Are Luxury SUV's the Next Land Yachts?

"JR1" (type35bugatti) 04/20/2015 at 13:13 • Filed to: Speculation, luxury suv

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Big, bold, brash, and they consume gas at a horrendous rate. The luxury SUV is the vehicular equivalent of an elephant. At least an elephant is agile enough to parallel park which is more than can be said for a luxury SUV.

The luxury SUV hit the market in the late 1990’s. The Lincoln Navigator was first to the new niche in 1997. And for the next decade the ostentatious beasts covered in gilded chrome and powered by V8 engines would be at the heart of American consumers. Once the Great Recession hit and gas prices sky rocketed the luxury SUV market began to decline.

With their brash styling, gigantic engines, and acres of room SUV’s are surly a worthy successor to this:

The death of the luxury SUV appears to be coming. With sales often barely breaking 20,000 a year for the Escalade and even less it’s competitors. The luxury SUV is becoming something of a dinosaur just like the land yachts of the 20th century. The massive V8s in them are scaring away buyers and more practical options such as the CUV markets are emerging to steal buyers.

Will the luxury SUV ever enjoy a collectability like that of the land yachts of the 20th century? They occupy center stage when one thinks of luxury cars during the first decade of the 21st century. Their desirability and oddity well surly transcend into collectability right?

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If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:20

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Big, bold, bras

JR1 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 04/20/2015 at 13:20

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Hahaha yeah I just saw that before your comment. BRASH

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:21

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I think that the proliferation of gadgets and technology in every facet of our day to day lives will prevent cars from the 2000s from becoming any kind of desirable item far down the road. It takes a strange person to say, “Nah bro I don;t want a new iPhone I want that first gen Nokia brick phone.”

ly2v8-Brian > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:21

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Sexy Beast

HammerheadFistpunch > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:21

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Are they modern land yachts? Welcome to the year 2000. Will they be collectible? Now that’s an interesting question. We’ve already seen a huge rise in interest for “classic” off-roaders (land cruisers, broncos, scouts, etc) and i don’t think it would be a stretch of the imagination to think that people will one day crave the scale and imposition, as well as the comfort, of the really long wheelbase SUV and crossover wagons. That most of them are still BOF means that they are much easier to restore which alone is appealing.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:22

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This only cements further the point I’ve made in the past that a modernized remake of Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas would star a Murano Cross-Cab.

For Sweden > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:22

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What do you mean “next”

JR1 > For Sweden 04/20/2015 at 13:23

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Aa Barrett Jackson in 2030 well these sell for the price of a 59 Deville?

E. Julius > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:24

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This is a tough one. I think in many respects they serve a similar role today, but it will be difficult to predict whether they’ll achieve the same sort of value in the eyes of the collector going forward. The classic land yachts have a sort of “bygone era” mystique surrounding them, mainly because the oil crisis and the move to FWD pretty much killed or neutered the entire class of vehicles. It remains to be seen whether there will eventually be a backlash against the current trend of taller, bigger, cars and crossovers/SUVs.

If that does happen, it could very well be the case that the modern land yachts become just as popular. If not, I’m sure there will always be some sort of a market for the classics, but maybe not to the same extent we see for something like the 60s Cadillacs.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:24

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I’d say no. The old land yachts had something.. something different, they weren’t all the same thing. Sure, SOME modern SUVs might become classics, but not the genre as a unit.

MegaSuper > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:27

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Not to toot my own horn too much, but if you’re curious to know more about SUVs appreciating: http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/has-there-ever…

If you’re referring more to modern-era SUVs specifically…well…

Common criteria (AFAIK) for appreciation:

A) MSRP is $150K+

B) Car has racing heritage (hahaha not going to happen in this category)

C) Car is considered a design classic (probably not going to happen either)

D) Car was the first of its kind in some way (E30 M3)

E) Car was the last of its kind in some way (predicted values of the Toyobarus if they don’t make a 2nd gen)

With that in mind…hmm. This is tough.

Maybe the X6M because it’s bonkers? It’s not good-looking at all though

Maybe the G-Wagen because it’s historic and considered good-looking? Especially if crash regulations end up terminating its production?

Maybe the Jeep SRT8 because it’s bonkers? I don’t know how well the design will age though

Maybe the last-generation Range Rover? It’s a great-looking design (those brake lights!), plus many celebrities and even the Royal Family (AFAIK) had them.

The Escalade is a possibility because of nostalgia/hip-hop music video memories of past decades. I’m not sure which generation or body style though. Maybe the EXT because it’s rare/weird in a Lincoln Blackwood kinda way?

