Patiently Waiting for Arrival

[ChrisB]

Hi All,
Long time lurker here and I figured it's about time for me to register and properly introduce myself. I have been contemplating a Land Cruiser from the moment I saw a new one in person, and mid-June I put a deposit down on one at a local dealership. I am getting the LC Trim in Underground color with black interior. The ETA is later this month or early August at the latest. I am going to be trading in my Tesla Model 3 performance (2023 model), and am super excited!

Couple more bits of information for context. I have absolutely loved my Model 3, however, I've decided to trade it in as the backseat is quiet cramped and when my wife and two teenage kids ride with me the kids rightfully complain about being cramped. The only other thing that I dislike about the Tesla is how quickly it wears out tires. The stock tires are very soft and I only got 15k miles out of them (average is 13-20k). I put a new set of Michelin Pro Sport 4's on, which are rated at 45k and I have not been happy with the wear on them either.

I have a few random questions to ask ask well (sorry if they've been asked elsewhere)

1) Tires: I have read a lot about the stock 20 inch tires and have come away a little confused. I do not plan on taking my LC off-road, though may camp with it occasionally. My goal is for the tires to be aesthetically pleasing and to provide the most comfortable and quiet ride. Will I be ok with the stock tires, or should I go ahead and request a replacement before pickup (I would rather have the dealer replace them, than try and convince my wife to do so after picking up the car).

2) PPF: My Tesla has very soft, low durability paint and I regret not having PPF put on the whole car. Is PPF worth the cost in your opinion for a LC? At a minimum, should I have the dealer put it on the front? Thoughts?

3) Accessories: I don't plan on modifying it for off-road like so many of you, and I do like seeing your mods. I do plan on doing a few small things though. I know that I will pickup an organizer for the cold/box console as I will miss no having organization in the middle without it. I will also plan on adding some type of mag-safe cell phone mount. Do you have all have recommendations for these? I have one on my Model 3 that is adhesive, and stock right behind the screen and extends and it is perfect.

Here is the mount I have for the Model 3, and I would love something similar for the LC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNDKGRJD?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&previewDohEventScheduleTesting=C&csmig=1&th=1

I am also interested in putting window vents (is that what they are called?). I want low profile / subtle vents that match the car. Any thoughts or recommendations? Should I ask the dealer if there is an OEM option?



Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to sharing my experience with you all and reading more about your rigs!

Best,
Chris

 

[D-mac]

Hope you enjoy your new future Cruiser! There are a few threads on here discussing upgrading tires on the stock 20" rims. I'm sure many dealers are familiar with doing this prior to delivery. As for PPF, I would recommend doing the front 1/4 aftermarket, as it will take hits on the highway or off road. Entire vehicle PPF would be great, but costs many thousands. The port installed optional PPF is only about $500, but it doesn't have a lot of coverage.

 

[TimHerald]

Welcome. OffRoam phone mount is excellent.

 

[justaprado]

The southeast toyota port installed PPF for the hood will cover the entire hood. the door one does not do the entire doors, however.
Here's the phone mount you want. it's not powered, but a short, coiled right-angle plug would be best IMO.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

You won’t “need” different or more aggressive tires to go camping or even off road on moderate trails. Sure the stock tires won’t be the most aesthetically pleasing but they will be some of the quietest and fuel efficient you’ll be able to find. The comfort of ride will be subjective imho. The lc’s 4wd system is pretty amazing, sure more aggressive tires would aid in that awesomeness but most people don’t even try the stocks off road. They swapped for aggressive tires and still don’t take it off road. It’s almost as if a bunch of jeep owners bought landcruisers.
The clear coat is soft I find. I’ve scratched it up in the woods on aspen, alders, etc. I was also able to buff out the scratches with meguires scratch X. I don’t PPF. I think vehicles are tools and should be used as such.

I got this

https://a.co/d/1pQonoU

Fit is perfect.

