Could be a good move for you. However, I just went to Google and typed in "Toyota LC 250 land cruiser issues" - I'm not sure the grass is necessarily greener. Quieter perhaps ...
Take the AI summary for what it's worth - I pasted as found although I added color to point some things out.
"While the Land Cruiser LC250 has positive features, some reported issues include limited storage,
noisy engines, and potential brake noise or windshield availability concerns. Some users also experience transmission issues with a jerky sensation between first and second gear. While Toyota's are known for reliability, the new LC250's long-term issues are not yet fully known, but the model has a mixed overall owner sentiment.
Specific Issues Reported
- Noisy Engine and Powertrain:
Some owners find the engine noisy, which, along with the complex powertrain, contributes to a mixed overall sentiment.
- Transmission Concerns:
Reports indicate a jerking sensation between first and second gear on the LC250, with some owners suggesting driving in Sport Mode or turning off auto-braking to resolve it.
- Limited Storage Space:
The design of the 250 series has been noted by owners as offering limited storage.
- Brake Noise and Windshield Issues:
Some units have been reported to experience brake noise, and there have been complaints about the availability of windshields in certain markets.
- Fuel Economy:
Owners have expressed disappointment with the fuel economy of the 250 series. "
Also searched "toyota lc250 land cruiser noise issues" and again pasted as found (but altered the order to move to the top something that could be really annoying. The AI summary does include potential solutions though.
"Toyota LC250 Land Cruiser owners are experiencing a range of noise issues, including: a high-pitched brake squeal from the front brakes when cold, often addressed with a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) from the dealership; various ticking, rattling, and creaking noises from the rear doors, headliner, and A-pillar, sometimes requiring padding or bumper adjustments; wind noise from the A-pillar area, particularly at higher speeds; and potential engine rattling under low-speed acceleration, especially in cold weather.
Common Noise Issues & Solutions
Headliner/Steering Wheel Noises:
- Symptom: Rattling in the headliner area near the sunglasses holder or a cracking noise from the steering wheel when turning slowly.
- Cause: The exact causes are still being investigated, but issues have been reported.
- Solution: Dealerships are working on these, though they may not be covered under warranty if they are considered design flaws.
- Brake Squeal:
- Symptom: Loud screeching or squealing from the front brakes, most noticeable when the vehicle is cool, like when backing out of a parking spot or driveway.
- Cause: Thin brake pad material.
- Solution: Toyota has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to fix this under warranty. Take your vehicle to a dealership for the replacement of the brake shim kits and pad kits.
- Symptom: Ticking noises from the rear doors, particularly when going over bumps.
- Cause: Something loose behind the door cards.
- Solution: The dealership may need to add extra padding to the doors to fix the issue.
- Symptom: Wind noise coming from the A-pillar area.
- Cause: A pocket in the A-pillar that catches air.
- Solution: Dealerships are reportedly working to fix this, though it may be documented and require the issue to worsen before they can fully duplicate it.
- Engine Rattling (Low Speed):
- Symptom: A rattling noise from the engine when accelerating at low speeds, especially when cold and going uphill.
- Cause: Potentially an engine issue, with concerns raised about the smoothness of the gearbox as well.
- Solution: This issue may need dealer diagnosis for a solution.
- Hood Rattling:
- Symptom: A mystery rattling noise from the hood area that comes and goes.
- Cause: The hood could be moving on the latch.
- Solution: Adjusting the hood bumpers up may resolve the issue."
Door Noises
- Ticking:
A ticking noise from the back doors, particularly over bumps.
- Possible cause: Loose items behind the door cards or a need for extra padding.
- Dealer stance: Some dealerships attribute these noises to the vehicle's design and state they are not covered under warranty.
Lastly, I could not find any conversations with Toyota
President: Koji Sato where he specifically discussed any details or issues with the 250 (including noise issues). I was also unable to find any conversations with Mr. Sato where he openly welcomed a direct line of communication to him and his engineering team and/or suggested that building a community with a small group of owners would be beneficial to both parties. Granted I did not delve deeply into individual forums or FaceBook (I'm anti-META) so perhaps that was overlooked.
