Josh’s Cars of Japan - Land Cruiser Review

[msenske]

I’m somewhat hesitant to post this as it may not be popular among Land Cruiser owners on this site, but I thought it would be interesting for others to watch and react to. As a Land Cruiser First Edition owner for about 5-6 weeks, my experience has been fantastic, and I would consider myself to have extremely high standards. I consider the LC250 to be a very worthy successor to the Land Cruiser name, and in many ways a return to what made Land Cruisers so beloved in the first place. I hope you find the video interesting.

 

[Nuke]

Some very valid points to look for when we receive our 2025 LC/LC. However, did he get thrown out of the Toyota insider club? If not, it may be forthcoming.

 

[msenske]

Some very valid points to look for when we receive our 2025 LC/LC. However, did he get thrown out of the Toyota insider club? If not, it may be forthcoming.

Don’t get me wrong, I think that objective and honest feedback is incredibly important. There are definitely issues with the Land Cruiser (as with any vehicle) that could be improved upon and it certainly isn’t perfect.

His comments about the gas tank size and resulting range are definitely opportunities for improvement. I can understand that he was hoping for more soft touch surfaces and creature comforts in the 1958 trim given the price, but you have to weigh this against the other features and functionality that are offered at that price point.

I am a bit surprised by how poorly he felt the drivetrain performed. Frankly, I was very skeptical about it when I took delivery of the vehicle, but I haven’t experienced any of the issues he complained about (other than the fuel efficiency which is to be expected in a 5300lb vehicle). In fact, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of the drivetrain in the first 1500 miles of ownership.

One of my concerns is that the vehicle he evaluated was a Turo rental, and my experience has been that it might have been subjected to an improper break-in process and generally subjected to harsh and careless treatment (especially when it came to whatever was floating around in the passenger door or the loose piece of molding on the rear driver side door).

Ultimately, the feedback he provided was his and he is entitled to his expectations and opinions. What surprised me was how different our objective experiences have actually been.

 

[Nuke]

Glad to hear of your favorable experience re the drivetrain, msenske. That was my biggest concern from his review. Besides, am personally looking forward to a more truck-like vehicle, as coming from a 4Runner to our Highlander, the soft ride, and resulting imprecise handling at highway speeds, bothered me. Looking forward to returning to a body/frame design.

 

[Esquire]

This guy is just an angry little man. He hates the fact he has a GX460 and doesn''t own a new LC or GX550 so he runs them down to make himself feel better.
Just like all of the commentors on YouTube videos who can't afford one.

This guy also does watch reviews. The only watches he likes are his Submariner, his Tudor GMT Pepsi, and the Tudor Pelagos 42. Every other watch (that he doesn't own) is absolutely inferior and junk.

 

[mayonayze]

I am starting to wonder how many people buy a vehicle based solely on YouTube videos instead of an actual test drive; or multiple test drives or whatever…

 

[Nuke]

I am starting to wonder how many people buy a vehicle based solely on YouTube videos instead of an actual test drive; or multiple test drives or whatever…

Unfortunately, I am in that box, as our local Toyota has had no LC's to test drive. They come in one door, and immediately out the other. All pre-sold. So, sadly, I am having to depend a lot on the YouTube reviews. Nearby dealers the same, except possibly a 1958 goes briefly unsold for a few days.

 

[Esquire]

I am starting to wonder how many people buy a vehicle based solely on YouTube videos instead of an actual test drive; or multiple test drives or whatever…

I’m in the same boat as Nuke.
There are very, very few LC Premiums around the Midwest. And when they are here, they are pre-sold.

I do take 90 percent of the reviews with a grain of salt. I watch YouTube videos more to learn about the models and get a good look at the styling / options.
It’s my opinion these reviews are paid for and they are all biased.

 

[mayonayze]

Unfortunately, I am in that box, as our local Toyota has had no LC's to test drive. They come in one door, and immediately out the other. All pre-sold. So, sadly, I am having to depend a lot on the YouTube reviews. Nearby dealers the same, except possibly a 1958 goes briefly unsold for a few days.

No judgement; i just have never bought a vehicle by video. I like to fart in at least one demo, if not two, before i buy.

 

[Nuke]

It’s my opinion these reviews are paid for and they are all biased.

Definitely, especially when they enjoy an expenses-paid trip to Arizona or Hawaii! One disparaging word, and the party is over.

 

[mountaindesert]

This guy is just an angry little man. He hates the fact he has a GX460 and doesn''t own a new LC or GX550 so he runs them down to make himself feel better.
Just like all of the commentors on YouTube videos who can't afford one.

This guy also does watch reviews. The only watches he likes are his Submariner, his Tudor GMT Pepsi, and the Tudor Pelagos 42. Every other watch (that he doesn't own) is absolutely inferior and junk.

I don't agree with that at all. I think he's great and very objective with all of his reviews....

Most YouTubers don't call out any of this stuff.

I think he's spot on with a lot of the things he said. They are also some of my same complaints with my 58.

Nice car but room for lots of improvement.

 

[Alpha Puppy]

I have a FE, so can't talk to his complaints re the fit and finish of the 1958... I do really like mine, but I agree that the vehicle feels about $8-10K more expensive than it should be value wise. Have not experienced any of the jankiness he keeps complaining about in the drive train.... Mine is very smooth. I have to agree that the fuel economy sucks, highest I've seen is 18 mpg with my GF driving in a long road trip while I was asleep... My lead foot sees 17 mpg regardless of terrain .

 

[Esquire]

I don't agree with that at all. I think he's great and very objective with all of his reviews....

Most YouTubers don't call out any of this stuff.

I think he's spot on with a lot of the things he said. They are also some of my same complaints with my 58.

Nice car but room for lots of improvement.

Is that you, Josh's Cars of Japan???

 

[mountaindesert]

Is that you, Josh's Cars of Japan???

Lol no it's not

 

[Watufaka]

First of all, he was driving a rental car, likely been abused. Secondly, Ive read and watched reviews and some had some criticism, but mostly good stuff, but this guy complained about everything, which makes me wonder.

Bottom line, I love my LC FE. I don't care what he says since I bought my car just in case I need to head to the hills when WW3 comes.

 

[Nuke]

Bottom line, I love my LC FE. I don't care what he says since I bought my car just in case I need to head to the hills when WW3 comes.

Best be in the foothills to begin with...

 

[Altitude]

Intending nothing personal against any certain reviewer. I’m not interested in opinions about the new Land Cruiser or GX from anyone who owns a previous generation GX. There’s a religious zeal there and those people are not objective.

 

[LcAz]

Cringy. I had to turn it off after the third cutaway to him scratching like a dog at the hard plastic with the annoying scratching sound.
1700 miles of ownership and I really enjoy mine. LC LC trim. I would buy it again.

 

[lunkerbuster808]

Glad to hear of your favorable experience re the drivetrain, msenske. That was my biggest concern from his review. Besides, am personally looking forward to a more truck-like vehicle, as coming from a 4Runner to our Highlander, the soft ride, and resulting imprecise handling at highway speeds, bothered me. Looking forward to returning to a body/frame design.

Still waiting for my 58 in Hawaii Nuke ..you still waiting ?

 

[Nuke]

Still waiting for my 58 in Hawaii Nuke ..you still waiting

Sore subject lunkerbuster. Yep, still waiting. Hey, possibly a silver lining, as it now appears ours will be a 2025. No major changes were announced, or even minor to speak of, but not a bad thing to avoid the first year of any vehicle, even a Toyota.