Tough New GX Land Cruiser 200 Released

[D4D]

The fleet discounts will be pretty good, if you're a good negotiator you should be able to drive away for $70K. Also considering right now dealers are having a tough time you can drive a hard deal.

[Moto Mech]

Guys, you think the 200 is dear, dont forget back in 1992 you paid about $75000 for a Sahara Cruiser with alot less on it than a 200.
In 1996 it had grown to $114000. 15yrs ago that is.......................

[dazzler]

Guys, you think the 200 is dear, dont forget back in 1992 you paid about $75000 for a Sahara Cruiser with alot less on it than a 200.
In 1996 it had grown to $114000. 15yrs ago that is.......................

They were seriously expensive.  An older family friend was the Manager of York Toyota and they sold one but didnt fill it up (for that money you would expect it).

New buyer didnt even make it to the servo.....not impressed.

[Matto]

Digging this one back up, hopefully not to re-start the he-said-she-said again...

Driving past the Toyota dealership this morning, this was sitting in pride of place right out front:





Barn doors - check.
Steel wheels - check.
Snorkel - check.
GX badging on the rear - check.
V8 Twin-Turbo Diesel donk - check.

It was up on stands, tall enough that even I couldn't see in easily, so I can't confirm the no-keyless-start, but expect it all to be in there . I didn't want to draw too much attention to myself, lest a salesman come out and start harassing me.

Just thought you people would be interested in seeing it in the flesh.

Thanks!
Matto

[GU Rich]

Good stuff Matto, I saw one a few weeks at out closet Toyota Dealership. It will be interesting to see how the prices come down on them in a few years.

Cheers
Rich

[MDS69]

my gawd how ugly is that snorkel

[Captain]

... so I can't confirm the no-keyless-start, but expect it all to be in there .....

Hi Matto,

When I was buying my 200, I thought the keyless start would be a gimmick and frought with issues. In the 3-1/2 years I have now had my 200, the keyless start has proven to be one iof the best additions on the vehicle. In fact, when we are looking for a replacement vehicle for my wife, the keyless start feature is way up there on the priority list. Its funny how some things sound tacky but prove to be so useful in practice.

Unfortunately, the GX misses out on the keyless feature, but I can see how minesite buyer types would prefer a key. I think thats what has driven the decision, rather than cost cutting, but who knows.

A bit like power windows, why do they only have auto up/down on the drivers window and the others need you to hold the button - so frustrating when trying to open all windows in a boiling hot vehicle. But on all 200's (not sure about GX), ALL window buttons are auto up/down, another great lazy convininece feature 

Cheers

Captain

[Matto]

Hi Captain,

I reckon the keyless start would be fantastic. My problem would be paying that much money for a GX, and NOT having it! Like you say, it's a car that's designed for the mines though, so it probably makes sense.

I have heard one story from a friend who has a 5-series BMW. She dived into the car at home and drove down to the shop. Upon arriving at the shop, she realised that whilst she had her purse, she'd left her handbag at home on the bench (since she didn't need everything in it). Of course, the car keys were in her bag - they were in range to let her start the car and drive off, but now she couldn't stop the car as she had no way of restarting it! Seems like something that I'd do on a very regular basis . I'm sure the new cars have an ingenious way to get around that.

I hear you on the power windows. We have recently picked up a VE commodore - great car, only a few years old, really really nice.
1) It has the electric window switches in the centre console, not on the driver's door handle. I assume this is so that they save the cost of ONE additional switch on the passenger door. Rear doors have their own switches. Really annoying.
2) The drivers window switch is Auto-Down ONLY. REALLY? 'Cause I wouldn't want to ever put my window up???

It annoys me, because from a supply-chain management perspective how much more must it cost them to maintain two separate parts for the one job? Why not just order ALL auto up/down switches, get a big volume discount, and make the life of your spare-parts interpreters so much easier??? GAH!! Does my head in!

So your point about the windows in your car has only served to make me want a 200 series even more . Thanks for that!

Cheers!
Matto

[cancan]

We have the keyless entry, Wouldnt have ordered the car with it but the only car available at the time had it so we got it. 3 yrs on and love it, one of the best features. You have to be in the car to start it so cant leave handbag on the bench (not that I am implying that I have a handbag) but a few months back I dropped the wife off at some shops and kept going only to discover that she had the key so had to go back before I stopped it.
Its funny the little accessories that you thought you wouldnt bother with but now you would hate to lose.

[JCOJ]

my gawd how ugly is that snorkel

It looks like the car is growing a tumor!!!

[BigJules]

I had a look at one in January and thought it was pretty good. Had all the things one needs, even of a little spartan.

I'd still go for a GXL if it was my coin.

[GU_Thomo]

Until they release a manual I am not interested, no matter what the price is.

Cheers
Parry

[Captain]

I have had manual 4WD's all my life and also used to think the same. The 200 only comes in the 6 speed auto so its what I got. But after using it now, there is NO way I would have a manual 4WD again. I cannot think of a single thing the manual does better. Normally the engine braking is an issue, but with a 2.6:1 low range and a big V8 for some decent compression braking, it crawls down hills.

And even if that wasn't good enough, it has downhill descent control. Another thing I thought was a bit of an %@$@!$ factor, but it can brake individual wheels and keep you going straight down a hill. If you used the brakes yourself, you can get into a sideways slide as the light rear end tends to lock up. The Descent control will brake the correct wheel and keep things pointed downhill - cannot ask for more than that!

