LC 250 Hate = It’s REAL

Another useful thing to remember is that most forum posts are made by people who are having problems or, conversely, over the moon enthusiasts.

For what it’s worth, I’m coming up on 10K miles and love my LC 250. Don’t care what anyone else calls it. It’s great offroad for camping and getting around the ranch, it looks smart for daily driving to the office. Love the size and handling that comes with it.
 
I haven’t read through beyond the first page of comments yet, so this may well have already been said…

But I’ve come to understand that these self titled ‘journalists’ generate views & clicks, and therefore income, by being contrarian. Everybody expects the latest LC to be great, so a video espousing Toyota virtues might well generate a few less streams than one which takes a negative viewpoint. Such is ‘news’ since the dawn of media.

I also recently learned that it’s possible these folks get a pre approved list of grievances & negatives that they can safely air in public, since there has to be something, without jeopardizing their access to free sponsored press junkets. Comparing the LC250 to cars they no longer sell that its trouncing in sales is a pretty safe comparison. Nobody is comparing it to anything anybody else is selling (even if there are few direct competitors at least in my eyes).

Most of these guys aren’t the target market anyways, few of them could afford the LC250. While we all seek the opinions & approvals of others, who’s should matter with regards to the LC? The folks on here who are the target market, owning & driving them. That’s who’s opinions I’m paying most attention to as I evaluate one as a potential next vehicle.
 
No problem. But I will tell you this in fairness, it is a great vehicle and I think you would be happy with it overall, but if you are somebody who puts a premium on value for dollar or resale value you might want to look elsewhere because unfortunately and unfairly I do not believe Toyota/Lexus reputation or resale value is ever coming back. It’s not just the Landcruiser, it’s the entire Toyota brand with a few exceptions = Camry, Rav 4, highlander, and the new Prius these Toyota models are still very highly sought after so if value or resale value is important to you I would look elsewhere because Toyota trucks and SUV’s are in the toilet right now thanks to YouTube and social media.
I think you may be surprised with where resale ultimately ends up. Toyota is one of the few brands I consider worthwhile buying new. Try to buy a used Tacoma (previous version, which wasn't the most loved edition) with 2 or 3 years on it, and it's selling for pretty close to what the guy originally paid, minus tax and PDI.
 
I haven’t read through beyond the first page of comments yet, so this may well have already been said…

But I’ve come to understand that these self titled ‘journalists’ generate views & clicks, and therefore income, by being contrarian. Everybody expects the latest LC to be great, so a video espousing Toyota virtues might well generate a few less streams than one which takes a negative viewpoint. Such is ‘news’ since the dawn of media.

I also recently learned that it’s possible these folks get a pre approved list of grievances & negatives that they can safely air in public, since there has to be something, without jeopardizing their access to free sponsored press junkets. Comparing the LC250 to cars they no longer sell that its trouncing in sales is a pretty safe comparison. Nobody is comparing it to anything anybody else is selling (even if there are few direct competitors at least in my eyes).

Most of these guys aren’t the target market anyways, few of them could afford the LC250. While we all seek the opinions & approvals of others, who’s should matter with regards to the LC? The folks on here who are the target market, owning & driving them. That’s who’s opinions I’m paying most attention to as I evaluate one as a potential next vehicle.

Very well said.
 
I think you may be surprised with where resale ultimately ends up. Toyota is one of the few brands I consider worthwhile buying new. Try to buy a used Tacoma (previous version, which wasn't the most loved edition) with 2 or 3 years on it, and it's selling for pretty close to what the guy originally paid, minus tax and PDI.
Yes, I had purchased a 2017 TRD Pro 4Runner and drove it for 18 months and sold it for a little more than I paid for it.
 
Yes, I had purchased a 2017 TRD Pro 4Runner and drove it for 18 months and sold it for a little more than I paid for it.

How do you like the LC First edition compared to the 4 runner TRD pro ?
 
Yes, I had purchased a 2017 TRD Pro 4Runner and drove it for 18 months and sold it for a little more than I paid for it.
Resale is one of the many reasons I switch from European brands. Toyota brings a premium no matter what the model, age, miles, condition.
Even more so with Land Cruiser as there are no direct competitors--it is unique.

