The 1958

[BILL]

I think it's crazy that I ended up buying this model and trim. At some point, I didn't even care for the new Land Cruiser. I originally fell in love with it (the "NEW" Land Cruiser), but then found the GX550 - at which point I stopped seeing value in the LC overall.

As I have stated in several posts, I had an allocation 1 month away from getting a GX550 Overtrail in Sand with the black roof. This one came with rock sliders and the roof rack - it was perfect.
However, the price was $76,000 and the dealer added $5,000 of protection/mark-up BS, for a total of $81,000 OTD.
It wasn't that I couldn't afford the $81K, it was that at that point I wouldn't feel like I couldn't use the vehicle as I wanted. Coming from a Mercedes SUV I wanted to get back to basics, I envied the people on the road with their 10-15 year old 4Runner, LC, or even Highlander - utilitarian, smart. Driving a luxury SUV just wasn't fun for me anymore.

I have also been into mechanical watches for a long time (before everyone started wearing a sub or a SMP300), acoustic guitars, motorcycles, etc. The whole consumerism prism. I understand it, and I don't like it. I've been able to escape it, selling all of my Martin guitars except for 1, and all of my watches except for 1.

What I learned, is that you always build a relationship with the item/object/etc. that you use the most carelessly and purposefully. The value you get from something comes from how you use it. Will it weight on you if it's dirty and scuffed?
Like that pair of old Red Wing Iron Rangers leather boots you've had for over a decade. Originally around $300, at first, these never saw foul weather. Now, these have become your work boots. But you can wear them out to dinner too. They provide value, utility, and now, sentimental value.

I ended up cancelling the GX550 Overtrail reservation, I was convinced this was my dream SUV, it still might be. V6 Twin Turbo is hard to beat, and the styling is perfect in my opinion. But it wasn't what I needed, and realizing that made me happy, I don't live in a dream.
I even had Carmax ship a 2022 GX460 down from Washington for me to look at. I was also looking at used 4Runners. I was torn because I wanted to make the right choice.

But then the Land Cruiser popped back into my mind. With PTSD from the Rolex AD with allocations and what not, I hesitated to even entertain looking at these again (I had gotten very lucky with the Lexus GX allocation). I originally wanted a Land Cruiser mid-level trim without the premium package but I this was too close to a GX550 to justify. So I took a good look at the 1958.

When I first looked at the 1958, before the GX entered the equation, I didn't even want to learn about this trim level - I didn't like the look, but I loved the cloth seats. But the look wasn't there for me. I was also infatuated with the LC trim and its looks.

With Swiss watches, there is a common cycle people experience. When you first start getting into watches, Rolex is "king" - you don't know any better. Then you start learning about Omega's accomplishments, and higher end watches like Patek, AP, ALS, etc. and think you know watches. You start to discount Rolex because "its what posers wear", or "its what people who want to show off wear", etc., etc..
But then years later you start to understand why Rolex is so popular.

Rolex watches started out as tool watches, just like your old Land Cruisers. Back then, these were tools to fulfill a purpose. The Rolex watch was used by explorers in harsh environments, divers, pilots, and race car drivers. Land Cruisers were used by farmers, and in my personal experience, by families in Colombia to reach our "fincas" (weekend home / country house) out in the muddy mountains.
This is what I have learned works for me. Simple and useful. I will simply get a lot more value from something that I will actually use as intended.

After my short "trip" from originally wanting the mid-level LC, to a GX550 Overtrail, to some used alternatives, and back to the Land Cruiser, I was ready to learn and understand the 1958 model.

I hesitate to write about what I like about the 1958 to avoid sounding like a justification to myself in this here fine forum, but it's true.

Today I came back from a 5 hour trip around Mt. Hood, from highway driving (75MPH), to winding mountain roads (55MPH), to ice/snow covered roads up to the Timberline Lodge, to muddy and rocky forest roads with my dog and GF in the truck. I didn't miss a thing. I never once wished I had more. As a matter of fact I wondered what it would've been like to be in the GX550 when the semi-truck sprayed road particles all over the hood and windshield of my 1958. I had HVAC for my dog in the back. I had heated seats and a heated steering wheel. I had adaptive cruise control. I got 21 MPG on a round trip with lots of stop/go, and off road driving. My cloth seats are excellent and I never wished for extra lumbar support, or thigh support like I had in my Mercedes.

Sure I had wind noise. But never did I miss a disconnecting sway bar, sunroof, Cool Box, or MTS. I actually don't like the squared headlights on the mid-level trim now (if I'm being 100% honest). I love the black plastic and can only imagine how it will look with all the miles and rock chips I will run this 1958 through. Not once did I wish I had more information on my dashboard, nor did I notice the size of my screen. The speakers did a great job. And I will say it again, those cloth seats are so comfortable and SO cool. I also didn't adjust my seat at all, and haven't since I bought it.

