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

[dclee]

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.

The emblems are 3D, not just decals like the 40th fender badges. And B is right, we had a pristine `97 CE with no roof rack, no wind deflector, no running boards (had front mudflaps instead, which I still have if anyone needs a pair), and was fully locked. IOW, the perfect 80. I still kick myself for selling that truck when we got the 100...

 

[RavenTai]

Maybe a little free time will speed up your responses.






(Running, ducking, and hiding...)

-B-

LOL,

Actually I think it might.

It is not all bad, been on the horizon for a long time, and is actually a relief to finally know what is going on and have a direction instead of sitting arround waiting for the axe to fall.

Moving on to better things is good.

 

[NorCalDoug]

The emblems are 3D, not just decals like the 40th fender badges. And B is right, we had a pristine `97 CE with no roof rack, no wind deflector, no running boards (had front mudflaps instead, which I still have if anyone needs a pair), and was fully locked. IOW, the perfect 80. I still kick myself for selling that truck when we got the 100...

It was a very pretty rig.
I would've picked it up myself, but I wasn't in the market for one at the time.

That said...I think you got that 100 for all the right reasons.

 

[rsrxc700]

My .02C (and I have owned both) is to buy a Lexus for a few reasons. 1, they seem cheaper, 2 they were probably better maintained plus dealer records. 3, they were probably never off-road. 4, They do have a nicer interior and better quality leather. If you are not going to be a "hard-core wheeler" then you do not need the diff lockers, they are very capable even w/o in my opinion. Depending on your budget, I would not be afraid to buy one with 150 -200k on it if it has been taken care of.

 

[landtank]

I don't get the idea that Lexus vehicles were better maintained. Here in the North East anyway, those would typically be lease vehicles and the drivers would ignore the maintenace as they would never reap the rewards from it, they would just move onto the next lease vehicle.

 

[smittycrusher]

My .02C (and I have owned both) is to buy a Lexus for a few reasons. 1, they seem cheaper, 2 they were probably better maintained plus dealer records. 3, they were probably never off-road. 4, They do have a nicer interior and better quality leather. If you are not going to be a "hard-core wheeler" then you do not need the diff lockers, they are very capable even w/o in my opinion. Depending on your budget, I would not be afraid to buy one with 150 -200k on it if it has been taken care of.

I bought my wife's Black LX with lockers and in pristine condition (85K) for $14,500 from a dealer. I passed on a Pristine Sage 40th with lockers in pristine condition (136K) for $14,500 from a private seller. Both 1997's. This was in Dec. 2005. Same price w/ a milegae difference of 51K - WOW!

I could not be happier with the LX. I feel I benefited from the Lexus badge and the niche status of these vehicles. The dealer had the LX on the lot for 7 months and could not move it. I think the average public was scared off by the Lexus status, while the Lexus buyer was scared off by the age. So there I was to swoop it up.

Now I love to see people's looks as I wheel it. I can't wait to get the looks when it is snorkel's, armored, lifted, and m/t'd

Smit