Decision time - '06 or '07

[flyfish4life]

After many years of salivating over the LC, I am currently deliberating on moving fwd with a new 2006 with all the "standard" options (NAV, airbags, roof rack/running bds) around $2,500 under invoice. Granted I could wait for the 2007 which has the upgraded generation 5 nav and could probably get an '07 with the air supspension, but will probably pay a bit more than invoice (3% or so) thru my local dealer. My concerns with the 2006 are three-fold (1) older generation 4 nav system (have read a few complaints/issues in a couple other threads which may have been resolved thru a TSB; note the 2007s are equipped with generation 5, which has improved graphics, etc.); (2) taking a two year depreciation hit on the 2006 right off the bat and (3) possibly losing the chance to option for the air suspension option and upgraded nav 5 on the 2007.

Granted, no one knows how dependable this generation 5 nav will be and I'm not sure why any reasonable person would hold off on a purchase b/c of an electronic gizmo like NAV, but it does play a small factor. I am not completely sure I would opt for the AVS system given its just another gadgety system that could go wrong and be $$$ to repair (and I lose a handy storage pocket due to the switches, but that's a side issue), but I suppose it does have its merits on and off-road. The depreciation hit on the 2006 is a bit troubling from a fair-value perspective, but I do tend to keep my vehicles long-term, so this is not as big of a concern than if I were trading every couple of years. In general, I would feel better from a cash perspective going with the 2006, but would have some increased (not sure how much) piece of mind with the 2007 in that I am getting the latest bug-free model.

What do you guys think?

 

[REKCUT]

$2500 under invoice. Is that New, demo, used, and is there any incentive money to get to that price. Also if you dont mind what is invoice on a 06. I bought a new 05 last year at the end of summer for $50 k.

 

[flyfish4life]

Its brand new. Just had phone conversations with them at this point but I believe with those options and Toyota advertising, the invoice is around $54K-ish. The deal is currently around 52K.

 

[uzj100]

08 with a twin turbo v8 diesel. Is that a choice?

uzj100

 

[flyfish4life]

08 with a twin turbo v8 diesel. Is that a choice?

uzj100

That would be nice, but the price on that engine may put me out of the market. Rumors say that the diesel may only be an overseas option, but who knows. I do have big concerns the next generation LC will be Tundra-based and have some reservation about a buying the first year model (even with a LC) so that would put me to waiting on the 2009. That is probably too long given my current situation.

 

[carboncycles]

Gen 5 Navs have been standard on Lexus for a while...no complaints from what I've heard so I don't think that should be too much of a factor. You can get AHC on the 06s now.

 

[80/100]

2006

In previous posts, it was mentioned that the 07 will take on a completely new exterior design. Although none of us know exactly what the new model will look like, the picture associated with the previous thread was not a design that I found appealing. To me, what was portrayed as the 07 looked much more like a Sequoia than a LC. You, however, may like the looks of the 07. If you do, I would consider waiting. As someone else pointed out, however, it is not always advisable to purchase a newly redesgned model in the first production year. There always seem to be some glitches that get worked out in later years. In addition, it was also mentioned that the 07 may be based on the Tundra platform. I hope not. If that is true, the 06 may be the last model year for what many would consider a true LC. Finally, timing wise, it is a great time to get a great deal on an 06 model. As you can see from my comments, I would go with the 06.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

You could always wait a bit and see what comes out. I think the LX470 inventory is pretty bloated--they are offering 6% financing--I have never heard of Lexus doing this. If you don't mind driving an LX you get a pretty nice suspension and I bet you can get them well under invoice--wait a while gas prices aren't going down. When the new LC's arrive they will really want to get rid of the 06's.

 

[VA Runner]

I bought an '06 several months ago, invoice was $67K and paid $57K. I think invoice was around $58K, it has AHC, Nav, rear DVD, side/curtain airbags, etc. Pretty much every available option. Unfortunately that's the way they are coming into the local dealers here. I had a '99 with 108K prior to the '06. I have been happy with the '06 so far.

If you can do $2,500 under invoice, go for it.

 

[tabraha]

sr gringo, that's kinda what I was thinking if AHC and better NAV are on the list just get a LX. They've had AHC from the get go and have Gen 5 NAV in the '06 models I believe. I think the AHC is pretty robust for a system of it's kind. Most of us are very pleased with the ride/performance of the AHC at 100,000+ miles. It'll be a while before you hit that mileage!

I understand it doesn't say Land Cruiser on the back but it is what it is. I know mine is a 100 series and while some of the ignorant think more of it because it has the Lexus badging on it I get to hang out with my grounded cruiserhead buds.

