2015 vs. 2016+??? (1 Viewer)

[Bob Frame]

I want a late model LX or LC. I've studied prices for used versions and find that there's a pretty sharp step up in price for both LC's and LX's when you move from 2015 to 2016. My less than scientific study (100+ LX samples from Auto Trader and CarMax and 60+ LC's from the same places) says LC's jump an average of $8K from 2015 to 2016 and LX's jump even more...around +18K for the sample I chose. Other than the '15 to '16 year change, model year changes move far less...say $2-4K.

So clearly the market places considerable value on the difference between '15 and '16.

I understand that the 2016's were a redesign and feature meaningful changes (like the 8 spd trans). Plus there may be significant warranty remaining on the 2016's, though I think less so for the LC's than the LX's.

But a low mileage '15 should still be a hell of a vehicle and probably more than adequate for my (all HWY) needs and a great long term vehicle (say 10-15 years and 150k+ miles). At age 70, this could easily be my last vehicle.

I'm currently driving an '06 LX470 and have developed a profound respect for these vehicles...like nothing I've ever owned.

Anybody want to challenge my thinking?

 

[M1911]

I think the ergonomics were improved on the 2016+. The 2015 and earlier has a panel of 7 or 8 switches low and to the left of the steering wheel. Most of those switches are identical in feel and hard to see without craning your head down and to the left (dangerous when driving).

I believe these switches were moved to the center stack and/or center console for the 2018+.

I’m not sure how much that is worth to me, but it always irks me when I have to find my steering wheel heater or center diff lock.

 

[Bob Frame]

Thanks for input. The good news for me is that steering wheeler heater is of little value (Georgia) as is diff lock (100% on road). Pretty sure neither of these is worth $8-18K...to me.

Not to minimize these things, but is 8 spd tranny the big difference?

 

[M1911]

There are a number of other controls there, most of which are not used in daily operation - headlight washers, switch to turn off side curtain airbags, headlight aiming switch (to lower the headlights when towing), side mirror control switch, etc.

Living up north, I use the steering wheel heater every day in the winter and I love it, but I can see how that would be less useful in GA.

I haven’t driven the 2018+ so I have no experience with the 8-speed. If you read here you will see some complaints about the shift feel on the 8-speed. I think those have subsided with a TSB that changes the shifting logic, but best to talk to someone who has one.

Land Cruisers don’t depreciate that quickly, so I would recommend buying as new as you can afford, but that’s really up to you.

 

[Bob Frame]

Land Cruisers don’t depreciate that quickly,

I would agree with this...except for the 2016 to 2015 drop. This is where I find depreciation that is 2-3 times "normal" for an LC and at least 4x "normal" for an LX. Trying to validate this finding and, if I'm correct, understand why it is.

 

[Sandroad]

But a low mileage '15 should still be a hell of a vehicle and probably more than adequate for my (all HWY) needs and a great long term vehicle (say 10-15 years and 150k+ miles). At age 70, this could easily be my last vehicle.

Amen. Your intended use would suggest saving your $8000 and buying a nice ‘15. Enjoy the hunt!

 

[Markuson]

Thanks for input. The good news for me is that steering wheeler heater is of little value (Georgia) as is diff lock (100% on road). Pretty sure neither of these is worth $8-18K...to me.

Not to minimize these things, but is 8 spd tranny the big difference?

Do you plan to modify the vehicle even mildly (suspension, wheels/tires)? If so, perhaps thinking in terms of the “same price” but the 15 includes significant & new upgrades. For $8-10k, you could add top notch suspension, wheels, tires and a bumper. More if you opt for suspension like basic OME which would still be a vast improvement over stock.

If you don’t plan to modify it at all...then it’s a pretty subjective choice....but honestly, I think every LC greatly benefits from a minimum of suspension & tires even if you never take it off-road.

 

[Bob Frame]

I do NOT plan to modify anything. My '06 LX is bone stock and I like it just fine.

 

[Markuson]

I do NOT plan to modify anything. My '06 LX is bone stock and I like it just fine.

OK.
But your LX likely had AHC and the 200 does not. I mention this only because you may find a different opinion at some point regarding stock suspension if you go 200.

