Drove my first 200 yesterday WOW! Have a few questions

[Alex1118]

So I drove my first 200 yesterday and all I can say is ‘wow.’ some thoughts

1. 2011 2 owner with 120k miles. Black on tan.

2. Can’t get over the power train. I’ve driven Tundra 5.7’s but was still thrown off by the power

3. Interior comfort and ride quality.

4. LOVED the ergonomics.


So I have some questions. FWIW, I’ve read through a ton of threads and have tried to get all my questions answered without asking. Unfortunately I’m about to buy a 30k vehicle and would love to ask direct questions and get direct help.

1. The seating position is phenomenal. I do a LOT of highway miles so this is very important. I will say this though - the seat came across as a tad hard. I’ve looked at a lot of pictures of the seats of the LC and LX’s. They definitely look different. Is that true? Does anyone have experience with both?

2. Really torn on a LX vs LC. I have another thread on here referencing the price difference between the 2. This will be a 90% onroad vehicle but I would like it to look conservatively mean. Slight lift, 34 inch falken atw3’s and preferably front and rear bumper with sliders. However, there seems to be a ton of different opinions on here on whether you can do all that or not which the LX. AHC sensor adjustment, etc

3. I’m curious....those of you that have been in both.....which dash/interior do you prefer? I’m all in on the LC dash. Wondering if I would like the LX as much.

4. This is really stupid....anyone have experience rebadging a LX? I am a residential contractor and real estate agent and have reservations about driving a ‘Lexus.’ My wife would also prefer a LC. I know this is really dumb - just a question.

@richxd87 it would appear you have a LX similar to what I’m looking to do. Care to chime in?

 

[Mogwai]

LX has a nicer interior, seats a nicer. I'd love to replace the front seats in the LC, they are indeed hard and could use a bit more bolster on the back IMO.

For lift, you can use AHC as the lift if you get an LX, your only issue w/ LX will be if you don't want AHC someday, or if it fails. Lastly, you can use AHC to lift the truck for off-road - but evidently the truck auto-lowers at 29mph or something? That's a deal breaker for me based on the way I drive offroad (often well over 29mph).

To me you'll need to put some armor on the LX and remove the running boards for the LX to look "mean". Otherwise you'll look more like you're driving a flashy $100k SUV than you will a mean off-road beast. You can create a "stealth" beast out of an LC, but nothing stealth about an LX. All just my humble opinions of course.

 

[JeffH]

For 90% road use get an LX, put on the bumpers and the AHC will keep it riding correctly - do a AHC sensor adjustment for a slight lift it if you want (thread on here about it). Remove the "LX570" and "Lexus" badging from the back ( I did and looks great), then the only clue is the Big "L" front and rear. You can get rid of running boards and do Slee sliders but it requires some LC body pieces painted to match your new ride. I have not heard of anyone with Major issues with AHC yet and there are some with miles on them.

 

[UCrazyKid]

Seats are much nicer in the LX. You can do bumpers on an LX (mine has ARB front and rear). Sliders is a bit more involved as you need to remove the running board and replace the rocker panels with LC panels and this adds some significant cost to the slider project (like another $1400). I have the AHC and I love it for the versatility as well as what is not talked much about and that is the AVS system (automatic vehicle stability) that uses the hydraulic system to to control dive, squat and sway dynamically in the vehicle. Adding bumpers to my vehicle did NOT change the driving dynamic like it would an LC that requires higher rated springs to counter act.
The height control does not drop down from HI mode when in 4Lo, however in 4Lo you are limited in your top speed (by gearing, ECU). The amenities in the LX in my opinion are much nicer. The materials, the ergonomic layout, the upgraded audio is the best stock system I have ever heard, heated steering wheel, projector headlight system, adjustable ride control (soft, regular, sport), rear heated seats, etc., etc.

