Guidance Requested on a 2013 LC 200 (1 Viewer)

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Its been a while since I posted here. I have currently in my garage an 80 series LC and a 2012 GX460. I have always wanted a newer LC, the 80 will remain with me, and found one I am interested in but the spidey sense is tingling.

There have been warnings about the shop on ebay that has a couple im interested in other parts of the forum but thats not really my question mine is more subjective, maybe? Why if the cruiser is such a desirable truck would a dealer or seller sell to this guy? The rig looks pristine and has low miles but from northeast which seems impossible there isnt a lick of rust, surface or otherwise. Am i being paranoid or do i need to dig deep for any leaks or significant issues that caused it to be unloaded as such? Where should I peel back the onion on this thing further?

My second question is it worth the tradeup from the GX to the LC as overall upgrade? Both seem equally well appointed the benefit would be greater towing capacity but im trying to weigh if juice worth the squeeeze. If anyone can offer additional reasons to consider the upgrade whether its the ebay rig or not it would be appreciated.

 

[TimCFJ40]

Unless you can see it, drive it, and negotiate in person, be very very careful. If the signs are pointing to a bad seller/too good to be true, either set up an in person meeting or walk away. Most scams/too good to be true will push back against meeting in person, or ghost you entirely.

I'd simply reach out and state that you are a serious buyer, ask for some more pictures, or specific details, and then follow up on scheduling a time to see it in person. It's pretty easy to sniff out the scams this way. No matter what they say, no deposit up front unless you're absolutely certain the seller and vehicle are legit.

As to whether the upgrade is worth it, drive one and decide. The 200 series is next level well built, but the GX is no slouch.

 

[bloc]

As to whether the upgrade is worth it, drive one and decide. The 200 series is next level well built, but the GX is no slouch.

And… split gate.

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Went to look at LC locally 93k miles and the truck was poor shape cosmetically looked like 193k miles and just installed aftermarket windshield. Price was reflective of condition in my mind. The ebay truck my suspicions were confirmed so hard pass on that and no maintenance history at all.

One thing im noticing on more and more at around 100k'ish miles the steering wheel leather is degrading terribly. Has anyone else experienced this?

Ive found a number of marketing brochures for the LC200 and none seem to list any options. Is that accurate?

 

[Sandroad]

A number of members have complained about the steering wheels. I keep mine regularly cleaned and conditioned and it looks new even after 9 years. It’s accurate that LCs don’t have options, with very limited exceptions. For example, after 2017, the standard rear entertainment system became optional. I think some port installed features are considered options, like remote start.

 

[TimCFJ40]

Went to look at LC locally 93k miles and the truck was poor shape cosmetically looked like 193k miles and just installed aftermarket windshield. Price was reflective of condition in my mind. The ebay truck my suspicions were confirmed so hard pass on that and no maintenance history at all.

One thing im noticing on more and more at around 100k'ish miles the steering wheel leather is degrading terribly. Has anyone else experienced this?

Ive found a number of marketing brochures for the LC200 and none seem to list any options. Is that accurate?

The steering wheels on the 2016+ specifically seem to have the peeling issue. The steering wheel in my 2008 shows some wear, but still no peeling and I'm at 289k miles.
Most of the US sold 200s have pretty much all standard features and no options. Some of the early 2008s are missing some of the standard features like the cool box and privacy tint.

 

[bloc]

Steering wheel issues seem to have started with the 2016 refresh. Earlier than that and we don't notice a lot of problems.

Also if you want some idea of history you can register any given VIN on the toyota owner's site after setting up a free account. It'll show work done at official toyota service departments.. though if the owner stopped taking it there (after warranty period, for example) it won't show up.

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Steering wheel issues seem to have started with the 2016 refresh. Earlier than that and we don't notice a lot of problems.

Also if you want some idea of history you can register any given VIN on the toyota owner's site after setting up a free account. It'll show work done at official toyota service departments.. though if the owner stopped taking it there (after warranty period, for example) it won't show up.

I have done this with the Lexus vehicles and did not know one existed for Toyotas but makes sense it would TY

and makes sense on the 2016 baseline as all the units I saw it on were 2016 or later

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

TY bloc I found the portal and sorta surprised at limited data on the rigs I looked at and one of them had to have knock sensor replaced but only paid for the 2 vs 4 per notes. Also noticed on some the front toyota emblems and headlights required buffing and I saw the same on the 93k mile one near me. Is that common and is that an operational emblem for radar cruise or anything that would be impacted?

