Why LC over 4Runner? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jas0nmckinley · 07-20-2009, 08:41 AM

Hi all,
New to this forum, but long-time Toyota loyalist. It's time to turn in my wife's car on lease, and we are getting her an SUV. I drive a Lexus LS, so I am used to (and prefer) the big, heavy, safe-feeling cars with a V8. She is coming from a sports sedan, so I don't want her to feel overwhelmed by a giant SUV (though she loved my Sequoia when I had that). Anyway, here's my dilemma. We are looking to spend no more than $22k. For that price range, I can get a 2003 LC with about 90k miles (maybe slightly less) or I can get a 2005 4Runner with about 50k miles (with leather, prob V6). Her cousin owns a couple of Toyota dealerships, so we will be checking with him to see what he can do for us as far as finding a great deal (so prices should be lower than what I just listed) or going to auction since LC's are hard to come by. Anyway, would you choose the older LC over the newer with fewer miles 4Runner? Why? We have no kids (yet), don't have anything to tow, and she will drive the car about 200 miles/week. I have read up on gas mileage, etc. and am expecting the LC to average about 13mpg around town and the 4Runner to average about 18mpg, making my monthly cost of the LC higher. Both are expected to be "run into the ground" and I know Toyota's longevity and reliability. She likes the 4runner because it will be newer, have less miles, and the back window goes down (I like that too, loved it on my 4Runner and Sequoia and never understood why they don't put that on LC's). I would prefer to have the LC because I have always wanted one, but since we plan on hanging onto this vehicle for at least 5 years, want to make the right choice. LC's seem to really hold their value- I bought a 2004 LS 430 (sticker $63k) with 70k miles from a Lexus dealership in May 2008 for $22k, yet an older LC with more miles is roughly the same price... Not sure why that is.
Any help is appreciated. Please be specific- if I have incorrectly estimated mileage, etc. please correct me. Better gas mileage on the LC would help my fight!

jetwhine · 07-21-2009, 10:11 AM

First off I would not look for anything that does not have the Iforce v8 in it. That is a great motor. Next the gas milage on the LC would and will be less than the 4runner, just because of the weight. The 4runner is very agile on the road, and has a great turning radius. My wife likes that alot because of store parking lots that are tight. The 4runner with the 4.7L v8 has alot of power so if at some point you want to tow, have no fear. It is fairly easy to do the required mait. yourself if you are interested in doing that. The LC is a great rig too but for an everyday driver I think your wife would be very happy with the 4runner. They too hold their value. With the older 4runners if they have been taken care of they go for more than the high blue book figures. Not to support the blue book but they do hold their value. For that fact the toyota's tend to hold their value. This might not be as detailed as you might like but I have a fleet of them and would not give up any of them. My wife says she wants to bury me in my oldest one because I won't get rid of it. LOL. Hope this helps

Makelo · 07-26-2009, 12:46 AM

If you simply want the very best SUV that Toyota has ever built, LC is the only choice. Go for the LC, you won't regret it, well, until the gas prices start to creep up

CW3nola · 08-08-2009, 08:56 AM

Had a 02 4Runner. Now the 08 LC. Wouldn't trade the 08 LC for anything. Love my LC.

cw3nola
U.S. Army

jetwhine · 08-08-2009, 12:40 PM

Oh by the way I will always have a LC in my family. If that means anything to you. I also feel very comfortable off road in my LC. It is an awesome rig. My LC always surprises me with what I can get into and get out of with a fairly stock rig. The only thing that my rig has on it that is not stock is the 33" wheels.

TOMMY1204 · 09-06-2009, 07:33 PM

I Have Driven Toyotas For About 33yrs.in 1998 I Bought A New 4runner($30,000) And I Loved It,and Drove It Untill 2006.(with No Service Problems).in 2006 I Bought A Used Landcruiser,2005,14,000 Miles,$50,000,loaded,leather,nav,ect.....there Is No Comparison.the Lc Has To Be The Best Rideing Car On The Road.i've Always Wanted One And It Was Worth The Wait. If Your Wife Travels Its Like Rideing Down The Road In Your Living Room.as For As Around Town And Parking I Think The Lc Has A Tighter Turning Radius.my Wife Has A Lexus Rx330 And Would Rather Drive My Lc,over All I Say Go For The Lc,but Im A Little Parchial.

lindsey50 · 09-08-2009, 04:05 PM

I have liked my 4Runner so far... it is powerful (V8) and has plenty of heavy feeling to it in my opinion. The LC is awfully big and I can see the advantages of the smaller, but still powerful 4Runner.