Thoughts on my LC FE after 4000 Miles

[HammerTheWall]

Thought I'd post up on my thoughts after 4000 miles. For background, I'm coming from a '18 JLU Sahara MT that I bought new and had for 110,000 miles.

Overall, I love this vehicle and am very happy to be back in the Toyota gang. Previous Toyotas included a couple of Tundras, a 4Runner, a Rav4 Limited, and an FJ Cruiser.

Pros

• Gas mileage is excellent. Getting 3-5 MPG over the JLU with more weight, so very happy. Also, no complaints on the gas tank size or low fuel warning...just put gas in it and pay attention. Averaging about 20 MPG on normal mode, which is where I keep it.
• Comfortable - I do 3-6 hour driving trips several times a month and it's been so nice. Love the adaptive cruise and nanny stuff on the interstates - works great for me.
• Power is great overall, whether passing at 75mph or crawling around light off-road adventures, no complaints. Again, a step up from the JLU.
• Being able to have directions come from Apple CarPlay and music come from non-Apple CarPlay is great. Or vice-versa. My kids love this feature.
• Get a lot of comments on it, questions about it, and general conversation about it. It's nice!
• Technology is awesome. I love all the options, settings, and control.
• Overall, I'm incredibly happy with it. Would definitely buy it again all over if given the option.

Cons

• Stock windshield wipers seem pretty lame. With the warm days in PA they definitely don't handle bugs as good as the aftermarket ones I purchased for the JLU. Cheap and easy fix though.
• The rear diaper for the hitch cover seems like an ugly afterthought.
• I wished the left arm area next to the window was wider, or the armrest itself was higher. I'm 6'1" and I feel like I'm trying to find the right position for max comfort. Probably just need to test more adjustments and find a comfortable spot.
• The driver monitor assist, even with both driver monitor assist settings disabled (the monitor itself and the recording) I get a screen message that says, "driver monitor unavailable, see manual". I would think that if it's disabled and not recording it shouldn't be telling me it's not available. It's a minor annoyance, but enough of one that it shouldn't be happening unless I'm misunderstanding something.

Future Plans

• Suspension upgrade/lift and tires
• Getting some recovery gear, storage, and maybe a bigger jack on the roof rack
• Bumpers and a winch - ARB build looked amazing!
• Spare tire relocation
• Off-road camping trailer for campground and off-grid camping use

 

[robsurfskate]

Thought I'd post up on my thoughts after 4000 miles. For background, I'm coming from a '18 JLU Sahara MT that I bought new and had for 110,000 miles.

Overall, I love this vehicle and am very happy to be back in the Toyota gang. Previous Toyotas included a couple of Tundras, a 4Runner, a Rav4 Limited, and an FJ Cruiser.

Pros

• Gas mileage is excellent. Getting 3-5 MPG over the JLU with more weight, so very happy. Also, no complaints on the gas tank size or low fuel warning...just put gas in it and pay attention. Averaging about 20 MPG on normal mode, which is where I keep it.
• Comfortable - I do 3-6 hour driving trips several times a month and it's been so nice. Love the adaptive cruise and nanny stuff on the interstates - works great for me.
• Power is great overall, whether passing at 75mph or crawling around light off-road adventures, no complaints. Again, a step up from the JLU.
• Being able to have directions come from Apple CarPlay and music come from non-Apple CarPlay is great. Or vice-versa. My kids love this feature.
• Get a lot of comments on it, questions about it, and general conversation about it. It's nice!
• Technology is awesome. I love all the options, settings, and control.
• Overall, I'm incredibly happy with it. Would definitely buy it again all over if given the option.

Cons

• Stock windshield wipers seem pretty lame. With the warm days in PA they definitely don't handle bugs as good as the aftermarket ones I purchased for the JLU. Cheap and easy fix though.
• The rear diaper for the hitch cover seems like an ugly afterthought.
• I wished the left arm area next to the window was wider, or the armrest itself was higher. I'm 6'1" and I feel like I'm trying to find the right position for max comfort. Probably just need to test more adjustments and find a comfortable spot.
• The driver monitor assist, even with both driver monitor assist settings disabled (the monitor itself and the recording) I get a screen message that says, "driver monitor unavailable, see manual". I would think that if it's disabled and not recording it shouldn't be telling me it's not available. It's a minor annoyance, but enough of one that it shouldn't be happening unless I'm misunderstanding something.

Future Plans

• Suspension upgrade/lift and tires
• Getting some recovery gear, storage, and maybe a bigger jack on the roof rack
• Bumpers and a winch - ARB build looked amazing!
• Spare tire relocation
• Off-road camping trailer for campground and off-grid camping use

I'm 6 months in at 2,000 miles (weekend driver). I agree with you 100%. Same thought on the left arm rest. I wish it was a bit wider.