And this is one of the reasons the Land Cruiser is constantly criticized. The leaders in any spectrum are always the one lesser models compare themselves to. You won't see Land Cruiser saying, look, we are better than BMW/Mercedes/RR. Those brands compare themselves to Land Cruiser.
 
First off this is not a troll thread, because I personally own a LC 250 First Edition that I purchased in October.

Before buying my LC 250 First edition I did some/a lot of research via YouTube and written articles and I test drove 3 different LC 250’s, plus I test drove a GX 550, so in fairness I knew what I was getting myself into. I did a fairly in depth review on my LC 250 Likes and dislikes probably 1 month ago. And my stance has not changed. I pretty much really like/love the LC 250 but there are 2 things I really hate = fuel economy and 18 gallon tank. Everything else I really like. I know it’s better off road than the 200 series LC and I personally likes the looks better.

Here comes the unfortunate downfall of the LC 250 and unfortunately it really is not fair, but it’s the world we live in today and that undoing is YOUTUBE and SOCIAL MEDIA. Let’s be honest the social media automotive industry, and I call them social media automotive industry for a reason because they are not journalists like they think they are, has really hurt the LC 250, along with Toyota/lexus brand in general. If You where to take a full day and just do a lot of research via YouTube, written articles, and utilize other sources like article comments, the general consensus from reviewers and consumers is far more negative than positive. For Example lets look at the common summary they you will hear from most consumers and reviewers of the LC 250 =

1) not a real Landcruiser.

2) cheaply built compared to the LC 200 and other SUV’S.

3) The GX is far better and is the REAL Landcruiser.

4) terrible engine choice to put in a Landcruiser

5) This is a Prado = light duty cheap Landcruiser

6) The vehicle sounds “ Tinty” and cheaply made

7) Ground clearance is terrible and it is better on the LC 200, although after climbing underneath mine I found that my lowest ground clearance is 10 inches with no lift and BFG KO3’S 275 R 18’S. I guess I can not read a ruler or maybe I got lucky with the build on mine.

8) Fuel economy is terrible.

9) small fuel tank

10 ) Terrible acceleration

11) way to expensive for a cheaply made vehicle.

12) How could Toyota put a Rav 4 engine in a Landcruiser.

Do I agree with sentiments ? NO. The only points I agree with are the fuel economy and the small fuel tank. But unfortunately social media , especially YouTube, has really done damage to the LC 250 in terms of initial reputation and perception. It’s even to a point where LC 200 owners literally piss on LC 250 owners and GX 550 owners do the same. It’s really a shame because it is actually just dividing the brand even more and slowly eroding the existing values and potential resale values in the toilet. But unfortunately this social media hate isn’t just on the LC 250 , it’s on a lot of Toyota/lexus products today = LX 600, GX 550, TUNDRA, TACOMA, and the new 4 Runner . They are all getting trashed badly and although you would not think it could effect future values of vehicles, it most certainly can and it does today, and resale value has always been a strong point of Toyota/lexus. I will illustrate how perception and YouTube effected 1 particular Toyota model, in this case for the better. The LC 200. Prior to Covid you could walk into a Toyota dealership and if they had a new LC 200 on the with a MSRP of $ 86,000.00 you could walk out of the dealership purchasing that vehicle for around $ 77,000.00. Once covid hit and Toyota announced the end of the V-8 Landcruiser and rumors started to surface about a possible Hybrid Landcruiser a 2020/2021 Landcruiser with 40,000 miles was selling for $ 85,000.00 and guess what, people are actually bragging about paying that price for a “ REAL LANDCRUISER” . By the time these people purchase a warranty and put cool looking off road tires on their “ real Landcruiser “ they have $ 100,000.00 in a used 40,000 mile LC 200, but the LC 250 at $ 58,000 to $ 76,000 ( first edition ) is to expensive. Hence the power of social media.

If social media can effect a presidential election like it did in 2020, it can most certainly effect vehicle values. I’m kind of a nerd with stats, but what really boggles my mind is a company like Ford rolls out Recalls literally every other day and in a lot of cases there is better value in buying a Ford vehicle than a Toyota/lexus and just think 5-10 years ago you never would have seen this. And you very rarely see a negative review on a Ford vehicle, especially the Ford performance variants like Raptors and mustangs. Amazing.

