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Used car prices have been all over the place thanks to chip shortages. Many buyers who would traditionally be looking for a brand-new car have to settle for a used example due to the lack of inventory. This has caused the used car prices to go up an astonishing 28.72% over the past year. Virtually no used car has been immune to these inflated prices. But with that being said, there have been some models that have had their price hiked much more than others.
A prime example of this is the Toyota Land Cruiser. This luxury barge by Toyota is known for many things, which include extensive off-road capability and also impeccable reliability. The last model year for the Land Cruiser in the US is 2021, unfortunately. A redesigned version has already been released but will only be sold overseas.
Right now, the Land Cruiser is known infamously for sky-high prices. It is not a cheap vehicle, to begin with either. In today’s market, it must be determined if a vehicle such as this warrants a price that is even higher than what the automaker determined a reasonable price.
In these cases, it is shown that people love Land Cruisers no matter the price. Here’s some reasons why they appreciate in value.
Reliability Of The Toyota Land Cruiser
Despite high mileage on many examples of Land Cruisers, one that is 15 years old still can be in the same price range of some brand-new crossovers. Reliability of Land Cruisers plays a large part in a high resale value. Toyota specifically designed the Land Cruiser to go for 25 years at least. They take the tried and proven route to make this a reality. Land Cruisers will not be at the forefront of technological advancements, but you’ll know that what is offered will not be breaking any time soon.
An owner’s confidence in a vehicle tends to waver at least some when their vehicle hits 100,000 miles and beyond. Given the expected lifespan of a Land Cruiser, owners of this vehicle will be driving comfortably and confidently at over 200,000 miles. Consumers are willing to pay more of a premium when they know that there will not be added repair costs in the near future.
The Land Cruiser Is A Future Classic
Throughout the generations of Land Cruisers they have been well-used but also collected. Land Cruisers from the 80s and early 90s embody the greatness this era of off-roaders had. Extremely low mileage versions have been seen going for supercar money. A 1994 FZJ80 generation Land Cruiser with only 1,000 miles on it sold for a staggering $136,000 on Bring A Trailer. The boxy style and reputation that precedes it makes it ideal for collectors that fancy true off-roaders.
The Land Cruiser Is As Versatile As They Come
Toyota makes the Land Cruiser wear many hats. This SUV does it very well. With a starting price new above $80,000, you would expect it to have a leg up on the competition when it comes to luxury. In the US, the Land Cruiser does come with many creature comforts and which makes it an appealing package. But this large vehicle still manages to be a sleeper. It doesn’t scream pretentiousness like many of its competitors. For certain customers this can make it more attractive as they want a nice vehicle without all the extra pomp.
With standard seating for eight and plenty of room in each row, the Land Cruiser is great as a family SUV. Part of the charm and desirability is the fact that style does not trump function. The Land Cruiser proves that it does not need a sloping roofline for it to look good, and SUV purists are all for it. Not many other SUVs allow for such little compromise with obtaining luxury and durability, as is the case for the Land Cruiser.
It's An Off-Road Champ
First and foremost, the Land Cruiser has always been an off-road vehicle. Many buyers in the US know it mainly as a luxury SUV since that is the only version to be offered here. But the roots of the Land Cruiser are in its serious off-road chops.
All versions come with standard 4WD and a locking differential. It was one of the first SUVs to offer early on an adjustable ride height which adds to its capability as a multi-terrain master. The only other luxury SUVs that have some clout with off-roading as well are Land Rovers and Range Rovers. But with giant rims on most of them, you can tell execs know those SUVs spend more time at the mall than they do on the trail. Land Cruisers stay true to their off-road heritage and still manage to give a premium experience.
The Land Cruiser does a lot of things well, and many know that. It blends a perfect combination of luxury, ruggedness, and versatility. No other SUV can quite imitate what makes a Land Cruiser an icon. But icons don’t come cheap. In the case of the Land Cruiser, they actually get more expensive. With that in mind, we wonder why someone would invest in things like crypto when you can just buy a Land Cruiser instead.