Deciding between 2018 LC vs 2013-2015 LX (1 Viewer)

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Mar 26, 2018
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hello all,

I want another DD and narrowed it to two.
1. 2018 Land Cruiser, $77-80k before tax&registration
2. 2013-2015 LX570, under 50k miles, $50-55k before tax&registration


Leaning towards the LC but just wanted to reach out and see if I should think about the decision from a different view or if I am missing anything in my thought process.

My uses would be chauffeuring my family of 4 around town and the occasional tow (4k lbs, once per year).


1. Most important is steering feel and how the suv drives on roads
I test drove a LC and like the heavy-ish steering input. Also like the overall feel of the suv.

Didn't have chance to test drive LX yet.
Will the LX feel differently with the larger wheels/lower tire profiles?
How does KDSS vs AHC impact "road feel?"

2. Anything else I should think about?
Any other significant differences between the two?


Yeah there's about a $25-30k price difference, but I would use that money and sink it into another hobby anyway.



Thank you!!
 
Both have KDSS. The primary difference is the AHC and a handful of tech toys. Yes, the AHC and larger wheels/tires will improve on-road performance.

If your primary plan is on-pavement, I'd lean towards the Lexus. AHC is great on road - and pretty darn good off-road as well. Longer-term, the only real difference between the two is the ability to upgrade the suspension - which is damn near impossible on the Lexus.
 
Other than the obvious new car vs used car, which is a personal preference.

Since we're due for another AHC vs standard suspension: :deadhorse:

Assuming you get a nice used example of the LX. The LX does not have KDSS. KDSS is a passive variant of the cross-linked hydraulic system that only affects the sway bar. AHC along with AVS is a full blown computerized hydropneumatic suspension which will continuously alter damping, height, spring rates, roll, and dive resistance for conditions. At first blush, a test drive may lead you to believe the LX is softer in straight ahead conditions. That's not really the case as the suspension will react to maneuvers and conditions. For example, it will corner flatter and brake without diving if you were so inclined to drive it harder. Even more so if you dial up the damping dial.

Yes you can't upgrade AHC, but there's nothing better for all around use. Save for very specialized race suspensions that may be better targeted use cases. You can modify AHC for additional lift and payload capacity.

In practice, AHC absolutely tows better without mods compared to the standard LC suspension. Though the LC has a higher tow rating.

I'd look into the detailed creature comfort differences. There's quite a lot between the LX vs LC, that may not be obvious at first blush.
 
I think buying slightly used is the way to go. Let someone else eat the depreciation cost.....

In my opinion the 2018 isnt 25-30k better

Compromise: get a 2016
 
I have a 08 LC and a 14 LX. For a DD I would take the LX every day. I can't compare to an 18 but the finish on the LX is just nicer. And in my experience LX's used are in new condition, all those other owners take better care of their cars than me. The closest thing to a downside is the inability to add sliders easily but even that isn't all that hard to do. I kinked my steps on the LC within 3 weeks of ownership so I am touchy on the subject.
 
2018 LX - live the dream :cheers:
 
Both have KDSS. The primary difference is the AHC and a handful of tech toys. Yes, the AHC and larger wheels/tires will improve on-road performance.

If your primary plan is on-pavement, I'd lean towards the Lexus. AHC is great on road - and pretty darn good off-road as well. Longer-term, the only real difference between the two is the ability to upgrade the suspension - which is damn near impossible on the Lexus.

The Lexus does NOT have KDSS.
 
hello all,

I want another DD and narrowed it to two.
1. 2018 Land Cruiser, $77-80k before tax&registration
2. 2013-2015 LX570, under 50k miles, $50-55k before tax&registration


Leaning towards the LC but just wanted to reach out and see if I should think about the decision from a different view or if I am missing anything in my thought process.

My uses would be chauffeuring my family of 4 around town and the occasional tow (4k lbs, once per year).


1. Most important is steering feel and how the suv drives on roads
I test drove a LC and like the heavy-ish steering input. Also like the overall feel of the suv.

Didn't have chance to test drive LX yet.
Will the LX feel differently with the larger wheels/lower tire profiles?
How does KDSS vs AHC impact "road feel?"

2. Anything else I should think about?
Any other significant differences between the two?


Yeah there's about a $25-30k price difference, but I would use that money and sink it into another hobby anyway.



Thank you!!

