LX vs LC question

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ceb

ceb

Joined
Jun 6, 2016
Threads
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244
Location
Virginia
I'm looking at a new LC and have gotten a few decent quotes (I think), but then I noticed that the LXs had some pretty aggressive pricing, bringing them to a little below the LC pricing.

My observations - in no particular order:

LX - extra inches outside and worse approach angle
LX - worse resale value
LX - polarizing snout
LX - more modern appearing infotainment - but 2 row has no Mark Levinson or cool box
LX - a bit upscale interior

LC - looks more mainstream
LC- that nice terra interior
LC- reputation for being bulletproof

Questions:

Does the infotainment system give you more functionality or is it merely appearance (larger screen) and interface (the joystick)?
Is the LX as reliable as the LC or do the extra electrics add a bit of unnecessary complexity?
If one can live with the extra inches and the appearance, are there any upsides/downsides or is buying by price OK? That's how I bought my Yukon back in 1999 as it was cheaper than the identical Tahoe.

Any other thoughts for my consideration? TIA
 
What model years are you considering? This will help.
 
I went back and forth on this myself for 6 months before settling into a 2015 LX. Couldn't be happier. Lots of folks on here have strong opinions either way, but it seems to come down to what you want now and how you want to use the truck. There are at least a couple other threads I looked at.

I test drove the '19 LX and LC. I really liked both, and if I were to buy new, it'd probably be an LC. I decided to save 40 grand and go with a 4 year old model.

I absolutely hated the joystick in the new LX, which was one of my big concerns. There are plenty of hard buttons on the stack to get around most day to day things (fan speed, etc), but I just couldn't get down with it.

On the clearance/departure angles - this is something that's misleading on paper. In stock form, the LX is actually more similar due to AHC's high mode. That said, the 16+ LX has what looks to be a lower front fascia than my '15.

If you're keen on keeping it stock and not doing a bunch of mods, you can save yourself some coin with an LX if you're willing to buy something just out of a lease. If you want to get into upgrades like suspension, bumpers, etc, the aftermarket is a bit more accommodating to the LC.
 
Personally I'd put the LX570 in the "bulletproof" camp too.

@chittick is on point. Also consider what he said about the joystick. Not the first time I've heard of it being annoying to use, and think about using that for a decade.


One note about "extra electronics". I wouldn't say there's a huge complexity difference now that the LC has added many of the systems LXs have had for years, like the power rear liftgate and front camera. Power folding third row, if you get that.. I guess. But, they do have AHC. This has proven to be a lot more reliable (so far) than what came on the 100-series platform, but then not many people have put 300k miles on them either. One advantage AHC has is the ability to easily change fluid, and this is specified in the maintenance book. KDSS on the landcruiser is much simpler in operation, but it is also a sealed passive system. Technically it doesn't need any maintenance. I LOVE my 2013 landcruiser, but the KDSS is one system I hope I never have to mess with, both from a cost and a special tools standpoint.

Still, if both systems hypothetically went the same distance before significant repair or replacement, I'd give the nudge to KDSS. The cylinders are going to be expensive, but not as expensive as the pump and valve assembly for AHC. And once I have a need I'll find a way to emulate the toyota KDSS pressure/bleed tool.

Hopefully most of us never even need that.. like I said.. very few problems reported so far, and there are some rigs with pretty high mileage.

But, yes, what chittick said about keeping stock vs modding. To date there are no suspension upgrades for an LX other than a tundra long-arm swap, and it is very unlikely anyone will tackle much more in the aftermarket. But then most LX owners don't feel the need because they can hit a button and lift it 2". Which makes them damn capable. Or mess with your sensors and get even more lift. But, if you just know you'll want to tweak it, run desert roads at speed and install high bypass shocks or whatever.. LC is your truck, from that perspective anyway. There are less slider and front/rear bumper options for LX at this point but those will definitely come with time.
 
It really comes down to this. If you want to heavily mod the suspension (lift, shocks, control arms, ...) buy a LC if not buy a LX.
 
I bought mine in NC. Take a look at John
Johnson Lexus in Raleigh and Durham. Lots of off leases come through their dealerships from local Raleigh folks rolling in new models. If you're on Virginia, it's not too far to go and you can probably find a CPO.

