2013 LX with 40k or LC with 80k. Help me choose

[NCTroutHunter]

I am currently looking at a white 2013 LX with 80K miles and a black 2013 LC with 80k. Both are about $45k OTD.

I really prefer black and would prefer to have an LC, but the mileage on the LX is very tempting.

Both are one owners, dealer serviced, and have little to no rust.

 

[Gazziza]

If your heart says LC then go with the LC. It's the color you want and you prefer the LC > LX. That's still pretty low miles for a 2013.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

Color can be a huge factor for some folks in terms of enjoyment of the vehicle, so lets assume you would at least be fine with the white.

At this point I think its a question of how much do you want (not need) to modify it for things like off-road use. If the answer is anything but "A lot and I wheel hard", then I think the LX is the better buy. You could spend $5k on a suspension for the LC and still not match the ride quality of the AHC and while you might gain a significant amount of off-road capability with that new suspension over stock, the gains over the stock capability of the AHC will only be realized when getting into legitimate obstacles. I have seen quite a few LX's keep pace with the heavily modified LC's with just wheels, tires and running board delete.

I daily drive my LC (a 2013) and had the opportunity recently to drive a 2013 LX from Denver to Phoenix. It's a very nice ride and made me want one in addition to my LC. If I wasn't doing runs with the local club or going to Moab or LCDC, I think an LX would be the bee's knees.

Edit: Badge matters a lot to some folks and it will certainly matter to some degree in terms of resale (though not as much people like to think) so I agree that if you want a LC then a LX may not scratch that itch, but around here and at any event I've been to nobody makes noise about LX vs LC from a heritage standpoint.

 

[FerzLC]

I am currently looking at a white 2013 LX with 80K miles and a black 2013 LC with 80k. Both are about $45k OTD.

I really prefer black and would prefer to have an LC, but the mileage on the LX is very tempting.

Both are one owners, dealer serviced, and have little to no rust.

Oh man. I would say the LX for sure because of the low mileage, although is this really what 200’s are going for now? I paid the same for a LC 13 in 2016 with similar mileage.

 

[grinchy]

Your money get what you want. You have to live with it and drive it and care for it. Neither is high miles. Drive both if possible

 

[NCTroutHunter]

@Gazziza Black is cool - if it’s clean. I like the look in theory. White is growing on me

@TheGrrrrr great feedback. Until recently I had not appreciated the ride quality of an LX due to AHC. I have a 2006 LX with 200k that still rides like a dream.

@FerzLC Yup. That’s what they’re doing for. A nationwide search for an LC under $40k with less than 130k miles will yield about 20 options - most of them with lots of rust. Of course, there are private party deals to be had.

@grinchy Good feedback. Both are out of state, but I feel good that both will be quality vehicles based on the service records and other info

Appreciate the feedback

 

[Itsky]

Good feedback above, I’d choose the LX given the mileage. Condition otherwise being about equal.

 

[NCTroutHunter]

Thanks @Itsky

 

[pwag]

LX if model years 13-15. Add 17" wheel, 34" AT rubber, Slee slider tucked nice and tight....you can hang out most anywhere. LC>LX if 16+ MY. The 13-15 lx has noticeably better seats, insulation, tactile interior materials...even the doors are more solid. Exterior face has aged a bit better than comparable MY LC. It was a great few yrs for LX imo. But both are great choices. Like others state, drive both.

 

[NCTroutHunter]

Both are 2013

 

[ImTod]

Went with a White 2013 LX one thing to take into consideration is the white is the most expensive pain to fix/repaint if you ever want/need to. Not really a big deal for most cases but thought I'd bring it up since you are hesitant on the color decisions. I love the LX though, happy to have it since I don't plan on doing serious off-roading so the AHC wont limit me in that factor.

 

[Madtiger]

Do you do your own maintenance and are good at it? Or do you rely on dealer (or 3rd party) shop to maintain your vehicle?

AHC maintenance can be a nightmare…no matter what others here say. Not many 3rd party shops know how to do it. Not many dealer are fully aware of how to do it. And if you’re not good at self maintenance, then it could be an issue as well.

And AHC has issue with rust that eats into the AHC line(s)…means that you need to fix and drain and fill AHC, which can be an issue.

AHC benefits on-road is nil. Handling etc. all favor KDSS over AHC.

Off-road, AHC does have benefit of raising high, but you lose articulation. I don’t remember the numbers, but i think LC do have advantage in clearance angles…so, AHC lifting does not really give much advantage (if at all) over LC. (But you may need to search for definitive answer to this.)

You can easily install sliders on LC. With LX, sliders are more PIA to do because you have to do some cutting of rocker panels…and far fewer slider choices.