For me it was obvious that I would be happier in an LX. If you are doing 90% highway driving, I would seriously consider it. You are shopping a 7 year old vehicle, no one should really turn their nose up at that, and if they do, I don't give a sh!t.

One more thing, you may not want to run 34"s as it will kill gas mileage for a highway vehicle. Look at 33 or even a 32, still very capable.

My LX with bumpers:

 

[JohnJB]

I thought Lexus was the preferred brand of all moderately to highly successful realtors, I'm confused?!!

 

[krice118]

I agree with @UCrazyKid
Most Tahoes and Minivans were over $40k so why would you care if someone thought differently of you riding in a used LX (which is CHEAPER used than an LC)
But I do like the LC bc it flies under the radar however offroad I would love a Lexus bc its not very common to see

 

[Alex1118]

Seats are much nicer in the LX. You can do bumpers on an LX (mine has ARB front and rear). Sliders is a bit more involved as you need to remove the running board and replace the rocker panels with LC panels and this adds some significant cost to the slider project (like another $1400). I have the AHC and I love it for the versatility as well as what is not talked much about and that is the AVS system (automatic vehicle stability) that uses the hydraulic system to to control dive, squat and sway dynamically in the vehicle. Adding bumpers to my vehicle did NOT change the driving dynamic like it would an LC that requires higher rated springs to counter act.
The height control does not drop down from HI mode when in 4Lo, however in 4Lo you are limited in your top speed (by gearing, ECU). The amenities in the LX in my opinion are much nicer. The materials, the ergonomic layout, the upgraded audio is the best stock system I have ever heard, heated steering wheel, projector headlight system, adjustable ride control (soft, regular, sport), rear heated seats, etc., etc.

For me it was obvious that I would be happier in an LX. If you are doing 90% highway driving, I would seriously consider it. You are shopping a 7 year old vehicle, no one should really turn their nose up at that, and if they do, I don't give a sh!t.

One more thing, you may not want to run 34"s as it will kill gas mileage for a highway vehicle. Look at 33 or even a 32, still very capable.

My LX with bumpers:

View attachment 1642887

View attachment 1642888

View attachment 1642889

Solid advice. Thanks for your input.

Did the front and rear bumpers require any modifications?

Also....I spy an IS F? I had one....goodness what a fun car.

 

[UCrazyKid]

The bumpers ARBs did not need modification and the LX frame/mounting points did not need modification.
However the front end/grill/bumper cover needs to be cut as well as a trimming of the wheel well liners. It is the same for an LC. Rear bumper cover must be trimmed as well.
The parking sensors require wiring harness extensions, to the front camera can be extended and mounted in the bull bumper (mine has not, yet) and you need to get the ARB that accommodates the headlight washer mechanisms. (They still work perfectly). Fog lights from the stock front fascia are gone and are replaced by the fogs fitted into the ARB.
Installation on the LX takes more trial and error time to trim the bumper fascia as the kit doesn’t cover LX installation, only LC.

Yes, my other ride is an ISF I’ve had since 2008. Love that car! Goes like a scalded dog.

Solid advice. Thanks for your input.

Did the front and rear bumpers require any modifications?

Also....I spy an IS F? I had one....goodness what a fun car.

 

[Malleus]

LX has a nicer interior, seats a nicer. I'd love to replace the front seats in the LC, they are indeed hard and could use a bit more bolster on the back IMO.

For lift, you can use AHC as the lift if you get an LX, your only issue w/ LX will be if you don't want AHC someday, or if it fails. Lastly, you can use AHC to lift the truck for off-road - but evidently the truck auto-lowers at 29mph or something? That's a deal breaker for me based on the way I drive offroad (often well over 29mph).

To me you'll need to put some armor on the LX and remove the running boards for the LX to look "mean". Otherwise you'll look more like you're driving a flashy $100k SUV than you will a mean off-road beast. You can create a "stealth" beast out of an LC, but nothing stealth about an LX. All just my humble opinions of course.