Bottom line it's just more fun messing with people in a Lexus with swampers. (wait a minute you're probably not going that route!!!) :whoops:

 

[CrusrDug]

If you get it at that price fully loaded- do it. I paid 60k in February out here in CA. I don't think the NAV upgrade would be worth the extra money. If they change the body style or platform you probably won't want it anyway being the first year. Check everything over with a fine tooth comb. I didn't notice when I bought mine that the headliner was pullling away from behind the sunroof. They had to replace the entire headliner, but it turned out great. If you can afford the warranty for 7/100k- get it too. Gives peace of mind down the road if your AHC or NAV gives you trouble.

 

[VA Runner]

To clarify, the sticker was $67K... dealer invoice was around $58K.

 

[flyfish4life]

In previous posts, it was mentioned that the 07 will take on a completely new exterior design. Although none of us know exactly what the new model will look like, the picture associated with the previous thread was not a design that I found appealing. To me, what was portrayed as the 07 looked much more like a Sequoia than a LC. You, however, may like the looks of the 07. If you do, I would consider waiting. As someone else pointed out, however, it is not always advisable to purchase a newly redesgned model in the first production year. There always seem to be some glitches that get worked out in later years. In addition, it was also mentioned that the 07 may be based on the Tundra platform. I hope not. If that is true, the 06 may be the last model year for what many would consider a true LC. Finally, timing wise, it is a great time to get a great deal on an 06 model. As you can see from my comments, I would go with the 06.

I do know that the 2007 has not changed at all with exception of a few upgrades (like navigation generation 5). Its already up on the Toyota website and no exterior changes. Even the MSRP remains the same. One of my local dealers indicated that 2008 is likely the year of the redesign. FWIW, Autoweek says that other countries may be getting the redesigned version as a 2007 model with the US and Canada getting in 2008, so there may be some validity as to the redesign in 2008. Very afraid it is going to get Tundraized based on the Jap mag articles and rumor mill.

 

[100 TD]

I heard mention the other day the 2007 model in OZ was coming with the V8 diesel, don't recall if a 6 speed tiptronic auto was mentioned (was mentioned a long time ago), but nothing was confirmed. Our diesel emmission standards are going to stop quite a few diesels coming in, hence the change in engine for us. They have just stopped importing the F250/350 Ford pickup due to the new emmissions standards.

 

[ycookmd]

I have an 06 LC with NAV, AVS, airbags, and no port options except floormats purchased in 12/05 for 56K. Your 06 deal sounds really good. I would go for the 07 with AVS, however.

I don't offroad except to get to places to hike, bike, or camp. For light offroading such as getting over some Colorado Jeep roads, to your favorite flyfishing spot, or (in my case) an occasionally remote mountain bike trailhead, I think the stock setup with the AVS is ideal.

You get a nice highway ride, and the AVS high/Xtra high modes with stock wheels and tires should easily get you everywhere you need to get when you leave the pavement. Plus if you tow or haul heavy loads, the load level feature is nice. My only complaint about my 99 4Runner is the infamous Toyota "butt sag" when you load up the rear.

If you are a sport offroader/rock crawler and plan to tear out the suspension to install a lift and ginormous tires, the depreciation hit and the lack of AVS may not really matter.

 

[flyfish4life]

I have an 06 LC with NAV, AVS, airbags, and no port options except floormats purchased in 12/05 for 56K. Your 06 deal sounds really good. I would go for the 07 with AVS, however.

I don't offroad except to get to places to hike, bike, or camp. For light offroading such as getting over some Colorado Jeep roads, to your favorite flyfishing spot, or (in my case) an occasionally remote mountain bike trailhead, I think the stock setup with the AVS is ideal.

You get a nice highway ride, and the AVS high/Xtra high modes with stock wheels and tires should easily get you everywhere you need to get when you leave the pavement. Plus if you tow or haul heavy loads, the load level feature is nice. My only complaint about my 99 4Runner is the infamous Toyota "butt sag" when you load up the rear.

If you are a sport offroader/rock crawler and plan to tear out the suspension to install a lift and ginormous tires, the depreciation hit and the lack of AVS may not really matter.

All good points. One troubling deal with this 2006 is that it comes with some protection package called Toyoguard - rip off undercoating, paint sealant, interior protection and VIN etching in every window. Not very crazy about etched VIN #s - supposedly in right hand quarter of every piece of glass and is added at the port by Southeast Toyota. While not noticeable from a distance, its just a non-needed option that I would stare at every day. Also not overly enthused about sticky undercoating either. It could be just a thin layer and maybe its applied sparingly, but if it cracks later on, I would think water could become trapped b/w the undercoating and sheet metal and cause rust - probably unlikely, but just another thing to consider. I suppose I could go for a 2007 without toyoguard and add AVS, probably set me back another 4 or 5K. Decisions, decisions. Any of you guys have any experience with this Toyoguard package?

