FZJ80 Vs LX450

[Newps]

I have never looked inside a LX so I cannot say if they are nicer or not. For me personally I think they look like sh*t with all the plastic body cladding. I like the smooth lines of the Landcruiser, also when I did my search the LX on average were about 5k more. Makes no sense to pay extra for a car that is mechanically the same. You will also be viewed as a redheaded step child to other Landcruiseraholics.

 

[bamachem]

ewwww. the LX's come w/o an indash CD player and you have to load the changer cartridge in the rear of the console... GASP!

hey, set the parameters of your search:

year range 95-97
maximum PRICE you are willing to pay
maximum MILEAGE you are willing to accept
required LOCKERS - unless you want to get dual ARB's
preferred COLOR - if it matters to you
second choice COLOR - if it REALLY matters to you.

and of course make sure the mechanical condition is acceptable...

now go search and find the best bargain for the money that fits the parameters. get it cheap and you can have more money left over for INSTANT mods like lift, tires, ARB/TJM/KAYMAR, etc...

 

[bkgiii]

You will also be viewed as a redheaded step child to other Landcruiseraholics.

OH?

 

[nakman]

I disagree too, I think a few of the LX owners are also some of the coolest and most knowledgeable folks on this board..

Only down side to the LX I could possibly see is possibly higher insurance costs since it's a Lexus? Just speculation here.. oh and I sometimes put my Biggie Coke in that hole where the LX subwoofer goes.. helps squash down all the gas receipts.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Only down side to the LX I could possibly see is possibly higher insurance costs since it's a Lexus?

Anybody got any concrete evidence of this?

 

[acf]

If you are buying a LX450, you can get a print out of the maintenance history of the rig from any Lexus dealer. They can get the history even the rig is not serviced at their shop. It is FREE service too.

I assume you mean the VIN search in their records database base b/c I can assure you that the scheduled service is not free, or even reasonable for that matter.

 

[nakman]

Anybody got any concrete evidence of this?

Just call your insurance company.. here's one of the LX450's that Brodis mentioned.. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2485501440&category=13473 just give them that VIN, they'll be able to say how much insurance is. Then give them the VIN of an FZJ80 of the same year, and see if there's a difference.

Curious what you find out, my brother's looking at making the same decision you are, and this is a factor to consider for sure.

 

[hoser]

Initially, I wanted an LC because I didn't like the LX's 1) body cladding 2) two-tone paint job and 3) auto-climate control. I looked at 20+ FZJ80's and realized that most all the LX's had a better service history and were in better condition. I ran across a low mileage LX with impecable records and the P.O. was really anal about taking care of the vehicle--it was an easy decision. The better leather, stereo and sound deadening were an added bonus.

I also checked insurance rates and with my company, the LC and LX were the same for me.

 

[nakman]

Here's a spin: I checked the bid history on that one posted above (ends in 2 hours, btw) and it's between the current high bidder at a bidder named vintageusa. Could it be? I didn't think he did 80's, damn.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Just trying to get all my ducks in a row with a little bit of cautious skepticism before I go slapping down a bunch of cash on a vehicle. Thanks for the input on the LX as they certainly are a bit nicer on the inside and have more "creature comfort" options.

Anybody else?

Waskillywabbit--when I was buying my new 00 4Runner I was going to purchase a 97 LX450 but I went with the newer smaller truck..... I have always loved land cruisers and have done a ton of reading--- Unless you really want your truck to have the toyota symbol I would go for the lexus--My Dad has a 91 LS400 with 0 problems to date--the leather is still perfect(the cruiser reportedly has a lesser quality of leather) Go for the LX450 with the lockers and install OME springs--nothing wrong with a comfy bruiser. I talked my wife in to selling her 01 accord for a 97 LX450---I can't wait

 

[RavenTai]

one other difference, the "wood grain" on the LX is printed directly on the plastic instead of the decal setup the LC has, and from the ones I saw in GA the stuff on the LX holds up better, most of the LC's I saw it was peeling/delaminated removed or replaced with aftermarket (sun damage?)

I guess it boils down to personal preference on what you get, but I was just wondering if someone who has had both might chime in and tell of their experience comparing the two, the LX and the FZJ. Even though I can find an LX cheaper, I'm still leaning towards a cruiser.

I think the ownership experience will be identical, it is more like a trim package difference than a separate vehicle, for the most part around that is how they are though of

I do like the "LandCruiser" name it carries prestige that "LX450" does not, you tell people you have a LX450 it does not ring a bell, “whats that?”, you say LandCruiser and about half think land rover, the other informed half know what it is and think highly of it

The other think I don’t like is the two tone paint, thinking about fixing this like Alaskacruiser did

I also don’t like the reduced size console (full sized 1911 wont fit ) it is much smaller because of the phone, 4” “sub” and cd changer, but I will be making use of that space in the future after I gut out the sound system

Other than that I like all the little extra’s the LX has, it is also neat to see a Lexus on the trail

 

[mabrodis]

Other than that I like all the little extra’s the LX has, it is also neat to see a Lexus on the trail

Ha, very true, infact yesterday I was down in Southern Colorado on a easy 4x4 trail with Kumar (ktp_inacoma), David (one of his buddies), Ali (ali176) and myself...the group was a '96 (Ali), a '97 (David) LC and a '96(Kumar) and '97(me) LX450's...we met a few people on the trail with jaws dropped...not only ONE nice looking lifted Cruiser but 4 of them right in a row..

I wouldn't recommend driving 7+ hours each way for a 1-day trip though...but worth it to meet Cruiser buds..

 

[medtro]

I assume you mean the VIN search in their records database base b/c I can assure you that the scheduled service is not free, or even reasonable for that matter.

Sorry for the confusion, I meant they will print out the vehicle service history for free.

 

[Asiarider]

I wonder where they would place the subwoofer in a LX450 if they had a coolbox? I have never seen a LX450 here but VX Limited LC with 6 Disc changer and all stuff of a LX450. But they were still LC's and not LX's.

Mike

 

[Rookie2]

I have never seen a LX450 here but VX Limited LC with 6 Disc changer and all stuff of a LX450

Plus the curtains

 

[Asiarider]

Plus the curtains

Yes, plus my curtains. How many threads do you have here asking for some protection when sleeping in your rig. Here you go !! You need curtains and since they are fixed on top, at the bottom and the sides they are good for bug protection too.

I am the winner !!

Mike

 

[Junk]

I am a winner

Yes, you are.

 

[Asiarider]

Yes, you are.

I can't believe it !!!!

This statement from Junk !!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Mike

 

[bkgiii]

I'm amazed....if all it takes is LX 'curtains' to get an affirming comment from Junk........

Send me some, Asia............PM me for my AMEX # !

 

[Asiarider]

I'm amazed....if all it takes is LX 'curtains' to get an affirming comment from Junk........

Send me some, Asia............PM me for my AMEX # !

You can choose any color you like and all curtains are handmade !!

They cover all windows if you like except the windscreen ;p

Mike