I saw Apollo the other day and man I can say that sure is one sweet minivan. I wonder what they would drive if they were spending their own money. Look at real deal people who aren't selling maxtrax and what do they use? pretty sure that T4R is not very high on the list.
Lets look at those crazy SOBs in Australia. What do they drive? Land Cruisers, pretty sure they are a bit past the beating the snot as far as beating their rigs. Whats that? They don't sell T4Rs in Australia? Hmm... wonder why. Same with those crazy Russians.
let me paint you a picture: Lets say you you dump 40K into a brand new 5Gen or an 80 series.
You drive the 5G off the lot. its going to be fine for most people. Probably fine for the first service roads most will see. its going to be pretty plush and a lot more comfortable. you get a warranty. that's important to some people.
You look for a year to find the right triple locked rust free candidate for your build. Once you find it you rebuild or service everything replace whats needed etc. Lift sliders tire carriers, re-gear etc. Get to that 40K price tag pretty quick. Probably more. You now have spent a lot of time and effort but what you built is your own and maybe you learned a thing or two about your rig. But your 80 series is going to eat up anything you can throw at it, and do it class. You can do the Rubicon on 33s on a 3x80 and OME lift without to much effort. Try doing that in your minivan off the lot. But guess what, this ain't no take it into the dealership for oil changes kinda car. and its not going to be as plush. They could use a couple more cup holders. And banks aren't going to finance your 25 year old 80 series.
But, the 80 series is a globally known platform. A real land cruiser. For when not making it back is not an option.
So again, it sounds like "FAN BOY" mantra but thats ok. some people just dont get it.
"The 80 series is ALWAYS THE ANSWER. the real question is are you worthy?"
I am sorry but your argument is not adding up. They do sell the 150 platform world wide and it is sold under different names but the underpinnings are still the same. Ever heard of the Prado? Of course you have because you claim to know the Toyotas. Well crawl under both and tell me it's different. I drive a UZJ100 and previously drove a 5th gen. Both amazing vehicles. I would not say one is more reliable or capable over the other. The name Land Cruiser while world renowned is just a name. Toyota could throw that name on anything if they wanted to. Honestly if you want me to take a ******** in a box and write Land Cruiser on it, I can so you can worship it. But the fact being its just branding.
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