As a side note, apparently the dealers went to San Antonio last week for their annual meeting. According to my dealer, both the 2008 Sequoia and 2008 LC were debuted. But they were roped off at least 300 feet back. Guy said the Sequoia looked like a rebadged Surburban (very disappointing in his words) and the new LC looked fairly Range-Roverish according to him. Said it looked pretty classy, but could not tell a whole lot about it size-wise as they were at such a distance. If this is true, one would think a pic or two may get out fairly soon.

 

[LXPearl]

I have been frustrated with dealer packs by Toyota for a long time in the Gulf States Toyota region (Houston based). Most LCs tend to be loaded up quite a bit to where they approach the LX list. I was surprised to find that the LX470 typically does not come with such dealer packs and represents a better value overall.

The LX comes with a 50K warranty, more color options, and the dealers treat you well. When buying a high dollar vehicle, it is well worth a visit and consideration. You should be able to get a good deal with either an LC or LX now. It is not unusual to get $10K off list once the new models are available.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Between the 06 and 07, I'd probably get the 06. If you're considering an 07 or want the AHC, I'd get the LX. If you take the LC and add the options (side airbags, AHC/AVS, DVD, etc.), the LX ends up being cheaper or about the same. The Lexus platinum warranty is good, too...I think they're less likely to jerk your around and say stuff like "that's not covered by the warranty." The 06 LX has the gen-4 nav. You'd think it would be debugged by then. Still, the gen-5 should be reliable since the IS, new ES, and new LS have it. With my gen-3 nav, I find there are sometimes rural highways (dirt roads, etc.) that are not in the nav, but for city driving or near a city, it'll take you to most place you want to go; I don't know if the gen-4/5 has more streets or just has a different screen layout?

Now as far as the AHC/AVS goes, if I had never driven it and were to order a vehicle, I'd get the LC w/o AHC/AVS or nav since it's one less thing to maintain or that can go wrong. Now having driven it in the mountains, I find I really do like it. You feel like you're driving a sport SUV w/ the AVS cranked up to the max stiffness, yet once back on the straightaway, you can enjoy the plushness of the comfort mode. If you plan to mod your vehicle, the LC will give more options (dual batteries, ARB full-coverage deluxe winchbar, OME suspension/lift). You can lift the LX and maintain the same suspension travel as stock; Keepslant makes a 2" lift kit. If you and your wife will share the vehicle, the memory seats in the LX are nice, as are the programmable multiplex features.

 

[Tinkerer]

All good points. One troubling deal with this 2006 is that it comes with some protection package called Toyoguard - rip off undercoating, paint sealant, interior protection and VIN etching in every window. Not very crazy about etched VIN #s - supposedly in right hand quarter of every piece of glass and is added at the port by Southeast Toyota. While not noticeable from a distance, its just a non-needed option that I would stare at every day. Also not overly enthused about sticky undercoating either. It could be just a thin layer and maybe its applied sparingly, but if it cracks later on, I would think water could become trapped b/w the undercoating and sheet metal and cause rust - probably unlikely, but just another thing to consider. <snip>

I'd wonder whether the undercoating is actually applied at the factory, or by someone at the "port".

When I worked at (a major Japanese transplant in TN) in the mid-90s, Stealers quoted $300 extra for undercoating on a new vehicle by that mfg. The Stealers insisted that the undercoating was applied at the "port", as an extra-cost option. But, I knew that the undercoating was actually applied at the factory to ALL vehicles, at that time ! (I personally observed the undercoating process at the factory.)

(One of many such Stealer "experiences" I've had, and why I completely distrust Stealers and their lies. Bring on the flaming liar - I mean, lawyer - !)

My '99 LX has some undercoating. Not sure of the effectiveness, other than as noise-reducer, because such sprayed-on undercoating does not cover 100% of exposed underbody surfaces. Not sure if it was applied at the factory or at the "port".

Since undercoating cannot 100% cover potential corrosion areas, I would say that Toyota will not rely on undercoating for corrosion protection, instead making the parts inherently corrosion-resistant. (And well so.) So, I think undercoating is probably unnecessary, technically-speaking.

VIN etching in glass...ehhhhhh...I've flat refused it on new vehicles before. You have a very robust anti-theft system and insurance; otherwise, are you in such high-crime areas that VIN glass etching might help further? Yikes.

Don't forget that the ultimate strength of the glass may be compromised by etching in the glass surface, due to stress risers at the etching. In practice, a tiny etched number near the edge of a piece of glass probably has no effect on overall strength of the piece - but I don't want any stress risers put in MY glass by some "port" operation, especially when the Stealer wants to charge a premium for it!

 

[flyfish4life]

Problem is this VIN tching is on every LC this dealer has on the lot and almost all remaining 2006's in the SE. I suppose I could wait for a 2007, but I would be paying a premium and it may take a while to find one with out the Toyoguard pkg.

Supposed to pick up today. This is my only hesitation at this point, and while I would prefer not to have it, at this point it is probably minor to the point that I will probably move fwd with the purchase. That is unless, there are some out there who have had nightmares with this undercoating/VIN etching.