Disadvantages of buying a Lexus LX570 over a 200 Series

[Volunteer]

That’s assuming KDSS won’t start having failures as well. One recent post indicated a front cylinder failure and it was not cheap to fix. Personally I think it’s a matter of time until KDSS starts becoming at least something to think about with regard to reliability. As it is, at least AHC specifies a fluid change interval. KDSS appears to be a “sealed for life” system and I fundamentally think that is a bad idea.

While few of us know anything about working on the system, I trust people here to figure it out. And yes the parts should be cheaper than the pumps and control systems on AHC, but I caution people against assuming KDSS won’t have its own headaches eventually.

Plus.. not many LX570s with “cruiser lean”

Totally agree, but then I wouldn' t think twice about cutting out the KDSS system when it gets to a point of failure you could still cut away or disconnect the KDSS system and have a fully functional suspesion you may have to tweak the spring rate or mount a traditional swaybar later but I think it would function similar to an 80 without the swaybars in my primitive thinking. I did't run swaybars on my 80.

 

[bloc]

Totally agree, but then I wouldn' t think twice about cutting out the KDSS system when it gets to a point of failure you could still cut away or disconnect the KDSS system and have a fully functional suspesion you may have to tweak the spring rate or mount a traditional swaybar later but I think it would function similar to an 80 without the swaybars in my primitive thinking. I did't run swaybars on my 80.

I had the bars off my 80 for about 20 minutes. It was terrifying. Trails, yeah, great. But all the road miles getting there seemed like very likely disaster. Not to mention the liability if someone got into a wreck and the other party’s insurance noticed the bars missing.

If someone decided to ditch KDSS for traditional sway bars they’d either have to run an LX bar which was designed to work with the assistance of AHC or try to source one from overseas.. and either the road manners or off-road would suffer. Not sure which.. probably both.

 

[Bunga]

Do you get a different version there? The USDM 3UR-FE in Landcruisers, LX570, Tundra, and Sequoia are all 10.5:1.

Hey I'm not claiming any special knowledge of toyota's LX570 tuning, you guys are. I'm seeing assumptions presented as facts in this thread.

Here's another assumption for your fact pile.. If all toyota could do with the jump from RUG to Premium was 0.5% hp/tq (which is well within the margin of error, by the way).. I'd lose some respect for them.

This is what I was taking my info from. I was quoting the 2UR #'s, not the 3. There is a US made E85 version as well, but I don't have the spec on hand. OrangeVirus Tuning 3UR-FE 5.7L Tundra Development

 

[Phalen302]

No disadvantage. Stock to stock my experience/preference is on LX570 for various reasons stated by owners above. Lexus dealer is another plus up over Toyota shop. In my area Toyota shops are not so decent. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

[DRCocaCola]

That’s assuming KDSS won’t start having failures as well. One recent post indicated a front cylinder failure and it was not cheap to fix. Personally I think it’s a matter of time until KDSS starts becoming at least something to think about with regard to reliability. As it is, at least AHC specifies a fluid change interval. KDSS appears to be a “sealed for life” system and I fundamentally think that is a bad idea.

While few of us know anything about working on the system, I trust people here to figure it out. And yes the parts should be cheaper than the pumps and control systems on AHC, but I caution people against assuming KDSS won’t have its own headaches eventually.

Plus.. not many LX570s with “cruiser lean”

That was me. The repair was about $1900 parts and labor and they had to “manufacture” the part(s) before they could be shipped. The truck behaved fine, leaned a bit more on the road but not unmanageable, much like any other heavy vehicle without KDSS. Where it was most noticeable was road imperfections, seams, etc. which made it ride like a pickup, not a luxury vehicle. I’m sure I’ve abused my suspension more than 99.9% of owners so I wasn’t surprised I had a problem, nor with the cost. Hopefully it’s a one time problem as I haven’t heard of anyone else experiencing it. Call me lucky!

 

[MattyO]

Resale value, hideous grille, approach and departure angle, premium gas.

I don’t get the hideous grille comments as the early year models look fine. I think the grill changed a few years back but my 09 is not hideous at all

 

[Chrisleduc1]

I don’t get the hideous grille comments as the early year models look fine. I think the grill changed a few years back but my 09 is not hideous at all

Yes, the grille comments are..funny. The LC looks like a giant highlander, and nobody, I mean NOBODY looks at a Highlander and says, “wow that’s sick, I gotta have one!”
Talk about soccer mom!
Yea yea I get it, some people want to blend in. Nothing wrong with that. I debadged my LX. But modded, it catches the eye anyway. But seriously, people that drive a Highlander with elephantiasis really have no room to talk trash about a grille

 

[razzyrazz]

Honestly if you are looking used and arent going to do a lot of modding and serious offroading you're foolish to pay more money for a less refined Toyota. AHC is great. Buying new where Toyota can be less and styling is much more distinct imo than with the older models, is a different story. Used, people literally pay thousands extra for a Land Cruiser badge and to avoid driving a Lexus because their image may be affected.

 

[tbisaacs]

Used, people literally pay thousands extra for a Land Cruiser badge and to avoid driving a Lexus because there image may be affected.