I know that’s a long thread but after looking at some values and actual numbers in correspondence with timelines with the recent Toyota/Lexus hate, you know the old saying, NUMBERS DON’T LIE.

I actually think Toyota/lexus still builds a quality vehicle and in most cases builds a much better vehicle than the big 3, but resale and value and social media reviews are telling a different story. Personally I think Toyota should have named the LC 250 the new FJ cruiser, I think that would quieted a lot of the mass hysteria because unfortunately a lot of United States consumers do not have a clue how important the LC 250 prado is to the Landcruiser lineage and history.

Although I will have to honestly say if I was to reverse the timeframe to October and do it all over again , I probably would have opted for a Ford Raptor R just based on value for dollar because there is no comparison. Unfortunately Toyota/Lexus vehicles do not hold the same values or desirability as they did pre COVID and I really don’t think they ever will again.

Yes, YouTube and social media has become extremely powerful.
Don't disagree with your thinking. HOWEVER, if the numbers I read are correct, Toyota has sold more LCs in the US this past year (around 29k) than they did the prior LC from 2005 until they stopped selling it in the US. At an average price of $60k (which is a low estimate), that nets out at over $1.7 B. Can't argue with success or the market.
 
Could we drill down on the “terrible acceleration” complaint for a minute?

At no point has it occurred to me that the power in this vehicle was inadequate. It pulls plenty hard up to highway speed. Maybe it’s a bit more powerful on the low end than the high end of RPM, nothing wrong with that in an off-road vehicle.

The worst published 0-60 I’ve seen is mid-7s, which would be about average for a large SUV, and there have been a few published times faster than that. I had a Tahoe and a 6 cylinder E53 BMW that ran 0-60 in the mid 7s and the LC feels faster. It might not be a rocket ship but I’m not getting where the acceleration would be called out as an issue.

Thoughts?
 
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Could we drill down on the “terrible acceleration” complaint for a minute?

At no point has it occurred to me that the power in this vehicle was inadequate. It pulls plenty hard up to highway speed. Maybe it’s a bit more powerful on the low end than the high end of RPM, nothing wrong with that in an off-road vehicle.

The worst 0-60 I’ve seen is mid-7s and there have been a few faster than that. It might not be a rocket ship but I’m not getting where the acceleration would be called out as an issue.

Thoughts?
I have always thought this LC is borderline quick--regardless of the fact it is large and very heavy.

In fact, I actually enjoy the quick speed and the sharp handling. This engine is great and this truck is by no means underpowered.

I also have found it to be very responsive on the highway at speed. No issues at all and pulls nicely. The engine is just loafing along
at 75 mph and if you need more, it's there for you.
 
I have always thought this LC is borderline quick--regardless of the fact it is large and very heavy.

In fact, I actually enjoy the quick speed and the sharp handling. This engine is great and this truck is by no means underpowered.

I also have found it to be very responsive on the highway at speed. No issues at all and pulls nicely. The engine is just loafing along
at 75 mph and if you need more, it's there for you.
Agreed.
 
It seems some people (OP: you, my friend) are far, far too invested in the opinions of others. Just go enjoy your truck my dude. Or sell it, I don’t care.
 
Agreed. I saw that one. Didn't watch. Getting a little tired with the lack of originality with Youtube auto reviewers.

Unfortunately it’s all about the algorithms. If the algorithms show these clowns that hate videos on Toyota/lexus are getting a lot of views, that’s what they produce. And they also get tons of comments from the bitter and angry people who can not afford a new LC 250, 4Runner, tundra, Tacoma, GX, or LX.

Unfortunately in the United States if a truck does not have raptor or TRX on it it’s a piece of shit. What’s amazing is these meatheads will complain about a $ 76,000.00 LC 250, but think a $ 90,000.00 to $ 115,000.00 raptor is a great deal. Other than the engine and transmission, has anyone actually sat in a raptor lately ? Talk about low build quality and cheap plastics, WOW !
 
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