Landcruiser or X5

Cmar-Ireland

Hey folks,

I'm hoping to take advantage of the exchange rate and the current good prices up north.
I've been looking at 05 or 06 models of the Landcruiser LC5 or BMW X5. Either can be had for similar enough money.

I'm a long time fan of Toyota's, having had two Hilux Surf's for a total of 6 years and lots of other Toyota's. So the LC5 is probably the logical choice.

But, thinking ahead, there is probably 3x the amount of Landcruisers for sale compared to the X5 so by my logic it might be easier to move the X5 in 3 or so years. (my logic may not be the same as everyone else's !!!)

For reliability, both rate highly, with the Landcruiser probably edging ahead.

In terms of use, it will be commercialised, and will be mostly on road.

So what do you folks think?

CJhaughey

My money is on the Landcruiser, X5 might be a fine vehicle but I don't think they are as tested as the LC.
Surely the fact that there is 3x as many TLC here compared to X5's tells it's own story?

Cmar-Ireland

Thanks CJH. I tend to agree, my concern was that when the time comes to sell, there would be much more competition for a sale.

I should say that whatever I get will never be pushed to it's full 4wd capabilities (I know the LC would win hands down in this regard)

mcwhirter

Go for the landcruiser for its off road capabilities and X5 for its shopping in town capabilties:D

Cmar-Ireland

mcwhirter wrote: »

Go for the landcruiser for its off road capabilities and X5 for its shopping in town capabilties:D

Hehe . I knew the X5 would get a bit of ribbing.
The thing is, I don't need offroad capabilities, but I do want the carrying capacity. I know some would say get an estate car instead, but I just prefer the look of a 4x4.

X5's seem to be great value at the moment if you are going the commercial route. There are low km's '05 ones around for circa £15k. Tiny vrt and the fact that I'll be converting the back myself will make these seriously cheap for what they are. Likewise with the LC.

neacy69

Cmar-Ireland wrote: »

Hehe . I knew the X5 would get a bit of ribbing.
The thing is, I don't need offroad capabilities, but I do want the carrying capacity. I know some would say get an estate car instead, but I just prefer the look of a 4x4.

X5's seem to be great value at the moment if you are going the commercial route. There are low km's '05 ones around for circa £15k. Tiny vrt and the fact that I'll be converting the back myself will make these seriously cheap for what they are. Likewise with the LC.

I love the X5 and i think you would find it easier to sell it on later...

BTW i think if you convert it back to passenger after paying the VRT you need to pay more VRT on it....I could be wrong tho...

Cmar-Ireland

neacy69 wrote: »

I love the X5 and i think you would find it easier to sell it on later...

BTW i think if you convert it back to passenger after paying the VRT you need to pay more VRT on it....I could be wrong tho...

That's the thing, the X5 is more of a niche 4x4 than the LC. It would definately have a smaller market of buyers, but then there are a lot less of them for sale.

Your right about the VRT. Its a flat rate of €50 once its a commercial. But say after 3 years I was selling it on and wanted to put it back to passenger, then VRT would be applicable on the omsp at the time.


The head is saying Landcruiser, but the heart is saying X5...

oflynno

if you are lucky enough to be buying a big jeep,the best on the market would be the landcruiser amazon

there is nothing to beat it. . . . .at all

now me personally i like the older ones,mid 90's and all that,before they got too refined.

they have oodles of grunt and comfort and you will never go away from them.

i am jealous.

Cmar-Ireland

Agreed on the Amazon. But the 4.2 has quite a thirst for the old derv. Low 20's if your lucky.
I test drove one recently and the road presence was amazing to say the least, but I could definately feel the bulk of it as I drove. It wasn't one to be hurried along.

oflynno

my buddy has a lc commercial for around the farm and i found it to be quiet thirsty too

when you go up a few grades from the surf,they all have an appetite for diesel,or you could buy an lpg converted one,which would be cheaper to run as long there are garages you know of that stock LPG

weston1

tough one, could argue for both. have a landcruiser comm and i love it but do c ur argument about how common they are. they are very reliable and have a good reputation. watch also parts and especially things like tyres for the x5, they can be expensive. looking at bringing down a new model 03 short wheel base toyota lc from the north and making it commercial. can u tell me is the vrt still only 50euro on the short wheel base.

Cmar-Ireland

I don't think the swb classifies for the lower vrt. The wheelbase must be over a certain length and the gvw over a certain weight.

I do think the LC would be a tougher, more reliable all rounder, but as I won't be working the X5 it should also prove to be reliable? IMO

niceirishfella

Cmar,
As the X5 is going to be doing roadwork, it's much better to live with day to day with the LC. More comfort and a better engine too - way smoother.

Cmar-Ireland

niceirishfella wrote: »

Cmar,
As the X5 is going to be doing roadwork, it's much better to live with day to day with the LC. More comfort and a better engine too - way smoother.

Thats one of the main attractions of the X5, that lovely straight 6 engine. And afaik the facelift X5's have a 6 speed auto, making them pretty economical on the motorway.

On a side note, do any of ye know if the facelift X5 (2004 - 2007) comes with an option for a regular sunroof or just the panoramic sunroof?

colm_mcm

They're completely different machines. It depends on what you want to do with it, the X5 will be more car like to drive, quieter, faster. the Cruiser will be great off road. Depends on which image fits you better too I suppose.

Cmar-Ireland

That's what I'm thinking Colm. I reckon the X5 will suit me more now seeing as I just need to ferry stuff around and not tow anything.
I think the search is now on for a nice 05 or 06 one!

corktravel

Have you given any thought to a RR ???

Cmar-Ireland

corktravel wrote: »

Have you given any thought to a RR ???

Never really considered it THB, but they are very nice. Now if I could afford the V8 diesel RR, that would be a different story!

corktravel

Well, the prices in the UK seem to be on a par with the X5's.

Check www.autotrader.co.uk

Check out this site http://www.whatcar.co.uk/ for impartial reviews/opinions

Seems the petrol versions offer mpg thats not much worse than the diesel's, and I'd say you'd pick up a petrol model way cheaper I reckon.

RR is far superior to either the LC or X5 which ever way you look at it IMO

niceirishfella

corktravel wrote: »

RR is far superior to either the LC or X5 which ever way you look at it IMO

not for reliability they're not. You'll never be out of the garage. My Bro has one - he's not happy.

corktravel

Point taken

niceirishfella

They are nice tho' - I'd have one only for the pity they don't stack up reliability-wise,it seems.