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

[Stoneman]

I have a 97 LC Collectors Edition (Locked). Pretty much the same as a 40th, except badging and NO two tone seats.

 

[S. Mack]

Huh? LC CE vs. 40th Anniversary



Uh-oh - we're lost. We diligently read about the LC vs. LX from the FAQ & other site link, but what's this about CE vs. 40th Anniversary - are they 2 different types of LC? If so, what's the diff.?

Also, here's an in-house debate question (ie. she who types for the VERY particular HE who REALLY wants this type of vehicle) should we really go chasing all over the country for this truck? How far would YOU go to get one? (We read about someone in here who drove all the way up to IL, I think it was, from Texas!)

At last check there were 190 1997 LXs & LCs on autotrader in some places as far away as CA & the West (we're in RI) - do you think it's worth going all over for this truck? (HE keeps vehicles for 20 years....?)

Thanks.

 

[PDoyle]

your pretty much in the same boat as the rest of us. Timing is everything! When do you want to buy it? How far is the closest one vs the better one...ie less miles, lockers, etc.... Before you go to check on it get many pictures and info.
if you can. Ask here could be someone has seen it already too...

Uh-oh - we're lost. We diligently read about the LC vs. LX from the FAQ & other site link, but what's this about CE vs. 40th Anniversary - are they 2 different types of LC? If so, what's the diff.?

Also, here's an in-house debate question (ie. she who types for the VERY particular HE who REALLY wants this type of vehicle) should we really go chasing all over the country for this truck? How far would YOU go to get one? (We read about someone in here who drove all the way up to IL, I think it was, from Texas!)

At last check there were 190 1997 LXs & LCs on autotrader in some places as far away as CA & the West (we're in RI) - do you think it's worth going all over for this truck? (HE keeps vehicles for 20 years....?)

Thanks.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Uh-oh - we're lost. We diligently read about the LC vs. LX from the FAQ & other site link, but what's this about CE vs. 40th Anniversary - are they 2 different types of LC? If so, what's the diff.?

Also, here's an in-house debate question (ie. she who types for the VERY particular HE who REALLY wants this type of vehicle) should we really go chasing all over the country for this truck? How far would YOU go to get one? (We read about someone in here who drove all the way up to IL, I think it was, from Texas!)

At last check there were 190 1997 LXs & LCs on autotrader in some places as far away as CA & the West (we're in RI) - do you think it's worth going all over for this truck? (HE keeps vehicles for 20 years....?)

Thanks.

Only differances between 40th and CE are color choices both inside and out. Both are basically LX's in LC badging without the plastic exterior moldings.
It depends on what you really want. I traveled three states away for my 40th because it was exactly what I wanted. Would I do it again....absolutely! You broaden your choices if you go national and have a better chance to get what you want with the least amount of compromise.
Good luck.....it's a big decision!

 

[PDoyle]

Bought mine from a dealer in Mannheim Pa. The northeast's biggest auto auction.
You can call the guy and he can look for one for you, if you like...

 

[S. Mack]

thanks!

Bought mine from a dealer in Mannheim Pa. The northeast's biggest auto auction.
You can call the guy and he can look for one for you, if you like...

P DOYLE, THANK YOU for this tip as well as your kind attention to all our questions! We've seen the name (Mannheim, PA) in our search but it's completely different to hear from someone who's bought from a dealer we've only seen the name of. What did you think of buying from him? Any advice other than us continuing on with our homework? Happy with what you got?

 

[mitchhonore]

40th gun metal is a pretty awsome color

 

[collector_edi]

I have a 97 CE and I purchased a one way ticket on Amtrak to fetch it. I swore I would never ride the Amtrak again however I made an exception for the LC. I shopped for six months and found one two states over from a couple [both Dr's.] wanting to dump it. I have had it for nearly a year and am very happy with it. I got the color I so desperately wanted and saved $6000.00 on what I was willing to pay based on other listings.

If you can test drive both on lots that are listing locally. I test drove a landcruiser locally with no intention on buying. If I had to do it all over again I would've made dates with both models just to differentiate between the two suspension wise. If you can try to test drive them locally even if it does not meet your specifications.

 

[cruzin4abruzin]

Yea, Same here, I took a 14 hour greyhound trip to pick my 97 LC up. It was all worth it too. All I can say is that LandCruisers have the tougher styling of the two, However, the Lexus model does have a center channel speaker and I believe 3 disc CD changer if that tickles your fancy. (Which it didn't for me). It all basically comes down to better value, better condition, and whether you want to look like a badass driving an FZJ80, or a soccer mom with a center speaker and alloy wheels with the little grooves going down the middle of the spokes.