I feel lucky to have ended up with the 1958 model. It feels like I belong to a secret club of those who have experienced it and daily drive it. I have always been one to get the top trim level, with every option I "need". But the only vehicles I really regret selling are those that never had any of those features: 2009 Tacoma TRD and 2014 Jeep Sport.
This 1958

I saved thousands of dollars by going with this trim, $20,000 from the GX550 OT, and I can honestly say that I would pick this trim level again if I had to.
To me, this is the closest interpretation of a "modern" 80s series Land Cruiser. The 2025 Toyota Wagon.


View attachment 23056View attachment 23057

I understand you completely. My first LC was an 155 bought from Nagoya for delivery to Mombasa in 1976, I still runs and lives with friends now. While raising kids we had Suburbans but when the last one failed my wife said buy something else. So that was a 2005 Land Cruiser. During Covid I bought the 2021 LC from Toyota in Grand Junction and then just to try a hybrid I bought the 2024 1958 with the round lights etc. So I have 3 now on my ranch as well as a Tundra I think they are bullet proof. I certainly think the 2005 at 100k miles is the toughest like my 76 in Kenya. I am a little fearful of the little green light on the 24 LC that says OK or whatever. What happens if it doesn't? I have a trickle charge on the 12v battery because I don't want it to go dead. Supposedly the brain goes dead up front and has to be reset by dealer which is NO GOOD AT ALL as I am 150miles away from a dealer. SO we need more info on changing those 12v batteries because their life is only 3 or 4 years. I am worried enough about this that I may trade the Hybrid for the twin turbo Lexus and go back to old technology. As anyone got any experience with batterys on the 24 1958's?? We need that. Good luckwith you LC. I adore all mine.

 

[josephineheid]

I love mine too. Same model and color as yours. The only things that bother me are the gas tank size and wind noise.

 

[APIOQM]

I understand you completely. My first LC was an 155 bought from Nagoya for delivery to Mombasa in 1976, I still runs and lives with friends now. While raising kids we had Suburbans but when the last one failed my wife said buy something else. So that was a 2005 Land Cruiser. During Covid I bought the 2021 LC from Toyota in Grand Junction and then just to try a hybrid I bought the 2024 1958 with the round lights etc. So I have 3 now on my ranch as well as a Tundra I think they are bullet proof. I certainly think the 2005 at 100k miles is the toughest like my 76 in Kenya. I am a little fearful of the little green light on the 24 LC that says OK or whatever. What happens if it doesn't? I have a trickle charge on the 12v battery because I don't want it to go dead. Supposedly the brain goes dead up front and has to be reset by dealer which is NO GOOD AT ALL as I am 150miles away from a dealer. SO we need more info on changing those 12v batteries because their life is only 3 or 4 years. I am worried enough about this that I may trade the Hybrid for the twin turbo Lexus and go back to old technology. As anyone got any experience with batterys on the 24 1958's?? We need that. Good luckwith you LC. I adore all mine.

Charging or replacing the 12v is no different than on the Lexus or any of your old LCs, only it’s located in a compartment in the cargo area.

 

[ChrisMA1B]

I think it's crazy that I ended up buying this model and trim. At some point, I didn't even care for the new Land Cruiser. I originally fell in love with it (the "NEW" Land Cruiser), but then found the GX550 - at which point I stopped seeing value in the LC overall.

As I have stated in several posts, I had an allocation 1 month away from getting a GX550 Overtrail in Sand with the black roof. This one came with rock sliders and the roof rack - it was perfect.
However, the price was $76,000 and the dealer added $5,000 of protection/mark-up BS, for a total of $81,000 OTD.
It wasn't that I couldn't afford the $81K, it was that at that point I wouldn't feel like I couldn't use the vehicle as I wanted. Coming from a Mercedes SUV I wanted to get back to basics, I envied the people on the road with their 10-15 year old 4Runner, LC, or even Highlander - utilitarian, smart. Driving a luxury SUV just wasn't fun for me anymore.

I have also been into mechanical watches for a long time (before everyone started wearing a sub or a SMP300), acoustic guitars, motorcycles, etc. The whole consumerism prism. I understand it, and I don't like it. I've been able to escape it, selling all of my Martin guitars except for 1, and all of my watches except for 1.

