For 10 Years of Ownership, LC or LX?

[TonyP]

I made the choice to get a new 2016 LC over an LX. The main reason? Price. I couldn't justify spending basically another 20K for a Lexus badge, power folding seats, and air suspension. I previously had a Range Rover sport, and I don't think I would go back to another "flashy" type of car again. The air suspension will fail in <10 yrs, the 20" wheels make the vehicle less capable in non-pavement situations, and cost of every single thing to replace or repair is higher. Also the LC is much more reserved, and only cool people will know how awesome your truck is .

It's not air suspension in the LX. A vast majority of the (nearly 20 year old) LX470s with the old AHC system are still running strong with little to no issues. I'm sure the new 200-series AHC system is even more robust. And $800 you'll have a set of rock warriors, sell the 20s for profit.

 

[KMGHMG]

Thanks for the pics. Very nice setup.

 

[CLHickman]

Bigbassinbob, you've got a great point. New for new I'd go for a LC as well due to the price difference. But, KMGHMG is looking at a 2013 I believe. My wife and I were in the same decision making process about 10 months ago. Ultimately we went with a 2013 LX570. Reason? Well, because it was the same price as comparable LCs, if even a little cheaper. We got it with the pre-collision, which is a rarity with LX570s. I'd disagree, though I don't have the time in the truck to provide first hand knowledge, that the AHC is actually rock solid. You can jump into other areas of Mud to see how well the 470's are doing.

Honestly, I believe the real decision comes down to customization. If you are looking to do more than wheels and cosmetics then the LC is the real way to go.

 

[bigbassinbob]

It's not air suspension in the LX. A vast majority of the (nearly 20 year old) LX470s with the old AHC system are still running strong with little to no issues. I'm sure the new 200-series AHC system is even more robust. And $800 you'll have a set of rock warriors, sell the 20s for profit.

I apologize if my statement was wrong, I assumed the LX indeed had air suspension since that's what the dealer told me it was. I am only familiar with Land Rover's air suspension, which tends to fail at 60-75K miles very predictably.

 

[CLHickman]

I apologize if my statement was wrong, I assumed the LX indeed had air suspension since that's what the dealer told me it was. I am only familiar with Land Rover's air suspension, which tends to fail at 60-75K miles very predictably.

I believe it is more of a hydro-pneumatic system, so no airbags. I believe you're correct that the RR and RRS use a very similar system though. Most folks just use "air suspension" because it is easy to understand, no harm no foul

 

[TonyP]

I apologize if my statement was wrong, I assumed the LX indeed had air suspension since that's what the dealer told me it was. I am only familiar with Land Rover's air suspension, which tends to fail at 60-75K miles very predictably.

No need to apologize, common misconception about the LX

 

[KMGHMG]

You guys have me thinking I should get one of each... a his and hers setup... The wife would definitely like the LX!

 

[KMGHMG]

I've done some looking this evening, and maybe my search skills are lacking. But... what's considered to be a great buy on a NEW 2015 LC that's still on a dealer lot? A local dealer has a new 2015 in white with an MSRP that's positively hideous - $83,242. I'm thinking for $65k, I'm in. But I have no idea how much dealers are knocking off sticker for leftover 2015's. Any thoughts?

 

[ikeb]

A dealer close to me has/had a white 2015... initial price they quoted me was $75k (not what's on the sticker, btw) - I suspect they'd go a bit lower than that though. I ended up going with the 2016 MY because I'm dumb and I fell in love with the new front end and dash layout.

 

[c4xplsv]

I had the same quandary a while back - I ended up going LC. I couldn't find any LX's or LC's in my area anyway (there were a couple - but nothing I wanted to buy). I first looked at the LX but the LC was more appealing for reasons that were important to me. We ended up with a 14' LC white with black leather. The LX was really nice, but the LC seemed like it fit family life better for us.

 

[Markuson]

Thanks! Which tires (size, too) did you get?

Rock warrior wheels cost about $400 each new...but are no longer available from Toyota. The Rock Warriors he's referring to were bought used. Keep an eye on Craigslist for RW wheels. That's where bought my excellent set of five. No need for new.

Tires added without a lift range up to about 33.5". Many run BFG all-terrain KO2's on either 17 or 18" wheels.
-On 17's that would be the 285/70/r17 that ride at about 32.6"
-On 18" Tundra or stock LC wheels, 275's.

Craigslist Search Tip:
Entering simply "TRD 17" in the Craigslist search field will often find Rock Warrior wheels where "Rock Warrior" can miss. I think many people don't really know what to refer to them as...but they almost always include "17" with occasional "TRD" or "Rock Warrior..." but if you stick to only one of those searches, you are likely to miss posts.

