2008-09 vs. 2013-14 LC similar mileage 10k difference

[razzyrazz]

So our first Toyota was our current 2006 V8 4Runner and it has been an amazing vehicle. Our first 4x4 and we have had some incredible off the grid family camping trips that we will remember forever. OME lift, sliders and 33's is all we've done but we are ready to go all out on our next one. It's up to 211k miles and no repairs other than maintenance. Would probably keep it, but this one doesnt have a 3rd row and we need it because our family is growing. Toyota has won us over for life and we are now ready to step up to the Land Cruiser.

I've read several threads on here with this similar question, but from my searching it has been over a year since this question was posted. I have been doing a lot of research and I'm very aware of all the differences between these years and aware of the LX570 being the same price used. We just can't envision ourselves in a Lexus since we are still young haha.

Anyways we want to stay under $40k so we have some money to modify whatever we end up with. If it were you with this budget would you go with a 2008 with around 100k miles for $25k out the door or a 2013 with 100k miles for $35k out the door? I don't have 2 specific vehicles narrowed down yet but this is where the market is right now after scouring the main sites for the last few months and negotiating with a few dealers. Do you guys feel the 2013 is worth $10k more than a 2008 if both vehicles are in good condition for their age? Keeping in mind that the further I come in below $40k means the more mods I can do now. We hope to have this car until our 5 year old starts driving and then she can have it if she wants.. Thanks ahead of time.

 

[Reckless]

Rust would be my determining factor. Also, price. My view is that from 2008 until 2019 there have not be any worthy upgrades to spend $5k extra on a used vehicle. I bought a 2009.

Save the money for the 300. Hopefully it's to die for.

 

[M1911]

I have a 2013 and I really like the radar cruise when on long trips and the front camera when off-road.

 

[Reckless]

Those are definetly nice features that I wish I had. But I prefer $10,000 for mods: Slee Sliders, Rock Warrior Wheels, KO2 tires, Icon Stage 4 Racing Suspension, Escort built-in Radar and laser jammer, LED Low beams and fogs, Prestigious Society DVD mod

 

[mcgaskins]

Where are you seeing clean 08s with 100k for $25k? That’s unbelievably cheap around here.

 

[04UZJ100]

Don’t be turned off my the L badge. My wife and I are in our 20s and have no problem enjoying what the LX variant offers.

 

[Reckless]

I relive the LX vs LC debate daily. The idea of hydraulic suspension tuned by Toyota is super enticing. I would love if my ride was a bit more stable over bumps sometimes especially when I have passengers. I have to keep telling myself I will end this debate someday by buying an LX. I had AHC in my LX470 and I did like it until it starting giving trouble then switched to OME and liked how it drove but hated the firmness.

 

[razzyrazz]

Where are you seeing clean 08s with 100k for $25k? That’s unbelievably cheap around here.

Theres been a few pop up over the last couple months listed high 20s online I've talked down but just didn't pull the trigger. Few and far between but although I have the itch I'm not in a rush.

 

[razzyrazz]

I relive the LX vs LC debate daily. The idea of hydraulic suspension tuned by Toyota is super enticing. I would love if my ride was a bit more stable over bumps sometimes especially when I have passengers. I have to keep telling myself I will end this debate someday by buying an LX. I had AHC in my LX470 and I did like it until it starting giving trouble then switched to OME and liked how it drove but hated the firmness.

Ya everytime I say I'm done searching LX's I see one pop up in my saved searches that looks like a sweet deal and i second guess how many mods i really need. The OME on the 4runner has been great overall, I love the truck ride, but there were definitely a lot of times on long trips or corrugated roads I wish I had something softer.

I have a 2015 frontier with a full Titan swap on radflos, 33s, full armor, etc, that rides amazing at all speeds on and offroad so I feel like I want a coil over setup on an LC. That AHC does sound awesome though.

 

[DPA200]

I’d go with a 08 as long as it doesn’t have rust issues. I do agree with @mcgaskins that $25k for that mileage is very cheap. In the Phoenix area I see them closer to $28-$30. I do agree a cheaper start price with more room for modifications is gonna give you waaaay more satisfaction and capabilities than any of the little model differences from 08-13.

 

[mcgaskins]

Honestly I’d just go for whatever your budget allows. IMO there are enough pros to justify each upgrade to a 13+ or a 16+, but only if you can comfortably spend the additional money. I’ve had/have an 08, 14 and 16 200 and think they’re all “worth” the cost, so it just depends on what’s important. If your max out of pocket including a build is $35k, go for the earlier one and build it. If you don’t care about building it, go for a later model. The LX is in not a old person truck, and it offers a lot of value since the suspension right from the factory is insanely good. Drive a couple, set a realistic budget, then decide and don’t over analyze it. I see people on this board agonize over what to buy sometimes for more than a year! That’s a lot of time you could be out enjoying it instead of playing what if scenarios in your head.