If you are sure you don’t want to modify suspension, then I think that’s a **very** strong argument for going with the 570 LX rather than the 200 LC. AHC on the LX really is pretty amazing...and stock suspension on the LC frankly is not. The basic setup is fantastic (KDSS, front coilovers), but the springs and shocks leave much to be desired/improved upon on the LC.

 

[chilibit]

If you select any two of the vehicles under consideration, then devise a off/on road trip from Ga to Alaska, then allow one to leave 5 minutes before the second---in a Alaska the first one to leave Ga will arrive approximately five minutes ahead of the second one to leave Ga.

 

[Bob Frame]

If you select any two of the vehicles under consideration, then devise a off/on road trip from Ga to Alaska, then allow one to leave 5 minutes before the second---in a Alaska the first one to leave Ga will arrive approximately five minutes ahead of the second one to leave Ga.

Excellent point.

 

[Markuson]

Excellent point.

No dispute that either will get the job done. But the suspension difference between the LX and LC is pretty significant if leaving 100% stock.

 

[Bob Frame]

OK.
But your LX likely had AHC and the 200 does not. I mention this only because you may find a different opinion at some point regarding stock suspension if you go 200.

If you are sure you don’t want to modify suspension, then I think that’s a **very** strong argument for going with the 570 LX rather than the 200 LC. AHC on the LX really is pretty amazing...and stock suspension on the LC frankly is not. The basic setup is fantastic (KDSS, front coilovers), but the springs and shocks leave much to be desired/improved upon on the LC.

Please explain the conditions/use under which the LC springs and shocks "leave much to be desired".

 

[Big Timber]

The LX will be far more comfortable than the LC in any model year. At 70 yrs old and nearly all HWY miles, I'd go with the LX570. They can be had for less money and with less miles than the '15 LC in nearly every market.

 

[JohnJB]

Please explain the conditions/use under which the LC springs and shocks "leave much to be desired".

 

[Markuson]

Please explain the conditions/use under which the LC springs and shocks "leave much to be desired".

As they age, they tend to feel loose and bounce around under the truck even on nothing more than imperfect streets. When my 2008 was 5 years old (when I bought it used), it drove me nuts. Couldn’t wait to upgrade. I went with a prettty nice upgrade, but massive improvement will be had with even a $1500 upgrade to basic Old Man Emu set.

Had OME medium set on my 100 had improvement was huge there too.

After upgrading suspensionon my 200 it drove like an entirely different vehicle. Cornering, dividing while braking, hits while turning at speed, body lean...all were hugely better...and that’s just on road. Off road there was simply no comparison.

 

[Bob Frame]

The LX will be far more comfortable than the LC in any model year. At 70 yrs old and nearly all HWY miles, I'd go with the LX570. They can be had for less money and with less miles than the '15 LC in nearly every market.

Timber,

While I don't claim that this analysis is statistically sound I just looked at the prices and miles of 160 or so LC's and LX's. I found this:

2015: LC and LX average prices nearly identical ($53.8K vs. $52.8) with average miles slightly higher on LC's (39K vs 34K)
2016: LC and LX prices much different...LC avg price- $ 62.2K; LX avg price $71.2K. Avg miles on LX lower by 5K.
2017: LC and LX prices much different...LC avg price $65.9K, LX avg price 74.6K. AVg miles on LX 6K less than LC.

 

[Bob Frame]

As they age, they tend to feel loose and bounce around under the truck even on nothing more than imperfect streets. When my 2008 was 5 years old (when I bought it used), it drove me nuts. Couldn’t wait to upgrade. I went with a prettty nice upgrade, but massive improvement will be had with even a $1500 upgrade to basic Old Man Emu set.

Had OME medium set on my 100 had improvement was huge there too.

After upgrading suspensionon my 200 it drove like an entirely different vehicle.

Pretty compelling argument. Thanks.

 

[mcgaskins]

You're misinterpreting what's happening in this pic. It's merely bowing as a sign of obedience.

 

[Bob Frame]

Its looking to me like the sweet spot in all of this is the 2015 LX...lower avg cost than LC, lower avg miles, cushier interior, better suspension.

Anyone want to challenge this?