What I learned, is that you always build a relationship with the item/object/etc. that you use the most carelessly and purposefully. The value you get from something comes from how you use it. Will it weight on you if it's dirty and scuffed?
Like that pair of old Red Wing Iron Rangers leather boots you've had for over a decade. Originally around $300, at first, these never saw foul weather. Now, these have become your work boots. But you can wear them out to dinner too. They provide value, utility, and now, sentimental value.

I ended up cancelling the GX550 Overtrail reservation, I was convinced this was my dream SUV, it still might be. V6 Twin Turbo is hard to beat, and the styling is perfect in my opinion. But it wasn't what I needed, and realizing that made me happy, I don't live in a dream.
I even had Carmax ship a 2022 GX460 down from Washington for me to look at. I was also looking at used 4Runners. I was torn because I wanted to make the right choice.

But then the Land Cruiser popped back into my mind. With PTSD from the Rolex AD with allocations and what not, I hesitated to even entertain looking at these again (I had gotten very lucky with the Lexus GX allocation). I originally wanted a Land Cruiser mid-level trim without the premium package but I this was too close to a GX550 to justify. So I took a good look at the 1958.

When I first looked at the 1958, before the GX entered the equation, I didn't even want to learn about this trim level - I didn't like the look, but I loved the cloth seats. But the look wasn't there for me. I was also infatuated with the LC trim and its looks.

With Swiss watches, there is a common cycle people experience. When you first start getting into watches, Rolex is "king" - you don't know any better. Then you start learning about Omega's accomplishments, and higher end watches like Patek, AP, ALS, etc. and think you know watches. You start to discount Rolex because "its what posers wear", or "its what people who want to show off wear", etc., etc..
But then years later you start to understand why Rolex is so popular.

Rolex watches started out as tool watches, just like your old Land Cruisers. Back then, these were tools to fulfill a purpose. The Rolex watch was used by explorers in harsh environments, divers, pilots, and race car drivers. Land Cruisers were used by farmers, and in my personal experience, by families in Colombia to reach our "fincas" (weekend home / country house) out in the muddy mountains.
This is what I have learned works for me. Simple and useful. I will simply get a lot more value from something that I will actually use as intended.

After my short "trip" from originally wanting the mid-level LC, to a GX550 Overtrail, to some used alternatives, and back to the Land Cruiser, I was ready to learn and understand the 1958 model.

I hesitate to write about what I like about the 1958 to avoid sounding like a justification to myself in this here fine forum, but it's true.

Today I came back from a 5 hour trip around Mt. Hood, from highway driving (75MPH), to winding mountain roads (55MPH), to ice/snow covered roads up to the Timberline Lodge, to muddy and rocky forest roads with my dog and GF in the truck. I didn't miss a thing. I never once wished I had more. As a matter of fact I wondered what it would've been like to be in the GX550 when the semi-truck sprayed road particles all over the hood and windshield of my 1958. I had HVAC for my dog in the back. I had heated seats and a heated steering wheel. I had adaptive cruise control. I got 21 MPG on a round trip with lots of stop/go, and off road driving. My cloth seats are excellent and I never wished for extra lumbar support, or thigh support like I had in my Mercedes.

Sure I had wind noise. But never did I miss a disconnecting sway bar, sunroof, Cool Box, or MTS. I actually don't like the squared headlights on the mid-level trim now (if I'm being 100% honest). I love the black plastic and can only imagine how it will look with all the miles and rock chips I will run this 1958 through. Not once did I wish I had more information on my dashboard, nor did I notice the size of my screen. The speakers did a great job. And I will say it again, those cloth seats are so comfortable and SO cool. I also didn't adjust my seat at all, and haven't since I bought it.

I feel lucky to have ended up with the 1958 model. It feels like I belong to a secret club of those who have experienced it and daily drive it. I have always been one to get the top trim level, with every option I "need". But the only vehicles I really regret selling are those that never had any of those features: 2009 Tacoma TRD and 2014 Jeep Sport.
This 1958

I saved thousands of dollars by going with this trim, $20,000 from the GX550 OT, and I can honestly say that I would pick this trim level again if I had to.
To me, this is the closest interpretation of a "modern" 80s series Land Cruiser. The 2025 Toyota Wagon.


View attachment 23056View attachment 23057

I bought the 1958 LC for the same reasons you did and I have not been disappointed. I also like watches - mechanical and "smart". I spent 9 years in the US Army Special Forces and many of the guys had a fetish for Rolex. Not me, I went with utilitarian (initially a basic waterproof Seiko, later a Seiko dive watch, because it had a luminous second hand, which was useful for timing things at night) and was waterproof in the extreme. As a pilot I first bought a Garmin pilot watch, which had the advantage of automatic time zone adjustment, but the disadvantage of needing daily recharging. I then bought a Breitling Navitimer. Super accurate for a mechanical watch (loses or gains about 1 second per year), which has GMT and local time. That one I still have and use occasionally, but for daily use I use a new Apple Smart watch (doesn't lose or gain any time at all because it is constantly time and location corrected by satellite). Ah boys and their toys!