 

[EOD Guy]

Hi All,
Long time lurker here and I figured it's about time for me to register and properly introduce myself. I have been contemplating a Land Cruiser from the moment I saw a new one in person, and mid-June I put a deposit down on one at a local dealership. I am getting the LC Trim in Underground color with black interior. The ETA is later this month or early August at the latest. I am going to be trading in my Tesla Model 3 performance (2023 model), and am super excited!

Couple more bits of information for context. I have absolutely loved my Model 3, however, I've decided to trade it in as the backseat is quiet cramped and when my wife and two teenage kids ride with me the kids rightfully complain about being cramped. The only other thing that I dislike about the Tesla is how quickly it wears out tires. The stock tires are very soft and I only got 15k miles out of them (average is 13-20k). I put a new set of Michelin Pro Sport 4's on, which are rated at 45k and I have not been happy with the wear on them either.

I have a few random questions to ask ask well (sorry if they've been asked elsewhere)

1) Tires: I have read a lot about the stock 20 inch tires and have come away a little confused. I do not plan on taking my LC off-road, though may camp with it occasionally. My goal is for the tires to be aesthetically pleasing and to provide the most comfortable and quiet ride. Will I be ok with the stock tires, or should I go ahead and request a replacement before pickup (I would rather have the dealer replace them, than try and convince my wife to do so after picking up the car).

2) PPF: My Tesla has very soft, low durability paint and I regret not having PPF put on the whole car. Is PPF worth the cost in your opinion for a LC? At a minimum, should I have the dealer put it on the front? Thoughts?

3) Accessories: I don't plan on modifying it for off-road like so many of you, and I do like seeing your mods. I do plan on doing a few small things though. I know that I will pickup an organizer for the cold/box console as I will miss no having organization in the middle without it. I will also plan on adding some type of mag-safe cell phone mount. Do you have all have recommendations for these? I have one on my Model 3 that is adhesive, and stock right behind the screen and extends and it is perfect.

Here is the mount I have for the Model 3, and I would love something similar for the LC.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNDKGRJD?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_sms_apin_dp_C0BW13TBFGQ1A69T0MNS_2&previewDohEventScheduleTesting=C&csmig=1&th=1

I am also interested in putting window vents (is that what they are called?). I want low profile / subtle vents that match the car. Any thoughts or recommendations? Should I ask the dealer if there is an OEM option?



Thank you so much for your time. I look forward to sharing my experience with you all and reading more about your rigs!

Best,
Chris

Welcome to the Jungle!

 

[BlueCruiser]

It is probably worth mentioning the distinction between wheel size (20 vs 18) and tires. The bigger wheels are beneficial for aesthetics and theoretically more cooling over the breaks. The smaller wheels are desirable off road because the taller side walls can reduce the risk of pinching on rocks which can cause flats and provides more of an air cushion for ride quality. That greater air buffer also allows for more potential to deflate the tires for better traction.

Sounds like for your purposes, save the $2000+ cost of switching wheels and tires. The OEM originals look good and work fine. Use them until the tires need replacing (40K miles) and then decide if it is worth it.

Also, coming from a Tesla will be a big change. However, you will probably appreciate the immediate power delivery of the hybrid system. Although the engine is a lot noisier, it responds a lot like an EV.

Congrats!

 

[basicxj]

I know the feeling of patiently waiting. We picked our Land Cruiser up about a month ago after trying to buy one for a few months through a number of different dealers. Most arriving on local lots were already spoken for, so we put a deposit down and waited.

We have the wireless charging pad in ours, so most of the time my phone is laying on it (so no phone mount for me). For window vents, the OEM Toyota ones seem pretty good. I may order a set. There are a few aftermarket options as well.