 

[KMGHMG]

You guys are just incredible. Such terrific information. Many thanks.

 

[c4xplsv]

Rock warrior wheels cost about $400 each new...but are no longer available from Toyota. The Rock Warriors he's referring to were bought used. Keep an eye on Craigslist focused RW wheels. That's where bought my excellent set of five. No need for new.

Tires added without a lift range up to about 33.5". Many run BFG all-terrain KO2's on either 17 or 18" wheels.
-On 17's that would be the 285/70/r17 that ride at about 32.6"
-On 18" Tundra or stock LC wheels, 275's.

Hah - that exactly what I just did to mine.... RW's and KO2's

Got em used off CL in great shape

 

[White Stripe]

Their are far more LX's on the road. So if you have a complex issue, you take it to Lexus and since they see a lot of LX's, it should be easier for the dealer to repair. At Toyota, very few Landcruisers come in, so you will have mechanics with less hands on experience working on it. Also, Lexus is Toyota's baby. They bend over backwards like crazy for the Lexus customers. Also, if you are going to get a used one, I would get a 09 and up model. The initial year of the 200 is a tad bit less reliable and prone to more issues due to it was a new vehicle.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

OK, so I am now going to throw my opinion in...

If you want your 100 back... get an LX. Your wife will LOVE it! As for offroad use, the LX is just as capable as a LIFTED LC. I was so very surprised looking at my lifted (OME) 100 next to my LX in High. The LX was higher.

For modifications... it is looking like sliders may be on their way soon for the LX. Bumpers... well, I was quite surprised to see those photos earlier in the thread. I purchased a set of 2010 Tundra 18" wheels and then had them powder coated. All for right at $500 for a set of 5. I will be putting KO2s on them later this year, once I pay down a few things. After that, I will add sliders when they become available, but otherwise, the truck will remain stock. I tow a lot through out the year, so the 200 will be my main vehicle from this point on. More power and better gas mileage than my lifted 100 and it can go pretty much the same places... except I will not be taking it rock-crawling.

What it boils down to is what is available at the price you want, in the condition you need. A clean LX (mine is a 2010 that I purchase this last year) will last LONG after the 10 year ownership mark you posed.

There you go.... Have at it and good luck!

Jonathan

 

[Markuson]

The initial year of the 200 is a tad bit less reliable and prone to more issues due to it was a new vehicle.

2008 reliability issues? Do you have evidence of this?
I've never heard of such a thing, and my 2008 is the bees knees...

 

[Markuson]

You guys are just incredible. Such terrific information. Many thanks.

I learn something new here pretty much every time I check in...
I stick to offering information that I've learned/experienced--which is limited compared to some real experts here...
...but you'll soon have info to share, too.

 

[KMGHMG]

Ok, guys, this just got more complicated. I've found a new 2015 LC (not LX) that the dealer will sell to me for $69k (plus TT&L). It's a dealer demo, but will be sold as new since it's not been titled. Has 9,000 miles on it. Dealer says the owner of the Toyota dealership was driving it. Absolutely flawless condition. Sticker is $83,242. Thoughts?

 

[Markuson]

Things like the DVD player not playing DVDs and some issues with the proximity sensors. I just replaced all 4 sensors and a rear harness on a 08 because the sensors died. Its kind of a known thing with pretty much all vehicles that when a new model comes out, the 1st year or two of that model has more issues than the very last year of a model because no matter how much testing a manufacturer does, consumer use still reveals unseen issues which are refined and redesigned to be more reliable as they come up. For example the proximity sensors are not the same model sensors for an 08 as they are in a 11

Right. I understand the general blanket statement, but I think it is overstated to warn away shoppers based on blanket statements. If ever there was a vehicle that is safe to purchase in year one, it is the Land Cruiser.

The 2009 LC actually had *more* recalls than the 2008...and, in fact, more recalls than *any* LC in the last 20 years.

Have a look:
Toyota Land Cruiser Recalls | ToyotaProblems.com

But is the 2009 still a great buy? I think it truly is...because despite recalls, it's a superb model.
I just think care should be taken with blanket statements.

 

[kreiten]

Ok, guys, this just got more complicated. I've found a new 2015 LC (not LX) that the dealer will sell to me for $69k (plus TT&L). It's a dealer demo, but will be sold as new since it's not been titled. Has 9,000 miles on it. Dealer says the owner of the Toyota dealership was driving it. Absolutely flawless condition. Sticker is $83,242. Thoughts?

I say buy it and enjoy the hell out of it!