 

[Beowulf]

I really wouldn't worry to much about the locker option.

Smack,
Sorry man, it's been a long time since so much bad advice and wrong information has been posted in a single thread!

The LX has a 6-disk CD changer, not a 3-disk changer.

You would be crazy to ignore the locker option.

The CE and 40th are not the same as an LX. They have climate control, that's it. The 45 or so documented LX differences are not present on the CE and 40th.

The 40th colors are Sage and Emerald Green (aka bile green); not gun metal (that would be moonglow.)

I may have missed a few. If you're confused then ask someone that knows what they're talking about (NorCalDoug or Romer or someone with an LX); not the numbnuts that gave wrong answers to your questions.

-B-

 

[Beowulf]

... should we really go chasing all over the country for this truck? How far would YOU go to get one?

I am assuming where you live in part of the rust belt. I don't know much about the North East but those that live in MA have rust problems. If that's the case then you really owe it to yourself to seek out a rust-free southern car. Texas, Florida, Arizona. Stay away from anything in New Mexico as there are known problems with those vehicles. The Pac NW also has a lot of rust-free vehicles but their prices are pretty high unless you're Pimp and luck into a new cruiser every week.

I live in NM and found mine in Tucson. It was a 1hr $50 1-way flight so that was no big deal. A friend bought his in Austin and did the same thing; flew out and drove back in a weekend.

Regarding the CE vs 40th. The 40th was a Toyota promotion. They made a limited number and were only in Emerald Green and Sage. Emerald Green was available throughout the Toyota production for the FZJ80 but Sage was only available in the 40th badged vehicles. The CE was a similar Toyota USA promotion. Those came with a jacket for the original purchaser, floor mats, CE badges (decals ?) on the fenders, climate control, and were available in all production colors except Sage. The 40th editions had the 2-tone leather, climate control, special painted wheels, floor mats, fender decals, and a numbered badge on the console. The climate control is the only thing these have in common with an LX (speaking only about the differences between the 2 offerings.) Contrary to popular belief the 40th and CE were not "fully optioned" vehicles. There are many 40ths & CEs without difflocks, roof rack, running boards, and rear deflector.

Regarding the locking center diff. All FJ80's 91-97LC & 96-97LX) have a locking center differential. There was a dash switch to enable manual control of the locking in the 91-92 models. Beginning in 93 the locking was integrated into the transfer shifting so that the center diff locked when the vehicle was put into low range and unlocked when the vehicle was put into high range. A manual CDL switch is available for the 93-97 models (LX & LC).

If you want to know more about the way the center diff functions then read the "Diffs for Dummies" (link is easily found with a search.)

-B-

 

[Moses John]

I am assuming where you live is part of the rust belt. I don't know much about the North East but those that live in MA have rust problems. If that's the case then you really owe it to yourself to seek out a rust-free southern car. Texas, Florida, Arizona. Stay away from anything in New Mexico as there are known problems with those vehicles. The Pac NW also has a lot of rust-free vehicles but their prices are pretty high unless you're Pimp and luck into a new cruiser every week.

I live in NM and found mine in Tucson. It was a 1hr $50 1-way flight so that was no big deal. A friend bought his in Austin and did the same thing; flew out and drove back in a weekend.

Regarding the CE vs 40th. The 40th was a Toyota promotion. They made a limited number and were only in Emerald Green and Sage. Emerald Green was available throughout the Toyota production for the FZJ80 but Sage was only available in the 40th badged vehicles. The CE was a similar Toyota USA promotion. Those came with a jacket for the original purchaser, floor mats, CE badges (decals ?) on the fenders, climate control, and were available in all production colors except Sage. The 40th editions had the 2-tone leather, climate control, special painted wheels, floor mats, fender decals, and a numbered badge on the console. The climate control is the only thing these have in common with an LX (speaking only about the differences between the 2 offerings.) Contrary to popular belief the 40th and CE were not "fully optioned" vehicles. There are many 40ths & CEs without difflocks, roof rack, running boards, and rear deflector.

Regarding the locking center diff. All FJ80's 91-97LC & 96-97LX) have a locking center differential. There was a dash switch to enable manual control of the locking in the 91-92 models. Beginning in 93 the locking was integrated into the transfer shifting so that the center diff locked when the vehicle was put into low range and unlocked when the vehicle was put into high range. A manual CDL switch is available for the 93-97 models (LX & LC).

If you want to know more about the way the center diff functions then read the "Diffs for Dummies" (link is easily found with a search.)