I am used to running all terrain tires, have done so mostly for the last 25 years. Some of my vehicles in that time period have been off road, while all have seen severe snow duty. Four wheel drive is great, but I have seen surprise snow storms cause some very capable vehicles (wearing mild weather tires) dead in the water hopelessly stuck in the hands of Joe Public. I would rather be prepared and get to work than not, even if that means a hit to the mpg. I’ll be looking for some 18” wheels and all terrain tires before the fall. The OEM 20” wheel/tire combination is smooth on the road and as mentioned by another member optimized for fuel efficiency, but I’ll happily trade that for a little more sidewall and a 3 peak symbol. I have driven on dedicated snow & ice compounds on my work vehicles, but don’t see the need for my usage- the compounds tend to be very soft.

 

[basicxj]

You won’t “need” different or more aggressive tires to go camping or even off road on moderate trails. Sure the stock tires won’t be the most aesthetically pleasing but they will be some of the quietest and fuel efficient you’ll be able to find. The comfort of ride will be subjective imho. The lc’s 4wd system is pretty amazing, sure more aggressive tires would aid in that awesomeness but most people don’t even try the stocks off road. They swapped for aggressive tires and still don’t take it off road. It’s almost as if a bunch of jeep owners bought landcruisers.
The clear coat is soft I find. I’ve scratched it up in the woods on aspen, alders, etc. I was also able to buff out the scratches with meguires scratch X. I don’t PPF. I think vehicles are tools and should be used as such.

I got this

https://a.co/d/1pQonoU

Fit is perfect.

Guilty as charged. In my defence, I stuck with the OEM tire size on two of my three Jeeps, went +1 on the first, had a bit of rubbing in reverse at full steering lock.

Having a short co-pilot meant no lift for me, though after squishing myself under the Land Cruiser to change the oil I can’t help but wonder if an extra 2” of ground clearance might be a pro rather than a con

While I won’t criticize any Land Cruiser owners for wanting to upsize their tires with something more aggressive, I can see staying within a few percent of the OEM diameter rather than skewing the odometer and speedo and requiring mods to prevent tires from rubbing.

 

[Viktorv1961]

I am sure that you will be very pleased with your new ride.
As for minor mods:
-OEM Toyota window vents,
-Weathertech floor mats(at least for the front seats),
-one or two Tesla Model Y center console silicone organizers (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XHPL887?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)
-cool box organizer (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXFGTNTK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1),
-Sunglasses holders (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBQ4DCPW?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1)
-OEM Toyota retractable cargo cover
I also use Japanese made Soft99 body wash, body and tire waxes, Fusso Coat Speed & Barrier plus glass compound.
Nice to have House of Rags microfiber washing pads and drying towels. Good South Korean quality!
Otherwise possibilities are endless.

​

 

[ChrisB]

Wonderful tips and advice everyone. Thank you so much. I think I will go ahead and order the OffRoam Phone mount as it is exactly like I was looking for, though it's priced high, I'm sure it will be perfect for my needs. I think I will stick with the OEM tires for now, and then decide once they wear out what to get next.

I appreciate all the links to the smaller accessories, I have bookmarked them and will be picking them up as well.

I have a lot of car wash accessories as I only handwash my model 3, so I will likely use the same stuff for the LC (Foam Gun etc).

I was initially concerned that the LC would feel very slow compared other the M3P, but I was very impressed after test driving it multiple times. It has plenty of acceleration and I can definitely feel the torque of the hybrid engine. Not as quick as the M3P, but plenty quick.

 

[D-mac]

I was initially concerned that the LC would feel very slow compared other the M3P, but I was very impressed after test driving it multiple times. It has plenty of acceleration and I can definitely feel the torque of the hybrid engine. Not as quick as the M3P, but plenty quick.

The Rivians have all the EV power and response you are accustomed to, plus 3 row seating . Looks like the dual motor model is about the same price as the LC250.

 

[NoMe cruiser]

. I think I will stick with the OEM tires for now, and then decide once they wear out what to get next.

This is usually what I do also. If you have the dealer swap them for an upgrade, they charge you top dollar then turn around and sell your take offs. So your out $1,000. If you peel them off yourself and upgrade, then you have to hassle with what to do with them.