When was the last time you heard of the AHC failling? "auto lowers"? Mine doesn't. Unless I let it.

 

[TonyP]

AHC Failure on '11 570

Struts & AHC on LX570

AHC oil loss

There are more.

 

[TeCKis300]

When was the last time you heard of the AHC failling? "auto lowers"? Mine doesn't. Unless I let it.

He's referring to how AHC will return to normal height (from high) beyond a certain speed. Though it's not really the deal-breaker he thinks.

If one were to sensor lift normal AHC height to say 1.5", that would be the new normal height that AHC rides at. And now AHC H is 4+" rather than the 3" stock. That's a pretty huge lift for obstacle clearing.

 

[TeCKis300]

AHC Failure on '11 570

Struts & AHC on LX570

AHC oil loss

There are more.

To be fair, practically every aftermarket suspension/spring/shock thread turns into a debugging thread. At best, with constant tweaks and adjustments to get the right spring/setting that's a compromise between loaded overlanding vs everyday ride. At worse, it's beta testing for the aftermarket venders to figure out clunks, longer springs on which side?, clearance issues with remote res, leaks, and so on.

I've been there and that's part of the fun in tweaking cars. And every part has the opportunity to fail. But I know which has the reliability trump card here, albeit with customizing limitations.

 

[tbisaacs]

Before this turns into an AHC vs coil-over holy war—each system has it's benefits and tradeoffs.

Suspension options for a TLC are only limited by your wallet. Basic OMEs all the way up to bypass Kings. High end suspension has tradeoffs: can be noisy, needs rebuilt occasionally, and you have to live with a lifted truck all the time. You may also need to possibly change spring rates for armor and augment for towing. There are a bunch of really sharp built TLCs on here: TonyP, Canyonero, Kreiten Atwaltz, TexaAZ—just look at em: To Hell and Back Moab 2017

AHC is great because vehicle is always level, you can drop it down to get in out, and raise it up 2-3" off road. You can also adjust natural height by an 1" in your driveway with a 10mm wrench. Downside is AHC cannot be removed from an LX570 (or at least, no has done it yet). It's proven to be durable but isn't fail proof. There also also a bunch of really sharp LX's on here: Ali FJ80, Ohnoitsbreaux, PurdyTJ, richxd87, DeckerT4R: Built LXs??. There isn't a build thread, but Christo Slee's LX is pretty wild too.

My front right AHC strut is starting to leak—the dealer wants $1000 per axle.

Front AHC shocks are $200 each, rears are $50 each. Replacing is 90% the same as convention suspension, you just need to relieve the AHC pressure first, then bleed the system when you are done (good time to change the fluid too).

Good luck with your search, you really can't go wrong either way!

 

[marketShark]

So I drove my first 200 yesterday and all I can say is ‘wow.’ some thoughts


3. I’m curious....those of you that have been in both.....which dash/interior do you prefer? I’m all in on the LC dash. Wondering if I would like the LX as much.

4. This is really stupid....anyone have experience rebadging a LX? I am a residential contractor and real estate agent and have reservations about driving a ‘Lexus.’ My wife would also prefer a LC. I know this is really dumb - just a question.

@richxd87 it would appear you have a LX similar to what I’m looking to do. Care to chime in?

3.) I drove both prior to purchase and STONGLY preferred the Toyota dash and center console layout. That was a personal selling point for me. I preferred the way the LC gauges were setup, colored, and organized. I also preferred the (pre 2016) LC center console configuration with the CRAWL, ECT, and seat heater controls to the immediate right of the shifter. I didn't like that the LX controls were right by the cupholders. I've had experience with switches going bad due drink condensation and "missing the cup holder" a couple times.

4.) This is not really dumb IMO. Many pro and semi-pro stadiums in DFW and Austin offer free parking to Lexus vehicles. I've actually considered re-badging the opposite direction to save $$ on the "Lexus Club" parking! When you're paying $8/ beer , every little bit helps!

