Advise if you please

[Helipilot]

My wife gave the go ahead to buy a 200 LC today in addition to the FJ40 undergoing restoration in my shop. The idea is to use it as the main family vehicle and to tow behind the 40' Newmar Dutch Star, probably on a trailer as I don't like towing four down due to potential for damage to the towed vehicle.

In reading this 200 series forum I would like your comments on the 200 and what year is considered to be the "best" year since the introduction in 2008. I would prefer to buy a used unit to avoid the depreciation hit. Thanks for your time on this.

 

[Chocolate]

Looked up the Dutch Star... wow, that looks beautiful. 350k.

The Wikipedia article details the changes year to year. Toyota Land Cruiser - Wikipedia I think the 2013 to 2015 range is a good zone for low mile 200s that have taken most of the initial depreciation hit. 2016+ does have additional safety features and an 8 speed transmission.

For reference, I bought a certified low mile 2013 LX in 2016 for 56500 from original 90k MSRP. I have since put 20,000 miles on it, and after checking out Autotrader, I can't find any non certified 2013 I would consider under 45k, most are either higher than that, "off lease only" cars with accident history or sketchy auction history, or with more miles. Resale value is excellent with the LC and LX.

I would limit your search to examples with full maintenance history, you can check the VINS on the Toyota or Lexus site.

 

[gearguywb]

I don't think you will go wrong with any year 200. There have not been "major" changes. The '16's did get a "freshen up" but I don't think it is a deal breaker in any way. Find a pre '16 to sit in and drive, then a newer one. Then you will be able to decide which one you like better and what its worth to you.

 

[Sandroad]

Here’s a helpful thread from the forum FAQs if you are looking at used.

Main model year changes 2008-2014 200 series and lx

 

[BVCOTaco]

If there are certain features you are looking for that would be the only difference. The 08-12 were great, but they added a few nice creature comforts to the 13-15 200's like the vented (cooled) driver seats and HID headlights. I have not driven a 16+ since they were out of my price range, but the 8 speed transmission could increase mpg's a little.

 

[I6turbo]

.... they added a few nice creature comforts to the 13-15 200's like the vented (cooled) driver seats....

I've seen this remark a few times. Did they make some 08-11 without cooled seats? I've never seen one without.

 

[BVCOTaco]

The 08-12's did not have vented front seats. That was new for the 13's. My buddy has an 11 and I have a 13, his 11 does not have the vented front seats.

 

[OregonLC]

I believe the early LXs did have cooled seats, just not the Land Cruiser. We had to sweat it out until 2013z

 

[BVCOTaco]

Good point, that may be the case. I never looked at the LX's, I was only referring to the LC's.

 

[EverywhereBear]

My 08 LX does have cooled front seats.

 

[SeaLib]

If there are certain features you are looking for that would be the only difference. The 08-12 were great, but they added a few nice creature comforts to the 13-15 200's like the vented (cooled) driver seats and HID headlights. I have not driven a 16+ since they were out of my price range, but the 8 speed transmission could increase mpg's a little.

The 8 speed did not increase mpgs to any appreciable degree in the 2016+ 200s. That was one of the main points a bunch of reviewers were bringing up, as something of a surprise. I have a 2017, can confirm that the mpg is as they claim..

 

[KLF]

IMO the '13-15 range is the sweet spot. I drove a '16 and didn't care for the 8 speed, but the real deal breaker was the rear screens. I also prefer the earlier dash/console layout.

 

[Malleus]

2008 LX570, but I'm prejudiced.

 

[grinchy]

it's somewhat easier to build a TLC, just more aftermarket for direct bolt ons, particularly sliders and bumpers. The LX is about 4 years ahead of the TLC in creature comforts.

 

[Helipilot]

Thanks so much for the honest comments guys. Took my wife to the local dealership and she sat in a 2018 and really liked it. A new one is out of our price range for us right now. The dealership did confirm the need to trailer the 200 as it is not to be towed four down behind the motor home due to damage to the drive train. I like the idea of a 13 model with the vented sets.

Not to mislead anyone with my initial post, but our Dutch Star is a used 2012 model, 40' pusher with tag axle and 450hp engine. We paid $168k with 56,xxx miles on the odometer. No way could we pay the 350 to 400k prices they are going for new. We just turned into our 70's and have finally retired
although I still do some contract work. We have the house on the market and plan to just tour the U.S. for the next few years, be the good Lord willing.

 

[Chocolate]

IMO the '13-15 range is the sweet spot. I drove a '16 and didn't care for the 8 speed, but the real deal breaker was the rear screens.

*Pimp my ride system (PMRS), also known as a 2,000 dollar option on the LX. Another reason why I will only buy used.

 

[Chocolate]

I figured you bought it used. That's what I would do. Hope to have a proper RV someday.

 

[Helipilot]

It didn't happen overnight. After 50 years of marriage and hard work by both of us coupled with a disciplined investment and savings plan enabled us to finally enjoy some things. Just hope we haven't waited too long. I have always had a FJ-40 in the garage/shop doing restorations and had to sell the other three to fund college for our three sons who, all served in the military as well. This last one is a keeper for my putting around. We also did not smoke or drink (Just do the math on the cost) and that helped with the savings plan.

Just put together a plan and stick to it, you will make it. Anybody who owns a LC is smart enough to do anything!