The most overpriced new car

"BadMotorScooter" (badmotorscooter) 04/18/2015 at 09:22 • Filed to: None

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Sticker shock, we all hate it. But what car delivers the biggest jolt? It is not an exotic or supercar, since we all expect those to be priced in the stratosphere. No surprise there. The biggest sticker shock comes from a car where you don’t expect it. The one where the sales staff keeps a defibrillator nearby. The one that they might keep one unit in inventory, and ask do you really want to look at that car?

I think the award should to to the lowly Toyota Land Cruiser. A vanilla looking mid-sized SUV from a brand known for value. A standard model (the only model), with 5.7 V8 and horrendous MPG and a few options is *cough* $82,739. Now, if this were the Lexus version, then at least there would be an excuse. But a plain Toyota? Toyota’s own Sequoia SUV, which is better in many ways than the Land Cruiser, starts at $44,400 or nearly half the Land Cruiser.

Does that look like $80k?

Nibby > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:26

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Fun fact, the Sequoia uses the same engine, transmission, drivetrain... and is larger and faster.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:26

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What about the Lexus LX that starts at $97k?

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:29

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I’m not paying infinity money for nissan quality and 2 less seats. I can’t believe performance wise it competes with the Ecoboost Mustang but price wise it competes with the GT with performance pack

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/18/2015 at 09:33

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You can get the LX with a center console fridge.

Your argument is invalid.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/18/2015 at 09:33

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The LX (here in the US) starts at $83k. Which for many people makes the Cruiser even sillier. Granted, the LC has a loyal, wealthy following, which is why they don’t change anything about it.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 04/18/2015 at 09:34

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I can get a 30 year old beater pickup with a fridge for $500 too.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:36

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“Why would I want a Model S? I’d much rather have a Chevy Volt with fewer doors!”

-A couple hundred people. Granted, nobody pays the $75,000 sticker, or anywhere even close to that. And the sticker is falling this year by a ton. Plus they look cooler in person.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/18/2015 at 09:36

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They’re basically the same vehicle, right? Also $97k is the Canadian price.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/18/2015 at 09:37

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Yes, but that’s not factory installed now is it?

QCGoose > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 04/18/2015 at 09:37

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You can also get a center console fridge in the 2nd row on a Ford Flex, for less than half the price of an LX.

Win = Flex.

BadMotorScooter > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/18/2015 at 09:37

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It’s a Lexus, which at least tries to justify its cost. A Toyota on the other hand, has no excuse.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/18/2015 at 09:38

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Yes. I can explain why th coexist, it’s semi-complicated but not really.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > QCGoose 04/18/2015 at 09:39

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But the Flex doesn’t have a Lexus badge on it. That alone is worth $80,000 of the asking price...

Vicente Esteve > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:40

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I may be in a minority, but I think the Land Cruiser is so well made and has so much equipment its price is justified.

The car that most stumbles me is the Mini Paceman JCW. Starts at $35,000 Dollars, if you add just normal stuff a 35k car SHOULD have (An armrest for example) it jumps up to around 43K.

You know what 43k gets you?

BadMotorScooter > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/18/2015 at 09:40

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That’s a close runner up, but like you say, the actual market prices of the ELR are where they should be. The LC comes with no public incentives, and I think are sold to people who have no sense of value of money.

BadMotorScooter > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 04/18/2015 at 09:41

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Nissan needs to change something, quickly...

BadMotorScooter > Nibby 04/18/2015 at 09:41

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And is about $40,000 less money!

Blake Noble > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:42

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The Chevrolet Suburban will cost you roughly about the same as the ‘Yota Land Cruiser after ticking a few option boxes. The Suburban is larger than the Cruiser, but still. Like the ‘Yota, it’s a plain Chevy.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:45

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That’s why I had such high hopes for the iDx but they killed it. Nissan seems to be making all the wrong decisions

BadMotorScooter > Blake Noble 04/18/2015 at 09:48

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You have to check a lot of options to get a Burb to $80k. Things like $4000 22” wheels and dual-screen Blu-Ray. Even maxed out I’m not sure you can get to $80k. A Yukon XL Denali, with the 6.2 V8 and is an almost-Escalade is around $80k well equipped. I’d say either of those do a much better job of justifying their prices than the LC though.

Blake Noble > Blake Noble 04/18/2015 at 09:50

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Following up on my comment above.

