FZJ80 Vs LX450 (1 Viewer)

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Yep....I MUST have them......in chartreuse....before I head to Rutgers in November!
 
Hi All,

I was looking for an FZJ80. I found a used dealer that handled only LCs, 4Runners and LX-450/470s and the only thing he had in inventory was the LX. I didnt really want the flash but went for the LX. I don't regret my decision one bit. It is the finest vehicle I have ever owned and I don't think the vehicle has any performance compromises from the LC (which I have driven overseas)
 
Still searching

I know it is all relative to many mitigating circumstances, but I'm just looking for general opinions on a vehicle that has been well-maintained.

How high would the mileage have to be before you were scared off from purchasing a used FZJ 80 or LX450?

Any particular issues with either one once you reach a certain mileage milestone? If so, what?

Since they are practicall the same vehicle, why not just replace Lexus parts with LC parts if some dealership service is required. I talked with my local Toyota dealer and they do work on Lexii.

Anyone else have any good tidbits of information on the FXJ 80 - LX450 comparison?

TIA!
 
waskillywabbit said:
How high would the mileage have to be before you were scared off from purchasing a used FZJ 80 or LX450?
It really depends on personal preference and wrenching skill level. I mean -- for some, 100k miles would be too high -- for others 150k. If you're a damned good mechanic and not concerned about replacing/repairing stuff, you might be okay with 200k miles. Personally, I'd look for something around 150k miles. From my past experience, on the 94 LC I had, I did a bunch of work around 120k miles (02 sensor, battery, plugs, wires, starter, brakes/rotors, etc.) I could just be talking outta my rear, but it might be safe to assume that much of the "breakables" might've been taken care of by 150k miles. You never know tho so you have to check each rig out.

Any particular issues with either one once you reach a certain mileage milestone? If so, what?
I partially answered that above (re: my ol' 94). Since the LX has higher quality fake wood trim, you'll find the ones on the LCs fade or crack fairly early -- the ones on the LX should be pristine; this is just cosmetic though, so not really a big deal.


Since they are practicall the same vehicle, why not just replace Lexus parts with LC parts if some dealership service is required. I talked with my local Toyota dealer and they do work on Lexii.
You can (and I do) use Toyota parts on a LX 450. I found that when I've received parts from Lexus, they come in a Toyota box/bag. My local Toyota dealership will work on the LX -- once the service monkey (service tech/consultant) is informed that's the work is the same as the same year LC. The wife's LX 450 was bought from the Toyota dealership -- I negotiated the 60k mile service as part of the deal -- they worked on it, no problem. I have heard that some Toyota dealerships will not work on Lexuses, but I've haven't encountered that yet.


Anyone else have any good tidbits of information on the FXJ 80 - LX450 comparison?
B-wulf provided a pretty comprehensive list. I don't know if others have mentioned it or not (and I'm not going to read thru the entire thread to check), but here's some other stuff off the top of my head:
- the rear bumper is a bit wider and hangs lower on the LX than on the LC. This means that if you go with an aftermarket rear bumper (like Slee's) the mudflaps will have a 1" to 2" gap -- it just looks stupid. I took mine off. The LC mudflap will work as a substitute, however.
- the center console is higher in the LX vs the LC. This is because of either the CD changer or the subwoofer being in the center console. Regardless of why, I find the height to be better for me as an arm rest -- the one on the LC was just a little too low for me.
- I found the plastic cladding to be a benefit at times. I've had tree limbs and roots hit it and bounce off (or get wedged between the panel and my slider step) leaving only a small scratch in the plastic whereas it would've left a dent in the metal if the cladding wasn't there. One negative about the cladding on the LX is that the flares are integrated into the cladding design. So the LC flares are not interchangeable with the LX flares.
- rims are slightly different.
- I believe all LX 450s sold in Canada came with OEM FR/RR diff locks.

That's about all I can think of at this point -- prolly more than you need to know.
Aside from cosmetic things, the LC and LX are the same. And not to split hairs, I consider both the LC and LX to be FZJ80s.
The smart shopper will buy the least expensive version, with the desired options, in the best condition, closest to them.
 
waskillywabbit said:
Thanks Doug! Good stuff!

