Well I decided I wanted something bigger than the Golf R. That car is a hoot, but my son and I completely fill it when we go skiing and my dog and my son don't really fit all that well in the back seat either. I also have a 996 turbo, VW Corrado and a KTM 690 Enduro to use when I want to drive something fun, so a larger SUV fits my fleet better than another small, hot hatch.
I'm very space constricted in my garage, I can't go over 78.5" to fit under my lift and I really can't have anything more than 196" or so, otherwise it won't fit. So that knocks out all the pick up trucks like a Gladiator, or a larger SUV like a Tahoe or Suburban. I already owned a GX470 so don't want a GX460, the new Lexus nose treatments are hideous, plus their Nav interface is horrible. At that point I kinda latched onto the Land Cruiser, they're built to a different standard, plus I love the split tail gate they have. So convenient for skiing, mtn biking etc.
I shuddered at their entry price though, with what's happening in the market, plus the fact Toyota isn't selling them here anymore and their insane ability to hold their value, they're really expensive. I found a 2014 at a local broker that was low mileage and in nice shape but I really wanted a 2016+. Those come with the larger brakes from a Tundra, the 8 speed transmission, more modern interior and stereo plus LED headlights and tail lights.
I found one on eBay that was low mileage (20k) with some nice parts on it, plus had the brown leather interior I really wanted. It didn't sell on eBay, so I reached out to the seller and we worked out a deal. I ended up running the deal through the same broker that had the 2014, that way I could trade the R in to them and get the tax savings. They're also handling all the paperwork, transport for it (It's in San Diego) etc.
I signed the paperwork for it this past Monday, we're waiting for the seller to get his paperwork back to the broker so they can cut a check to send to my Dad, who will take delivery of the truck for me, then get the trailer to pick it up from my Dad's house and bring it to me. Hopefully no later than the 21st, as I have a friend and his two sons coming to town to ski with me and my son and I could really use the space the truck has to haul everyone and their gear.
The truck is coming with two sets of wheels/tires, ARB skid plates and recovery points and the Safari snorkel, which I'm not that enthused about. I'm stuck with it though as you have to drill a huge hole plus other holes in the fender and A pillar to mount it and I'm not spending the cash on body work/paint to remove it.
I've ordered a phone mount, as well as found a set of used TRD "Rock Warrior" wheels to put on it. I don't really like the 18" wheels it has on it, I'll sell them and go to these TRD 17's instead.
Someone pointed out in my other thread that you have to use the special McGard lug nuts with these, luckily the seller had them and is sending them to me. My plan is to run 285/70/17 Falken AT3W tires, they're supposed to be great in the snow and quiet on the road.
I also plan on adding a Beat Sonic Apple Car Play unit, which integrates with the stock stereo, plus the Bilstein 6112/5160 suspension setup. I'm also going to remove the 3rd row seats, I'll never use them and would rather have the additional storage capacity. I've found a guy in Australia that makes really nice covers for the holes left in the fender trim and I'll get the 5 passenger cargo mat from the 2020/1 Heritage Edition to cover the holes in the floor.
Here's some pics I stole from the sellers eBay auction.
