New member; Intro and questions

[firetruck41]

Lexus or LC doesn't matter, just get one with the features you want and in good condition. I was looking for a 80 series LC and ended up with a Lexus LX450, because it was in the best condition and the price was cheaper than 80% of similar LC's around here, then I did the same thing again when looking for a 100 series. Ended up with 2 LXs, and am happy with them, I could care less which badge they had, they are built in the same plant, just have a couple extra features.

 

[LXPearl]

Get a 100 and don't ignore the LX. The prices vary significantly on LC and LX. I ended up with the LX from a Lexus dealer and got the CPO - good value. Lexus dealers make it right getting it ready too. 2 of the 3 Lexus dealers I dealt with were very straight on the condition of the vehicles, showed the history, and looked for win-win deals. The 3rd one I likely had a salesman that was weary from a busy day and was not much help to me in late afternoon.

I did not see prices on equivalently equipped LC and LX to be $7K difference - even new. I saw about 3-5K new and variable on the used market - some higher some lower.

 

[spressomon]

Welcome Gray Matter. I made the same decision almost a year ago...and even with gas prices the way they are and going...it has been an incredible vehicle.

Don't know where you are located but I noticed a few lower mileage, clean LC/LX's in the San Francisco Chronicle want-ads a few weeks ago...if you are in the West it might pay you to get the Sunday Chronicle each week...

 

[tabraha]

That Rubi's got some good lookin' mods. The only mod that bugs me is the air vent coming out of the luggage rack. That's a bit much.

lmao...

Thanks, I'll be here all week.

 

[ZJ2UZJ100]

I think you may have already made up your mind. So this might not matter. But if you are on the fence....here's a comparison

I used to drive a '96 V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee ("ZJ"). And my wife drove a '94. When hers got a little rough, and funds allowed, we switched her to the 2000 Toyota "UZJ100". (Thus the "ZJ2UZJ100" handle.)

I held onto the '96 ZJ for another 4 years. I had TLC envy every time we would hop into her car for cruising around on the weekends. Advantages were the handling of IFS on the highway, much lower drivetrain noises, luxury interior versus ZJ's "plasticy" feel, more cargo space (spare under vehicle), better audio 4.7L is adequate vs. the 5.2L JZ. Not much advantage in MPG though. Basically, the TLC is comes stock with beyond what you could get from the loaded Jeep GC, and more space to boot.

We don't go rock-crawling, but we spend a good deal of the summer aired down on the beaches of Cape Cod. I must say the TLC leaves nothing behind compared to the ZJ. Gives us an extra row of seats for guests if we stuff all the towels and cooler into the Thule. We haven't ever needed lockers (ZJ or UZJ100). Have tested both vehicles in deep snow and both are great; only tires could make the difference.

Auto Ride Height (Lexus), lockers, & other mods might help you if you go rock crawling or on muddy trails. We don't need them. Bone stock works for our ventures.


Weekend trips usually include:
2 adults + 2 kids
1 lab (crated for long rides) with the 3rd row folded out of the way + assorted baggage.
Thule Evolution on the stock roof rails for luggage for week-long trips.
Bike rack inserted into hitch receiver.

Trips to the dump after Christmas week included
1 adult. 2nd row folded down, 3rd row removed and a poo-load of poo crammed into the cavernous rear end. Daddy's tunes cranking in the 6-CD player.

Go for it. Just ask when the last time the starter motor or starter contacts were replaced...


PS. When my ZJ got a little too old and worn for taking customers to lunch, I jumped to an Audi allroad. Had enough of the tall SUV for day-to-day. When I need that, I just trade cars with wifey for the day. Some day I might come back to the Jeep ZJ's for radical mods and offroad projects. Both are still in the family.