New LC Purchase: 2011 or 2013?

[SeaHunt]

Here in the North East seems to be a lot 2013 models available and still a handfiul of 2011s. After a few calls and some research, looks like a 2013 for $70k or a 2011 for $60k is doable. What are folk's veiws on the extra $10k for 2013? Also, given that there seems to be a lot of LC's available versus other years, wonder how much room there is to go. I noticed LC leases advertised via Toyota for the 1st time I can remember, and the cap cost was based on I think $72k.

I have a 2008 4-Runner v8 Limited and owned a 1994 80 Series from 1999-2004.

Thanks in advance

 

[Salesguy101]

I only got 2k off then had them add about 5k on my trade so That is about 7k off my 2013 and I was happy with my deal. Probably could have got it for less. Why the heck would you want a 2011?

 

[tempestv8]

For the 10K savings, I'd go for the 2011 as there is no major mechanical changes for the 2013. The newer model is mainly redesigned front bumper, fog lamps, interior trim changes, etc.

The engine and transmission remain untouched.

So unless you must have some of the latest features like Trailer Sway Control (TSC) or the interior enhancements, there really isn't any real changes from the 2011.

New isn't necessarily always better, although Toyota do seem to have incorporated some nice features for 2013, at least on the Australian model, which is not the case in the USA. Specifically, I like the powered tail gate feature on the 2013MY Australian model, which was not available in the 2011MY.

 

[HotSpringsHog]

Same in my area. There are a few new 2013s sub $70k, then when you throw in the LX570, it makes the decision difficult. I want to hold out for a mid $60k 2013

 

[r3run33]

mid 60K may seem tuff; I'm also in the northeast and yes there are a few LC here but not sure if they are the color combo you want. I don't like any of the colors here which is why I still have my LX470. The toyota place near me has a white and a black one for sale and are very willing to deal on the price. Funny it seems the Lexus ones come with variable options and seem to be willing to deal also. Not sure why lexus is offering that radar cruiser/ crash avoidance thing as an option; its standard on the LC. I would go with the 13 if you find a color combo you like. Even though we say we will keep these vehicle till they die the re sale of the 13 will hold better and that 10K will be there.

 

[r3run33]

also those new airbags can save your life

 

[patrickfinley]

also those new airbags can save your life

What is the airbag difference 2011-2013 that would be life saving?



The 2013 is going to have the multi-terrain select knob, you would probably want to check that out to see if that is a feature you like. It's cool but would be up to you to decide if it's 10k cooler.

Does the 2011 have the pre-collision system or is it just the 2013?

Apparently the wood trim interior is nicer on the 2013's, it's a higher quality?

I'd bet dead of summer when the gas prices are insane, you could pick up a new LC for high 60's.

 

[SeaHunt]

I crawled around the 2013 at the NY Auto Show; yes the wood trim looks a lot better, but that folding wood trim compartment in the center console has a cheap feel to it (no heft and the mechanism for opening/closing). It's funny, but the one glaringly cheap part of my 4-runner is also the plastic compartment in the center console.

 

[HotSpringsHog]

I'd bet dead of summer when the gas prices are insane, you could pick up a new LC for high 60's.

Waiting until summer does sound like a better time to find a deal...

Here is a 2013 listed at $69k

Auto Trader ~ Dallas

 

[r3run33]

the 13 have standard knee airbags now; plus the radar crash avoidance thing.

 

[r3run33]

sorry forgot to add this on the Lexus the crash avoidance is not standard, very odd in my opinion. This is the biggest reason I have not purchased one yet; I was really surprised when the salesman was down playing that option. It may have its gimmick and it may not work completely to avoid a crash but if anything helps to save your life in a crash I want it

 

[elkaholic]

^ Once you experience the actions the crash prep takes, it is no longer a gimmick. About three weeks ago, I had someone pull out in front of me then come to a sudden stop. While I believe I have ample driving skills to have stopped in time, the 200 helps a lot.

The events were ..

• I hit the brakes, but the LC applied them harder than I had
• The seat belts cinched down significantly
• I'd swear the driver's seat moved down and back as well, but I cannot confirm this.

In short, the rig stopped in about half the distance I thought it would and had started the process of prepping for impact. Pretty doggone impressive from my standpoint.

The only thing I do not like about the system is what would have happened if I had somebody following me in typical Charlotte fashion (about a car length behind me). My guess is that I would have been hit ... hard ... in the rear. In similar situations in the past, I have modulated braking effort to give the person behind me ample time to brake and/or evade. It has worked admirably in two different occasions over the last 25 years ....

My $0.02

 

[flyfish4life]

^ The only thing I do not like about the system is what would have happened if I had somebody following me in typiocal Charlotte fashion (about a car length b ehind me). My guess is that I would have been hit ... hard ... in the rear. In similar situations in the past, I have modulated braking effort to give the person behind me ample time to brake and/or evade. It has worked admirable in two different occassions over the last 25 years ....

My $0.02

EXACTLY my thoughts...

 

[elkaholic]

EXACTLY my thoughts...

The flip side is if there is going to be a significant frontal impact, it is nice to have an invisible crew chief cinching down on things and prepping for impact ....

I still believe in driving out of most situations, but as I get older, I do realize my reaction times are slowing.

Hijack <off>

I voted with my $$ (and the bank's $$) in September and bought a 2013 instead of a 2011. The cost difference was minimal and there were enough interior upgrades that I thought the 13 was a better buy.

 

[r3run33]

thanks for putting the info in; I have not spoken or seen any vids of the system in work so thats why I mentioned the gimmick thing (only vid I seen was the volvo crash prevented which failed lol) I'm very happy to hear about your experience; this even puts more effort into my search or even persuading me to get that big white Land Cruiser (my wife using our garage; I have to park in the driveway)

 

[Carl L]

The 2008-2012 Land Cruisers have Active Headrests and Pre-tensioning seatbelts too. To be honest, I find the latter to be a touch intrusive. Having the option of Accident Radar for 2013 is certainly no bad thing, esp if it can be turned on/off.

Active safety on an LC is always going to be something that is compromised, given that it's a tall, 3 ton, body-on-frame 4x4. But passive safety on these 200s is absolutely tank-like, with rollover protection particularly improved over previous generations.