BadMotorScooter > Vicente Esteve 04/18/2015 at 09:51

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Some good picks there! Is MINI a premium brand? A smaller, different BMW? I’m not sure what they are, and I agree prices can be stupid. But do they actually sell any of those? I’ve never seen one.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/18/2015 at 09:51

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They actually did knock like 15k off the sticker for the 2016 model. And with dealer discounts and tax credits they can be had for around 45k

Blake Noble > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:53

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I built a Suburban on Chevy’s website. I think I selected a total of about 10 or 11 option boxes and racked up a $79,310 price tag before I reached the accessories page. Granted, I was intentionally going for the most expensive options I could check. Stuff like pearlescent paint and power running boards. So I’ll admit I wasn’t 100 percent correct initially.

The screen cap of the final price without accessories is in a reply to the original comment.

In any case, would you pay almost $80 grand for any Chevrolet?

Vicente Esteve > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:55

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MINI is owned by BMW, and I guess your could call it their “inexpensive” brand. They aren’t inexpensive obviously.

I don’t think they sell any of them.

greenagain > Nibby 04/18/2015 at 09:56

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A base 2wd Sequoia doesn’t compare to an LC in features, equipment, or the feel of luxury. The 4 wheel drive system is completely different too. I'm not suggesting the price is good, it's just a lot more car than a Sequoia.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 09:58

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$60k Kia

AM > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:01

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The new F150 Platinum:

Here in Canada you can run this bad boy over $80k before sales tax(which is 13% in Ontario). Comes with a small incentive sure but that price for a pickup truck? I mean it’s nice but it’s surely not 80 grand nice.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:09

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4runner is the cruiser now

505Turbeaux > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:10

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hell a Tahoe can be optioned out to somewhere around 80, you tell me which one you would prefer

LongbowMkII > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:30

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US land cruisers come FULLY loaded. Think of it as a reliable Range Rover with resale value. Or keeping it in family, a platinum sequoia (top trim @65k) lacks the suspension, off road electronics and resale value. The LX is the same, just uglier and more expensive.

LongbowMkII > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:33

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So an L is more luxurious than a T? They are the same.

LongbowMkII > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 04/18/2015 at 10:33

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Wheres a 30k Q50?

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > LongbowMkII 04/18/2015 at 10:44

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Where’s a 30k 370z? A quick search of a 30 mile radius of my area comes up with the cheapest price being 35k most expensive is 50k

HammerheadFistpunch > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 10:47

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This is good timing, i was just researching an article about why the land cruiser is so expensive. Long story short? The yen (built only in one plant in japan) low production volumes and the best built modern car you can buy. Seriously. To work at the tahara plant you have to demonstrate excellent work at other plants first and pass a high precision dexterity test annually. The land cruiser is made with the “feature” of a 25 year service life, and not easy highway miles. Equipment like leather and stereos are cheap compared to the base value in the vehicle. You think that its expensive? You should see what other places like south africa or Australia pay for the much more basic 70 series. And no will there will ever complain about value for money. Its a hard pill for us to swallow because we expect costco like value, not the kind of value Mercedes abandoned in the 70s. Its a bad business model (obviously’ look how few they sell), but its the right way to make a land cruiser. Proof? Scroll down to the land cruiser here

http://tradeinqualityindex.com/reports/Toyota…

HammerheadFistpunch > Nibby 04/18/2015 at 10:53

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Same engine and transmission (basically) but different frame, suspension, axles, etc

HammerheadFistpunch > Blake Noble 04/18/2015 at 10:55

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Given the difference in manufacturing goals between the two vehicles the burb definitely has less value, no matter how much bling and screen you add (cheap stuff in the grand scheme.

HammerheadFistpunch > Vicente Esteve 04/18/2015 at 10:57

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Agree on all counts, minis are stupid expensive and they are terrible cars (at least from a build quality/reliability standpoint)

LongbowMkII > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 04/18/2015 at 11:08

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Thats a small area. They start at just under 30k. I guess if you couldnt negotiate the destination charge it would be over. I imagine that if you brought 30k to any dealership theyd be glad to give you a Z.

dogisbadob > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 11:33

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The Land Cruiser/LX is an awesome SUV that’s 1000x better than GM’s full size shit. Not only does it have a real interior and actually go off-road, but it also has the luxury and prestige of a Lexus! I would like to see the diesel engine offered over here, though, and the SWB 2-door would be nice, too.

Shit, the Range Rover costs 30% more than the LX and it’s a total piece of SHIT like they’ve always been!

I think the most overpriced cars are the Spark and Mirage. They should start under 10k.

