Intro: Looking for a LC200

[cbehnke]

New to the forum today, looking to do research and learn what I can before I buy a 200 series. Current ride is a 2023 4R TRD Pro. Selling it to fund this purchase. I want more towing capacity, more room, more comfort, and a 3rd row for the grandkids.

 

[manofthewoods]

New to the forum today, looking to do research and learn what I can before I buy a 200 series. Current ride is a 2023 4R TRD Pro. Selling it to fund this purchase. I want more towing capacity, more room, more comfort, and a 3rd row for the grandkids.

LX570 is generally a better value because...
1) there are more of them
2) less likely to have been used "hard," many are soccer mom mall crawlers
3) don't carry the LC cashe, though the Lexus badge sorta offsets that.
4) because of #1 above, many people here report Lexus service departments actually know how to work on the 200 series.
Happy hunting

 

[cbehnke]

LX570 is generally a better value because...
1) there are more of them
2) less likely to have been used "hard," many are soccer mom mall crawlers
3) don't carry the LC cashe, though the Lexus badge sorta offsets that.
4) because of #1 above, many people here report Lexus service departments actually know how to work on the 200 series.
Happy hunting

Thank you for that info, much appreciated. I took your advice and I see the lower pricing on the LX570...very nice! I mistakenly thought there was much less aftermarket add-on support for the LX (bumpers, rock rails, roof racks) but I now see that isn't the case. Now i'm off to research whether the LC's larger/more robust frame and other components are worth the additional spend. Thanks for the help with your comments.

 

[manofthewoods]

Thank you for that info, much appreciated. I took your advice and I see the lower pricing on the LX570...very nice! I mistakenly thought there was much less aftermarket add-on support for the LX (bumpers, rock rails, roof racks) but I now see that isn't the case. Now i'm off to research whether the LC's larger/more robust frame and other components are worth the additional spend. Thanks for the help with your comments.

Actually,
Nothing is more robust on a LC vs. LX. they are both 200 series, therefore most everything is the same drivetrain wise - usually featuring the same part numbers. Interior items ARE usually different.
The biggest difference I care about is the LC's 18" wheels vs the LX 20" wheels. Again, those would be interchangeable, so mostly a cost/hassle issue. I prefer the 18's.

All the above said. I prefer my '19 LC, but it's not really for any logical reason(s). As much as people tease about the LX, it IS a beast that sips chardonnay instead of craft beer

 

[sdnative]

Most of the 2013-2015 LXs do not have PCS and radar cruise as came standard on the LC. So.be aware of that if that feature is important to you.

 

[cbehnke]

Actually,
Nothing is more robust on a LC vs. LX. they are both 200 series, therefore most everything is the same drivetrain wise - usually featuring the same part numbers. Interior items ARE usually different.
The biggest difference I care about is the LC's 18" wheels vs the LX 20" wheels. Again, those would be interchangeable, so mostly a cost/hassle issue. I prefer the 18's.

All the above said. I prefer my '19 LC, but it's not really for any logical reason(s). As much as people tease about the LX, it IS a beast that sips chardonnay instead of craft beer

Thanks for that info. I have a lot to learn so i'm going to start searching threads and figuring this out. Thanks to everyone that responded, I appreciate it.

 

[Brandon966]

2016-2017 LC's have hard shifting transmission and crappy steering wheels...something I wish I had of known earlier I would have looked for a 2018+.

Go actually look at and sit in a LC or LX, we just got one and overall its a great truck, but there are several quirks that have left us scratching our heads (no cubbies, cupholders, coolbox, transmission, strange seating height etc).

 

[cbehnke]

2016-2017 LC's have hard shifting transmission and crappy steering wheels...something I wish I had of known earlier I would have looked for a 2018+.

Go actually look at and sit in a LC or LX, we just got one and overall its a great truck, but there are several quirks that have left us scratching our heads (no cubbies, cupholders, coolbox, transmission, strange seating height etc).

Great point about sitting in a recent one. Haven't been in one since 2012 or so. I have a friend that bought a 2021 LC so I'm going to borrow it for a day.

 

[deanblitzer]

Also, if you’re going to add an aftermarket roof rack to the LX, I believe you have to drop the interior headliner and it’s much more involved than the LC. Not a dealbreaker but just wanted to mention it!

 

[BigLexusMN]

My first 200 was an LX. I now have a 17 LC (I didn't want an LX this time and I don't care for my local Lexus dealer). Yes, the LXs have more features and I'm learning I miss the "kneeling" feature of the LX when you open the door, the front suspension lowers about 1.5" (IIRC) making getting in and out easier. Now, I kind of have to leap in and out of the LC and I'm 6'1". The JBL stereo in the LC is not as good as the Mark Levinson in the LX by a long shot. The ML system in the LX is very impressive for being a stock offering.

 

[MRego]

2016-2017 LC's have hard shifting transmission and crappy steering wheels...something I wish I had of known earlier I would have looked for a 2018+.

There is a TSB to address the hard shifting and I have seen messy steering wheels all the way to 2020s - solution is just to order a new one and you should be fine.

 

[cbehnke]

Also, if you’re going to add an aftermarket roof rack to the LX, I believe you have to drop the interior headliner and it’s much more involved than the LC. Not a dealbreaker but just wanted to mention it!

