Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

BBQ BOY said:
I was doing some research on the net on LX470 vs. Land Cruiser. The general consensus is that it's better to go with the Land Cruiser. Suppossidly the LX is far more costly to repair and has more known issues especially with the transmission, manifold and AHC. Some things were mentioned the the Land Cruiser is the standard and anyone would be crazy to have the LX470 over it. This now has me a little paranoid about buying a certain LX that I'm seriously looking at. The LX I'm looking at is really clean and has low mileage. By the way I'm looking at early 2000's truck as this particular LX is a 2000.
Should I just hold out for a Land Cruiser?
Click to expand...

Umm, more trans and manifold issues on LX than Landcruiser? As far as I know they're the same parts; exactly the same. There should not be any more increased frequency of repairs for the LX vs the cruiser. 99% of LX owners have not had issues with AHC; the more you read into it, the more you'll see many owners LOVE the fact that they have AHC. Especially with a low mileage unit. The Ride is KILLER! Anyway, that's kind of based on opinion I guess. If you're looking to build it up anyway with tires larger than 35" and add heavy bumpers, winches, and/or tow heavy loads, yes, LC is better suited for that as AHC won't really help much in those cases. Otherwise, if you'll just do basic modifications and run 33" tires, and no winches etc... LX is great for that, and will actually cost you less to get an AHC lift / decent offroad setup and looks that way. Plus, LC stereo sucks :D, and can get pricey if you wanna add in a decent sub/amp and good speaker setup. Plus, no memory seats (Huge for us) cause it's our only vehicle right now for me/wife! And if you really want, you can de-bling it for free (which is what I did ;)

Either way you go, you've got a great rig, no doubt. I'm just glad I went the way I did ;).

:beer:
 
To my understanding they are the exact same vehicle other than badging, grill difference, wood vs plastic trim, AHC vs standard suspension.

If AHC starts acting up you can pull it out and stick in a LC suspension no problem.

When i was looking...I figured I would be buying and putting in a OME or Ironman lift on anything I got....so if the AHC worked with no issues I would keep it. If it did not then I would put in a regular suspension or fix it...99% sure I would get rid of it and use standard suspension parts.

Other than AHC, they are basically the same vehicle...same engine, trans, cooling system, interior comfort, air conditioner, differentials, etc. If you read the information SLEE put out there is no real difference.

Instead of worrying between LX and LC....more emphasis is put on 98-99 (2pinion), 2000+ (4pinion), and then engine and 5spd even later.

The same people that are scaring you off of an LX are the same ones on the trails or on the highway that say...IS THAT A FxxxING LX? That thing cant be wheeled offroad!!!



LOL......you worry too much.

Find the vehicle that is most mechanically sound, clean, pure version of your favorite 100 series and buy it. Worrying about LX vs LC is not something there is a difference worth mentioning.... Only big difference I have noticed is when I pull up to someone in their candy painted impala with 26" rims and low profile tires...and they look casually to see they are next to an LX...then do a DOUBLE TAKE when they notice the Nitto Trail Grapplers mud terrains all around...then they notice no running boards with steel sliders instead and start pointing and shaking their head saying...WHAT IS THAT WHITE BOY DOING TO THAT LEXUS????

Wait until I put on the BajaRack and steel bumpers...muahahahahahahaha
4852998592_9c6d32037f_b.webp
4853037264_d8fa0b9142_b.webp
 
Last edited:
First post so don't kill me if this has been covered but does this look like a decent deal and if not what would you offer for it from the stealership? Also, what will the 90,000mi service kick me in the junk for?

2004 TOYOTA Land Cruiser Base | Used Land Cruiser | Grand Rapids, MI | JTEHT05J942053667

Also, how do the TLCs tow? I have a 1996 Tracker Pro Team 185 that I would like to tow with whatever I buy so I would want to make sure the TLC would handle that with ease. Thanks in advace!!
 
ToyotaF1Fan said:
First post so don't kill me if this has been covered but does this look like a decent deal and if not what would you offer for it from the stealership? Also, what will the 90,000mi service kick me in the junk for?

2004 TOYOTA Land Cruiser Base | Used Land Cruiser | Grand Rapids, MI | JTEHT05J942053667

Also, how do the TLCs tow? I have a 1996 Tracker Pro Team 185 that I would like to tow with whatever I buy so I would want to make sure the TLC would handle that with ease. Thanks in advace!!
Click to expand...

That's a nice LC. That is about average that I have seen for the year and mileage. The 90k service will run you roughly $1500. Give or take $200. Have them throughout he service in on the deal.
 