 

[Alex1118]

Okay, looked at and drove a 2013 LX570. I’m looking for a 2008-2009 but the 13 was the only one around here.

1. I am surprised that I prefer the land cruiser dash. Just feels more utilitarian/tough

2. The seat was definitely more comfortable. Ventilated is a huge deal in the south too. I spend a lot of my day getting in and out of my car. Anything to alleviate swamp ass helps.

3. Not a huge fan of the power third row.

4. AHC suspension was bad ass to watch work.

In a perfect world I buy a 2008-2009 LC and put LX seats in it.

 

[T4Runner]

2013-15 LCs have heated/ventilated front seats, but I cannot speak to their comfort compared to LX.

 

[Markuson]

My 2008 has heated, but not cooled seats. The front and rear air conditioner is super powerful though, so I really don't miss it. I'm in San Diego, and it got up to 112 in east county where I work a while back. This thing cools down extremely well, and with tinted windows, stays amazingly cool inside even though it's dark grey & dark interior.

Never really wished for cooled seats, though I do see the appeal in places like Moab in Summer with windows down or something.

 

[Tripledave]

Seats are much nicer in the LX. You can do bumpers on an LX (mine has ARB front and rear). Sliders is a bit more involved as you need to remove the running board and replace the rocker panels with LC panels and this adds some significant cost to the slider project (like another $1400). I have the AHC and I love it for the versatility as well as what is not talked much about and that is the AVS system (automatic vehicle stability) that uses the hydraulic system to to control dive, squat and sway dynamically in the vehicle. Adding bumpers to my vehicle did NOT change the driving dynamic like it would an LC that requires higher rated springs to counter act.
The height control does not drop down from HI mode when in 4Lo, however in 4Lo you are limited in your top speed (by gearing, ECU). The amenities in the LX in my opinion are much nicer. The materials, the ergonomic layout, the upgraded audio is the best stock system I have ever heard, heated steering wheel, projector headlight system, adjustable ride control (soft, regular, sport), rear heated seats, etc., etc.

For me it was obvious that I would be happier in an LX. If you are doing 90% highway driving, I would seriously consider it. You are shopping a 7 year old vehicle, no one should really turn their nose up at that, and if they do, I don't give a sh!t.

One more thing, you may not want to run 34"s as it will kill gas mileage for a highway vehicle. Look at 33 or even a 32, still very capable.

My LX with bumpers:

View attachment 1642887

View attachment 1642888

View attachment 1642889

I looked at your LX as I live in Arlington, TX and had to see what it was like up close with the ARB kit. I hope you got a good deal on that rig and how do you like it?

 

[UCrazyKid]

I looked at your LX as I live in Arlington, TX and had to see what it was like up close with the ARB kit. I hope you got a good deal on that rig and how do you like it?

I love it. I paid $33k and the salesman personally delivered it to my house in NW ChicagoLand in 22 hours from time of purchase. The service was fantastic. I’m toying with the idea of taking the fender flares off but they do keep road salt off the vulnerable body parts here in the rust belt.
It was 1 owner, a dentist from Dallas, every single service done at the dealer 1k miles before due, including batteries, tires and oil every 5K. He had the 6yr/100k mi Lexus Platinum warranty so nothing was ever left unaddressed. Plus all the build bits and no installation costs.

 

[Markuson]

I love it. I paid $33k and the salesman personally delivered it to my house in NW ChicagoLand in 22 hours from time of purchase. The service was fantastic. I’m toying with the idea of taking the fender flares off but they do keep road salt off the vulnerable body parts here in the rust belt.
It was 1 owner, a dentist from Dallas, every single service done at the dealer 1k miles before due, including batteries, tires and oil every 5K. He had the 6yr/100k mi Lexus Platinum warranty so nothing was ever left unaddressed. Plus all the build bits and no installation costs.

Sounds like a great rig with amazing upkeep. Bravo!