I only saw one used LC in months of looking at it was at a Carmax. 10-15 2yr old LXs rolled through in that same time frame.
 
coleAK said:
It really comes down to this. If you want to heavily mod the suspension (lift, shocks, control arms, ...) buy a LC if not buy a LX.
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Good point. I should have mentioned a few more things.

I expect to keep the car a good 10 years - maybe more. Probably 15-20k miles a year.

I'm not looking at mods initially, but I may consider some as the new car smell wears off and the warranty expires.

While I'm a techie, as long as the maps get updated I'm happy with even a basic nav. Waze will help on the phone.

The adjustable suspension on the LX is nice, but something else to go wrong.
 
chittick said:
I bought mine in NC. Take a look at John
Johnson Lexus in Raleigh and Durham. Lots of off leases come through their dealerships from local Raleigh folks rolling in new models. If you're on Virginia, it's not too far to go and you can probably find a CPO.

I only saw one used LC in months of looking at it was at a Carmax. 10-15 2yr old LXs rolled through in that same time frame.
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Good point. Raleigh/Durham is a nice trip. I sold a car down there 10 years ago and delivered it. Nice drive.

Do you have a contact there?
 
ceb said:
Good point. I should have mentioned a few more things.

I expect to keep the car a good 10 years - maybe more. Probably 15-20k miles a year.

I'm not looking at mods initially, but I may consider some as the new car smell wears off and the warranty expires.

While I'm a techie, as long as the maps get updated I'm happy with even a basic nav. Waze will help on the phone.

The adjustable suspension on the LX is nice, but something else to go wrong.
Click to expand...
Still Lx. AHC is a very solid system. I could argue that KDSS on the LC is as likely to fail as AHC on the LX. Get a 2-4 year old LX.
 
coleAK said:
It really comes down to this. If you want to heavily mod the suspension (lift, shocks, control arms, ...) buy a LC if not buy a LX.
Click to expand...
Good point. I should have mentioned a few more things.

I expect to keep the car a good 10 years - maybe more. Probably 15-20k miles a year.

I'm not looking at mods initially, but I may consider some as the new car smell wears off and the warranty expires.
 
coleAK said:
I could argue that KDSS on the LC is as likely to fail as AHC on the LX.
Click to expand...

I disagree, respectfully. At the end of the day KDSS has far less "stuff" to fail. No significant electronics, only two hydraulic cylinders, a valve block, and a couple accumulators.

As long as you stay on top of any technicians opening the valves NOT to exceed the 3-turn limit, I think the passive KDSS system will go further than the active AHC system. But that's just me.

Which is not to say AHC doesn't have other advantages that can offset the slightly increased risk of issues.
 
I trust in the collective wisdom here and have faith in the AHC... So far I’m loving it. I am so thrilled with my ‘13 LX...

A stupid, little feature that I had no idea I wanted/needed is the ‘low’ mode of AHC. There’s a dash button on the LX that illuminates a person sitting on a toilet. When it’s illuminated and you shift into P AND shut the engine off within X seconds the LX squats to LO mode. Upon restart and exceeding 7-8mph it raises to normal. Even in LO mode I have not noticed any tire rubbing with 33.0” 275/60/20’s AND 77yr old Mom gets in and out with ease, dropping the tailgate and loading cargo or sitting on it is super-easy... I was skeptical but now LOVE the adjustability AHC provides.

I have a vehicle that offers impressive ground clearance in High mode and offers ingress/egress that rivals a Highlander/RX350.

Just my $.02
 
[QUOTE="ceb, post: 12528953, member:]
- polarizing snout
[/QUOTE]
That is the best summation/characterization I have seen. Polarizing, love it🤣🤣🤣🤣😂
 
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The easy answer is drive both and buy the one you want. For new, no question, LC. Better looking and will hold its value better.

Sounds like you want to buy new, but buying used will save you a lot of money especially on the LX which has a higher supply. Most of the depreciation happens in the first few years, then it levels out.
 
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Phalen302 said:
I’ve both LX and LC. LX far more comfortable in daily use than LC, I.e. interior, ride, Lexus dealer exp etc. LC is great for mods.
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I share the same perspective. LX for “as is” use at most change to AT tires then leave it stock, that’s where the premium price comes in with all those factory designed and approved luxury features. The LC on the other hand is for us who are into modding, for wrenching, change this and that, that’s the unspoken truth of the LC (“there has to be a modded part of it” -why? Because it’s a Land Cruiser). 🍻
 
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