Anybody else wanna share their pennies?

That's it Chet..., either you're an LC snob and to shallow to get past the name plate, or you don't care and just assume get more for your buck :flipoff2:. Now go get one and start doing some PM!

:beer:
Rookie2
 
nakman said:
Only down side to the LX I could possibly see is possibly higher insurance costs since it's a Lexus? Just speculation here..

When I was looking at both a LC and an LX for purchace two years ago, I called State Farm and got quotes for both. To my amazement insurance on the LX was cheaper. Not much, maybe $30-40 a year. I thought for sure the LX would be a lot more. Just a guess but maybe the fact that all LX's came with a factory alarm (I believe that's true) and a different higher security key makes them harder to steal could be the difference in the cost of insurance. Oh, the Lex has a little first aid kit too LOL.
By the way I bought the LX ;)
 
"- I found the plastic cladding to be a benefit at times. I've had tree limbs and roots hit it and bounce off (or get wedged between the panel and my slider step) leaving only a small scratch in the plastic whereas it would've left a dent in the metal if the cladding wasn't there."

That is a very good point, I never thought about. Even thought I hate the look of the plastic, it does provide some protection.
 
I just compared insurance prices (Allstate) for the LC and the LX, in Maine with my insurance points the LX was $200.00 to $300.00 dollars CHEAPER. I just figured there wasn't as many LX's out there and they slipped under the wire for insurance claims.
 
Newps said:
"- I found the plastic cladding to be a benefit at times. I've had tree limbs and roots hit it and bounce off (or get wedged between the panel and my slider step) leaving only a small scratch in the plastic whereas it would've left a dent in the metal if the cladding wasn't there."

That is a very good point, I never thought about. Even thought I hate the look of the plastic, it does provide some protection.

Kind of surprising how well the plastic held up.
 
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Junk said:
Lexi come with pink panties. Other than that, a few changes to wiring colors, mouldings, headlamps etc, not much difference.

:flipoff2:

Personally if i can start to do all over again i choose 40th anniversary than the LX :rolleyes:

Asiarider said:
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. :flipoff2:

Mike

Dudee... the VX model not available here in U.S :flipoff2: I wish U.S have the
VX-R version that will be killer :eek: :D
 
when I was looking, the LX was quite a bit more expensive than the LC.
Also, no Lex dealer nearby.
I don't want to wear pink panties even if they come for free with the LX...
 
e9999 said:
when I was looking, the LX was quite a bit more expensive than the LC.
Also, no Lex dealer nearby.
I don't want to wear pink panties even if they come for free with the LX...
Gee Eric - I think you'd look cute in pink panties.
I wear mine all the time. Since we picked up the 2nd LX, I now have 2 pair.

The prices of LXs vs. LCs vary from region to region. Insurance costs vary as well. My LX was a little more expense to insure than a comparable LC would've been -- I checked with my ins. co. before purchasing -- it was $200 more for the year.
 
e9999 said:
...Also, no Lex dealer nearby.
What do you need a Lexus dealer for? Cdan's phone number is the same whether you own a LX or LC :D
 
I would descibe the LC and LX as the same vehicle with a slightly different trim package. The differences are very minor. I have a hard time dealing with anyone worrying about the differences, when there really are virtually none. Anyway real men can handle wearing pink panties and a Lexus is definitely a better panty remover than a Toyota :))).
Cheers,
Sean
 
The only draw back to owning a LX is the annoying comments you get in regards to how someone like you can afford it. At least for me.

If you don't like to play the "Bling Bling" aspect of the LX450, you will be bothered by the constant bobardment of comments and people suspecting that you just stole the truck.

Oh and everyone at work will think you make too much money.

Although many of these people I can do without in my life. So no big deal.
 
Ok lets all just be friends here. K? They are all in the same family so no need for trash talking lexus or yota. :D
 
It's all in jest I am sure.
Cheers,
Sean
 
Didn't see that, but I figured as much. We are gettin some good post padding though.
Cheers,
Sean
 

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