I just joined the club with a purchase of a 2003 LX470 fully loaded, with nightview, DVD, nav and 90K miles for $23.5K. I had to do the 90kmile service after the purchase and it costs me $800 at a lexus dealer. Actually, the service was just timing belt, drive belt and water pump replacement.

QN
 
sacman said:
I just joined the club with a purchase of a 2003 LX470 fully loaded, with nightview, DVD, nav and 90K miles for $23.5K. I had to do the 90kmile service after the purchase and it costs me $800 at a lexus dealer. Actually, the service was just timing belt, drive belt and water pump replacement.

QN
Click to expand...

That's a very good deal for that service coming from a Lexus Dealer; from what I've seen. Enjoy! :cheers:
 
I don't doubt that the LX has had more transmission and manifold problem than the LC. That is because they imported more LX's to the US. So it is just a number's game. One huge advantage the LX has to the LC when buying used is the ability to get all the dealer service records by using the VIN. In short, I would not use reliability to make a decision between the 2. If you find a LX you like buy it. Same goes for the LC.
 
but the trans issue is not an LX problem as they are the same....that is the point many are making...that the parts are the same so comparing the two for mechanical issues is ridiculous as they are exactly the same minus the badging and some clothing changes on outside.

that being said, the transmission issues are minimal in the big scheme of things in my opinion. I think I was told like 1% were showing up bad out of all the ones sold worldwide.
 
That was my point. They share the same part, which a few have had problems with, so it only makes sense there are more people reporting transmission problems with the LX because there are more LX's in the US. On the flip side if you look at it as the number of LX's with trans. problems vs. the number of LC's with trans. problems the odds of the LC having a trans problem are higher due to the lower number of LC's imported here. As stated above I wouldn't worry about the reliablility of either the LC or the LX.
 
Just wondering... what does that front badging stand for? :grinpimp::grinpimp: Had to poke!
loser.webp
 
Newb looking for a 100...

*Edit* Should have read the rules before posting this in the tech section, sorry!

Hey everyone. New guy from the Denver area here. Been lurking around here for a while trying to figure out what I really wanted before posting. I'm currently driving a 2000 GMC Yukon w/ a leveling kit, Bilstein 5100s and Nitto TG 285s. I love my rig and it's been a GREAT vehicle (surprising for an american vehicle, no?), but I'm looking at getting into some mild wheeling and the Yuke just doesn't have the capability. Everyone I've talked to says that Toyota is the way to go when it comes to off-road performance, so naturally being the fan of large SUVs that I am, I stumbled upon the TLC and fell in love.

I wanted an 80 series at first, but decided that I didn't quite need the kind of extreme capability that they have (and didn't want to deal with the additional maintenance associated w/ the birfs and front end). Plus, finding one with decent miles AND lockers was a real chore! Drove one at a local dealership and the straight 6 was remarkably quiet-running and felt good, but it felt pretty anemic up here in Denver. We travel to Cali every year and go through the mountains, so the lack of power worried me a little. All in all, it just didn't seem to fit my needs/wants.

That being said, I've pretty much decided on a 100 series for the added creature comforts and the V8. Plus, they look wicked and are plenty capable with a lift, some bigger tires, and armor...much more so than my Yukon at least. :cool:

I also like the LX470 w/ the AHC, but I've heard mixed opinions on the reliability of the AHC system, so I'm a little torn there. I have found quite a few great deals on 470s with very low mileage though, so it might just boil down to numbers.

As for a 98-99 w/ rear locker vs. a 00+ w/ ATRAC, what is the general consensus as far as capability off road? I'd probably add an ARB locker in the front anyway (when I can afford one, lol), so the 4-pinion vs 2-pinion front end thing really doesn't bother me that much. Any other major points I should consider between model years and the TLC vs. LX470?

Sorry for the flurry of random questions, just trying to get some options sorted out in my head! Thanks in advance for your replies, looks like a VERY knowledgable group of folks here. Looking forward to diving in to the world of the TLC!
 
Last edited:
Fuzz - Here is my opinion: I have an '02 LC that I have taken into some very slippery spots and have been amazed with its capability right out of the box with just a more aggressive tire. I am currently running Cooper S/T all-terrains that I have had siped. VERY aggressive in mud, snow, ice, and blacktop. We travel from Idaho to SoCal periodically to see family and have been very pleased with the 100's power and we haul 6 people and a ton of crap when we do go down south. As for the differences between an LX vs. an LC, most would say that the LX has a few more bells and whistles, but otherwise, both are extremely capable and do not require constant repair. My LC has been an absolute dream to drive and explore in. My wife drives a Lexus ES and that is wonderful to drive. Both are very nice and will provide you everything that you are looking for, with the exception of leg room in the third row seats. This is not a big deal with little people.

