land cruiser and lx570 for usa market

[r3run33]

Hello not to start a debate but was interested in what most here see as the difference in the lx570 and the land cruiser here in the usa market. Ok the lx 570 comes fully loaded except for a few comfort options; when people here are purchasing a land cruiser are you ordering your truck or picking off of what is available at the dealership? A little background why I'm asking this. We need a new family car; I currently have an 06 lx470 which is staying. My wife has been using my truck for work leaving her 09 bmw x5 because she feels more comfortable in my car. is that crazy?? Any way the lx570 is up there in price and with kids etc I can't go for the lx. Thanks for the help.

 

[Carl L]

I usually order but got mine off a lot since Toyota treat the LC like it's a Picasso for some bizarre reason. It took a lot of searching as I wanted White/Beige with the Upgrade Pkg.

I didn't consider the LX570 for three reasons:

1. Too chrome and flash for my tastes
2. 20" rims are unsuitable for camping trails (and curbs!)
3. I did not want Active Height Control

I really like my LC200. They still don't handle great, the keyless entry/start is something I could do without plus it's expensive and not the prettiest when compared to an LR4

BUT

it feels as tough as old boots, it's very rare, has a great powertrain and offers plus safety and practicality. The interior is also a nice step up from the 100 series and the hardware is really beefy from the frame to the front end. Stick some more aggressive tires on it and possibly replace the front bumper and it's about as unstoppable off road as anything with a 112" wheelbase and leather seats can get. Only thing I'd like is real wood in the interior and a 34 gallon fuel tank but other than it's mission accomplished.

 

[patrickfinley]

I believe the LC's come with one option, it's a 6-7k upgrade which almost all of them have. You'd probably have a hard time finding one without the option package. There also aren't many around so I think your probably stuck with what is on the lot if there even are any on your neighborhood lot. However, if you search the lower 48 I'm sure you can find one with your color of choice. Looks like you're in the Northeast so you'd have more choices than someone like me out in New Mexico.

Pro's:

The 100 series had the easily removable seats 3rd row which was a great feature lost on the 200LC and Lexus which switched to a bolted down 3rd row. However many 200 LC owners have been able to unbolt the seats and cover up the holes. The Lexus has power fold seats and is tougher to remove. People have done it, but it's more of a hassle.

Here are a few other places the LC is better, especially if you have a big family with lots of gear to stow or tow:

LC payload 1510 lbs
LX payload 1280 lbs

LC towing 8200 lbs
LX towing 7000 lbs

LC weight 5765 lbs
LX weight 5995 lbs

 

[r3run33]

thanks for the reply; i'm starting to do some searches. Price is a big consideration also between the 2

 

[patrickfinley]

thanks for the reply; i'm starting to do some searches. Price is a big consideration also between the 2

Man, with the storms you've been having in NJ you need an LC right away!! I originally hail from South Jersey outside of Philadelphia, had lots of good storms growing up there.

You could also save a fortune and pic up a second 06/07 100 series. As you know a very safe reliable family cruiser. The only downside between the 100 and 200 with direct consideration to children is that the 200 has 3rd row side rollover airbags. However if you're children aren't really ever in the 3rd row then it's no big loss.

 

[r3run33]

i know this winter is crazy; I work in health care so I have to always "go to work" lol I was out in the storm and then day after and my 100 performed excellent. Thats the problem we are having no one wants to drive the x5.

 

[sptsdn]

I got mine off the lot but I would have ordered it if the color option wasn't suitable (I would have preferred Super White but Magnetic Gray was my second choice). We briefly looked at the LX but my wife promptly turned away when she saw the AHC buttons in the center console (she found the entire interior to be busy) and I promptly turned away when I saw the window sticker! Overall, we just didn't like the looks of the LX - too much silly chrome trim and the the front styling is off-putting. I like the very simple looks of the LC far better and I couldn't justify spending an additional $10k for the 'uglier' LX.

Before you buy, check out some of the recent threads about pricing and availability. You may have to be willing to travel a bit to get the best deal on a new one (or even find one for that matter!).

And as always, let us know what you end up with!

 

[WoodyCreature]

Buy used. Save yourself about $10K. Follow carmax.com for Land Cruisers, anywhere from 5-15 across the nation at any given time. 100's and 200's. They will also have pretty competitive prices.

 

[Carl L]

You could also save a fortune and pic up a second 06/07 100 series. As you know a very safe reliable family cruiser. The only downside between the 100 and 200 with direct consideration to children is that the 200 has 3rd row side rollover airbags. However if you're children aren't really ever in the 3rd row then it's no big loss.

It's much more than just the rollover airbags. The roof structure (A-Pillars in particular) on the 200 have rectified the pancake syndrome that afflicts any 100 that ends up on its roof. I really like 100s and they're still a very capable and safe vehicle but being 10 years newer and fully re-engineered the 200 is a different league from a passive safety perspective.

