The Toyota Land Cruiser: Is It Worth the Hype?
As car enthusiasts, we often find ourselves caught up in the excitement of new vehicle releases. The Toyota Land Cruiser has been making waves lately, but is it really living up to the hype? Let's dive into the details and see if this iconic SUV is truly worth your hard-earned money.
The Land Cruiser vs. Its Competitors
When it comes to design, I have to admit that the new Land Cruiser doesn't quite capture my heart like the Lexus GX does. And if we're talking purely about aesthetics, I'd have to give the crown to the Ford Bronco. But here's the thing - looks aren't everything, especially when it comes to cars.
The Toyota Advantage
While the Land Cruiser might not win any beauty contests, it has two major factors working in its favor:
Interior quality
Potential long-term value retention
These are crucial aspects to consider when making such a significant investment. After all, you'll be spending a lot of time inside the vehicle, and you want it to hold its value over the years.
The Land Cruiser's Sales Puzzle
Here's where things get interesting. Historically, the Land Cruiser has been a low-volume seller, with Toyota moving only about 3,000-4,000 units annually from 2005 to 2021. But since May of this year, they've sold a whopping 18,300 Land Cruisers!
This sudden surge in popularity raises some questions:
Is this just temporary hype?
Will the increased supply affect its long-term value?
Could Toyota be risking the Land Cruiser's iconic status by flooding the market?
While it's hard to predict the future, I don't think we'll see the Land Cruiser's resale value plummet. However, it's worth keeping an eye on Toyota's production numbers moving forward.
Current Inventory and Pricing
As of now, there are only about 1,600 Land Cruisers in stock across the country. Most of these are the base "1958" model, which is pretty bare-bones. If you're lucky enough to find one, you're looking at a price tag of around $57,620.
Negotiation Tips
Even though the Land Cruiser is in high demand, don't be afraid to negotiate. Try aiming for about 5% off the sticker price, which could save you $2,500-$3,000. For an in-stock model, you might be able to get it for around $54,739.
Leasing Options
The lease program for the Land Cruiser is... well, let's just say it's not great. With a 69% residual at 36 months and a 0.00315 money factor, you're looking at about $713 per month (before taxes) with a 5% discount off MSRP.
That's a lot of money to pay in interest over three years, especially considering the vehicle isn't likely to depreciate much.
What Would I Do?
After considering all the factors, here's my advice: if you're set on getting a Land Cruiser, buy it new. The potential for long-term value retention makes it a solid investment, despite the current high prices.
Conclusion
The Toyota Land Cruiser might not be the prettiest SUV on the block, but it's got a lot going for it in terms of quality and potential resale value. Just be sure to keep an eye on those production numbers and don't be afraid to negotiate on price.
What do you think about the new Land Cruiser? Are you considering buying one, or do you have your eye on a different SUV? Let us know in the comments below!
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