Greetings everyone, nice little forum you have here! I apologize in advance for the lengthy first post.
I am shopping for a used, reliable, comfortable vehicle for long distance boat towing and travel. The LX570 has made it to the top of my test list, but I hadn't been able to drive one until yesterday, and thought I share what turned out to be an interesting day.
A nearby Lexus dealer was advertising a very clean '11 LX with 90K @ $36. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, someone else had literally just driven it off the lot. Disappointed, but not wanting to waste the trip I elected to test drive a nice '14 GX 460 they had onsite.
2014 GX 460 impressions - I hadn't really considered this option due to the smaller size/ lower horsepower of the GX (without any real increase in MPG) and reports of minor high speed stability concerns. Once inside I found the cabin to be well finished, comfortable and functional. The seating position good was for my 6'-2" frame, but a little extra legroom in the drivers seat would have been appreciated. Once underway I found the acceleration acceptable (I'm used to much higher power to weight ratios) and the ride quite comfortable. Occasionally, rough pavement would send a shudder through the structure that reminded me this was still a body on frame AWD/4WD truck, but Lexus does an excellent job of disguising that. Inside the second row seat had adequate room, and I found the third row stow more convenient than the 200 flip-ups. Assuming the GX passed a tow test, the tailgate could be a deal breaker for me. I have to get gear in and out the rear compartment when attached to the boat, and not sure the swing open tailgate would clear the trailer.
After driving the GX the salesman wanted to play lets make a deal. The GX pleasantly surprised me in many ways, but I was really there to drive my first LX. Realizing this, the salesman graciously offered a test drive in a brand new, sparkling '17 LX, loaded to the gills, stickering out at $99K.
2017 LX 570 impressions - Wow this is nice inside! (As a luxury SUV pushing 6 figures should be!) I for one, like the new dash layout, but not quite enough to get me over the 'uuuge spindle grille. Surprisingly, I did not find the legroom in the first and second row to be significantly better than the GX, and if anything my knees felt higher in the second row of the LX, although the extra width might help with comfort. Rear storage didn't seem much larger either. Getting underway I am immediately struck by a couple of significant differences vs the GX. In comfort mode this '17 LX is a floaty boat! Maybe I'm used to German suspension tuning (currently own a first Gen X5, plus several other simmers) but I honestly thing my wife might get carsick in that LX in comfort mode. Tuning to Sport +, it's still absorbing every bump in sight and riding like a lazy boy (in a good way), but still a little softer than I expected. Have me wondering if a 5000 to 6000 boat would push the LX around on the highway, or if the AHS suspension compensates?
Second major - I thought the larger engine would easily offset the extra weight of the LX, but this was one leisurely beast. I've read 0-60 time of 7.3, but found other post claiming it might be closer to 9 seconds. This LX in this day defiantly felt like a 9. Without me bringing it up, the salesman offered that he thought the GX accelerated better. Overall I was very impressed with the luxury, fit and finish of the LX, but left with some questions after my brief test drive.
As I was pulling out of the Lexus Dealer, I spotted a brand new LC at the Toyota Dealer across the street. I decided to stop in a take a "quick sit", just to see how the interiors compared. Minutes later, I found an eager young salesman, exited to offer his maiden test drive in a new LC! He was obviously wowed by the $89K sticker, and his first comment was "You could get 4 Camry's for the this price! ".
2017 Land Cruiser impressions - I do like the updated interior (specifically gauges) and was surprised to find the legroom in the drivers seat is noticeably better than the LX. But I have to say, even if you de-optioned the Lexus down $95K-ish, based solely on initial impression of the interiors I would have thought I was looking at vehicles with a $25-$30K differential, rather than $6K-$8K. Hitting the road, the floaty boat sensation is completely gone, and while the acceleration is still leisurely, it's closer to what I was expecting. But what's this? I'm getting a flashback of my brother's old 1996 Land Cruiser which I haven't seen for more than a decade. Is is possible the old DNA is still bleeding through after 2 generations? The suspension calibration feels totally different, definitely more road feel, but more like the off road champion it is. If I didn't know the lineage of the vehicle, I'd swear I was riding on a two different platforms. This would of course be my fist choice for overland adventures, but leaves me wondering if it's best option for long range towing.
Back in my car, still pondering the difference between the LC and LX, I'm stunned to spot a beached Beluga whale in the Autoplex! ....No wait, it's an blue Infiniti QX80...let's take look.