 

[Rook]

I bought the 1958 LC for the same reasons you did and I have not been disappointed. I also like watches - mechanical and "smart". I spent 9 years in the US Army Special Forces and many of the guys had a fetish for Rolex. Not me, I went with utilitarian (initially a basic waterproof Seiko, later a Seiko dive watch, because it had a luminous second hand, which was useful for timing things at night) and was waterproof in the extreme. As a pilot I first bought a Garmin pilot watch, which had the advantage of automatic time zone adjustment, but the disadvantage of needing daily recharging. I then bought a Breitling Navitimer. Super accurate for a mechanical watch (loses or gains about 1 second per year), which has GMT and local time. That one I still have and use occasionally, but for daily use I use a new Apple Smart watch (doesn't lose or gain any time at all because it is constantly time and location corrected by satellite). Ah boys and their toys!

Same here, Navy vet. I sold all my modern Rolex watches and kept a 2009 Submariner. I also kept my Seiko Turtle, King Turtle, and SKX007. Along with a Hamilton Khaki Bronze. Kinda lost the appeal once I felt like Rolex because such a status item.
A lot of the Navy frogs are also into Rolex Sea-Dwellers and Panerais.... to each their own.

I appreciate finding what works for you, like the 1958. Honestly man, if I could get my hands on an Australian spec 70 series I would've gone with that.

Good to meet you.

 

[Kaliyat]

Welcome to the 1958 club! Haha. I too thought I wanted a higher trim level when I bought mine. I knew I wanted a Land Cruiser and my dealership only had one in stock...the 1958....and the higher level ones coming in were in colors I didn't like and of course, cost more. I was coming off a 12 year old Ford F150 so pretty much any technology was more than I was used to so that actually wasn't a big deal to me. I like that the screen in the LC is smaller than say, the Sequoia (huge monstrosity) and I like the overall styling of the interior. The cloth seats were attractive but I had my heart set on leather so the dealership arranged for me to have them reupholstered in leather. I love everything about this vehicle except the smaller-than-I'm-used-to fuel tank. I also now prefer the round head lights because I feel like they're more authentic to the original LCs. I need to put better tires on mine when I get some extra money but otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing! I feel like I stand out when I drive around town because I still don't see many of these new LCs on the road in my area and everyone always checks it out. I hope to drive this for many many years!

 

[jaynorwood52]

I think it's crazy that I ended up buying this model and trim. At some point, I didn't even care for the new Land Cruiser. I originally fell in love with it (the "NEW" Land Cruiser), but then found the GX550 - at which point I stopped seeing value in the LC overall.

As I have stated in several posts, I had an allocation 1 month away from getting a GX550 Overtrail in Sand with the black roof. This one came with rock sliders and the roof rack - it was perfect.
However, the price was $76,000 and the dealer added $5,000 of protection/mark-up BS, for a total of $81,000 OTD.
It wasn't that I couldn't afford the $81K, it was that at that point I wouldn't feel like I couldn't use the vehicle as I wanted. Coming from a Mercedes SUV I wanted to get back to basics, I envied the people on the road with their 10-15 year old 4Runner, LC, or even Highlander - utilitarian, smart. Driving a luxury SUV just wasn't fun for me anymore.

I have also been into mechanical watches for a long time (before everyone started wearing a sub or a SMP300), acoustic guitars, motorcycles, etc. The whole consumerism prism. I understand it, and I don't like it. I've been able to escape it, selling all of my Martin guitars except for 1, and all of my watches except for 1.

What I learned, is that you always build a relationship with the item/object/etc. that you use the most carelessly and purposefully. The value you get from something comes from how you use it. Will it weight on you if it's dirty and scuffed?
Like that pair of old Red Wing Iron Rangers leather boots you've had for over a decade. Originally around $300, at first, these never saw foul weather. Now, these have become your work boots. But you can wear them out to dinner too. They provide value, utility, and now, sentimental value.

I ended up cancelling the GX550 Overtrail reservation, I was convinced this was my dream SUV, it still might be. V6 Twin Turbo is hard to beat, and the styling is perfect in my opinion. But it wasn't what I needed, and realizing that made me happy, I don't live in a dream.
I even had Carmax ship a 2022 GX460 down from Washington for me to look at. I was also looking at used 4Runners. I was torn because I wanted to make the right choice.