 

[spdrcr05]

Thought I'd post up on my thoughts after 4000 miles. For background, I'm coming from a '18 JLU Sahara MT that I bought new and had for 110,000 miles.

Overall, I love this vehicle and am very happy to be back in the Toyota gang. Previous Toyotas included a couple of Tundras, a 4Runner, a Rav4 Limited, and an FJ Cruiser.

Pros

• Gas mileage is excellent. Getting 3-5 MPG over the JLU with more weight, so very happy. Also, no complaints on the gas tank size or low fuel warning...just put gas in it and pay attention. Averaging about 20 MPG on normal mode, which is where I keep it.
• Comfortable - I do 3-6 hour driving trips several times a month and it's been so nice. Love the adaptive cruise and nanny stuff on the interstates - works great for me.
• Power is great overall, whether passing at 75mph or crawling around light off-road adventures, no complaints. Again, a step up from the JLU.
• Being able to have directions come from Apple CarPlay and music come from non-Apple CarPlay is great. Or vice-versa. My kids love this feature.
• Get a lot of comments on it, questions about it, and general conversation about it. It's nice!
• Technology is awesome. I love all the options, settings, and control.
• Overall, I'm incredibly happy with it. Would definitely buy it again all over if given the option.

Cons

• Stock windshield wipers seem pretty lame. With the warm days in PA they definitely don't handle bugs as good as the aftermarket ones I purchased for the JLU. Cheap and easy fix though.
• The rear diaper for the hitch cover seems like an ugly afterthought.
• I wished the left arm area next to the window was wider, or the armrest itself was higher. I'm 6'1" and I feel like I'm trying to find the right position for max comfort. Probably just need to test more adjustments and find a comfortable spot.
• The driver monitor assist, even with both driver monitor assist settings disabled (the monitor itself and the recording) I get a screen message that says, "driver monitor unavailable, see manual". I would think that if it's disabled and not recording it shouldn't be telling me it's not available. It's a minor annoyance, but enough of one that it shouldn't be happening unless I'm misunderstanding something.

Future Plans

• Suspension upgrade/lift and tires
• Getting some recovery gear, storage, and maybe a bigger jack on the roof rack
• Bumpers and a winch - ARB build looked amazing!
• Spare tire relocation
• Off-road camping trailer for campground and off-grid camping use

I took the diaper off and put an actual hitch cover on: Amazon.com

As far as the armrest goes, it was more irritating to me that it wasn't the same height as the center console. I bought this and it perfectly evened my elbows out: Amazon.com

 

[HammerTheWall]

I took the diaper off and put an actual hitch cover on: Amazon.com

As far as the armrest goes, it was more irritating to me that it wasn't the same height as the center console. I bought this and it perfectly evened my elbows out: Amazon.com

I'll check those out - thanks!

 

[GoodNewsEveryone]

I switched the hitch cover to the smaller one that came with the vehicle, and I think it looks much better.

 

[Tripod1404]

Were you able to take to big one off without breaking it? I broke the clips on it while taking it off lol.

 

[GoodNewsEveryone]

Were you able to take to big one off without breaking it? I broke the clips on it while taking it off lol.

Yeah, used a flat head screwdriver to pop the tabs out without them breaking.

 

[HammerTheWall]

Yeah, used a flat head screwdriver to pop the tabs out without them breaking.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[Tripod1404]

Yeah, used a flat head screwdriver to pop the tabs out without them breaking.

So my way of removing it like a gorilla was not the best option .

 

[KurtW]

Thanks for the report; I agree with pretty much all of your observations. I have chosen to live with the nanny camera and such, at least for now. What brand of wipers did you have on your JLU?

DuBois; I went to school in Williamsport (a long time ago)
-Kurt

 

[HammerTheWall]

Thanks for the report; I agree with pretty much all of your observations. I have chosen to live with the nanny camera and such, at least for now. What brand of wipers did you have on your JLU?

DuBois; I went to school in Williamsport (a long time ago)
-Kurt

I had the Quantum Elite wiper blades; they worked great.

I get over towards Williamsport for work (company is based out of Watsontown). Love the PA Wilds!

 

[Midwest Duo]

I switched the hitch cover to the smaller one that came with the vehicle, and I think it looks much better.

Yes. I’m not sure why more people haven’t commented the same. HUGE improvement over the diaper.

 

[KurtW]

I had the Quantum Elite wiper blades; they worked great.

I get over towards Williamsport for work (company is based out of Watsontown). Love the PA Wilds!

