Slate Truck or 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser: Which Ride Should I Buy?

The Slate truck and a 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser are both on the table for a $25,000 budget, but they serve wildly different lifestyles. The Slate, a new electric pickup with a base price of $25,000, is a blank canvas for a maker who thrives on customization.

It’s compact, easy to park in the city, and comes with a pickup bed ready to haul climbing gear, furniture, or even a motorcycle. The trade-offs?

Only two seats and limited interior space for sleeping when the weather turns. But if you’re the type who’d rather design your own tweeter mounts, 3D-print subwoofer enclosures, or craft a teak-accented center console, the Slate is a dream project.

There’s even an optional SUV kit that adds a bed cap and a rear seat for extra versatility. The Slate’s minimalist approach means no power windows or speakers out of the box, but that’s part of the appeal for a hands-on enthusiast.

On the flip side, $25,000 buys a lot of 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser—specifically, a J100-series model with Toyota’s indestructible 2UZ-FE V8 under the hood. The Land Cruiser is a beast of burden, seating up to eight and sleeping at least two adults comfortably in the back.

Its covered cargo area doubles as a makeshift tent for cold nights, and its four-wheel-drive capability means fewer sticky situations in muddy campsites. The downside?

Clean examples with under 200,000 miles are hard to find within budget, and maintenance costs can add up as the odometer ticks past 28 years. Rust is a particular concern for older Land Cruisers, especially in regions like New England, where frame rot can turn a bargain into a money pit.

Parking is another headache—the Land Cruiser is a foot and a half longer than the Slate, making tight urban spots a nightmare. So, which one wins?

If you’re chasing a project vehicle that’s easy to park, cheap to run, and endlessly customizable, the Slate is the clear pick. But if you prioritize rugged reliability, space for friends and gear, and a brand with a reputation for longevity, the Land Cruiser is the undisputed king of the outdoors—despite its age.

Neither is perfect, but both deliver on their promises in ways that make the choice agonizingly close.