But then the Land Cruiser popped back into my mind. With PTSD from the Rolex AD with allocations and what not, I hesitated to even entertain looking at these again (I had gotten very lucky with the Lexus GX allocation). I originally wanted a Land Cruiser mid-level trim without the premium package but I this was too close to a GX550 to justify. So I took a good look at the 1958.

When I first looked at the 1958, before the GX entered the equation, I didn't even want to learn about this trim level - I didn't like the look, but I loved the cloth seats. But the look wasn't there for me. I was also infatuated with the LC trim and its looks.

With Swiss watches, there is a common cycle people experience. When you first start getting into watches, Rolex is "king" - you don't know any better. Then you start learning about Omega's accomplishments, and higher end watches like Patek, AP, ALS, etc. and think you know watches. You start to discount Rolex because "its what posers wear", or "its what people who want to show off wear", etc., etc..
But then years later you start to understand why Rolex is so popular.

Rolex watches started out as tool watches, just like your old Land Cruisers. Back then, these were tools to fulfill a purpose. The Rolex watch was used by explorers in harsh environments, divers, pilots, and race car drivers. Land Cruisers were used by farmers, and in my personal experience, by families in Colombia to reach our "fincas" (weekend home / country house) out in the muddy mountains.
This is what I have learned works for me. Simple and useful. I will simply get a lot more value from something that I will actually use as intended.

After my short "trip" from originally wanting the mid-level LC, to a GX550 Overtrail, to some used alternatives, and back to the Land Cruiser, I was ready to learn and understand the 1958 model.

I hesitate to write about what I like about the 1958 to avoid sounding like a justification to myself in this here fine forum, but it's true.

Today I came back from a 5 hour trip around Mt. Hood, from highway driving (75MPH), to winding mountain roads (55MPH), to ice/snow covered roads up to the Timberline Lodge, to muddy and rocky forest roads with my dog and GF in the truck. I didn't miss a thing. I never once wished I had more. As a matter of fact I wondered what it would've been like to be in the GX550 when the semi-truck sprayed road particles all over the hood and windshield of my 1958. I had HVAC for my dog in the back. I had heated seats and a heated steering wheel. I had adaptive cruise control. I got 21 MPG on a round trip with lots of stop/go, and off road driving. My cloth seats are excellent and I never wished for extra lumbar support, or thigh support like I had in my Mercedes.

Sure I had wind noise. But never did I miss a disconnecting sway bar, sunroof, Cool Box, or MTS. I actually don't like the squared headlights on the mid-level trim now (if I'm being 100% honest). I love the black plastic and can only imagine how it will look with all the miles and rock chips I will run this 1958 through. Not once did I wish I had more information on my dashboard, nor did I notice the size of my screen. The speakers did a great job. And I will say it again, those cloth seats are so comfortable and SO cool. I also didn't adjust my seat at all, and haven't since I bought it.

I feel lucky to have ended up with the 1958 model. It feels like I belong to a secret club of those who have experienced it and daily drive it. I have always been one to get the top trim level, with every option I "need". But the only vehicles I really regret selling are those that never had any of those features: 2009 Tacoma TRD and 2014 Jeep Sport.
This 1958

I saved thousands of dollars by going with this trim, $20,000 from the GX550 OT, and I can honestly say that I would pick this trim level again if I had to.
To me, this is the closest interpretation of a "modern" 80s series Land Cruiser. The 2025 Toyota Wagon.


View attachment 23056View attachment 23057

You have good taste my friend. And and excellent write up. I hope others take the time to read it and the lessons on how the back to the basics can open a door to happiness and enjoyment. There is something to be said about the simplicity the 1958 affords you. We brought the same one- after turning away from a fully loaded platinum sequoia (the car we thought we needed) after just buying a 2024 TRD 4Runner (a car purchase we felt comfortable making) only to realize it was the 1958 all along. See you on the trail (if only in spirit- we are in South Carolina and won’t make it out that way for many years- but when I do - it will be in the ‘58).

 

[Joe I]

I think it's crazy that I ended up buying this model and trim. At some point, I didn't even care for the new Land Cruiser. I originally fell in love with it (the "NEW" Land Cruiser), but then found the GX550 - at which point I stopped seeing value in the LC overall.

As I have stated in several posts, I had an allocation 1 month away from getting a GX550 Overtrail in Sand with the black roof. This one came with rock sliders and the roof rack - it was perfect.
However, the price was $76,000 and the dealer added $5,000 of protection/mark-up BS, for a total of $81,000 OTD.
It wasn't that I couldn't afford the $81K, it was that at that point I wouldn't feel like I couldn't use the vehicle as I wanted. Coming from a Mercedes SUV I wanted to get back to basics, I envied the people on the road with their 10-15 year old 4Runner, LC, or even Highlander - utilitarian, smart. Driving a luxury SUV just wasn't fun for me anymore.