MultiplaOrgasms > HammerheadFistpunch 04/18/2015 at 11:34

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Word, brother.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 11:36

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Remember all the stuff that comes with the LC, that other SUV’s such as the Escalade and Navigator don’t come with, like all the off road equipment. The Lockers, the CRAWL control, and all the extra heavy duty parts make it more of a bargain. These things are built like tanks, the others are not.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/18/2015 at 11:56

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No lockers on the 200 (sad face)

HammerheadFistpunch > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 04/18/2015 at 11:59

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In a way, it’s based on the light duty land cruiser Prado j150 chassis and is dimensionally similar to and 80 series land cruiser

Alex B > 505Turbeaux 04/18/2015 at 12:01

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Neither, I'll take a GL please.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > HammerheadFistpunch 04/18/2015 at 12:16

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Oh, either way, the value is there.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 04/18/2015 at 12:34

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I agree

LongbowMkII > dogisbadob 04/18/2015 at 12:37

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The spark makes no sense to me. If you need a sub 15k new chevy get a sonic.

TheHondaBro > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 12:52

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The LC has a luxurious interior and a smooth ride, along with incredible off-road capabilities and a legendary nameplate.

You wanna talk about a ripoff?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 12:52

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That’s kind of true. The Land Cruiser is bought by old money, who don’t care how much something costs, and will pay that price tag to buy what they know is a solid, reliable, high-quality product. They buy Land Cruisers because their families have always had Land Cruisers, and they’ve always been good.

Vicente Esteve > HammerheadFistpunch 04/18/2015 at 12:54

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IIRC, they are bottom in Consumer Reports (Or was it Fiat?)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > HammerheadFistpunch 04/18/2015 at 15:24

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Yeah, it just seems like it changed categories. We want Aussie cruisers!

BadMotorScooter > AM 04/18/2015 at 22:54

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That’s absolutely ridiculous, whether in US or Canadian dollars. 13% sales tax?? WTF? Time to throw some tea in the harbor I think!

BadMotorScooter > LongbowMkII 04/18/2015 at 23:05

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Suspension and off-road electronics which no current LC will ever use, and is comparable to a modern Wrangler or 4WD pickup for $50k less money. Is the LC luxurious? I guess so if you think leather seats and nav in a mid-size SUV is luxury. The LC does enjoy a rich off-road capability history, but the current version is light-years further from the Dakar than it is the local mall. And for $80k+?? You must be joking.

The current LC is a excuse for old money to spend coin on something that appears to be unpretentious but is actually the opposite. In that regard it is wildly successful, and Toyota is making the wise business decision by selling it.

The interior looks like a nice RAV4 though, so that’s something...

AM > BadMotorScooter 04/18/2015 at 23:20

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Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is what they call it. It’s a combination of our 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) with our 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Sure is great to be a Canadian!

Also, we don’t get the Land Cruiser here in Canada but we do get its cousin, the Lexus LX. It even comes with a starting price of a whopping $97k. To put things into perspective, an Escalade starts at $84k.

LongbowMkII > BadMotorScooter 04/19/2015 at 07:44

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Kehe only way a wrangler and LC is comparable is off road capability (and even then, different types). It doesnt matter that most dont actively off-road. That doesnt make it less capable. (Same to be said for wranglers and RR) They are completely different classes of vehicle. Compare it to other full size luxury SUV’s, youll see that this complaint is just badge snobbery.

Speaking of the wrangler, you can pay nearly 50k for a 20k chassis. Talk about over paying.

NJAnon > BadMotorScooter 04/19/2015 at 10:31

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Yeah the SUV’s are strong nominations, but the Porsche Cayman is unfortunately the “going all in with” nomination for me. $52,000MSRP for a base model and you would believe that you would get something for spending that much but you don’t. You would have to spend over $5,000 in options to not have those “blank” inserts on your dashboard to remind you of your cheapness.

gergey - Wishes vette was Datsun > Blake Noble 04/19/2015 at 12:47

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In any case, would you pay almost $80 grand for any Chevrolet?

Don’t the new Z06s go for somewhere around there?

BadMotorScooter > LongbowMkII 04/19/2015 at 14:50

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Agree on the Wrangler being overpriced. I considered listing it instead of the LC but didn’t because you can get a stripper but still functional Wrangler for a semi-reasonable price after discounts. No such option for the LC though.

LongbowMkII > BadMotorScooter 04/19/2015 at 15:48

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I wish they did have a base LC, but I understand why they don’t. A stripped out LC would still be at least 50-60k.