new lc or lx?? what is the difference?

[Pitbull]

I noticed the Japanese LC mags have various auto height control ECU's (reasonably cheap, $100-150 range) so you don't have to finick around when you install a lift on your LX like Christo did. Some of the AHC ECU's claim quite a bit more extension.

I did read that the glass on the GX470 is thicker than on the Prado (noise reduction), and Toyota specially redesigned the wiper blades to further reduce noise. I heard (can't confirm) that the Lexus engines are hand picked (the smoothest ones go into the lexus, others go into the LC and 4runner). After riding in a new Toyota Crown Majesty w/ 3.0L V6 (probably the same V6 used in most toyotas), I couldn't even tell the engine was on. It was even quieter than riding in a new lexus ES. I think you can also get those headlight washers on the LX. They actually come standard on overseas LC's but from previous posts, not on USA LC's.

It seems a USA LC100 is the LC100 "VX Limited" version sold in Japan (the lowest version of the LC's sold), except w/ the leather seat option and dvd. The "G-selection" version (like the toyota "limited" versions sold here) comes w/ AHC STANDARD (still optional leather), but that at least closes the gap between the LC and LX in terms of features.

Good information. I've been looking at used LC/LX and have noticed some of the same things. engine seems quieter in the LX even though you know it is the same engine?? I don't know if it is the engine cover/insulation or the engine selection but it is noticeable. I've owned 3 Lexus vehicles and 4 Toyotas and the service is much nicer and more professional at Lexus, plus the service advisor doesn't change every other visit. Wish we could get all of the spec's that show the differences between vehicles, like paint quality, etc. if there is a difference? I don't know if it would make that much difference in the buying decision since it is very hard to find a used LC/LX that fits my buying criteria.

 

[macneill]

I must have a rare Toyota dealership. Mine treats me with respect and doesn't jack up the price becaue I drive a LC. I think I may be one of a few to actually roll in with a lift, 33s and winch, but none the less, they've been super professional. Just have to keep an eye on them from slapping on that dealership name license plate holder. An oil change is still under $30. Unheard of in Manhattan. As far as LX or LC, I personally didn't see spending an extra 10 grand for some leather, badging and lowrider kit. I actually thought the LC was pretty plush already, coming from a 10 year old pick-up with no A/C or power anything.

 

[NMuzj100]

The biggest advantage to shopping for a LX is that they have sold twice as many of them . If I was shopping I would consider both and take the best individual vehicle for my needs.

Is TC available on on 98 and 99 LXs?

 

[ryanjl]

I personally didn't see spending an extra 10 grand for some leather, badging and lowrider kit.

The leather is different in the LX.

Stereo is much better.

And the "lowrider kit" actually allows you to raise or lower the vehicle from the standard height (same height as a standard LC), basically giving you a lift for free.

If you bought brand new, however, I can see where $10K is kinda steep. On the used market, though, there's much less difference (depending on how old, of course).

Is TC available on on 98 and 99 LXs?

The TC on 98's and 99's is actually kinda a limited slip diff. Nothing special. If I was shopping now, I'd go with a 2000 or newer to get traction control and the 4 pinion front.

That, and, 99 and older is 6 years old now; most banks give s***ty interest rates to used vehicles older than 5 years.

 

[macneill]

Yeah, I did buy new. Wife couldn't justify the price difference either. Then again, she wanted a 996.

 

[tabraha]

haha, while she's shopping have her pic me up one too macneill

 

[Jim_Chow]

Used prices are very similar for the LC and LX. In some cases, the used LX costs less since people think it'll cost a lot more for LX dealer service (it does, of course!).

 

[calamaridog]

Used prices are very similar for the LC and LX. In some cases, the used LX costs less since people think it'll cost a lot more for LX dealer service (it does, of course!).

I found this to be true with the 96-97 LX 450 and 96-97 FZJ80 but not as close with the 98+. The 470's were about $5000+ more than similar year and mile 100's when I was looking.

Worth the cost if you want the nicer leather, stereo, and adjustable suspension...

 

[NMuzj100]

99 and older is 6 years old now; most banks give s***ty interest rates to used vehicles older than 5 years.

I got the financing for my 1998 LC at lendingtree.com. Great rates in an hour. I then called Capital One (who had offered a good rate) and they undercut the lowest bid by .25%. Ended up with 4% interest and a blank check in my hand the next day. Only took about 2 Hours total time and 15 minutes of work.

 

[Pitbull]

I got the financing for my 1998 LC at lendingtree.com. Great rates in an hour. I then called Capital One (who had offered a good rate) and they undercut the lowest bid by .25%. Ended up with 4% interest and a blank check in my hand the next day. Only took about 2 Hours total time and 15 minutes of work.