2016 Infinti QX80 - I never paid much attention to these, until someone on my boating forum mentioned what a towing champ it was. Ignoring further styling comments, the initial impression inside is quite good. Given the comparatively modest $69K starting price, the finishes appear richer than the LC, though certainly short of the LX. Pulling out on the road, it's only seconds before the personality of the QX emerges. This is the hot rod of the bunch. The 5.7 emits a nice snarl, and the acceleration is closer to a luxury sedan than a large SUV. But it's equally apparent is the fact that this is no LX or LC. Road noise and imperfections are readily transmitted through the 22 wheels, and even though this example only has 37K miles, rattles and squeaks are already making themselves known. If I was going to buy new or CPO, maybe I could get used to the looks? But out of warranty, I not sure I could trust the Infiniti. Sure it's based on the Patrol chassis, but it doesn't certainly have the legendary reputation of the LC, or quality feel of the LX.
So that's it...flame on and tell me where I'm wrong and what I've missed, but while you're at it maybe you can help with a few questions as well:
- Although there have been cosmetic changes on the LX (and 8 speed trans recently added) aren't the drivetrain & suspension the same since '08? Is there any chance the '17 has different suspension calibrations? I really need to sample of couple of the older models to see if I get the same floaty experience and lazy acceleration. Realistically I'll be shopping for something with around 100K on the clock, but with the rarity of these vehicles I might be long distance shopping, and that makes it tough to get seat time.
- I've read accounts of the LX570 being a great tow vehicle, but don't know anyone who owns one. Does anyone here have long range towing experience to share? With the scarcity, it's going to be challenging to get a ride/test drive while towing.
- I've done a lot of googling for known problems & cost of repairs on the ACH system. I've found very little detailed discussion online, usually just passing comments like "don't forget to change your ACH fluid" and "it's going to be expensive if something goes wrong!". Either Lexus owners don't post much online or this a very reliable system when properly maintained. If this was a complex, active BMW suspension there would be pages of complaints and DIY's, and I would be running in the opposite direction at 100K! If anyone has details to share on longevity and/or difficulty to diagnose and repair (I do most work myself) I'd appreciate the input.
- Any other shopping tips or advise would be appreciated! Ive heard "look out for rust"...but beyond that my online research has mostly turned up commons sense used car buying tips, rather than a laundry list of "known issues" I usually find with German brands...which I hope is a good thing!
I am shopping for a used, reliable, comfortable vehicle for long distance boat towing and travel. The LX570 has made it to the top of my test list, but I hadn't been able to drive one until yesterday, and thought I share what turned out to be an interesting day.
A nearby Lexus dealer was advertising a very clean '11 LX with 90K @ $36. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, someone else had literally just driven it off the lot. Disappointed, but not wanting to waste the trip I elected to test drive a nice '14 GX 460 they had onsite.
2014 GX 460 impressions - I hadn't really considered this option due to the smaller size/ lower horsepower of the GX (without any real increase in MPG) and reports of minor high speed stability concerns. Once inside I found the cabin to be well finished, comfortable and functional. The seating position good was for my 6'-2" frame, but a little extra legroom in the drivers seat would have been appreciated. Once underway I found the acceleration acceptable (I'm used to much higher power to weight ratios) and the ride quite comfortable. Occasionally, rough pavement would send a shudder through the structure that reminded me this was still a body on frame AWD/4WD truck, but Lexus does an excellent job of disguising that. Inside the second row seat had adequate room, and I found the third row stow more convenient than the 200 flip-ups. Assuming the GX passed a tow test, the tailgate could be a deal breaker for me. I have to get gear in and out the rear compartment when attached to the boat, and not sure the swing open tailgate would clear the trailer.
After driving the GX the salesman wanted to play lets make a deal. The GX pleasantly surprised me in many ways, but I was really there to drive my first LX. Realizing this, the salesman graciously offered a test drive in a brand new, sparkling '17 LX, loaded to the gills, stickering out at $99K.
2017 LX 570 impressions - Wow this is nice inside! (As a luxury SUV pushing 6 figures should be!) I for one, like the new dash layout, but not quite enough to get me over the 'uuuge spindle grille. Surprisingly, I did not find the legroom in the first and second row to be significantly better than the GX, and if anything my knees felt higher in the second row of the LX, although the extra width might help with comfort. Rear storage didn't seem much larger either. Getting underway I am immediately struck by a couple of significant differences vs the GX. In comfort mode this '17 LX is a floaty boat! Maybe I'm used to German suspension tuning (currently own a first Gen X5, plus several other simmers) but I honestly thing my wife might get carsick in that LX in comfort mode. Tuning to Sport +, it's still absorbing every bump in sight and riding like a lazy boy (in a good way), but still a little softer than I expected. Have me wondering if a 5000 to 6000 boat would push the LX around on the highway, or if the AHS suspension compensates?
