*'97 Landcruiser Anniversary Edition Vs. '97 Lx 450 - Best?

[S. Mack]

NEW '97 Landcruiser Anniversary Edition Vs. '97 Lx 450 - Best?

NEW

Hello -

I am trying to decide between these 2 models. Want to have a straight 6 cyl and front & rear differential option - that switch to left of steering wheel. From what we read, the Lexus has more creature comforts and the only potential downside is that it rocks a bit on the highway.

As they used to say about Packards "Ask a man who owns one" -- what do you think? What's the difference?

Thank you very much.

 

[PDoyle]

Packards? Wow!
Well, anyway why do you want to buy an 80 or lx450 in the first place?

 

[spartan]

You have to wear pink panties if you get the Lexus, so I would get the Toyota. Do a search and you will understand.

I wouldn't really say the Lexus has more creature comforts. They are both pretty plush for off road capable 4WD's.

Real Landcruisers are Toyotas. I don't like all the body clading on the Lexus.

Find the lowest mileage, best condition, truck you can locate and buy it - Toyota or Lexus. And I really wouldn't worry to much about the locker option.

My wife just made me delete the no Lexus in my driveway spiel. LOL

 

[S. Mack]

why we THINK we want a'97 landcruiser or LX450

You want the long story or the short story...?

 

[S. Mack]

pink panties

You have to wear pink panties if you get the Lexus, so I would get the Toyota. Do a search and you will understand.



I already wear pink panties, I've been driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last 302,000 miles. Before that a Land Rover for 20 years. Yes, I've heard all the Lucas Electric Jokes & their all true.

Now, why do I want a Landcruiser?

You know the answer or you wouldn't be on this site, so now I come down to it:
I'm told : the Lexus 450 is the exact same car as the '97 Landcruiser Anniv. Ed. except the prices are less for lower mileage and there are more around (Lexus).

So, the only problem is I don't like the status deal with the Lexus but maybe I can get over it...

 

[nyk438]

You have to wear pink panties if you get the Lexus, so I would get the Toyota. Do a search and you will understand.



I already wear pink panties, I've been driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last 302,000 miles. Before that a Land Rover for 20 years. Yes, I've heard all the Lucas Electric Jokes & their all true.

Now, why do I want a Landcruiser?

You know the answer or you wouldn't be on this site, so now I come down to it:
I'm told : the Lexus 450 is the exact same car as the '97 Landcruiser Anniv. Ed. except the prices are less for lower mileage and there are more around (Lexus).

So, the only problem is I don't like the status deal with the Lexus but maybe I can get over it...

Both are pretty much the same rig. There are minor differences, most are just extra luxury but from what I get from you, a Land Cruiser would do you just fine.

But being the same rig, find the best deal you can with either.


Nick

 

[spartan]

Land Rover - boy are you you gonna be happy. I've got a friend with a Defender and a Country. He spends more money on maintenance than you can shake a stick at. Welcome to the world of Toyota.

 

[RavenTai]

So, the only problem is I don't like the status deal with the Lexus but maybe I can get over it...

I got over it, I tell everybody it is a Land Cruiser, from a distance most buy it. I am considering a badge delete.

They are the same exact same vehicle mechanically, there is a thread in the FAQ that enumerates the differences. One of them the auto AC is present in the 40 anniversary Land Cruiser you are looking at. Most of the differences I like, a few I do not.
I do like the two tone seats in the 40th's

Look at both when you find the right one get it, no matter what name is on it.

 

[Tentsontop]

You have to wear pink panties if you get the Lexus, so I would get the Toyota. Do a search and you will understand.



I already wear pink panties, I've been driving a Jeep Cherokee for the last 302,000 miles. Before that a Land Rover for 20 years. Yes, I've heard all the Lucas Electric Jokes & their all true.

Now, why do I want a Landcruiser?

You know the answer or you wouldn't be on this site, so now I come down to it:
I'm told : the Lexus 450 is the exact same car as the '97 Landcruiser Anniv. Ed. except the prices are less for lower mileage and there are more around (Lexus).

So, the only problem is I don't like the status deal with the Lexus but maybe I can get over it...

Sounds like you already know where you're going. When I was looking for mine I talked to a guy who oned a 40th and a 97 LX450 (both locked) at the same time. He traded both in on a new 100 with all the bells and whistles. Last time I talked to him he was selling the 100 and looking for a locked 40th. Most people, or maybe just a lot, prefer the regular LC over the LX. The only real difference I've noticed is the ride is softer in the LX. If time is short and you're looking for a deal go with the LX. If not, the 40th is the best way to go. It's basically the best of the best. If my 93 ever falls off a cliff my next LC will be a locked 40th.

 

[Altaf]

Take spartan's advice: "Find the lowest mileage, best condition, truck you can locate and buy it - Toyota or Lexus".