JR1 > MegaSuper 04/20/2015 at 13:46

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I was thinking something similar with the Escalade the nostalgia and pop culture references might make them collectable.

And I will look at your link. I must have missed it in the past.

JR1 > E. Julius 04/20/2015 at 13:47

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The whole bygone era is what made me want to write this. It seems the move to FWD crossovers is killing off thew rear wheel drive luxury SUV market. Sorta similar to classic land yachts

JR1 > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 13:49

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They also don’t have super complex computer systems like one might find in a modern Corvette or Porsche.

I wonder if the classic off roaders are gaining traction though because they are fun loving and free vehicles that have a go anywhere blue color attitude to them.

JR1 > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 04/20/2015 at 13:50

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JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 04/20/2015 at 13:51

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Okay I could agree to that hypothesis. The funky Lincoln Blackwood and Cadillac EXT might be classics because they were different but a Navigator and Escalade will never be desirable.

JR1 > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 04/20/2015 at 13:51

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Might be the best idea I have heard all day!

JR1 > ly2v8-Brian 04/20/2015 at 13:51

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So so sexy

HammerheadFistpunch > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:52

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I think there is and always has been a group of people like myself who are just waiting out uncle depreciation (Father Time’s weird brother), but I think the surge in classic offroaders is, more or less, image and nostalgia.

JR1 > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 13:54

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I love Uncle Depreciation

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:54

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Pretty much my thought as well. But the Toyota Landcruiser and it’s derivatives WILL become classics though, pretty sure about that.

JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 04/20/2015 at 13:56

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It is the Japanese Land Rover so you are probably correct

HammerheadFistpunch > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:56

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depending on his mood he can be a great guy.

E. Julius > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:58

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Hmm, I’d be interested in taking a look at the sales numbers to see if they back that up. What I’m wondering is if the people buying FWD crossovers are choosing them over traditional luxury SUVs, or if they’re choosing them over smaller vehicles. I don’t have the numbers in front of me so I can’t say either way. I didn’t consider though that we could already be in the midst of the backlash against the large SUV.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 13:59

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Indeed, but it’s a better built Land Rover as well.. :P (Note, I would not say no to a Land Rover, but what I REALLY want is an older MB Geländewagen, drove those in the army.. they can go ANYWHERE)

JR1 > E. Julius 04/20/2015 at 14:08

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I know since 2007 there has been a pretty decent decline in popularity with buyers. After 2007 Escalade sales dropped from 40k to roughly half that. Everything else sells at a slower pace than the Escalade. I assume the buyers are moving to CUVs but I don’t have the facts to back up that claim

JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 04/20/2015 at 14:09

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I imagine they are pretty cheap to pick up right?

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 14:16

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Well.. no.. heh.. about 50 to 90 thousand NOK.. (6500 to 11500 USD)

JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 04/20/2015 at 14:20

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Really? I figured if they were used by the military so long they would be like 3k to 8k tops!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 14:24

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Most of them are hardly ever used, perhaps 2000-20000 miles or so. They come with a trailer as well. And they are serviced way more often than normal cars.

The ones used in actual combat are armored, so they are expensive as well.

JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 04/20/2015 at 15:03

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Hmm sounds like a good deal then for a reliable off roader

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1 04/20/2015 at 15:05

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Not only reliable, but a capable one as well.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 15:43

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I sincerely hope the tide is turning and more manufacturers will release small to midsize capable 4x4. The CUV market has matured, so I think the people who would have bought an expedition, then bitched about its ride, are now buying the CUV or wagon they should have in the first place.

Hopefully this allows SUV makers to turn their focus to capable, and for lack of a better word "masculine" trucks. I have to imagine the automakers have noted how popular old 4x4s are becoming.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 15:51

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Toyota rode out the storm and is raking it in with the 4Runner and Tacoma. Hopefully Nissan gets its act together and follows suit with the Xterra before its actually too late (The Xterra’s contract is not getting picked up as of now). GM has a good opportunity here to bring back the trailblazer that is very well reviewed in other markets (and based on the very well review Colorado here)

Think of cool that would be? I hear its actually pretty decent off road too.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 16:00

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Toyota really has been leading the vanguard on this one. They still make their CUVs, but kept the BOF, 2-speed transfer cases going. The FJ Cruiser was popular, but quite flawed in my opinion (zero visibility for sides and rear), so hopefully the introduce a suitable replacement.

I would be surprised if Nissan didn't either renew the Xterra, or introduce a replacement. They're still going strong with the Frontier, as old as it is, and making an SUV version seems logical.