Sure I know Watsontown! I will check out those wiper blades. The OE ones worked fine in some slushy snow we're having today but I like to be able to see out the windshield so good blades are important to me

 

[HammerTheWall]

Sure I know Watsontown! I will check out those wiper blades. The OE ones worked fine in some slushy snow we're having today but I like to be able to see out the windshield so good blades are important to me

Just realized I didn't qualify the brand of the blades - rainX.

 

[LeftCoast58]

I took the diaper off and put an actual hitch cover on: Amazon.com

As far as the armrest goes, it was more irritating to me that it wasn't the same height as the center console. I bought this and it perfectly evened my elbows out: Amazon.com

Curious about the elbow rest from Amazon. Does it fit OK? Dimensions seem a bit large. I have a 1958 and really could use a cushion over the hard plastic.

 

[LCNH]

I purchased the Primo Workz armrest, recommended elsewhere on the LC Forum. It works! Increases the door ledge width and provides a nice padded resting spot for my left forearm, while still able to easily reach the steering wheel. Worth the short money for comfort.

Primo Workz Armrests

Adds an armrest to your door in the ideal position for long drives Our armrests slip onto your door panel with no installation required Extra storage pockets for cash or receipts, cellphones, knives, radios etc Available with a cupholder for bottles or tumblers - ideal for vehicles with no or...

www.primoworkz.com

 

[HammerTheWall]

I purchased the Primo Workz armrest, recommended elsewhere on the LC Forum. It works! Increases the door ledge width and provides a nice padded resting spot for my left forearm, while still able to easily reach the steering wheel. Worth the short money for comfort.

Primo Workz Armrests

Adds an armrest to your door in the ideal position for long drives Our armrests slip onto your door panel with no installation required Extra storage pockets for cash or receipts, cellphones, knives, radios etc Available with a cupholder for bottles or tumblers - ideal for vehicles with no or...

www.primoworkz.com

I like this option! I can add my GoRuck patches to the velcro area. Thank you!

 

[tmhdgpth23227]

Were you able to take to big one off without breaking it? I broke the clips on it while taking it off lol.

I had spares in the package with the smaller cover.

 

[Endurance]

Thought I'd post up on my thoughts after 4000 miles. For background, I'm coming from a '18 JLU Sahara MT that I bought new and had for 110,000 miles.

Overall, I love this vehicle and am very happy to be back in the Toyota gang. Previous Toyotas included a couple of Tundras, a 4Runner, a Rav4 Limited, and an FJ Cruiser.

Pros

• Gas mileage is excellent. Getting 3-5 MPG over the JLU with more weight, so very happy. Also, no complaints on the gas tank size or low fuel warning...just put gas in it and pay attention. Averaging about 20 MPG on normal mode, which is where I keep it.
• Comfortable - I do 3-6 hour driving trips several times a month and it's been so nice. Love the adaptive cruise and nanny stuff on the interstates - works great for me.
• Power is great overall, whether passing at 75mph or crawling around light off-road adventures, no complaints. Again, a step up from the JLU.
• Being able to have directions come from Apple CarPlay and music come from non-Apple CarPlay is great. Or vice-versa. My kids love this feature.
• Get a lot of comments on it, questions about it, and general conversation about it. It's nice!
• Technology is awesome. I love all the options, settings, and control.
• Overall, I'm incredibly happy with it. Would definitely buy it again all over if given the option.

Cons

• Stock windshield wipers seem pretty lame. With the warm days in PA they definitely don't handle bugs as good as the aftermarket ones I purchased for the JLU. Cheap and easy fix though.
• The rear diaper for the hitch cover seems like an ugly afterthought.
• I wished the left arm area next to the window was wider, or the armrest itself was higher. I'm 6'1" and I feel like I'm trying to find the right position for max comfort. Probably just need to test more adjustments and find a comfortable spot.
• The driver monitor assist, even with both driver monitor assist settings disabled (the monitor itself and the recording) I get a screen message that says, "driver monitor unavailable, see manual". I would think that if it's disabled and not recording it shouldn't be telling me it's not available. It's a minor annoyance, but enough of one that it shouldn't be happening unless I'm misunderstanding something.

Future Plans

• Suspension upgrade/lift and tires
• Getting some recovery gear, storage, and maybe a bigger jack on the roof rack
• Bumpers and a winch - ARB build looked amazing!
• Spare tire relocation
• Off-road camping trailer for campground and off-grid camping use

Thank you for your thoughts and input!

 

[spdrcr05]

Curious about the elbow rest from Amazon. Does it fit OK? Dimensions seem a bit large. I have a 1958 and really could use a cushion over the hard plastic.

Fits perfectly at the back of the arm rest