A better comparison would be a used LC and a used LX at the same price point. I have an 08 LX and a 16 LC, and honestly driving them back to back there isn't a massive difference in comfort or luxury. The LX has 160k miles on it yet it drives better than most new cars. In terms of handling, the LX is more comfortable and compliant with adjustable AHC, but the LC is still extremely comfortable and more connected feeling with standard suspension. I recently bought the LC because I will be modifying it for off road, and that's easier to do than the LX. If you're not going to modify it and drive purely on the road, that tips the scale towards the LX in my mind. You will need to drive both preferably back to back to see which you prefer because it's very subjective to say which is better. I don't think one is better than the other - just different. I think the best approach is to set your budget at $XXk, then drive whatever nice example LX and LC you can find at that price point and decide between the 2.
 
The 13-15 LXs are really good looking trucks. Members at times claim LCs are better etc. and knock LX and the AHC bc they are mudders (as the forum leans toward of course). You stated the most important thing to you was how it drove on the roads. The LX suspension can be dialed from soft to regular to sport to sport +, etc. on the fly. The LX also is self leveling if you plan to tow anything. The LX seats are more comfortable and have more settings for lumbar support. Finally, if you have a wife and children, the LX can be set to self lower when you stop the vehicle, making it much easier to get in and out.

I have owned 2 LC 200s and 3 LX 570s. I currently drive an 2016 LC and my wife drives a 2017 LX. If you don't care about a new car, get the LX.
 
I have owned 5 different 200s. 4 LCs and 1 LX.
I currently own an 11' LC and an 18' LC .

For me I really hated the air suspension that the LX had, it was always too firm or too soft which was making it feel floaty .
Its a little hard to describe, I was constantly jacking with the ride settings in the LX, where the LC's always seemed to feel perfectly balanced in ride, comfort and handling.

I know I doubt I ever buy another LX for the suspension reasons alone.
That is all aside from the controversial spindle grill styling, which I am sure not a fan of the current LX grill design.
I had an 2011 LX and really liked the styling on it, that was the last year prior to the spindle grill design.
 
I have a '14 LX and '17 LC. The LX has slightly better ride on the road and I do prefer the shifting of the 6 speed transmission. I like the '17 LC interior better and I like the brakes better on the LC as well.

I was in a similar position about a year ago. My choices were a used 2-3 year old LX or LC or a new LC. I was heavily biased to saving money and buying used, but after driving both, I thought the new LC was worth the difference in price. This is for a vehicle I plan to drive for at least 10 years. If I was looking for something to drive for 2-3 years, I probably would have gone with used to avoid some depreciation.
 
I have owned 5 different 200s. 4 LCs and 1 LX.
I currently own an 11' LC and an 18' LC .

For me I really hated the air suspension that the LX had, it was always too firm or too soft which was making it feel floaty ..

For the love of god the LX uses HYDRAULIC suspension.
Mama Mia
 
Sorry my mistake, I have owned a lot of vehicles over the years and that LX didn't stay around very long about a year was all, however it was controlled air or hydraulic, still didn't really change the fact I didn't care for it. LOL :)
 
For road Use that you described I’d say LX. Just make sure whatever you choose you ditch the crappy OEM Dunlop tires. Their ride quality is terrible and effects the entire experience. New tires transform these vehicles for the better.
 
Suspension aside in the LX vs LC debate: if you camp or have dogs, the interior on the LC is more forgiving in my experience (cleans easier and doesn't show dirt as quickly).
 
Pssssst......get one of each.
 
I take my LC off-road. I’m not a fan of 20” wheels. I want a bigger sidewall. That lets the tire squat more when airing down for the beach, provides better protection of the wheel against potholes and rocks, and provides a softer ride (at the expense of slightly poorer handling).

Personally, I can’t stand the spindle grille on new Lexi. YMMV.
 
If you have the money buy the new one.

I "Love" the looks of the 2013 through 15 but that’s why I bought a 15 LX570, you want to go off road you can go to 285 5520 BFG ATKO2 if you want to go rock crawling and go to 275 6020
 
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The dude specifically said he wanted it for highway driving - not beach driving or off-roading.

The LX is more comfortable and is better suited for highway driving. It has auto height adjustment which is further adjusted at high speeds. It has adjustable suspension.

I type this having driven my 2016 LC about 120 miles so far today.

Fact - LX has more adjustments on seat and more comfortable seats particularly for those with back problems.

Fact - LX easier for kids / wives to get into unless you are married to an very tall woman who is 6 feet plus and have corresponding gigantic kids who are grown.

Fact - LX has nicer sound system.
 

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