So much awesome information in this thread. I have owned Landcruisers since I was 18 yrs old, something about them. When I was 18 I purchased a 1973 FJ40 for $1800US and drove it like most any 18 yr old boy with an appetite for showing off. Did I get it stuck? Yup. Did I break Birfields? Yup. Did I turn it over? Yup. Did it ever not drive me home? Nope. I started in 1st and RPM shifted it home 60 miles after turning it on it's side but still got home. I have built several cruisers based on that first experience over the years and still have several 45s. I've crossed the country in a Hilux and never been left stranded. Is it good luck? Nope, just great product. I recently purchased a 200 Series and crossed the country to retrieve it, so awesome. Took it wheeling in Sedona and never even considered whether or not it would make the remaining 3000 miles or if something would break. I think there is a commitment to excellence for those who ante up and pull the trigger. The buy-in commands review and justification for most but in the end I'd guess that most 200 owners have a pocket knife and a toolbox? Can we overland in a dodge caravan? Yup, and many do so with absolute enjoyment. My Landcruiser, like all the others, will become my pocket knife, reliable, functional, useful, valuable and my friend. Does it really warrant the price tag or is it wasted money? I'd say the price is warranted but I also remember my father telling me, "Son, that which you enjoy wasting isn't wasted at all". Tomorrow the 200 will carry me on a camping trip with some fellow overlanders and I couldn't be happier, the peace of mind alone makes it worth it to me.