It would be nice if GM decided to bring the world market trailblazer here. The old one was a joke, but the new one gets good reviews.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 16:02

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The FJ cruiser’s main flaw (as I’ve written about many times before) was its retro styling. Yes, retro styling brings all the boys to the barn...but to KEEP them you have to update it and move away from the retro and focus on core priorities of function OVER fashion. Retro styling has a single model cycle life, if you want to keep a vehicle longer than that it can’t stay retro. Even the mustang bounces back and forth between modern and retro to keep it fresh.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 16:10

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I would agree with that. I'll admit I liked them more once you could get them without the white top. I think they will introduce a off roader with a similar price point. The 4runner TRD Pro starts at $42,000. There is definitely room below that for another vehicle. For comparison an Xterra Pro-4x starts at $30k.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 16:18

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well you can get an trail edition 4runner for closer to $35, but I suspect that there isn’t a lot of room (budget wise) to build a BOF bellow the 4runner and meet CAFE and safety standards.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 16:34

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That very well could be the issue. I could see Toyota bringing the 4x4s inline with the rest of the world. They already make the GX460 and 4Runner off of the Prado platform, so the FJ Cruiser may be redundant. Side note, I'm looking at Toyota Australia's page, and realized they sell the FJ Cruiser there too. I thought it was US vehicle only.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 16:44

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They brought it there after the success in the US and to counter the JK wranglers introduction there.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 16:49

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I did not know it started out there. Are they continuing it there, or ending it worldwide? I'm playing with the 200 series builder, and making myself depressed.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 16:51

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IT was brought over a few years after we got it. Its dying worldwide. The 200 builder is depressing mostly because the builder in the US is: what color would you like?

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 16:59

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Exactly. One I started looking at factory snorkels and bull bars, I had to walk away. Not to mention the turbo diesels. 27mpg and 480 ftlbs of torque? Yes please.

HammerheadFistpunch > WiscoProud 04/20/2015 at 17:03

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how did you get the configurator to work? i just get “this is the price, deal with it” nonsense.

WiscoProud > HammerheadFistpunch 04/20/2015 at 17:08

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Were you on the Australia page? I put in a Perth post code when asked. I couldn't price in accessories, just look at what was available.

ranwhenparked > JR1 04/20/2015 at 20:37

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Not the next land yachts, they already are the present-day land yachts and have been for years - at least since GM pulled the plug on the B-bodies to retool Arlington for the Suburban and Yukon back in ‘96. Lincoln and Cadillac’s flagship models are both full-size BOF SUVs.

JR1 > ranwhenparked 04/20/2015 at 21:22

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I think I created the wrong title for this article.

Are these the nest version of land yacht to sell for 70k at auction in 2030? That is what I am curious about

ranwhenparked > JR1 04/20/2015 at 21:32

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Now that’s a good question. Ultimately, they are essentially family station wagon bodies on pickup truck frames. It took a very long time for the collector car market to warm up to vintage wagons, or really anything with more than two doors, and even then they aren’t totally respected in all circles.

I think that attitude will completely die out within the very near future, so the real question is going to be whether Millennials will ever become nostalgic for the big SUVs their parents once owned/lusted over. The most recent cars that have become really valuable are the ones that Baby Boomers coveted as kids, not the ones the Baby Boomers’ parents owned or wanted. I don’t know that many Millennials ever truly embraced big SUVs the way their parents have, they were carted around in the back of them as kids, so there may be some nostalgia factor, but I’m not sure it will be enough to eventually push values into the stratosphere.

Of course, we’re also dealing with another 15 years’ worth of inflation, so that will make it a bit easier for 2030 sale prices to hit $70k, even if the actual appreciation isn’t quite that great.

JR1 > ranwhenparked 04/20/2015 at 21:53

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Good lord that is only 15 years away that’s hard to believe.

I could see millennials maybe not gravitating to the cars the way baby boomers did. The 4 door aspect doesn’t bother me much because they were all four doors. The 61-69 Continental is collectable and that was only offered (for the most part) as a 4 door.

I know I am probably an outlier but I have a nostalgia for a 2002 Explorer and would love to own one because of the connection it has to my childhood. I can only assume most people of my generation feel the same.

ranwhenparked > JR1 04/20/2015 at 21:58

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I think there is some nostalgia, but I don’t know that it’s enough to translate to an overwhelming desire. These were family cars for Millennials. Prior generations didn’t ravenously collect the family cars they rode in as kids, they have gone crazy over the cars they lusted over from the backseat when they passed the family car on the highway.

Personally, I would love to have an ‘86 Caprice Classic Brougham again. But would I ever pay more than $5.5k for one in decent condition or $7.5k in amazing condition? Absolutely not. I’d be willing to indulge nostalgia for my childhood somewhat, but only to a certain point.