-B-

Now, that's how you give an answer!!

 

[ginericLC]

buy a 40th, at least it has some significance

Yes the significance is that Toyota NA can't do math. 1951-1991 = 40
1951-1997 = 46

I will say that the 40th has the best leather of any Land Cruiser, same as the LX. Other than that the only real differences between the 40th and LX is the body molding, headlights, sound deadening, keys and stereo. Considering both stereos will be almost 10 years old that is a wash. The body molding on the LX sucks. And once you put big tires on I can't imagine that little extra sound deadening matters. And depending upon where you live those keys can be a real PITA. My dad has an LX in Wyoming and he can't get a key made anywhere. His local Toyota dealer refuses to get him one.

In the rural west people do perceive that the Lexus is a snotty vehicle. As my dad says, "they pass the offering plate twice at church". But if you can get over this you can probably save a few bucks. The LX prices always seem lower to me. Another advantage is that if they had it serviced at a Lexus dealer you can go to any Lexus dealer and get a full service report. Toyota doesn't track stuff like oil changes but Lexus does.

 

[S. Mack]

King of the Scyldings

Much obliged for setting the record straight & the straight-up advice.

Will do homework in Diffs. for Dummies, as the center locking diff. is definitely a required feature (snow on the farm, boat pulling, etc.).

These things are hard to find!

 

[PDoyle]

SMack- Sorry, must have missed this earlier post.
The Pa. auction is a great place to go. I think best in the north east-and biggest. But you need a contact there obviously.
You can call a dealer there and they would gladly find one or watch out for you.
The guy I bought mine from already had it in stock. But he seems to know about 80's and knows what to look for. Mine had 89k miles and darn close to mint condition. I had mine on a lift 3 days ago, and everything looks very good. The rubber bushings still look new. That area doesn't have the road salt that the upper Ne does if ya know what I mean. PM me and I'll gladly give you the guys #...

P DOYLE, THANK YOU for this tip as well as your kind attention to all our questions! We've seen the name (Mannheim, PA) in our search but it's completely different to hear from someone who's bought from a dealer we've only seen the name of. What did you think of buying from him? Any advice other than us continuing on with our homework? Happy with what you got?

 

[Romer]

It all basically comes down to better value, better condition, and whether you want to look like a badass driving an FZJ80, or a soccer mom with a center speaker and alloy wheels with the little grooves going down the middle of the spokes.

Doug, this guys calling us Soccer Moms

I flew to Dallas from Denver to pick mine up and drove it 13 hours home. I would definitley do it again. The 6 CD changer is nice, But a newer Deck with MP3 capability would provide more capability.

I do like the sub woofer.

My criteria was a 97 (3either LX or LC) with lockers in the best mechanical condition under $14K (2 years ago).

I must admit, I do like driving a Toyota AND a Lexus at the same time.

 

[S. Mack]

same criteria

This is a quote from the guy above - I couldn't get the quote box around it.

My criteria was a 97 (3either LX or LC) with lockers in the best mechanical condition under $14K (2 years ago).

I must admit, I do like driving a Toyota AND a Lexus at the same time.[/QUOTE]


Hhhhmmm like the circus show act idea of one foot in a Lexus & one foot in a LandCruiser at the same time -- no, really the concept of 2 in one is attractive.

Our criteria are identical to yours - but on the price we're a bit confused: shouldn't it be less than $14K now that 2 years more have gone by?

However, supply & demand seems to indicate that since they are harder to find (many go to S. & Central America we have heard..?) they may even go UP despite the increased years & mileage....

But then with gas prices being so high we're hoping people will start selling them. We'd love the scenario we read about in here of 2 meticulous Dr.'s wanting to get rid of their mint condition LX WITH lockers & little use.

Another catch-22 - if you buy with lockers or from a good mud head there might have been a lot of off road use.... & we might not be techy enough to spot off-road abuse (vs. use). oh my

 

[Beowulf]

Another catch-22 - if you buy with lockers or from a good mud head there might have been a lot of off road use.... & we might not be techy enough to spot off-road abuse (vs. use). oh my

I call BS. Other than Junk's Junk and a few others, the 80s you could get by buying one from a 'Mudder would be a great vehicle whether it had been off road or not. While Pristine is not for sale and never will be if I can help it, you would be well served if you were lucky enough to own her.

She's only been off-road briefly and that was in the middle of nowhere.

-B-

 

[S. Mack]

Pristine

got pics? Just for fun to see.

 

[Beowulf]

See the ROTW
-B-