200 Series through the years (1 Viewer)

[devo]

Not sure where to ask this question ......

I’m in the market for my first 200. Are there years that are better than others? Were there any break through years?
I know this may be an opinion based question, but then again did the 200 get better as it went through the model years?

Sorry if this is a redundant newbie question, my search did not turn much up for me.


Thanks




devo

 

[163bc]

i have a 2021 and love it.

 

[prwillard2]

Not sure where to ask this question ......

I’m in the market for my first 200. Are there years that are better than others? Were there any break through years?
I know this may be an opinion based question, but then again did the 200 get better as it went through the model years?

Sorry if this is a redundant newbie question, my search did not turn much up for me.


Thanks




devo

Believe that the 2016+ got an 8-speed tranny with the front-end refresh. 2018+ got an upgraded/updated radiator. I'm gonna guess that the updated center dash started in 2016 as well. None of them have apple carplay or android wireless.

My recommendation is to get the newest, lowest mileage one you can afford.

 

[Madtiger]

My recommendation is to get the newest, lowest mileage one you can afford.

X2.

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2020+: new front differential design…maybe better/stronger differential carrier??

2018+: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key (very cool) design.

2016+ LC also gains bigger front brakes, semi-aniline leather of the LX, and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

 

[Sandroad]

Scroll down to post #3 in the forum frequently asked questions and you’ll get a good start.

FAQ - 200-series FAQ for Modifications, Repairs and Build Threads. Great place for new users to start

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the 200/LX570 series tech section continues to be a work in progress. The goal is to have links in the below to other threads and tech articles. By having these linked, instead of pasting the text, the threads will remain live. The live threads can...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[devo]

So is the front console refrigerated compartment an accessory that is trouble waiting to happen?

thanks for everyones input.



devo

 

[Madtiger]

So is the front console refrigerated compartment an accessory that is trouble waiting to happen?

thanks for everyones input.



devo

No.

 

[devo]

@Sandroad , thanks for your post #5. Why couldn’t find that info? Who knows! Great info.

I want a LandCriuser, but after reading a few post maybe I should look for a Lexus????





devo

 

[Madtiger]

@Sandroad , thanks for your post #5. Why couldn’t find that info? Who knows! Great info.

I want a LandCriuser, but after reading a few post maybe I should look for a Lexus????





devo

What made you change your mind?

 

[devo]

All the talk that it is better “off road” ?

deep down, I can only drive a LandCriuser

 

[Madtiger]

All the talk that it is better “off road” ?

deep down, I can only drive a LandCriuser

Hmmm…….no. There are good and bad to each…but short answer, no.

 

[TeCKis300]

The reality is that even the earliest 200-series are incredible performers and honestly doesn't give up much to the latest model years. But here's some detail that may help you decide where you want to be.

The major breakpoint as others pointed out is the '16+. That includes a major interior and exterior refresh for both LX and LCs. Along with major changes like 8-speed (up from 6, much lower 1st gear and crawl ratio), bigger brakes, and a host of detail feature enhancements to LC and LX. More trickle down items to the LC, but the LX also gained goodies.

There is a more minor breakpoint in 2013 where both models got a minor exterior refresh. Functional changes with the addition of MTS, turn assist, and incrementally better traction aids. Some trickle down features to LC, and LX gaining features.

2020 got special trims in the Heritage Edition for the LC, and Sport Edition for the LX. With the availability of 2-row trims, in the HE, and LX as a lower trim option.

Another way to look at this is to find specific features to see if the specific LC or LX example you're looking has it. This list is focused more on the potential differences between LC to LX, but could be helpful to know what later model years got as features.

1) More sound deadening (acoustic glass, engine covers, more extensive interior insulation)
2) Powered rear hatch for open/close, also key fob operated (later LCs got this)
3) Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4) Surround camera system
5) Ventilated/Heated front row (later LCs got this)
6) Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround (19 speakers vs 14, 10" sub vs 8")
7) Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (later LCs got this)
8) AHC - AVS, lift on demand, adjustable and continuous damping logic, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc.
9) AHC underbody armor
10) Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
11) Steering headlights (AFS)
12) Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
13) Headlight washers
14) Storage in rear seat armrest
15) Power slide rear seats
16) Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
17) 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
18) Adjustable tilt front headrests
19) Power stowage for 3rd row seat
20) All windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
21) Substantial Lexus key fob
22) Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
23) Puddle and side step lights
24) Door sill lighting
25) Interior ambient lighting
26) Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
27) +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
28) Semi-aniline leather and more luxurious interior appointments
29) Ventilated outboard rear seats
30) Four-zone climate concierge
31) LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
32) LED Cornering Lamp
33) 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
34) Head-up display
35) Steering wheel paddle shifter
36) Door puddle projector lamps
37) Rear door retractable sun shades
38) 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
39) Dual screen rear entertainment
40) All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)

 

[grinchy]

When I was looking I decided there weren’t any features on newer models that I had to have. I was planning to do a lot of mods, so warranty wasn’t really a thing, and I was planning to use it and not be precious about appearance, so new and too nice was actually a detractor.
Miles wasn’t an issue as I was going to baseline everything anyway.
So I just bought the cheapest one I could find with good service history and a clean frame.

 

[Whiskerz]

Buy the nicest and least amount of rust possible. I bought a southern truck with 2 owners. 2011 is the last year of white with tan interior which is a combo I like. I thought the cool box was a gimmick but I use it often and it works quite well. You can add the soft open to the rear tailgate fairly easily. The changes until the transmission and rear axle ratio changes are steady minor improvements over time.

 

[devo]

Great information @TeCKis300

Keep it coming folks it is all very helpful



devo

 

[bloc]

The only issue reported with the cool box is occasional fan going out, which is a large job to replace. Impossible to tell which ones this will impact, but likely on trucks where it was left on 24/7.

And when I say reported, I think I’ve seen three or four posts about it. Out of hundreds of regular posters.

 

[Lester did that]

Hmmm. What are you doing with it? They are all capable of a lot? If your going to do a lot of mods I would get an older one. 08-10. It doesn't have that nasty trim piece on the doors and less electronics to go wrong. (they rarely do but...) If you want a nice reliable vehicle that will take you most places and like bells and whistles 2016+. If you want bells whistles and a tambourine go with the LX570.

I prefer an older well serviced, lower miles around 150k with not too much rust. They are good to work on with mods and you won't break the bank with the initial purchase price.