The only show stopper for me with the GX is the mystery behind the v6 failures. For me i knew i would be pushing the engine hard with towing and offroad, so i bailed on the GX. The other issue ultimately ending quest for GX OT was availability of OTs and lexus policy of only selling locally -as in nearest dealer to you. I actually went to florida with funds in hand and they would not sell me the OT they had on the lot. I live in AL. Our local lexus dealer salespeople were jerks too, which subsequently sent me to the toyota dealer. I dont regret the LC. Our new defender can tow 9000 pounds (according to the owners manual).
Fair enough, it’s your money and your choice. However, you justification is a personal solution to a very specific situation. Not to disparage your situation or you’re justification, but a singular instance of justification hardly makes the GX a spiritual successor.
I want to make sure I understand your thoughts here. You think it is just one thing I'm using to justify moving to a GX right? I really want to make the right choice and I don't think so but I'm definitely willing to listen because when I got my 250 the towing capacity was an issue for me when I purchased it originally.
I think you are missing what I'm saying. I'm not saying it is the successor to the 250 I'm saying it is the successor ot the 200. I'm comparing the very heavy-duty 200 to the much less heavy-duty 250. The GX has the same cv axles as the LX, same 9.5in rear end and as Tinker has shown all the mounting locations are much thicker than the 250. The GX and the LX have the same gear ratio 3.07 the 250 is 3.538. I also understand the LX and the 300 are basically the same but cost wise the GX is closer to the 200 and 300.
No I understand what you’re saying, I’m just disagreeing. The J252 undoubtedly has some stronger components than the j250 does, but no it isn’t the successor to the J200; the J300 is. It is true though that the J252 (IMO only) carry over much of the bloat from the 200-series that the 250-series is intended to move away from.
Sequoia yes, but the LX has the exact same 112.2 wheelbase as the 250 and 252
There are many differences. Although the complete suspension can be moved to the 250 and the GX it would be like taking an F-350 suspension and putting it on an F-150 and visa versa. The GX has the same suspension as the LX but the 250 has the same suspension as the base 4Runner and Tacoma.
I think the differentiator here is "spiritual" successor.
Yes, good point. Overall length was my thought, but agreed that in towing wheelbase is the more important element. Thanks for keeping me honest!
Those differences are minor in the grand scheme. I doubt they would make the GX a notably better solution for you to tow. Also the suspension differences between a Land Cruiser and a GX are nothing like the differences between an F150 and an F350. I’m sure you know that.
If I’m being honest, yes and no. The towing element is the only aspect of the deliberation you shared, and thus the only element I addressed. In stride, I don’t presume to know the ambitions and thoughts of others, so while I didn’t assume it was a single-dimensional decision, I was not going to presume the other aspects of your thought process.
I'm also saying it is the spiritual successor not the actual successor. In the US we don't get the 300 and in your example we don't have Land Cruisers at all. There is a lot of issues I have with Toyota and Lexus here. If one looks at the Overtrail there is no camera rear view mirror. There is no electric gas cover. There are more mechanical things on the Overtrail than the 250. All I'm saying is that if Toyota has made a spiritual successor to the Land Cruiser in the US it is the GX and not the 250. I am also saying that if you want a 300 Land Cruiser in the US you can't have it you have to buy an LX which is the very over luxurious 300 that many including me did not want.
No, I did want to make sure I understood what you are saying no animosity interested. I opened this discussion for that very reason. I wanted to make sure I wasn't mistaking what you said. And Like I said and to your point I did only include for my reasoning the towing capacity and you are right that should have been made more clear.