I have also been into mechanical watches for a long time (before everyone started wearing a sub or a SMP300), acoustic guitars, motorcycles, etc. The whole consumerism prism. I understand it, and I don't like it. I've been able to escape it, selling all of my Martin guitars except for 1, and all of my watches except for 1.

What I learned, is that you always build a relationship with the item/object/etc. that you use the most carelessly and purposefully. The value you get from something comes from how you use it. Will it weight on you if it's dirty and scuffed?
Like that pair of old Red Wing Iron Rangers leather boots you've had for over a decade. Originally around $300, at first, these never saw foul weather. Now, these have become your work boots. But you can wear them out to dinner too. They provide value, utility, and now, sentimental value.

I ended up cancelling the GX550 Overtrail reservation, I was convinced this was my dream SUV, it still might be. V6 Twin Turbo is hard to beat, and the styling is perfect in my opinion. But it wasn't what I needed, and realizing that made me happy, I don't live in a dream.
I even had Carmax ship a 2022 GX460 down from Washington for me to look at. I was also looking at used 4Runners. I was torn because I wanted to make the right choice.

But then the Land Cruiser popped back into my mind. With PTSD from the Rolex AD with allocations and what not, I hesitated to even entertain looking at these again (I had gotten very lucky with the Lexus GX allocation). I originally wanted a Land Cruiser mid-level trim without the premium package but I this was too close to a GX550 to justify. So I took a good look at the 1958.

When I first looked at the 1958, before the GX entered the equation, I didn't even want to learn about this trim level - I didn't like the look, but I loved the cloth seats. But the look wasn't there for me. I was also infatuated with the LC trim and its looks.

With Swiss watches, there is a common cycle people experience. When you first start getting into watches, Rolex is "king" - you don't know any better. Then you start learning about Omega's accomplishments, and higher end watches like Patek, AP, ALS, etc. and think you know watches. You start to discount Rolex because "its what posers wear", or "its what people who want to show off wear", etc., etc..
But then years later you start to understand why Rolex is so popular.

Rolex watches started out as tool watches, just like your old Land Cruisers. Back then, these were tools to fulfill a purpose. The Rolex watch was used by explorers in harsh environments, divers, pilots, and race car drivers. Land Cruisers were used by farmers, and in my personal experience, by families in Colombia to reach our "fincas" (weekend home / country house) out in the muddy mountains.
This is what I have learned works for me. Simple and useful. I will simply get a lot more value from something that I will actually use as intended.

After my short "trip" from originally wanting the mid-level LC, to a GX550 Overtrail, to some used alternatives, and back to the Land Cruiser, I was ready to learn and understand the 1958 model.

I hesitate to write about what I like about the 1958 to avoid sounding like a justification to myself in this here fine forum, but it's true.

Today I came back from a 5 hour trip around Mt. Hood, from highway driving (75MPH), to winding mountain roads (55MPH), to ice/snow covered roads up to the Timberline Lodge, to muddy and rocky forest roads with my dog and GF in the truck. I didn't miss a thing. I never once wished I had more. As a matter of fact I wondered what it would've been like to be in the GX550 when the semi-truck sprayed road particles all over the hood and windshield of my 1958. I had HVAC for my dog in the back. I had heated seats and a heated steering wheel. I had adaptive cruise control. I got 21 MPG on a round trip with lots of stop/go, and off road driving. My cloth seats are excellent and I never wished for extra lumbar support, or thigh support like I had in my Mercedes.

Sure I had wind noise. But never did I miss a disconnecting sway bar, sunroof, Cool Box, or MTS. I actually don't like the squared headlights on the mid-level trim now (if I'm being 100% honest). I love the black plastic and can only imagine how it will look with all the miles and rock chips I will run this 1958 through. Not once did I wish I had more information on my dashboard, nor did I notice the size of my screen. The speakers did a great job. And I will say it again, those cloth seats are so comfortable and SO cool. I also didn't adjust my seat at all, and haven't since I bought it.

I feel lucky to have ended up with the 1958 model. It feels like I belong to a secret club of those who have experienced it and daily drive it. I have always been one to get the top trim level, with every option I "need". But the only vehicles I really regret selling are those that never had any of those features: 2009 Tacoma TRD and 2014 Jeep Sport.
This 1958

I saved thousands of dollars by going with this trim, $20,000 from the GX550 OT, and I can honestly say that I would pick this trim level again if I had to.
To me, this is the closest interpretation of a "modern" 80s series Land Cruiser. The 2025 Toyota Wagon.


