The 08 TLC has finally hit the lots. It'll be another 3 mths before the LX will. I baught an 07 TLC the first of the year, because I wasn't crazy about the looks of the 08. What do you guys think of the 08 TLC/LX570? Anybody plan on investing in one? My neighbor has a 570 ordered, so I will see first hand how it looks in Jan/Feb, and I plan on finding a TLC on the lot to compare.

I think the looks are ok, better then the 08 sequuia. But I think the biggest plus of the 08' TLC or the LX twin brother, is the new 5.7L and the new 6 speed auto. That should be good for about a 20-25% boost in fuel economy and major bost in power and performance .

I looked at a new FJ Cruiser a couple days ago. I thought for a 4 WD vehicle and no more than two people it would be a great little SUV. Seems to be made more for off road work than many of the current SUVs available.

The interior was spartan at best, but practical for those who do get dirty off road.

The second row seating was cramped and access to it was even more cramped. Good for kids, maybe not so for adults.

Ground clearance, suspension, and drive components all seemed to be thoughtfully done for off road and well built; practical for those who want to really get off the trail, or at least onto a decently tough trail and back again.

Interior cargo space was lacking but made up for in roof rack cargo space.

I like the LS and locking differential options. These are very important features on true off road vehicles. Only real world testing will deem these particular systems worthy or not.

I would like to see winch mounting options. Other than that, Toyota may have a winner.

I am curious to see how many I see in the Colorado Rockies on real trails vs how many I see doing sole duty as mall crawlers.

I might be able to talk myself into one in the next year. I do hate payment though...

Dan

My parents bought a LC a couple weeks ago. My Dad loves it, they use to have an LX470 a few years back, and he says toyo has really out done them selves with this new LC.

We both agree the LC could use a little chrome or something to jazz it up a little. The LX gets chrome side modings and shrome plated rims. I think dad is going to add the LX's side modings to his, once the LXs come out, and he can get the moldings.

He has said that the new LC is averaging over 16mpg in all around driving. He said he checked all three tanks that he has put in it by hand to make sure the computer was not off. Thats pretty darn goot for having close to 100hp more than there old LX470 that only got about 12 mpg.

I test drove the new TLC a few weeks ago. Definetely like the interior better over my 07, however it seems they've downgraded on a few things. As mentioned the 08 TLC has no side moldings. That was standard on my 07. Fender flares aren't offered either, where they were an option on the older ones. The running boards are black on the 08, no matter waht color the vehicle is. Running boards were color keyed in 07 and older. Also as mentioned, there no chrome trim on the 08. There is lots on my 07.
My buddy with the 08 LX570 on order got the call the other day that it should be in sometime this month, however, they are not coming off sticker price a penny! Therefore, after he pays the taxes and other fee's he'll have about $90k in it. He said he's thinking of backing out and just getting a Cadilac Escalade. He can get a loaded escalade with 22" wheels, Nav, rear entertainment for about $60k OTD. I paid $58,500 OTD for my 07 TLC with every option available. Sticker was near $70k. If we drive it for 2 yrs, I can still get about $45k out of it. Toyota's have outstanding resale value's!
Anyway, I think by adding the side molding from the LX570 to a TLC would help alot. CC1999, what color did they go with?

He wanted white, but could not find one, so he took the the only one they had which was burgandy. I think they are starting to like that color. Just a little hard to keep clean.