Or in some cases, their masculinity

 

[DRCocaCola]

Apparently I didn’t unwatch this thread after posting.

 

[CJ3Flyer]

I drove an ‘07 4Runner from day 1 to 277k miles. When I sold it the sunroof rattled and occasionally the volume control wouldn’t work but the steering wheel volume always worked. I suspect it has another 100k in it...

With that as the backdrop I did the whole GX/LX/LC comparison thing. For all the reasons mentioned, $$, availability and mileage vs condition I settled on an Atomic Silver ‘13 LX Base. I put some on-road 33” tires and I couldn’t be happier. So far the AHC seems awesome. My only AHC gripe is I wish it forced the low mode at 25-30 mph rather than 18 mph but I understand. Government vehicle rules for 18mph and less vary from higher speeds.

In my opinion the ‘13-15 grille isn’t quite as offensive as the ‘16+ if you’re hung-up on the grille.

After reading everything thing I could find this was my choice. I would love to feel like I could order a LC with my color choice etc but that’s not in the cards for me. As of now I am only 3 weeks into ownership but I have zero regrets. It’s the nicest, most capable SUV I have ever owned.

All said and done I think whichever variant of the 200 series you choose will be a fine choice. I love my LX although getting over the name/status symbol thing is something I am still working on.

 

[bloc]

At the time I bought mine the ability to move to a wider Tundra front end was a major factor. Not that I was necessarily likely to do it, but I know myself, and I might.. so it was a big argument toward Landcruiser over LX. In 2018.

And then someone did the tundra front end on a LX. So that argument toward cruiser is now gone..

 

[krice118]

Choosing the LC over the LX bc of image is silly. Buy the car you want. People will judge you either way- just buy the damn one you like better b

 

[mep1811]

Thanks all great points. Like I mentioned, I am planning a build that will add some weight. especially the 40 gallon fuel tank. I'm more concerned about function over form.

 

[40TUDE]

Curious is the Navigation/Stereo is the same on both? I am sure there will be options available soon to open up aftermarket stereos on the LC, but wondering if the same can be said for the LX?
Thanks

 

[razzyrazz]

Curious is the Navigation/Stereo is the same on both? I am sure there will be options available soon to open up aftermarket stereos on the LC, but wondering if the same can be said for the LX?
Thanks

Not the same stereo, pretty hard to beat the Mark Levinson in a stock system.

 

[coleAK]

Thanks all great points. Like I mentioned, I am planning a build that will add some weight. especially the 40 gallon fuel tank. I'm more concerned about function over form.

I too am a very function over form kind of guy. I went with an LX. I bought my ‘13 with 12k miles at the very end of ‘14 as a 2 year lease return. And at the time to buy an LC for about the same price I would have had to go ‘10-‘11 with ~30k miles. Another reason for the Lx is the AHC. I like the ability to lift it on demand. If I would have went with an LC a lift would have been required so even more $$$ and I would have been stuck driving a lifted truck all the time. Also AHC is pretty awesome for towing a camper.

And for all the talk about depreciation worse on the LX, yes it is but only if you buy new. The biggest hit is in the first few years.

And like @TeCKis300 I run very high weight on the AHC and I’ll add I haven’t don’t spacers yet. I’m towing a 6800 lb camper. 800 lbs TW, plus another 700 lbs gear and people in the LX. Yesterday going dip netting it’s a 1.5 mile drive across the dunes, deep sand. ~350 lbs on the hitch tray, ~100 lbs on the roof rack and 6 adult/teens inside. AHC goes to “high” no problem. Here is our base camp set up. And the craziness that is AK salmon dip netting

 

[mcschreddy]

You'd get the hideous Lexus grille. And with a 60 series, who needs either one?

Edit: Oh, I see you just sold your 60 after 20 years.

You must be talking about the “Predator look up front? At least you don,t notice it while behind the wheel.

 

[Rando Kuruza]

I have had both land cruisers 100 and 200 series both lx470 and lx570’s...I love land cruisers, but honestly the Lexus just rides better, is quieter, and everything is better. As far as my masculinity I don’t feel like it’s suffered at all. But I don’t need a certain car to make me manly cause an SUV doesn’t make you a man. Being a man makes you a man.

But I probably will buy a Heritage edition just because I like the way it looks and I think it will be the best 200 series before the 300 series comes out. Whenever that is...

 

[thefourthchime]

The burden of proof is on you to dispute that there is no difference.

Lexus has told us there is a difference in power rating. They have stated different fuel requirements. They have strongly worded cautions in the manual, an artifact that is driven by engineering and not marketing. There is evidence and knowledge of calibration differences for the same hardware pervasive in the industry for even minor things like CA state emissions where we have tighter emissions laws than federal. Lexus would have a different calibration by virtue of being tuned for a luxury clientele. Tundra too as it has different curb weight and target audience. All driven by software.

Agreed. The best thread on this is here:

Does LX Really Have 2 More HP?

forum.ih8mud.com

Tl;dr; Lexus tuned the LX engine for premium. If you put in regular it’ll knock more easily, you won’t hear it as the knock sensors are very sensitive and it will retard the timing. Doing this causes stress on the engine and cause more wear and tear.