Another "thoughts on this 200 series" thread... Purchasing a 2011 today.

[MN CZ]

Hey All,

Purchasing this 2011 today. Currently own a 2005 LX, 205k miles. Both are pearl white.

Mileage on the 200 series is 118k. Very clean service records, incredibly clean truck with 3M wrap, remote start, and WT floormats. Rust is minimal for a midwest car. Price is ~$25k. Luxury and Reference packages. Passed a PPI on Tuesday with a local Mud recommended expert.

Problem is, something inside of me is a little hesitant. I like my 100, but it's been costly to maintain, and I had a bad experience with the dealer, involving faulty repairs, rust, hail damage, and a court case that just wrapped up. The 100 feels dated, but it has been solid, safe vehicle. Something about the 200 makes it feel a little tighter inside. I like the extra 160hp, and the 200 certainly feels very solid on the road. Wife and kids really like the 200. Strangely, I hope the headlights are better than the 100 series.

Please help me feel better about this! I keep thinking a Denali would be a better choice, for getting same horsepower and extra room. The rational side of me is ignoring the GM issues with rust, AFM, and general cheapness of the panels. I must be blinded by all that Denali chrome.

 

[bloc]

The Denali will have at least some substantial parts falling off it by 200k. The LX will be quietly trundling along on it’s way to better condition at 400k. I know for sure what I’d pick.

Don’t let your bad 470 experience deter you on this. The vast majority of 100/200 owner experiences are overwhelmingly positive.

 

[ntsaint]

Buy it. My 2011 has 140k and drives like day 1 with no out of the ordinary maintenance.

 

[milellie111]

I like my 100, but it's been costly to maintain, and I had a bad experience with the dealer, involving faulty repairs, rust, hail damage, and a court case that just wrapped up.

Find a good indy shop.

 

[MN CZ]

Thanks all- The PA has been sent, taking delivery tomorrow at 3pm. The mandatory pics will follow. Strictly a mall-crawler. No, I will not buy an ARB bumper or Rock Sliders, or even do the AHC lift. Heck, I refuse to put bumper stickers on. If Toyota engineers wanted a bumper sticker, it would come with it.

Yes, this fall, thanks to a mud member, I found a great indy shop. CARSPEC. He did the PPI on this 2011. He owns a 200 series himself, and has a really detailed blog on his website with common GX/LX repair scenarios.

After that experience with the 2005, I am a strong believer in PPI. Also, just because Carfax doesn't say hail damage, doesn't mean it didn't happen. And don't trust small-time dealers to make repairs, they often sub out to the lowest bidder and cheapest parts. Shoot, after finishing the court case and long process with the AG's office, I could write a book on how not to buy a car.

 

[razzyrazz]

Hey All,

Purchasing this 2011 today. Currently own a 2005 LX, 205k miles. Both are pearl white.

Mileage on the 200 series is 118k. Very clean service records, incredibly clean truck with 3M wrap, remote start, and WT floormats. Rust is minimal for a midwest car. Price is ~$25k. Luxury and Reference packages. Passed a PPI on Tuesday with a local Mud recommended expert.

Problem is, something inside of me is a little hesitant. I like my 100, but it's been costly to maintain, and I had a bad experience with the dealer, involving faulty repairs, rust, hail damage, and a court case that just wrapped up. The 100 feels dated, but it has been solid, safe vehicle. Something about the 200 makes it feel a little tighter inside. I like the extra 160hp, and the 200 certainly feels very solid on the road. Wife and kids really like the 200. Strangely, I hope the headlights are better than the 100 series.

Please help me feel better about this! I keep thinking a Denali would be a better choice, for getting same horsepower and extra room. The rational side of me is ignoring the GM issues with rust, AFM, and general cheapness of the panels. I must be blinded by all that Denali chrome.

View attachment 2171349

I have a 2011 LX I bought over a year ago. Did PPI at Lexus dealer and only thing recommended was tires. Sold new in NY. Great car so far. I do have an AHC rust issue I'm dealing with right now that could get expensive. I checked the car for rust when I purchased it and it had very little. The AHC globes and the lines that were easily visible all still look great. If I could go back I would have traced the AHC lines more thoroughly. There is a 2 inch spot on one of the height control tubes that is rusted and blew out a hole. It is hard to see since it is above the frame, just engine side of the rear axle up against the body of the truck. Will post more detail once I get it fixed. That would be my only advice above the usual inspection stuff. I tried to replace it myself but there is no room to loosen the fittings with the tools I have. Only $300 in parts, but labor could get pricey.