LC fan considering LX470, why not?

[DanJ]

Im in the market for a 100 series lc, however it's become apparent that the 470s are more prevelant, usually in better condition, and priced lower than the same year/mile lc.

So, other than the ahc, why would anybody choose a lc over a 470? What am I missing, is it really just the soccer mom connotation that makes the 470s a steal?

If I buy a 470 will my inner lc fan feel betrayed or can I successfully convince myself it's just a lc with some nicer stuff on it.

Sorry for a likely repeat thread....

 

[aging fleet]

As long as you're OK with AHC and the appearance of the Lexus front end, there is no good reason to avoid the 470.

 

[BullElk]

311K on my family's 2000 LX and zero AHC issues.

 

[jdayment]

When we decided to get a 100 series we shopped for both and found one that met our requirements and it happened to be an LX470 we would have been happy with either we just shifted our build schedule a little different we decided to keep the AHC and like it and started putting money towards armor in lieu of suspension first.

 

[krice118]

A lot of people think AHC is superior. Get to know it and you'll be happy

 

[vman07]

nothing wrong with the LX front end, paint it, add some lights if you want. AHC can be removed as well. With out the AHC reservoir you got a perfect spot for a 2nd battery ...

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

LX is much more quiet, better looking front end, and the stereo is 10X better than the LC and yes for some of us AHC rocks.

 

[tacoduck]

lexus has better color combos as well. I own both, and love em both.

 

[AMGAndrew]

I didn't think I would like the AHC as much as I do, or the rig as a whole. Quiet, comfortable, capable and durable. Truely doesn't get much better.

 

[DanJ]

Thanks for all the replies, the quality of the leather alone started to sway me to the 470--and I like the idea of an 06-07 anyway for the more HP, so the AHC is unavoidable unless I go for an 05 or earlier LC.

 

[vman07]

some 06/07 LCs do not have AHC, but they are pretty rare and you'd probably be competing against a lot of other interested buyers...

 

[MattyO]

I was 100% in your same boat. I wanted the LC name, but during my search I just did not find very many that met my criteria. If you are looking for the early year models (98-2000) the LX had a lot of the features that LC didn't offer until later. AHC is the main reason I was not interested in the LX. In the end, a found an LX that checked all my boxes so I went for it. I think the AHC is pretty cool, and I decided to leave it. I did the sensor lift and flushed the fluid. Plan to leave it as it is until I have an AHC issue. Instead of 1k in suspension I ordered some Slee armor. I have been very happy with my 98. It drives like a dream and is super comfortable. I went from an 07 jeep to a 9 year older LX, and the ride and features improved 100%. I told me wife last week that we no longer have to decide on vehicles to buy, just gotta find the right Cruiser for us. She will be getting a 200 series in a few years when we part with the GMC Yukon.

 

[aging fleet]

some 06/07 LCs do not have AHC, but they are pretty rare and you'd probably be competing against a lot of other interested buyers...

Yep, AHC was added as an option on the LC in ‘06. @DanJ, mine doesn’t have it so they’re out there, but finding a late model LC without AHC just makes the search more difficult.

 

[Kabanstva]

I love them both.

 

[flintknapper]

Im in the market for a 100 series lc, however it's become apparent that the 470s are more prevelant, usually in better condition, and priced lower than the same year/mile lc.

So, other than the ahc, why would anybody choose a lc over a 470? What am I missing, is it really just the soccer mom connotation that makes the 470s a steal?

If I buy a 470 will my inner lc fan feel betrayed or can I successfully convince myself it's just a lc with some nicer stuff on it.

Sorry for a likely repeat thread....

^^^^^^^^ Exactly what I ran into when looking for a 100 series. I really just wanted a straight up Land Cruiser. Looked and looked for one with reasonable mileage, upkeep and cleanliness. Found 5 times the number of LX 470's (Houston market) for less money, far fewer miles, good service history and they were clean and rust free. It was an easy decision for me. I have not regretted it.

99 model, clean as a whistle...no kids, no pets, lady owned it. No rust, no wrecks, interior almost like new.

 

[2001LC]

I like them both and think AHC is cool & useful.

The LX has a little higher maintenance, as it has more bells and whistle to break. So cost of ownership is higher!

I love the wood on the steering wheel and shift knob of the LX a very smart look. I may swap into an LC someday.

I'm not a fan of the grille hanging off the hood, my head has a few dents from it. OUCH...

Auto tilt rear view mirrors when shifting to R is cool, but one more part to break.

It all about trade offs.

 

[medtro]

Auto tilt rear view mirrors when shifting to R is cool, but one more part to break.

They can be turned off before any part breaks.

 

[Leandro]

They can be turned off before any part breaks.

^^^ How?

 

[beedo34]

^^^ How?

The will auto lower if your mirror selector switch is in the middle position. They will not lower if you leave the selector on either left or right.

 

[BEG]

Why I like the LX more than the LC:

1) AHC. Bottom line, it's a superior system than a traditional suspension (think EFI vs carbureted) and the parts are out there to increase damping and load bearing as needed.

2) Creature comforts. It's quieter than the LC, better interior, better leather etc.

3) Folding mirrors. This might seem like a creature comfort, but I run tight enough trails that folding the mirrors with the touch of a button has made the difference between clearing a section and not.

4) Projector headlights. They're halogen, but swapping to HID doesn't require any cutting of the factory housing, just replacing the bulb and maybe the lens if you're so inclined.

5) Grill attached to hood. I'm short, so hitting my head on it has never been an issue. On the other hand, it's nice to have to front end open and accessible when working on it instead of having to reach behind a grill.

6) Puddle/rock lights. I'm not 100% sure that LCs don't have them, but they're handy for spotters when doing any technical terrain in low light.