Need to get some seat time in some more, thanks folks. Funny all the sales folks are like you sure you want to walk away these are hard to find...

 

[bloc]

Did it say anything about mice chewing those knock sensors?

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Did it say anything about mice chewing those knock sensors?

No and pretty basic tech comments. Im just surprised the owner didnt do the other 2 since not really expensive. Owner stated only replace ones that are causing CEL. this one starting to push me away even with low miles. im suprised how many cruisers theres not much service documentation on at all. the ones i find with it are already sold by time I call.

also one other thing im seeing more and more are replaced calipers the last 3 I checked out had them done. this one at 60ishk miles says both fronts seized

 

[stonepa]

Went to look at LC locally 93k miles and the truck was poor shape cosmetically looked like 193k miles and just installed aftermarket windshield. Price was reflective of condition in my mind. The ebay truck my suspicions were confirmed so hard pass on that and no maintenance history at all.

One thing im noticing on more and more at around 100k'ish miles the steering wheel leather is degrading terribly. Has anyone else experienced this?

Ive found a number of marketing brochures for the LC200 and none seem to list any options. Is that accurate?

I think this has more to do with the PH of the owners hands than anything. The leather steering wheels on my 100 and 200 are both still good after 650k miles of me driving them.

 

[El Skywalker]

No and pretty basic tech comments. Im just surprised the owner didnt do the other 2 since not really expensive. Owner stated only replace ones that are causing CEL. this one starting to push me away even with low miles. im suprised how many cruisers theres not much service documentation on at all. the ones i find with it are already sold by time I call.

also one other thing im seeing more and more are replaced calipers the last 3 I checked out had them done. this one at 60ishk miles says both fronts seized

I had to replace a rear caliper at roughly 90k, not a big deal, did the brakes and rotors while there. My steering wheel is in good shape 9 years later, I do take care of my ride.

Leaking due to clogged sunroof drains or windshield cowl would be one thing I would be inspecting (plenty of threads on this) ad well as signs of overheating, ie radiator replacement etc.

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

Had chance view a couple and found one that ticks every box except the color box. Is it worth it to wait for the right color combo? This one has extremely low miles, 1 owner and dealer svcd since new but exterior color is not my 1st choice.

 

[gaijin]

Had chance view a couple and found one that ticks every box except the color box. Is it worth it to wait for the right color combo? This one has extremely low miles, 1 owner and dealer svcd since new but exterior color is not my 1st choice.

If the color is the ONLY thing standing in your way, go ahead and get it - IMHO there is no such thing as a "bad" LC200 color.

What is the color, just out of curiosity...

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

If the color is the ONLY thing standing in your way, go ahead and get it - IMHO there is no such thing as a "bad" LC200 color.

What is the color, just out of curiosity...

Its midnight black.
My preferences are (i flip between 1 and 2 as preferred):
1. Onyx blue/terra
2. Brandywine/Terra
3. Midnight/Terra

 

[gasman4u]

I understand your hesitation with black. If that's the ONLY thing holding you back, it's up to you. You will likely have some sort of nagging regret either way unless your unicorn comes up sooner than later.

I'd venture to guess oil prices will likely go up in the next 12-24 months. With higher fuel prices, the weak hands will be flushed out of these guzzling beasts and you'll have more options. If I'm wrong, see above.

 

[TimCFJ40]

Its midnight black.
My preferences are (i flip between 1 and 2 as preferred):
1. Onyx blue/terra
2. Brandywine/Terra
3. Midnight/Terra

Black is usually a dealbreaker for me because it shows scratches and dirt so bad, and for me at least Cruisers get scratched and dirty.

That said, good deals on well kept low mileage Cruisers aren't all that common, so you might have to compromise color. Of the other variables, I'd sacrifice color before age, mileage, and upkeep.

 

[40thAnnivCruiser]

I know this is #1stworldproblems for me and TY for all the perspectives. Im waiting on some pics then will go from there. Based on location of rig i need pics of condition. Its in a very large metropolitan city and not sure about exterior condition.

Im not in any hurry and willing to wait for the right spec. Was looking at auction sites and sadly not many going through with spec i wanted or in the online sites either. The prospects seem bleak currently and those HE are bringing STUPID money yikes!