LC’s KDSS valve can rust…and can be an issue if you plan on modifying your suspension at a later date…if not, then you will never need to touch the valves. KDSS has zero maintenance.

LX uses premium gas. LC uses regular. HUGE debate on this. I am just going by what owner’s manual states.

If you can do AHC maintenance, then given above choices, get LX…lower mileage is a HUGE plus. Lexus interior is a HUGE plus. LC interior look like sh!t next to LX. White paint, although more expensive to repair, is also more durable because it has an extra coat for protection.

 

[NCTroutHunter]

@Madtiger Solid, solid feedback. I was not aware of the premium vs regular debate. I think I'm leaning more towards the LC due to some of the reasons you mentioned, but also just because I like the iconic LC badge.

 

[tacoduck]

I‘ve owned 2 100’s and a 200. 1 LC, 2 LX’s. The LX570 is a special vehicle. My LX470 had 305k miles on original AHC setup, so IMO it is a super robust system.

-My experience with on road manners for the AHC is very good. Fully loaded out, I can put the suspension in sport mode, which really helps with vehicle dynamics. Truck also lowers when traveling above 65. IMO mr T set up the LX as the premium offering, and AHC is a premium feature.

-I dont run premium fuel.

-Sound deadening, interior materials, and Audio are all a step above the LC.

the LX570 is a better value in this case. Its cheaper to buy, but also cheaper to sell. I prefer the body style on the LX vs the LC for that model year. The LX’s tend to live a very pampered life. My mom is a great example. Buys a new one every 3 years, pavement princess, no one ever rides in the back seat, and its dealer serviced its entire life. LC’s tend to get beat on more.

My .02

 

[John Guedry]

@Madtiger Solid, solid feedback. I was not aware of the premium vs regular debate. I think I'm leaning more towards the LC due to some of the reasons you mentioned, but also just because I like the iconic LC badge.

I have a Lexus LS sedan and an LC, the sedan runs fine on regular gas (smooth comfortable car).

 

[NYC570]

Do you do your own maintenance and are good at it? Or do you rely on dealer (or 3rd party) shop to maintain your vehicle?

AHC maintenance can be a nightmare…no matter what others here say. Not many 3rd party shops know how to do it. Not many dealer are fully aware of how to do it. And if you’re not good at self maintenance, then it could be an issue as well.

And AHC has issue with rust that eats into the AHC line(s)…means that you need to fix and drain and fill AHC, which can be an issue.

AHC benefits on-road is nil. Handling etc. all favor KDSS over AHC.

Off-road, AHC does have benefit of raising high, but you lose articulation. I don’t remember the numbers, but i think LC do have advantage in clearance angles…so, AHC lifting does not really give much advantage (if at all) over LC. (But you may need to search for definitive answer to this.)

You can easily install sliders on LC. With LX, sliders are more PIA to do because you have to do some cutting of rocker panels…and far fewer slider choices.

LC’s KDSS valve can rust…and can be an issue if you plan on modifying your suspension at a later date…if not, then you will never need to touch the valves. KDSS has zero maintenance.

LX uses premium gas. LC uses regular. HUGE debate on this. I am just going by what owner’s manual states.

If you can do AHC maintenance, then given above choices, get LX…lower mileage is a HUGE plus. Lexus interior is a HUGE plus. LC interior look like sh!t next to LX. White paint, although more expensive to repair, is also more durable because it has an extra coat for protection.

Damn, talk about misinformation

 

[Madtiger]

Damn, talk about misinformation

Feel free to correct me.

 

[tacoduck]

Feel free to correct me.

You ever own a truck with AHC?

 

[grinchy]

Drive a sample of each locally. There are reasons to go either way, but only you will be able to weigh them. The trucks have the same power train, frame, and are largely similar on the outside. Inside the LX will have appreciably better stuff. Some prefer the optioned up feel.
As you can tell the suspension difference is the only truly functional difference, and it’s a bit divisive which is better.
In reality a IFS platform with large front and rear overhang will never be the ultimate 4x4 park hero. They aren’t buggy’s or side by sides. However both will take you anywhere people drive semi regular in the world in comfort, and more importantly bring you back.

 

[Madtiger]

You ever own a truck with AHC?

A while back…2000 LX470. Have you looked at this forum?

Look at the 1st page of this forum. How many people have maintenance issues with AHC. And once you have an issue, it is a nightmare to trace down the cause. Look at how many times dealers and/or private owner screw up on the drain and fill procedure resulting in pump failure and whatnot. Look at how many times it is mentioned that rust ate thru a particular AHC line resulting in leak.

The only saving grace is that maintenance is only every 60k miles. And yes, AHC does allow for better towing experience…sorry, i did not mention that above. And when “sensor re-located” you can permanently lift your LX and fit larger tires. That is a plus too.