I heard they were fast but how did they get you the check so fast? Did you go with Capital One over the internet?

 

[Pitbull]

I found this to be true with the 96-97 LX 450 and 96-97 FZJ80 but not as close with the 98+. The 470's were about $5000+ more than similar year and mile 100's when I was looking.

Worth the cost if you want the nicer leather, stereo, and adjustable suspension...

Your right, I've been looking and it's close to $5K difference. It is hard to find the LC's. People tend to keep them forever.

 

[ryanjl]

The main LX's you can find are off lease ones, but, at 3 years old, they're still kinda steep for a used car.

 

[NMuzj100]

I heard they were fast but how did they get you the check so fast? Did you go with Capital One over the internet?

To get them to beat my best offer I gave them a call asked about their promise to beat any rate, faxed them a print out of the best offer and then gave them another call after they had the fax. The next day air for the check cost an extra $10. They sent me a blank check for up to $3,000 over what I requested so I could write out the check to the seller for exactly what I wanted. I was very impressed.

 

[LC2005LI]

Just Purchased... My .02

Just sealed the deal for a 2005 LC today and thought I would express the differences in sales and (my view) of both.

Sales:

THEN:
With our original (and still running) '97 LC, we had a very good sales experience from our dealer.

NOW:
My first stop was to the Lexus dealer. This was because I recently bought a MBenz from them (Rallye Motors - MB/BMW/Maybach/Acura/Lexus) and because my company and I have loved their showroom attitude. The showroom was IMHO very nice and the salesman candid about the (lack of) major differences between the two cars. That was appreciated greatly.

The Toyota dealer I went to also had good attitude. Knew the LC, and helped me out knowing I wasn't going to buy "that minute."

After-Sales:

Then:
Wonderful... If its warranty, my dealer will rent you a loaner at their expense. It may not be nice but it will get you where you want to go. Aft erthe warranty expired, I took it to a local gas station for service.

Rallye Motors:
From the years I know they also have a good service dept. although I never owned a lexus, I could tell it would be the same.



My decision was based on several factors:
1.) This is NOT a daily driver for us. It will be used for road trips, going to airports, dorm moves for my kids, summer camp, bad weather, etc. Our Grand Cherokee (as much as I HATE the damn car) is our daily driver when my wife and I are not using our other cars. If it were I would have thrown the Range Rover into the lineup without a doubt.
2.) I have to say, I am not an expert on cars, nor will I pretend to be. But I would like to think I know the difference between one and another. It seemed like the LC and LX was apples/apples NOT apples/oranges. I was able to get the same options in my '05 for each ( that I wanted) - NAV, DVD, Bluetooth. Dealer said they would add a wood kit, an option I passed up and gold emblems--ditto to that also.
3.) I HAVE ONE MORE TEENAGE GIRL YET TO BE OUT OF THE HOUSE!!! Without her, once again, I may have added the Range Rover to the list, but its not happening now. I would prefer her not getting a 63k Lexus dented when she could just as easily dent a 58k LC! Plus, the LC is a very nice car by all means.

So I signed the deal on a '05 LC. I am very happy with the choice. I opted for the NAV system, DVD (sorta got stuck w/ that) and side airbags (teenager in the car!). I hope this car serves me as well as our previous dependable '97 toyota!

 

[hoser]

Difference between LC and LX

I've compiled a list of differences between the LX and LC, no matter how small. I know some of the later year LC's came with the same options as the LX. Those who have both, please help me out here.

LX470 has:
AHC/AVS suspension all years (2006 LC has AHC)
Different front headlights (projector beam lens), High beams are multi–reflector type
Different tail lights and wheel design
Body Cladding and chrome trim panel around license plate
No available diff. locks (opt. on LC 98-99)
Rear LSD (98-99)
Nakamichi or Mark Levinson Stereo
Automatic Climate Control
Std wood trimming
Heated Seats standard (opt. on LC?)
Retractable Side View Mirrors, lowers in Reverse too
Better sounding horn
Power Telescoping/Auto Steering wheel tilt
Different Instrument Cluster
Memory seats
Better grade leather
Better cabin sound dampening material
Actual pockets on the back of the front seats (LC has netting)
In-cabin air filters std. (some later year LC's can't be fitted with one)
4 year/50K mile warranty on the LX (LC has 3 year/36K)
Auto Dim Rear View Mirror all years (LC 2003+?)
Homelink all years (LC 2000+)
Rain sensing wiper system (2003+)
Std Rear AC on 98 (99+ LC's had rear AC)
Optional illuminated running boards 2003 (std on 2004+)
Opt. Color matched roof rack (03+)
Opt. Lexus Link System (03-04 only)
Opt. Night View System (2003+)
Parking Assist (2004+)
Moonroof std (2000+)
Only LX had wood steering wheel option?
Auto up/down window on all windows (LC has it on later models only)
Extra insulated windshield

 

[LC2005LI]

Automatic Climate Control
Heated Seats standard
Power Telescoping/Auto Steering wheel tilt
Different Instrument Cluster
Memory seats
Better cabin sound dampening material
In-cabin air filters std
Auto Dim Rear View Mirror all years
Homelink all years
Std Rear AC
Illuminated running boards
Parking Assist - NAV does this
Moonroof
NAV-OPT
RSES-OPT

All of these were standard... As for the headlights, they looked the same to me...

I know there is a difference between the RSES on the LX/LC, however as I got "stuck" with it on the 2005 I bought, I don tthink it would matter much...

Seemed to me the differnces were very small indeed...

 

[Wilesy]

With the exception of the hydro-shobs, everytjing else is the same. Transmission,torsion bars, suspension,engine, etc.
Very hard for me to find the extra $11K !!

$11K !!!!

Over here, the TLC retails for $67k drive away in V8 Auto with all associated costs on road, where as the LX470 is a whopping $125K drive away....

$58,000 more......

 

[rule303]

I agree the LX is nicer in many ways. I'd rank the top three advantages as being dealer service, Interior quality, and telescoping steering wheel. Minor stuff though. In a used 100 they still cost $3000 plus more. So I bought a LC. I really just prefer saying I drive a Land Cruiser rather than saying a LX470, then having to explain what that is to people. Plus I didn't want the Lexus image, although there's nothing wrong with it. Land Cruiser just sounds more rugged than Lexus LX470! I think bling when I say Lexus, not off road prowess.
I'm 0-2 with Toyota dealerships. The first dealer was very nice but incompetent. Screwed up at least three things I asked them to do when I took it in for service. The second dealer's service dept.
were trying to rip me off big time doing unecessary repairs. I hope never to see a Toyota dealer again. Mine is out of warranty and I'd never buy a new one just from my dealings with them. My brother has had at least two bad dealings with them in the past while trying to buy a vehicle. Both times he showed up to pick up his vehicle and they changed the deal at the last minute. He ended up buying American both times.

 

[Kanab]

Two big reasons for your vehicle to be able to raise up and down:


2. Giving grandma a ride.

Your a genius, I wonder if I can sell this to my wife, I want a LX470 bad and my Mom is in her 80's and needs help when she gets in and out of a car I would be a good son if I bought a LX470 to make life easier on Mom

 

[tabraha]

Automatic Climate Control
Heated Seats standard
Power Telescoping/Auto Steering wheel tilt
Different Instrument Cluster
Memory seats
Better cabin sound dampening material
In-cabin air filters std
Auto Dim Rear View Mirror all years
Homelink all years
Std Rear AC
Illuminated running boards
Parking Assist - NAV does this
Moonroof
NAV-OPT
RSES-OPT

All of these were standard... As for the headlights, they looked the same to me...

I know there is a difference between the RSES on the LX/LC, however as I got "stuck" with it on the 2005 I bought, I don tthink it would matter much...

Seemed to me the differnces were very small indeed...

The differences between the 05 LC and the LX are indeed very little now, as the $7k (7% also interestingly enough) difference reflects. The older the LC, the more options the similar LX had that it did not. The LC has had most of the little trinkets it was missing added throughout it's lifespan; just a few years later.

As for the list of things that were "also standard" on the newly purchased '05 I would say that they are still not the same. You just failed to notice the difference. The headlights are definitely not the same. This shocked me when you said you didn't notice the difference. They're not even in the same league. The LC headlamps are no better than those in my Tacoma whereas the LX has ALOT better beam. If you notice those are some pretty nice projectors in the LX. Also, the extra sound dampening is still exclusive to the LX. Another would be the power tilt/telescoping wheel; I don't believe the LC has this linked to the memory seats nor does it employ the Lexus only auto retract feature. The instrument cluster is also very different and in no way shape or form the same. Most folks on this board don't care too much about that kind of stuff (certainly not the reason I bought my LX) but just making sure others that read the thread understand that the differences are DEFINITELY there, even for the '05 model year.


In conclusion; WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!! Also, for cryin' out loud park the Grand Cherokee and enjoy the CRUISER!!! Sounds like a VERY nice ride.