If you're planning to keep the vehcile a long time, then there's no replacement for buying new. You know the history and LC residuals are so strong they represent poor value if you're buying second hand compared to say a Range Rover which suffer massive depreciation.

I traveled 400 miles to get my LC and the discount I got paled in comparison to any other vehicle I've bought. Even so, I'm really pleased with my decision. So long as you're not expecting slick handling or something that impresses the neighbors, I couldn't imagine anyone buying a 200 and being disappointed.

 

[OGBeno]

An important difference for me between the LC200 and the LX570: they are made in 2 different plants.

The LC200 for the NA market comes from the Tahara Plant, a bonafide Toyota plant where they make the 4Runner and the GX460 as well as most Lexus derivations. Considered the most advanced/efficient manufacturing plant in the world.

The LX570 is made wholly at the Toyota Auto Body (formerly Araco) Yoshiwara Plant where LC's have been manufactured since the early 60's. The 7X series cruisers are also manufactured here as are LC200 series for the ME/Africa/Europe.

 

[patrickfinley]

It's much more than just the rollover airbags. The roof structure (A-Pillars in particular) on the 200 have rectified the pancake syndrome that afflicts any 100 that ends up on its roof.

I do agree that overall the LC200 is a safer vehicle. It's wider, has a lower CG and is less likely to roll over. It also has 10 years of re-engineering design.

I had not heard that the 100 series had the pancake issue in roll over situations. The stories I've heard of 100 accident roll overs where told by people who walked away from the accident.

Perhaps we're just not hearing from the other side.

 

[patrickfinley]

An important difference for me between the LC200 and the LX570: they are made in 2 different plants.

The LC200 for the NA market comes from the Tahara Plant, a bonafide Toyota plant where they make the 4Runner and the GX460 as well as most Lexus derivations. Considered the most advanced/efficient manufacturing plant in the world.

The LX570 is made wholly at the Toyota Auto Body (formerly Araco) Yoshiwara Plant where LC's have been manufactured since the early 60's. The 7X series cruisers are also manufactured here as are LC200 series for the ME/Africa/Europe.

Beno, do you feel one plant is better than the other?

 

[SC4Hundred]

oil change at lexus $69-$119, oil change at toyota $29.

 

[r3run33]

thanks for all the inputs but what i'm trying to find out is what everyone has gotten when they purchased the land cruiser off the lot. Also beno if you can explain the 2 plants that would help also. Ok the lx570 is basically loaded up and has the AHC (which I don't like). Now back to land cruiser besides luxury package I dont think much else comes here correct??? As for getting another 100 series; yes we are considering this if the 200 gets to pricey or difficult to find.

 

[uzj100]

Anyone seen a 200 series with 100k miles yet? The highest miles I have seen are 75k and the folks want 50g's for them. They have to depreciate at some point.

 

[patrickfinley]

Anyone seen a 200 series with 100k miles yet? The highest miles I have seen are 75k and the folks want 50g's for them. They have to depreciate at some point.

Perhaps if there are some significant changes in the mid model makeover (2012-2013???), the pre makeover models may drop a little in price.

That's my next ride in a few years, I need the price to come down.

 

[OGBeno]

Beno, do you feel one plant is better than the other?

Also beno if you can explain the 2 plants that would help also.

The reason I mention the manufacturing/plant difference is because as a reasonable Toyota purist, I would want my LC/LX knowing that it came from the Yoshiwara Plant where Land Cruisers have been manufactured since their inception. There is something about the lineage that I know would filter its way into the final current product.

While I know the Tahara Plant is world-renowned for it's manufacturing excellence, there was a comment that our guide at Toyota Auto Body made that really stuck with me. To paraphrase, he basically said that many times Toyota senior executives all the way up to Mr. Toyoda himself would clandestinely come to the Yoshiwara Plant to see how vehicles were made with substance and old fashioned craftsmanship (referring to the manufacturing of the LC).

In any event, that was the major distinction I was trying to make. Of course, whether it means anything to the casual LC/LX buyer--probably not--that's up to the individual purchaser of the vehicle.

If you are looking at all the gizmo's and blah-control systems etc. as the final reason you are buying an LC or LX, then my commentary above probably doesn't matter too much.

Best.
-onur

 

[uzj100]

I purchased my 2000 with 100k miles and plan to do the same with a 200.

Prices need to drop.

 

[patrickfinley]

Hey Beno, if you had the cash to pick up a new Toyota LC or Lexus LX which would you get? Is where it's manufactured enough to sway you in one direction.

 

[MoneyMan]

beno, I didn't know LC's manufactured at two plants. Thanks for info. As I understand your comments, all 200 NA LC's are manufactured at Tahara Plant, correct? I have a couple 100's. Once again, as I understand your comments, they were manufactured in the Yoshiwara Plant, correct? When did you tour the plant?