That's good info about the LX because I DO want a roof rack. I'm lucky that I live just a few miles from both Gobi and Slee, so my plan is to ultimately get a Gobi roof rack and then bumpers and sliders from Slee.

 

[FxFormat]

Get an LX if you have kids, the AHC will make it easier for them to climb in and out, not to mention it's a quieter and plusher ride. Looks are subjective but i think the 13-15 LX look better than 08-2015 LC. 16+ LC looks the best but prices will be doubled

 

[cbehnke]

Get an LX if you have kids, the AHC will make it easier for them to climb in and out, not to mention it's a quieter and plusher ride. Looks are subjective but i think the 13-15 LX look better than 08-2015 LC. 16+ LC looks the best but prices will be doubled

good point. it's not the kids, they're grown...but....my mother in law struggles to get into my 4R TRD pro so something that lowers would be nice for her. The concept of AHC is growing on me as i learn more about it.

I want the purchase decision to solve for this: which vehicle is more cost effective to get a very comfortable DD (95% of use. I love my creature comforts), can reasonably reach 250k miles w/ good maintenance, can easily handle 3-5 offroad/back country trips per year (canyonlands, moab type places) and has good aftermarket parts/mods support.

 

[TeCKis300]

good point. it's not the kids, they're grown...but....my mother in law struggles to get into my 4R TRD pro so something that lowers would be nice for her. The concept of AHC is growing on me as i learn more about it.

I want the purchase decision to solve for this: which vehicle is more cost effective to get a very comfortable DD (95% of use. I love my creature comforts), can reasonably reach 250k miles w/ good maintenance, can easily handle 3-5 offroad/back country trips per year (canyonlands, moab type places) and has good aftermarket parts/mods support.

Can't go wrong with either as they'll both do the deed but perhaps is slightly different ways.

As a long time owner of a do everything LX - the kneeling function is even more valuable with a built rig. Once on large tires and large lift, the ergonomics of a tall vehicle can become cumbersome. Imagine the tailgate almost to chest height.

Even more important is fitting under the common 7' garage or parking structure. Perhaps with RTT. AHC is invaluable.

The LX, with additional creature comforts, better ride, and suspension capable of all the things and weight you may want to throw at it, while fitting the largest tires that can be worn on a 200-series easily...

Here's some more potential reasons

Here's potential differences between the LC vs LX. Doesn't break it down by model year. Later model years got some LX trickle downs, but just as many are still LX exclusives. Could be useful to identify which features you really want to compare which model years have the features.

1. More sound deadening (acoustic glass, engine covers, door seals, more extensive interior insulation)
2. Powered rear hatch for open/close, also key fob operated (2018 LCs got this)
3. Soft open rear lower tailgate, with power latching
4. Surround camera system
5. Heated Steering Wheel (2013+ LX, later LCs got this)
6. Ventilated/Heated front row (later LCs got this)
7. Mark Levinson Reference (only other model to get the Reference system is the LS) w/surround (19 speakers vs 14, 10" sub vs 8")
8. Power side view mirrors with auto-fold (later LCs got this)
9. AHC - AVS, lift on demand, adjustable and continuous damping logic, anti-dive/roll/squat, leveling, etc.
10. AHC underbody armor
11. Shorter roof rack (LC has a longer roof rack with 3 supports per side)
12. VGRS Variable Gear Ratio Steering (2013+ LC, all LX)
13. Steering headlights (AFS)
14. Projector headlights ('16+ LCs got this)
15. Headlight washers
16. Storage in rear seat armrest
17. Power slide rear seats
18. Second row storage on front seatbacks is a panel vs net
19. 14-way adjustable driver seat vs 10-way LC (passenger 12-way vs 8-way)
20. Adjustable tilt front headrests
21. Power stowage for 3rd row seat
22. Lexus key fob with all windows down by holding remote door open button for 3+ seconds (not sure Toyota's have this?)
23. Fade-To-Off interior lighting (I believe LC got this in 2014?)
24. Puddle and side step lights
25. Door sill lighting
26. Interior ambient lighting
27. Additional trunk side light and open tailgate lighting
28. +2hp / +2tq (requires 91 octane, LC is 87 octane)
29. Semi-aniline leather and more luxurious interior appointments
30. Ventilated second row outboard seats
31. Four-zone climate concierge
32. LED Headlamp with AHS Sequential Turn
33. LED Cornering Lamp
34. 12.3-inch high-res split-screen display (LC 9")
35. Head-up display
36. Steering wheel paddle shifter
37. Door puddle projector lamps
38. Rear door retractable sun shades
39. 2020 gets special trims: "LX570 Sport" to "LC Heritage"
40. 2021 Inspiration Series edition of the LX 570
41. Dual screen rear entertainment
42. All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (LC DRCC for 25mph and up)
43. Auto air quality air recirculation
44. Variable Ratio Power Steering

 

[Supra Turbo]

I'll put my vote in for an LC, specifically '13-15. I think they are the best looking out of all year and model 200s, more conservative and while having majority of features standard. Plus better resale value, much rarer and the Land Cruiser name, known world over.