Second major - I thought the larger engine would easily offset the extra weight of the LX, but this was one leisurely beast. I've read 0-60 time of 7.3, but found other post claiming it might be closer to 9 seconds. This LX in this day defiantly felt like a 9. Without me bringing it up, the salesman offered that he thought the GX accelerated better. Overall I was very impressed with the luxury, fit and finish of the LX, but left with some questions after my brief test drive.
As I was pulling out of the Lexus Dealer, I spotted a brand new LC at the Toyota Dealer across the street. I decided to stop in a take a "quick sit", just to see how the interiors compared. Minutes later, I found an eager young salesman, exited to offer his maiden test drive in a new LC! He was obviously wowed by the $89K sticker, and his first comment was "You could get 4 Camry's for the this price! ".
2017 Land Cruiser impressions - I do like the updated interior (specifically gauges) and was surprised to find the legroom in the drivers seat is noticeably better than the LX. But I have to say, even if you de-optioned the Lexus down $95K-ish, based solely on initial impression of the interiors I would have thought I was looking at vehicles with a $25-$30K differential, rather than $6K-$8K. Hitting the road, the floaty boat sensation is completely gone, and while the acceleration is still leisurely, it's closer to what I was expecting. But what's this? I'm getting a flashback of my brother's old 1996 Land Cruiser which I haven't seen for more than a decade. Is is possible the old DNA is still bleeding through after 2 generations? The suspension calibration feels totally different, definitely more road feel, but more like the off road champion it is. If I didn't know the lineage of the vehicle, I'd swear I was riding on a two different platforms. This would of course be my fist choice for overland adventures, but leaves me wondering if it's best option for long range towing.
Back in my car, still pondering the difference between the LC and LX, I'm stunned to spot a beached Beluga whale in the Autoplex! ....No wait, it's an blue Infiniti QX80...let's take look.
2016 Infinti QX80 - I never paid much attention to these, until someone on my boating forum mentioned what a towing champ it was. Ignoring further styling comments, the initial impression inside is quite good. Given the comparatively modest $69K starting price, the finishes appear richer than the LC, though certainly short of the LX. Pulling out on the road, it's only seconds before the personality of the QX emerges. This is the hot rod of the bunch. The 5.7 emits a nice snarl, and the acceleration is closer to a luxury sedan than a large SUV. But it's equally apparent is the fact that this is no LX or LC. Road noise and imperfections are readily transmitted through the 22 wheels, and even though this example only has 37K miles, rattles and squeaks are already making themselves known. If I was going to buy new or CPO, maybe I could get used to the looks? But out of warranty, I not sure I could trust the Infiniti. Sure it's based on the Patrol chassis, but it doesn't certainly have the legendary reputation of the LC, or quality feel of the LX.
So that's it...flame on and tell me where I'm wrong and what I've missed, but while you're at it maybe you can help with a few questions as well:
- Although there have been cosmetic changes on the LX (and 8 speed trans recently added) aren't the drivetrain & suspension the same since '08? Is there any chance the '17 has different suspension calibrations? I really need to sample of couple of the older models to see if I get the same floaty experience and lazy acceleration. Realistically I'll be shopping for something with around 100K on the clock, but with the rarity of these vehicles I might be long distance shopping, and that makes it tough to get seat time.
- I've read accounts of the LX570 being a great tow vehicle, but don't know anyone who owns one. Does anyone here have long range towing experience to share? With the scarcity, it's going to be challenging to get a ride/test drive while towing.
- I've done a lot of googling for known problems & cost of repairs on the ACH system. I've found very little detailed discussion online, usually just passing comments like "don't forget to change your ACH fluid" and "it's going to be expensive if something goes wrong!". Either Lexus owners don't post much online or this a very reliable system when properly maintained. If this was a complex, active BMW suspension there would be pages of complaints and DIY's, and I would be running in the opposite direction at 100K! If anyone has details to share on longevity and/or difficulty to diagnose and repair (I do most work myself) I'd appreciate the input.
- Any other shopping tips or advise would be appreciated! Ive heard "look out for rust"...but beyond that my online research has mostly turned up commons sense used car buying tips, rather than a laundry list of "known issues" I usually find with German brands...which I hope is a good thing!
