97 LC vs 97 LX450

[7schulz]

All things being the same. Mileage, condition, history, Options(locked) and Price. Is one a better buy than the other? I know the suspension in the LX is softer(does this really affect off road ability) and extra sound deadening. Do LX owners get "dinged" from the LC guys on the trails? If I put on a lift, the suspension doesn't make a difference anyway? Will either hold value better?

 

[-Spike-]

The LX has a few more creature comforts. Otherwise they're the same vehicle. Yes, LX drivers will take more crap. If you're going to start modifying it/ take it offroad you can stop worrying about the resale value.

 

[firetruck41]

I like the LX grille (not the "L", the shape/design) a little more, but when I got mine, I was just looking for the best condition 80 series. Ended up with a LX.

 

[7schulz]

I’m looking for a nuance or nitch that one has over the other. The feeling of ownership? Part of the club? Maybe from someone that has owned both. I know they are basically the same (body, drive train, etc.) I'm leaning more towards the LX b.c it's just a little more different than what else is on the road, and a Lexus stomping a jeep or pick-up on the trails is even more funny and brag-able. Will the LC guy still let you hang even if they do give you s***.

 

[firetruck41]

See my sig, I've owned both. I kinda like being different, in that no one around here has a lifted Lexus, but me. I prefer most of the LX colors, though there are a couple of LC colors that I really like.

 

[7schulz]

I don't see many 80's around here let alone a lifted LX so that is why I'm leaning that way.
Although everyone this side of Indy drive a $50k lexus or better. So I should at least try to fit in a little

 

[-Spike-]

Will the LC guy still let you hang even if they do give you s***.

The LC crowd probably won't even mention it, as they know it's the same truck.

Other groups I hang out with think it's funny to call my LC a Lexus.

 

[Kaoscruizer]

Lexus baby! .. the pink panty patrol!

Here is a pic of a decal one of our brothers has on his LX .. classic!

 

[7schulz]

Shouldn't that be...
Lexus
T[STRIKE]R[/STRIKE]ail
Team

 

[aclos3]

I was indifferent, but at the time of my search it actually seemed that equivalent LXs were slightly cheaper. I think with vehicles this old that have this much of a following, people are more keen to have the "Landcruiser" name placard, rather than the somewhat meaningless "LX 450."

The FAQ contains some comparison information, but the pluses of the LX include: Free Lexus dealership service history lookup, better quality leather that seems to hold up longer, better quality fake wood trim that seems to hold up longer, fully loaded (rear seats, tow package, etc.), more sound deadening.

The LC has: fewer trim pieces that you are likely to rip off if off roading, weighs less due to trim, options and sound deadening, stiffer stock suspension and everyone knows how legendary a Landcruiser, whereas most do not know what an LX 450 is.

Oh, and I forgot to add that while the locked option is rare on both models, more LX 450s came with the option.

 

[Kaoscruizer]

I could be wrong, but I think you will find an LC with lockers easier than finding an LX with lockers (if that matters to you)

 

[jlg32281]

I'm on my second 80. My first was a 94 LC, loved it. I now have a 96 LX, love it even more, but mostly because of the lockers. What I found in my searches is that the LX's are usually cared for a little bit better. A lot of people that bought the LX's also bought the extended maintenance packages and stuff and had them well maintained. You find this a lot on the LC's too, but I think the LX's, in general, have been better maintained, inside and out. I think this correlates with group of people that originally purchased these trucks. People that bought LX's brand new probably didn't realize they could get the exact same truck for a few thousand less with a Toyota badge on it and just wanted a plush full size SUV. People that pay $60k for a truck usually take care of their stuff. This is all just my opinion.

 

[Ebag333]

See my sig, I've owned both. I kinda like being different, in that no one around here has a lifted Lexus, but me. I prefer most of the LX colors, though there are a couple of LC colors that I really like.

x2

I constantly get comments about it. It's fun being unique, the local shop that I take my rigs to knows them as the "twins."

 

[Kaoscruizer]

I'm on my second 80. My first was a 94 LC, loved it. I now have a 96 LX, love it even more, but mostly because of the lockers. What I found in my searches is that the LX's are usually cared for a little bit better. A lot of people that bought the LX's also bought the extended maintenance packages and stuff and had them well maintained. You find this a lot on the LC's too, but I think the LX's, in general, have been better maintained, inside and out. I think this correlates with group of people that originally purchased these trucks. People that bought LX's brand new probably didn't realize they could get the exact same truck for a few thousand less with a Toyota badge on it and just wanted a plush full size SUV. People that pay $60k for a truck usually take care of their stuff. This is all just my opinion.

I agree completely.

 

[7schulz]

OK, so whats the price of a 97 LX450 with 130K miles on the clock with lockers and clean.
Good Price =
OK Price =
Too High =

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

No better feeling like recoverying a Chevy or Ford with a Lexus. It's free of charge but I do take off thier truck nuts if their rig is so equipped.

Seriously, when I was shopping it just so happened that the best conditioned vehicle with lockers was a Lexus. The only thing I prefer on the LC is the center console. The six disc changer is a bit outdated. Once I got my Kenwood headunit and ipod I eneded up swapping the center out with a LC version for more space and blank switch options.

 

[bpassmore]

I could be wrong, but I think you will find an LC with lockers easier than finding an LX with lockers (if that matters to you)

i find the opposite is true.

IMO, the OP of the LX got them loaded out without regard to price of options, and the extra $750 for lockers isnt even on the radar of a 50k mall cruiser for 90% of those buyers.

 

[UCBerzerkeley]

i find the opposite is true.

IMO, the OP of the LX got them loaded out without regard to price of options, and the extra $750 for lockers isnt even on the radar of a 50k mall cruiser for 90% of those buyers.

there is just something about driving a land cruiser though...

 

[bpassmore]

there is just something about driving a land cruiser though...

Its also fun to trounce a Jeep in a Lexus too....

 

[BrotherRob]

IMO, buy the best one for you. Doesn't much matter what you call it.