View attachment 23056View attachment 23057

 

[Joe I]

I agree with all of that and second the well written comment. First, I have to admit the car was a little "plain Jane" to me, but I have grown to love it in all its simplicity. My only requirements were towing ability and heated seats and steering wheel. I came from a RAM Laramie with all the bells and whistles, but I don't miss any of them. I love the heated cloth seats that heat up almost instantly, much faster than any leather seats and they are supremely comfortable. It would be nice if the gas tank were larger, because I am frankly a little nervous about some of our summer camping trips where we are out in the west and it may be hundreds of miles to the next fill up. I am curious if anyone has done any towing yet and how it went.

 

[PC3]

I originally wanted the GX 550, but 3 things dissuaded me: (1) the engine issues inherent in the engine (I'm not necessarily convinced that unremoved metal shavings are the culprit so much as a design flaw); (2) the dreadful gas mileage; and (3) the in-person styling. The LC front end looks better to me.
So, on to the LC. I was concerned about the 4 cyl + turbo + hybrid, BUT, I convinced myself that Toyota's sales o/s the US are largely 4 cyl and they have that and the hybrid tech mastered. We'll see how that plays out.
I looked at the 1958 and LCLC models, and it was a tough choice. Ultimately, I wanted simpler, although the 1958 isn't that much more simple operationally, it's features just aren't as refined. So, for me, it came down to weighing two items: the seats in the LCLC versus the lacking off-road features in the 1958 (e.g., sway bar disconnect). I do like the color options for the LCLC better, but I got a black car, so happy with that.
Anyway, long story short, I went with the 1958 because I was able to install Katzkin real leather seat covers and I felt that my risk was somewhat mitigated by the lower price.
I've loved the 1958 and happy with my decision - as another post pointed out, it's not so nice or expensive that I am uncomfortable using it on a daily basis and potentially banging it up. I'm thinking I'll keep this for about 4 years at which time, whatever is going to happen with this model will play out. I love the styling and think the LC looks great.

 

[Rook]

You have good taste my friend. And and excellent write up. I hope others take the time to read it and the lessons on how the back to the basics can open a door to happiness and enjoyment. There is something to be said about the simplicity the 1958 affords you. We brought the same one- after turning away from a fully loaded platinum sequoia (the car we thought we needed) after just buying a 2024 TRD 4Runner (a car purchase we felt comfortable making) only to realize it was the 1958 all along. See you on the trail (if only in spirit- we are in South Carolina and won’t make it out that way for many years- but when I do - it will be in the ‘58).

Thank you sir. I love seeing how others that came from more expensive, fully loaded cars like myself ended up with the 1958 and aren't looking back. I have the feeling (maybe wishful thinking) this will be highly sought after once Toyota discontinues it!

 

[Rook]

Welcome to the 1958 club! Haha. I too thought I wanted a higher trim level when I bought mine. I knew I wanted a Land Cruiser and my dealership only had one in stock...the 1958....and the higher level ones coming in were in colors I didn't like and of course, cost more. I was coming off a 12 year old Ford F150 so pretty much any technology was more than I was used to so that actually wasn't a big deal to me. I like that the screen in the LC is smaller than say, the Sequoia (huge monstrosity) and I like the overall styling of the interior. The cloth seats were attractive but I had my heart set on leather so the dealership arranged for me to have them reupholstered in leather. I love everything about this vehicle except the smaller-than-I'm-used-to fuel tank. I also now prefer the round head lights because I feel like they're more authentic to the original LCs. I need to put better tires on mine when I get some extra money but otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing! I feel like I stand out when I drive around town because I still don't see many of these new LCs on the road in my area and everyone always checks it out. I hope to drive this for many many years!

very cool, I also think the gas tank is a bit of a miss but otherwise pretty content with everything else. I'm starting to really like the look of the 1958 without a rack, I got the FE rack - probably not coming off - but the wagon-ish look is so good to be honest.