Cheers

Captain

[kiwipete]

Hmmmmm   I still struggle to like the look of them?   There is just something in the way the 200series looks that makes it appear dare I say it - Soft... ?
Having said that the torque the v8 twin turbo's punch out is pretty frigg'n awesome... but I keep going back to looks.... and

Supercharged 6.5 V8 Chev Bullet diesel -v- turbo 6.5 V8 Chev diesel	Small | Large

AND

Supercharged 6.5L V8 Chev Bullet diesel -v- Turbo 6.5 V8 Chev diesel	Small | Large

Come on Lotto....

[schmik]

I have had manual 4WD's all my life and also used to think the same. The 200 only comes in the 6 speed auto so its what I got. But after using it now, there is NO way I would have a manual 4WD again. I cannot think of a single thing the manual does better. Normally the engine braking is an issue, but with a 2.6:1 low range and a big V8 for some decent compression braking, it crawls down hills.

And even if that wasn't good enough, it has downhill descent control. Another thing I thought was a bit of an %@$@!$ factor, but it can brake individual wheels and keep you going straight down a hill. If you used the brakes yourself, you can get into a sideways slide as the light rear end tends to lock up. The Descent control will brake the correct wheel and keep things pointed downhill - cannot ask for more than that!

Cheers

Captain

Some people like changing gears. It gives them enjoyment. I am one of them.
I know that an auto would be better for me... on the beach, up steep rocky hills, etc.  But I really like changing gears and having a clutch. It makes me feel like i am driving.

BTW, i think costs are out of control. Living here in Aus is becoming damn expensive.

mike

[gronk]

Until they release a manual I am not interested, no matter what the price is.

Cheers
Parry

I reckon I could live with the auto Parry......rip the top off the ugly snorkel.......but couldn't put up with crappy barn doors ( after a lift up tailgate, you'd never go back  ).....and lop the 30 K cream Toyota is ripping you off with......a few extra aftermarket goodies......and I'd order one tomorrow...

[Captain]

....  But I really like changing gears and having a clutch. It makes me feel like i am driving...

I know what you mean Mike, I felt the same way at first. But as mine is a daily driver, I certainly appreciate the auto on the stop/start daily crawl on the "freeway". When I feel the need for gear control, I use the tiptronic, not quite the same but at least its a small compomise

.....and lop the 30 K cream Toyota is ripping you off with...  ...and I'd order one tomorrow...

If it was $30K cheaper Gronk, then it would be a bargain and everyone would want one. So, Toyota adjust the price and guess what, even at $30K difference they outsell Patrol 10:1 (or thereabouts). One can debate forever whether its worth the $30K difference, but the buying public has spoken 

Cheers

Captain

[Diksta]

i am a 100 series driver, but i will say this the mine i am at is going away from the Hilux and has started to buy the Ford Ranger for work utes,

[speewa158]

Nice kit but for the job I need to do I will keep the Paj . Love that Car !!

[crackacoldie]

It looks like the car is growing a tumor!!!

Go with an Arnie accent here "It's not a tuma!!"

[gronk]

I know what you mean Mike, I felt the same way at first. But as mine is a daily driver, I certainly appreciate the auto on the stop/start daily crawl on the "freeway". When I feel the need for gear control, I use the tiptronic, not quite the same but at least its a small compomise
If it was $30K cheaper Gronk, then it would be a bargain and everyone would want one. So, Toyota adjust the price and guess what, even at $30K difference they outsell Patrol 10:1 (or thereabouts). One can debate forever whether its worth the $30K difference, but the buying public has spoken 

Cheers

Captain

If it as 30 K cheaper it would be equal to the market and sell like hotcakes....Hyundai has proved you don't need to charge like a wounded bull to produce quality cars  !!

[dazzler]

That would make it the same price as a base Nissan Patrol wagon.  A vehicle that is over 14 yrs old with a 4 cyl engine that puts out 118kw and 380nm of torque with a 4sp auto.

Compared to a twin turbo 4.5l v8 putting out 195kw and 650nm with a 6sp auto.

I think a 30% increase in price is good value, and they will sell all they can import.  I guarantee we wont see them at the wholesalers getting rid of excess stock.   

[Brett]

We looked at a GX before buying the GXL, but in the end I wanted a few creature comforts for the price tag. Plus they are missing a lot of sound deadening compared to the GXL. But I believe they will sell heaps to the private sector as well as the commercial sector.

As for the key issue... Miners are hard on gear especially vehicles so if the vehicle had a fob then I reckon the mine would be replacing it monthly as they would be lost, dropped in mud, etc. At least a key is put in the ignition and left there until the vehicle is bugged and auctioned off...

[Brett]

Also considering right now dealers are having a tough time you can drive a hard deal.

Not all Toyota steallers mate... 3mth wait for 200's, 4mth wait for Hilux's and 5mth wait for Prado's...

Our local dealer stuffed up our order (gave our allocation to someone else two weeks after we ordered) so instead of Jan delivery it was going to be Mar / April. They found a sparey heading for a Sydney dealer but wanted us to pay freight. Sorry their stuff up not mine so I wouldn't pay and they said I had to wait then. Cancelled the order and went to another dealer. Got the one heading to Sydney at my original price and 4 days earlier as well.

[Eski]

I have finally worked out what they meant about Toyota parts are available everywhere when I started watching 4WD DVD's..

There seems to be groups of broken down and dumped Toyota's in most outback settlements...   As one of the Toyota guys on the trip said "free Toyota spares".....