2008 USA Land Cruiser Pics and Test Drive Impressions

[ShottsCruisers]

Ahhh....this is a very nice vehicle. Improvements are such that it does lessen the 100-series ride experience though nothing like the 100 did to the 80-series.

Driving?

VERY FAST! I believe the initial reports of 0-60 in 6.5 sec. The 6-speed shifts nicely and when on the gas it quickly finds which if the gears to use. The sequential shift option is also killer. If you try to down-shift too low you get an audible beep.

It handles very well. It feels a bit heavier than a 100. at low speeds it sways about the same. At higher speeds the KDDS cranks up (or something) and the truck remains quite stable.

The front DS and PS dual climate controls are awesome and EZ to use. Becky luvved it!

This thing is quieter than an LX470!

The keyless start is a must. You gotta experience it. And, the doors push-button lock and unlock like on my Rx8.

No more 3rd row rattling seats.

120-voly AC inside!

2nd row is made for a King. The 2nd row controls are awesome too.

What about build quality?

Damn.....it looked all Land Cruiser underneath. It has a new rear axle (Tundra?). The front IFS looks very Tundra-ish. I hope it's easily liftable.
REAL RECOVERY POINTS FRONT AND REAR!

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Wheels/wheelwell?

The wells looked 315-ready. Not sure about rubbing on the upper A-arm? The spare tire hangs down low!

CRAWL CONTROL WORKS! Suweeeeet! Gotta luv this feature. 3-speed selectable and one-touch operation (Four Wheeler Mag was nuts! It's EZ to use once in 4-lo. Works with CDL locked or unlocked.)

Inside door panel wood is FAKE...CHEAP...FAKE...CHEAP!

Nice tail gate storage:

OK...SO WHAT ABOUT THIS COMPARED TO A 100-SERIES?

IF THE TWO VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED THE SAME.....meaning we just looked at a loaded 2007 for $67K and this 2008 was $72K.....the new 200-series BLOWS IT AWAY! No question....take the 2008 and run. It's improved no question.

WHAT ABOUT OFF-ROADING?

Well, it was good to see that ARB pic from SEMA. I am concerned however about the 200's added length. Looks like half of the 4" is split between the front and rear ends. (I pulled my 100 up next to it and compared) Ground clearance is clean. Everything is tucked up like the 100 and unlike the FJC/4R/GX. That is good. I think it'd need about 4" lift and 35's to hang with a 100. Will we get 4" front lift? I'm concerned on that.

The question for us is how much will one cost (didn't have time today to find out) and IS IT WORTH the added expense over a un-loaded 2007. As I said, the $72K tag is worth it's price. For ME though I'm wondering if I could find a $60K new 2007? For $12K the 2007 might be a better choice for ME. Don't know. I will be researching this the next day or so and I gotta think.

QUESTIONS?

ALL PICS HERE:
http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/3742679

 

[upcruiser]

Great report. I've yet to see one of these in person yet. It blows me away that I see switches and bits on the new Cruiser that are carryovers from my '92.

Where are the pics of the SEMA ARB bumper that you are referring to? I'm curious to see how aftermarket bumpers are going to work with this truck. If the suspension is comprised of Tundra components, how will that pan out? I know the new Tundra is heavier duty overall, but is it up to being as overbuilt as previous Cruisers given its weight?

I'd say pull the trigger on the new one and be a pioneer. You've been down the 100 street, you can always go back. Pave the way for a new generation Shotts. ha ha

 

[Pskhaat]

:drool::smiley_drive::bowdown:

I chant: Do it, do it, do it, do it!

Was the rear pumpkin centered or offset?

That inside door styling looking very German.

I'm hoping those recovery points'll be bolt-on to the 80/100

 

[calamaridog]

I'm hoping those recovery points'll be bolt-on to the 80/100

The 80 and 100 are not the same size mount. The one from the 200 looks like the Tundra TRD 4x4 recovery point and may be the same size as the 100. Not sure yet.

 

[calamaridog]

John,

Next time you are there look closely at the front suspension compared to the Tundra. Hopefully the Donahoe or Camburg adjustable coilovers and UCA's will be bolt on from the Tundra. Suspension "lift" is going to be in the 2.5-3" range I suspect...

Also measure the wheelwells vs. the Tundra. The Tundra swallows 35's and 37's easily.

And buy the damn thing already I even like the green...

 

[spressomon]

Nice post and pics John...thanks! I really like that tailgate compartment!!! Maybe the Toyota engineers do follow these forums after all ;-)

But no perf'd/vented leather ala RAV4??? My better 1/2 bought an '07 RAV4...I tried to convince her not to get the leather because I'm tired of sweaty butt...but being the smarter 1/2 she didn't listen. She knew the perf'd/vented leather would be the cool set-up: Literally! And after testing it in Sacramento this past summer on an 115 degree day...not clammy, no sweaty butt....nada. I fully expected to see this in the twundy.

 

[spressomon]

Hey...looks like the finally eliminated the 1920's style e-brake linkage at the rear axle/diff!

 

[MoGas]

Looks great. :wings:

If anyone is to be the first to start modding, it should be you, John.

Where do they hide the inverter and what are the power output specs? Are lockers available?

Dave

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Great report. I've yet to see one of these in person yet. It blows me away that I see switches and bits on the new Cruiser that are carryovers from my '92.

Where are the pics of the SEMA ARB bumper that you are referring to? I'm curious to see how aftermarket bumpers are going to work with this truck. If the suspension is comprised of Tundra components, how will that pan out? I know the new Tundra is heavier duty overall, but is it up to being as overbuilt as previous Cruisers given its weight?

I'd say pull the trigger on the new one and be a pioneer. You've been down the 100 street, you can always go back. Pave the way for a new generation Shotts. ha ha

SEMA pic is here:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=185559

I'm not a Tundra expert so I'm not sure on some of these questions. I do know the 200 has it's own frame and most parts are also it's own.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

:drool::smiley_drive::bowdown:

I'm hoping those recovery points'll be bolt-on to the 80/100

GREAT THOUGHT!

 

[ShottsCruisers]

John,

Next time you are there look closely at the front suspension compared to the Tundra. Hopefully the Donahoe or Camburg adjustable coilovers and UCA's will be bolt on from the Tundra. Suspension "lift" is going to be in the 2.5-3" range I suspect...

Also measure the wheelwells vs. the Tundra. The Tundra swallows 35's and 37's easily.

And buy the damn thing already I even like the green...

That's why I took the pics. I'm hoping for a quick lift.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Looks great. :wings:

If anyone is to be the first to start modding, it should be you, John.

Where do they hide the inverter and what are the power output specs? Are lockers available?

Dave

Nothing in the brochure meantions the 110V setup.

No lockers of course.