LX vs. LC thread:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=15223

Good place to start if you're in the market:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=77629

 

[PDoyle]

If your like the rest of us, and I'm betting you are... get what you like!
locking axles are top option around. The 80 is a little tougher around the edges... Hence the panties...
PS they are both tough used vehicles to find...

 

[S. Mack]

Thanks!

Much obliged to you all for such good advice (the FAQ threads were VERY HELPFUL).

We're climbing up our learning curve... still gotta master the center locking diff. issue. The tip for looking at/asking for the 3 numbers after K was oh so helpful.

We might be back throughout the rest of the find & purchase process...

 

[rolliges]

The LX will probably have lower insurance due to the more advanced key. It also has more sound deadening material. Any 97 needs shocks & springs at this point so just plan on upgrading and that point is mute.

The leather is supposedly better in the LX. And not that funky two-tone.

Go for the low-mileage and either way you'll be happy.

 

[NorCalDoug]

"I ain't never seen a Lexus up in the air like that before..." (guy says to his wife as they're walking away). That's from a guy I spoke with briefly this afternoon. He had what looked like a home-made PVC snorkel on his cherokee sport. Not a bad looking one for being homemade.

Many people seem to have a problem with the "status symbol" deal with owning a "Lexus" -- I never thought much of it. I owned a Land Cruiser before I bought my LX 450. The only reason I bought what I did was because it was the ONLY locked 80 series in good condition with low miles when I was shopping for my rig. Lexus-shmexus...

Those who actually believe their Toyota-badged 80 series are somehow superior to a Lexus-badged 80 are idiots. There's no significant difference.

If you want similar features, the closest comparison would be either a 40th anniversary model or Collector's edition (both 97 model years) with a 96 or 97 LX 450. These three would have the same climate control system (which some like and some do not).

Aside from the body cladding, the only significant difference would be the 6CD changer and center console mounted sub-woofer that you'd get with the Lexus.



Get the lowest priced, lowest mileage vehicle in the best condition you can find -- ignore the "T" or "L"



That's my nickel's worth.

 

[Bear80]

you guys are jealous of the two tone seats! I use to think they looked funny also but it's because you're all to use to looking at the plain single tone seats. The 40th seats match the rest of the interior trim and look so much better after you notice it.

buy a 40th, at least it has some significance

 

[CodyRx7]

I always thought the two-tone seats looked HORRIBLE when I saw pics of that interior...but seeing it in person it does look better.

Myself, I prefer the 1-tone leather of my LX450 over the two-tone, but it doesn't look as bad as pictures show.

I believe the LX has more sound deadening material, which gives it more quiet of a ride over the 40th or CE Land Cruiser.

You probably will find a better deal on the Lexus pricewise - since most people with the 40th or CE think they are sitting on a goldmine when trying to sell those vehicles.

 

[tarbe]

"Get the lowest priced, lowest mileage vehicle in the best condition you can find -- ignore the "T" or "L"


That's my nickel's worth.

Good advice - I agree 100%.

 

[Uncle Ben]

I always thought the two-tone seats looked HORRIBLE when I saw pics of that interior...but seeing it in person it does look better.

<snip>

You probably will find a better deal on the Lexus pricewise - since most people with the 40th or CE think they are sitting on a goldmine when trying to sell those vehicles.

We are! All the advantages of the Licksass but badged a Land Cruiser! Plus you don't have to wear pink panties! Another perk is the two tone seats keep guys wearing panties away! Totally, just kidding, just couldn't let that slide. Best advice is what NorCalDoug said! You will be very happy with any of the choices your looking at! I will mention one tiny factor that I like of a LC vrs LX, you dont lose a very valuable cup holder where the LX's sub is!

 

[Romer]

I agree with get the best between the LX or the LC. However, I would get one with Lockers unlike someone above who said not to worry about it.

Once I put the OME Lift and new shocks on my LX< the ride was identical to an LC with the same suspension.

I buy all my parts from Toyota and don't pay the premium from Lexus.

An advantage to a Lexus is records. You can call or visit any Lexus Dealer with the VIN number and they will bring up and show you all the service history performed by any Lexus dealer in the country.

I like the 6 CD changer and sub woofer, but a newer deck with an MP3 player would be more capable.

I like the look on peoples faces when they see me on the trail in my Lexus.

 

[Uncle Ben]

<snip>
I like the look on peoples faces when they see me on the trail in my Lexus.

It's not the truck.....people kinda frealk when the spot a cigar smokin', assault rifle wheeling redneck staring at them wondering if they are Tards!

I missed the "don't worry about lockers" bit.......that will cost you $2k later if not equipped!(unless of course your mall doesn't have respectable speedbumps) When looking at LC's and LX's I would deduct $2k from market value if it didn't have the magic knob!