When we purchased our LC we added a fold down 9.5" wide screen monitor and secondary DVD player to allow the little (not so little anymore) people enjoy those long trips across Nevada and Eastern Oregon which has been a great investment.

I have wheeled the LC in snow, mud, through water, and mundane fire roads and I always come home with a smile. Both the LC AND LX will provide this level of ecstasy. If in your area there are more LXs, look at them and get the newest with the lowest miles, at the best price... you will not be sorry!!!

Jonathan
 
hey Fuzz we're in a similar boat man, this is also my first post.. in the 100 section at least. I am in the market as well, looking to sell my Tacoma to buy a 100 series. I'm leaning towards a 2004 if I can swing it, that way get the slightly bigger engine, 5 speed, and blue tooth for the phone. doesn't sound like you'll miss the rear locker if you were able to dismiss the 80 series so quickly, you probably don't need a true wheelin' vehicle? nothing wrong with that, 100's are still plenty capable I'm sure you'll be stoked with whatever you pick up. :cheers:
 
BBQ BOY said:
I was doing some research on the net on LX470 vs. Land Cruiser. The general consensus is that it's better to go with the Land Cruiser. Suppossidly the LX is far more costly to repair and has more known issues especially with the transmission, manifold and AHC. Some things were mentioned the the Land Cruiser is the standard and anyone would be crazy to have the LX470 over it. This now has me a little paranoid about buying a certain LX that I'm seriously looking at. The LX I'm looking at is really clean and has low mileage. By the way I'm looking at early 2000's truck as this particular LX is a 2000.
Should I just hold out for a Land Cruiser?
Click to expand...

Have you been smokin Skunk weed? The LX is a step above the LC.
 
Thanks for the reply Jonathan (which is my name too, ironically...but everyone just calls me JB). Sounds like you use your rig for pretty much exactly the same type of stuff that I would use it for. Good to hear that it has been a good vehicle for you. I really don't want to sell my Yukon, as I've had many cars in my lifetime but I've hung onto this one the longest, and its been great...but we all know that GM transmissions are ticking bombs, and I've got 123K on the original. Its bound to go sooner or later, so I'm trying to invest in something more reliable before having to dump 3K into a tranny.

Nakman, my primary reasons for ruling out the 80 series were the higher maintenance front end (and the PHH and all the little quirky items that have to be dealt with), as well as the fact that the straight 6 felt a little underpowered up here. Plus, lower mileage examples are hard to come by, especially those with factory lockers. All in all, an 80 just didn't seem to fit the bill. I'd love to have a vehicle that I can modify to go crazy with off road as my experience level increases, but for now I think I just need something moderately capable that I can have some fun with. I might add an 80 to the stable later on though, who knows.

Whatever I end up getting though, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. Since I'm new to wheeling, I'll have get in touch with you and some of the other local guys so you can show me how it's done. :D
 
Last edited:
LX470 pre-purchase inspection results

First a little bit about the truck and negotiated price. The truck itself is almost perfect in appearance. It's been garage kept and the interior of this 2000 LX is almost flawless. Inside and out is awesome. I was able to get the price down to $14k. Also, the truck has 100,000 miles. With the pre-purchase listed below what would you do? Pass or buy?
My plans for the truck is to put a 2" OME lift with 33"s. Will be used for medium trail use, expedition, camping and an everyday driver. I need galls honest opinions on this ASAP.
The owner has only had this truck for a hear and is selling because he works for the DOD and is moving out of the country.
Pre-purchase Inspection N/C
Inspection
ACH SYSTEM HAS STIFF FRONT
SUSPENSION. SUSPECT BUSTED FRONT
ACCUMULATOR.
OUTER ELECTROCHROMATIC MIRRORS
STUCK IN THE DARK POSITION
LH REAR QUATER GLASS HAS BROKEN
TRIM
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS LOOSE
90K SERVICE PAST DUE.
OIL CHANGE STICKER IS 6000 MILES OVER
FOR SERVICE.
FRONT WINDSHEILD SIDE MOULDINGS
MISSING RIVETS.
WILL NEED REAR BRAKES SOON
HEALTH CHECK SHOWED NO FAULTS IN
ANY COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
*
*
 
Last edited:
if your going to do some hardcore (for a 100) wheeling it would be a good rig to buy and change everything out and do it yourself. If you using it for a family machine and weekend warrior... seems like it has been neglected in terms of maintenance. I'm sure it would be reliable, no doubt about that


6K over is fine from what I have heard on some of the oil threads, a few have gone up to 9K and did a oil test and showed the oil was still good.

Im sure others will chime in, but just my 2 cents


EDIT: just saw it was 10K over the 90K, that's not to bad, as long as nothing has failed and could cause a chain reaction 600 miles away from home.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom