner. It just gives me pause why it is such a good deal. Appreciate any and all comments (negative or positive) I can take it. Thanks...

1. Trusting the dealer is hard to say- what’s their reputation? What market are they in relative to supply/demand?
2. I have a 2023 Tacoma V6. I appreciate the instant and low end torque this engine/powertrain produces in comparison. Reliability is hard to compare yet.
3. Subjective- to me, it’s not.
4. Toyota Gold Warranty is solid imo. Car qualifying is a good sign of condition (I’d expect that though at such low miles).

Do you like the color combo? Trail Dust is a polarizing color (I personally like it quite a bit).

 

[LRD]

The 5th Gen 4Runner is so much better than the new land cruiser. The 4 Runner is slow for a V6, but entirely more capable off road and will likely last you twice as long without issues than a new LC.
Could you be buying someone else's lemon....Maybe. Someone bought mine.

 

[MSINAL]

The 5th Gen 4Runner is so much better than the new land cruiser. The 4 Runner is slow for a V6, but entirely more capable off road and will likely last you twice as long without issues than a new LC.
Could you be buying someone else's lemon....Maybe. Someone bought mine.

I believe a lemon repair has to have a branded title.

 

[perigree]

I would strongly suggest making sure you are happy with the power train during a test drive. I and many owners here are happy with the power train and its performance, but I do think it has its shortcomings. Specifically for me, it can be a bit rattly for such an expensive vehicle. Even at the 1958 price I paid for it. Also cruising at a sustained 80mph, the fuel efficiency drops decently. I get around 19-20mpg with the caveat that I’ve got 265/70/R18 Falken AT4W E loads.

 

[LCDakota]

I would strongly suggest making sure you are happy with the power train during a test drive. I and many owners here are happy with the power train and its performance, but I do think it has its shortcomings. Specifically for me, it can be a bit rattly for such an expensive vehicle. Even at the 1958 price I paid for it. Also cruising at a sustained 80mph, the fuel efficiency drops decently. I get around 19-20mpg with the caveat that I’ve got 265/70/R18 Falken AT4W E loads.

Got the same tires and man they’re heavy

 

[ultane]

Hello,
I am looking at moving from a 2023 4Runner V6 to a used 2025 LC with 13K miles. The dealer is really moving on the sales price to move it, since most people order specific colors and features rather than buying someone else's choices (this is what he tells me). It is a fully loaded LC hybrid with 13K miles, the original owner over bought, and traded for a new camry. The color is a burnt yellow with white top and black interior. My question is 1) can I trust the dealer that this is not someones lemon 2) am I making a mistake moving from a 6 cylinder to a hybrid 4cy 3) Is the premium gas requirement a big deal to anyone 4) It comes with a toyota "gold" warranty, should I ask for additional coverage with the purchase.
Overall, the dealer has come off $8K from their asking price, and gave me a very attractive trade in offer for my 4runner. It just gives me pause why it is such a good deal. Appreciate any and all comments (negative or positive) I can take it. Thanks...

Welcome to the asylum.

 

[EOD Guy]

So....... you are the only one who can say what is best for you.......... However, I'd suggest you negotiate for an extended warranty. Not because I think it might be a Lemon, but I suggest the same thing on any newer model of any vehicle.

 

[wpage]

Lots of good advice given.
-Carfax yes
-Never trust the Stealership
-Consider buying New
-Test drives for Old Vs New
Bring someone with you on your next visit who has some vehicle knowledge.

Good luck !