2004 or 2006 LX? In the market with some questions.

[stevezero]

I'm looking at replacing my lx450 with a 470. I know there were some improvements on the 2004 from years prior, and I know the 2006 model received the vvti HP boost. I know the 06 has about 40 hp more, and about 1000 lbs increase in towing capacity. I dont think I'd need that extra 1000lb towing, but wonder how much I'd miss the extra 40 hp if I went with the 04. I've found a very low mileage 04, with full service records, and have found 06's with around 125-150k on them.

Any other differences or concerns I'd need to worry about? I've looked at the FAQ (Great job, BTW), but always looking for more info. Any particular years being better than another (I know, thats a pin on the grenade)....

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Simplespirit]

2003 added the 5 speed trans. 2006 added vvti but the hp is up top and it also added more smog/emissions crap. IIRC towing is the same - 5k with reg hitch, 6.5k with a weight distributing hitch.

The way I drive my LC - like the 2.5+ ton truck it is, I would never notice those extra ponies. It'll never be a sports car.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

You will notice the extra HP if you find yourself on the highway a lot.

 

[lhommec13]

I have a 2002 and it wasn't until I drove my parents 2005 that I realized the performance differences from the 5-speed transmission and extra hp. Moral of the story, get the 2004 and never, ever drive a newer LC/LX. Then you'll never know what you're missing

 

[Vasopressor]

I purchased an '06 LX recently after test driving several 2003-2006 lc/lx's. To ME, the HP gain was noticeable. I'm very happy to have an 06. However, if I found an '04 with low miles and a good price, and well taken care of, I might have really considered it.

How low of miles on the 04?

 

[stevezero]

Thanks for the input.

I missed out on the cream puff 2004 by about 30 minutes. it had sold while I was driving down. 110k, fully documented from a local lexus dealer, including the full 90k service. The guy that test drove the other 04 there, drove the one i was interested in and scooped it up. I did take the opportunity to drive the remaining 2004 and 2006 lx470s they had on the lot. The 06 did have more beans (even with 176k on the odo, but it was due for a timing belt/waterpump, original was replaced about 93k). It also had a dead battery, mismatched floormats......you get the picture. The 04 that was left had 106k, but was an auction purchase from NY, so it had some major, major undercoating covering up all the important bits. You could smell the undercoating getting hot during the drive. Transfer case also got stuck in low range for about 5 minutes. Took a freakin act of congress to get it back into high range. Ruled that one out.

So, I guess I'll narrow the search to 2006-07, and see what happens. Or start figuring out the costs associated with an LS v8 swap into the lx450... LOL