 

[Rook]

I originally wanted the GX 550, but 3 things dissuaded me: (1) the engine issues inherent in the engine (I'm not necessarily convinced that unremoved metal shavings are the culprit so much as a design flaw); (2) the dreadful gas mileage; and (3) the in-person styling. The LC front end looks better to me.
So, on to the LC. I was concerned about the 4 cyl + turbo + hybrid, BUT, I convinced myself that Toyota's sales o/s the US are largely 4 cyl and they have that and the hybrid tech mastered. We'll see how that plays out.
I looked at the 1958 and LCLC models, and it was a tough choice. Ultimately, I wanted simpler, although the 1958 isn't that much more simple operationally, it's features just aren't as refined. So, for me, it came down to weighing two items: the seats in the LCLC versus the lacking off-road features in the 1958 (e.g., sway bar disconnect). I do like the color options for the LCLC better, but I got a black car, so happy with that.
Anyway, long story short, I went with the 1958 because I was able to install Katzkin real leather seat covers and I felt that my risk was somewhat mitigated by the lower price.
I've loved the 1958 and happy with my decision - as another post pointed out, it's not so nice or expensive that I am uncomfortable using it on a daily basis and potentially banging it up. I'm thinking I'll keep this for about 4 years at which time, whatever is going to happen with this model will play out. I love the styling and think the LC looks great.

MPGs were a huge factor on me not going with the GX550... sure only 4-5MPG but that adds up. And I would never say that the 1958 is not nice nor expensive (although I get what you're saying).$60K is pretty expensive for a 5 seater SUV with cloth seats and manual seats haha!

 

[EOD Guy]

I understand you completely. My first LC was an 155 bought from Nagoya for delivery to Mombasa in 1976, I still runs and lives with friends now. While raising kids we had Suburbans but when the last one failed my wife said buy something else. So that was a 2005 Land Cruiser. During Covid I bought the 2021 LC from Toyota in Grand Junction and then just to try a hybrid I bought the 2024 1958 with the round lights etc. So I have 3 now on my ranch as well as a Tundra I think they are bullet proof. I certainly think the 2005 at 100k miles is the toughest like my 76 in Kenya. I am a little fearful of the little green light on the 24 LC that says OK or whatever. What happens if it doesn't? I have a trickle charge on the 12v battery because I don't want it to go dead. Supposedly the brain goes dead up front and has to be reset by dealer which is NO GOOD AT ALL as I am 150miles away from a dealer. SO we need more info on changing those 12v batteries because their life is only 3 or 4 years. I am worried enough about this that I may trade the Hybrid for the twin turbo Lexus and go back to old technology. As anyone got any experience with batterys on the 24 1958's?? We need that. Good luckwith you LC. I adore all mine.

I know for a fact that if the battery goes flat all you have to do is jump start it or put a charger on it, until it has enough juice in it to fire up the computers, then it'll start. I've had my battery disconnected so many times, I've lost count. You do not have to visit the dealer for anything.

I had my battery go flat 3-4 times and I replaced it with an Optima and added a solar charger (mounted under the roof rack) and so far I haven't had to jump it off or keep it on the trickle charger.

 

[SCcruisers]

You have good taste my friend. And and excellent write up. I hope others take the time to read it and the lessons on how the back to the basics can open a door to happiness and enjoyment. There is something to be said about the simplicity the 1958 affords you. We brought the same one- after turning away from a fully loaded platinum sequoia (the car we thought we needed) after just buying a 2024 TRD 4Runner (a car purchase we felt comfortable making) only to realize it was the 1958 all along. See you on the trail (if only in spirit- we are in South Carolina and won’t make it out that way for many years- but when I do - it will be in the ‘58).

We are in Fort Mill SC! Don’t see many of these 58’s around or any LC250 in my area. Nice ride! (Pic was taken this morning on Long Island NY, drove the LC here yesterday)

 

[Rook]

We are in Fort Mill SC! Don’t see many of these 58’s around or any LC250 in my area. Nice ride! (Pic was taken this morning on Long Island NY, drove the LC here yesterday)

great set up. Love the simple white and black, no rack. Clean.

 

[SCcruisers]

great set up. Love the simple white and black, no rack. Clean.

Well I’ve been tossing around the idea of doing a rack. Preferably a full Westcott or Fromt runner rack, I kinda like the way the front runner looks but it’s very high compared to the westcott.

But then again I love the basic look of this one. I just need to be able to put my surf rods on the roof or I can use my rear Pakmule rack and put rod holders on it instead. Decisions decisions lol

 

[Rook]

Well I’ve been tossing around the idea of doing a rack. Preferably a full Westcott or Fromt runner rack, I kinda like the way the front runner looks but it’s very high compared to the westcott.

But then again I love the basic look of this one. I just need to be able to put my surf rods on the roof or I can use my rear Pakmule rack and put rod holders on it instead. Decisions decisions lol

I got the FE rack and really like the look. But seeing these 1958s without the rack with a good set of tires just looks so good to me.

 

[SCcruisers]

I got the FE and really like the look. But seeing these 1958s without the rack with a good set of tires just looks so good to me.

Yes same. That’s why it’s very difficult for me to commit to the rack. I may just see what Thule has and do that. Just seems like a waste of space up there I can utilize for actual use.