Best year of the LC200’s?

[Brandon966]

What years in the 2016+ would be considered the best?

So the 2016’s and 2017’s (if I’m correct) have the harsh transmission shift from the factory, the 2019+ has the power lift gate and a few other things. What am I missing?

 

[Sajan]

I think the harsh shifts were addressed with a TSB?

 

[HSTexan]

Later years also used the updated radiator so they shouldn't crack, same with later years not being as impacted by the coolant valley leaks. TBH though the best year is the one you own!

 

[Battleship]

Whatever year you can get.

 

[jlm43]

Best year depends on your personal preferences, and budget I suppose. For me, it's a 2013 to 2015 LX. I REALLY like the AHC system for towing and ride comfort but also REALLY like having a hand brake.

They all have their pluses and minuses. There's really not one particular year to stay away from.

 

[stonepa]

2015. Feels like the interior went down hill quality wise with the 2016 update. Flimsy knobs that wiggle, buttons that feel kinda cheap. Atleast to me.

 

[Supra Turbo]

2015. Feels like the interior went down hill quality wise with the 2016 update. Flimsy knobs that wiggle, buttons that feel kinda cheap. Atleast to me.

This. Don't listen to anyone else, everyone else is wrong. The best years are '13-15. They are by far sexier, manlier, offroad capable, faster, etc.

 

[dudemancool1904]

For me it was 19. Has all the doodads like capacitive screen, power folding mirrors, power hatch, updated key fob, blah blah. Plus ‘19 was the last year covered by the carb EO for a Magnuson 2650 so if/when I decide to get one I’m covered. And from a completely anecdotal place zero COVID build/heebie jeebie issues.

 

[TimCFJ40]

for the long term, the newest lowest mileage you can get. That said, I have a hard time seeing the 30k extra value a 2021 gets over a 2016 of the same mileage.

 

[manofthewoods]

for the long term, the newest lowest mileage you can get. That said, I have a hard time seeing the 30k extra value a 2021 gets over a 2016 of the same mileage.

It all in the roof rack. It's gold under the black paint

 

[bicycleagent003]

I think getting a COVID made Cruiser is a risk, and I think the Heritage Edition is not worth the extra money. I also think the 8 speed is a significant upgrade, and that the Cruiser front end 2016 and later looks best. Those are just my opinions.

 

[pcut]

I posted this somewhere else but I had a new 2019 LX that I drove for about 6 months and hated. Coming off a well built and used '06 LC (the Moab Brewery truck) that I drove for 11 years, I couldn't get used to the electronics and the interior. Drove a beach car for a year and then bought a low mile 2014 LX that I love. Interior is more comfortable in my opinion, the electronics are semi useable (as opposed to the 2019 where the owner's manual for the electronics was twice as thick as the one for the rest of the entire vehicle!), I prefer the 6 speed transmission and I can change out the brakes if I ever start towing. I also like the more subdued exterior over the Predator look of the newer ones. My 2 cents!!
Bottom line though is that you can't go wrong with any model this is well taken care of and driven.
Best of luck in your search.

 

[Cruiserlab]

08 or 09. No shark fin.

 

[TimCFJ40]

I think getting a COVID made Cruiser is a risk, and I think the Heritage Edition is not worth the extra money. I also think the 8 speed is a significant upgrade, and that the Cruiser front end 2016 and later looks best. Those are just my opinions.

100% agree the 2016+ Cruiser front ends look the best. Having come from a 2008 with the 6 speed, I am torn on whether I like the 8 speed better. It's certainly smoother, but the 6 speed just feels more responsive. I leave my 2016 in PWR mode all the time, whereas with the 6 speed I didn't feel the need. MPGs are about the same. Longevity yet to be seen. My 2008 six speed went at ~295k, and the 2016 only has 99k on it, so hopefully a long way to go before we know.

Hearing about the gripes about the later LX electronics, I feel the 2016+ Cruisers have it about right. All the gadgets needed, still some buttons, no weird joy sticks or full manuals on how to use them. Add the Hamilton Car Play and go.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

I've owned an '09 LC, '16 LX and '17 LC.

I understand the gripes with the '16+ LX, but they are superior in many ways IMO (seats, stereo, one touch lane change, auto fold mirrors, etc.)

As for value and usability, I'm further convinced the '13-'15 LX is the sweat spot.

 

[Supra Turbo]

100% agree the 2016+ Cruiser front ends look the best.

Eww, you guys like the late 2000s Lincoln Navigator look. Gross.

Gross and wrong.

 

[dms]

I also like the front end on the 2016+ but I liked the transmission in my 13 better than my 18 (in certain low speed situations it seems to search for the right gear).

 

[open country]

I have a 2016 which I upgraded from a 2011 a couple years ago. I was not a fan of the 8 speed in stock calibration, plus I had the cold 1-2 shift judder. However, I did an OTT tune and the transmission TSB, and I now prefer it to the 6 speed in my 2011 which was more responsive stock-for-stock.

Owning a 2016 (at 2x the cost of my 2011) revealed mostly how much of a value you can get in a high-mile but well taken care of 08-11 which are starting to dip below 20k. My 2011 felt incredibly solid and perfectly reliable at 220k.

 

[bloc]

Will you mod it or leave it alone?

The 8spd of 16+ can run larger tires before needing gears.

New radiator wasn't in til late 2018 build date. But to get that you also must get a power lift gate (I prefer to not have this, reduced complexity/s*** to break)
18+ also got the updated KDSS valve block which appears more prone to corrosion issues due to the external hex screws. Wouldn't matter on an LX though.

Anything pre ~late 2014 will have head gaskets that are increasingly looking suspect. Ask me how I know.

16+ LED low beams are ****ing awesome. High beams? not so much, and there's nothing you can do about it.
13-15 HID's are very good, especially with upgraded bulbs.. high beams easy to upgrade with a 9011 bulb. Light for days.

Pre 2013 didn't get radar cruise if you care about that. I never use it, due to that mode forcing 5mph adjustment increments. You can put it in manual mode for 1mph increments though.

LC's only got front seat ventilation from 2013+. Not that it's all that great.. but it does help in warm climates.

If you plan to wheel it hard.. toyota ditched the rollover side control airbag cancel button somewhere around 2018? Fuzzy on the exact year.

2013+ got five crawl control speeds vs 3 before that. (IIRC)

16+ terra interior and 20-21 heritage edition got the darker headliner.

No factory tint from 08-10. Stock tint has advantages over aftermarket beyond cost.

I'm sure I am missing some stuff..