Opinions/Input on HE Purchase (1 Viewer)

[Specialeyes]

It’s real leather. Hell would have to freeze over before I buy another vehicle with fake leather.

Idk man, I was looking at GX460’s before swinging back over the the LC side of things and that NuLuxe stuff seems nice.

 

[1Maverick]

Idk man, I was looking at GX460’s before swinging back over the the LC side of things and that NuLuxe stuff seems nice.

They do seem nice, until your arse is sweating more because synthetic doesn’t breath and takes longer to cool the seats. When it’s freezing out, they also take longer to warm up. The summer here is hot and humid, so breathability is very important. If I lived where it never gets above the low 80’s, I would probably be fine with it but then again I prefer real leather. It just feels more comfortable as it ages.

 

[ToothDr]

Perforated leather on the HE vs semi aniline on the base

 

[bloc]

Putting protruding covers over the seat anchors isn’t the same as not having the anchors and holes in the first place. Personally I’d much prefer the clean body panels without. And the indentations in the panels for the retracting cargo cover.. something that simple can significantly reduce break-ins if you keep tools or anything in the vehicle full-time.

That said, some drawer systems use the seat anchors for mounting, so a few 2-row owners have had to come up with alternate solutions to bolt them down. So this could depend on your build plans.

What do you mean by more durable seating surfaces? Did the HE get different leather than the base cruiser?

In 2016 the base cruiser got semi-aniline leather like the LX and reports on this forum are that it seems less durable than the 08-15 cruiser stuff. The black leather with gold stitching in the HE seems to be the older material.

 

[1Maverick]

Putting protruding covers over the seat anchors isn’t the same as not having the anchors and holes in the first place. Personally I’d much prefer the clean body panels without. And the indentations in the panels for the retracting cargo cover.. something that simple can significantly reduce break-ins if you keep tools or anything in the vehicle full-time.

That said, some drawer systems use the seat anchors for mounting, so a few 2-row owners have had to come up with alternate solutions to bolt them down. So this could depend on your build plans.


In 2016 the base cruiser got semi-aniline leather like the LX and reports on this forum are that it seems less durable than the 08-15 cruiser stuff. The black leather with gold stitching in the HE seems to be the older material.

I personally don’t think this leather is from the older cruiser. I’ve had it and this leather feels better and more supportive. I literally sold that ‘08 because the leather to me just sucked. It felt like vinyl and my lower back was always unhappy after 100+ mile drive. The cruiser seats could use more support in general but my lower back has less issues then even my previous’19 200. Maybe the leather is thicker as to why it feels more supportive Granted, my wife X7 with full merino leather seats is heaven. Wish I could have those seats in my cruiser but again, those probably won’t last as long as my cruiser seats over time and abuse.

 

[Supra Turbo]

I'm assuming Heritage LCs are tied to a "Heritage" VIN? So theoretically, if someone does a full HE conversion, it can still be identified as original non-Heritage by the VIN.

 

[Tex68w]

See, we all have different tastes. I don’t like the tan/brown on white look. I’ve always preferred blacked out interiors with light colored exteriors. I also matched my body side molding on previous cruiser.

What are these block off plates you mention? I couldn’t find anything other then making my own tacky covers. I just never had use for the third row in the 200 as it was terrible, but that is one of the reasons we have an X7 as it’s great at people hauling. Adults are even comfortable in the 3rd row with their own climate control and sunroof and it’s not huge like an Escalade.

I would have preferred black leather as well but my wife won out but I do prefer the black plastics and headliners so it's a give and take. I also like that I paid $15K less for my base than an HE at the time. Kaon and Specialist 3D Products (both out of Australia) offer block off plates for the holes left by removing the jump seats. Both options offer a tie down ring as well. I prefer the cargo space provided without the seats and I would never use them as it is so out they came.

Putting protruding covers over the seat anchors isn’t the same as not having the anchors and holes in the first place. Personally I’d much prefer the clean body panels without. And the indentations in the panels for the retracting cargo cover.. something that simple can significantly reduce break-ins if you keep tools or anything in the vehicle full-time.

That said, some drawer systems use the seat anchors for mounting, so a few 2-row owners have had to come up with alternate solutions to bolt them down. So this could depend on your build plans.


In 2016 the base cruiser got semi-aniline leather like the LX and reports on this forum are that it seems less durable than the 08-15 cruiser stuff. The black leather with gold stitching in the HE seems to be the older material.

I had a two-row LX570, there is no difference in the space short of the floor mat once the seats are removed and the covers are in place. I added a $90 HE rubber mat and the covers and I am in business. I don't know of a single person who uses the cargo covers, they always come out of the car when new and go into storage where they either stay for eternity or get tossed back in when the vehicle is sold. You might be the first person I've met that prefers the cargo cover, I didn't think y'all existed haha.

 

[Tex68w]

Idk man, I was looking at GX460’s before swinging back over the the LC side of things and that NuLuxe stuff seems nice.

We've had Nu-Luxe in two of the three GX's we've owned and the Toyota branded stuff in our TRD Pro 4Runner and I was a fan of its durability and continued aesthetics after years of use and abuse. It does have a vinyl type feel when it comes to being hot or cold to the touch, but that's what ventilated and heated seats are for lol.

 

[Specialeyes]

I'm assuming Heritage LCs are tied to a "Heritage" VIN? So theoretically, if someone does a full HE conversion, it can still be identified as original non-Heritage by the VIN.

I believe so. Still see lots of dealers marking base models as HE’s on their listings but I just don’t think they know any better.

 

[Endurbro907]

I know myself well enough to know that I would have covered (bumpers over headlights/grill) or changed (wheels) out most of the stuff that makes the HE unique, so I went with a base. That being said, I would LOVE to not have that hideous chrome strip on the doors and I'm having a hell of a time finding a body shop to fill in the holes (don't like the look of wraps).

Would definitely consider your plans for the vehicle and make decisions based on that, money comes and goes and a few thousand doesn't sound like it'll effect your bottom line.

 

[1Maverick]

Off for a hike this morning and I love my Heritage

 

[Specialeyes]

I know myself well enough to know that I would have covered (bumpers over headlights/grill) or changed (wheels) out most of the stuff that makes the HE unique, so I went with a base. That being said, I would LOVE to not have that hideous chrome strip on the doors and I'm having a hell of a time finding a body shop to fill in the holes (don't like the look of wraps).

Would definitely consider your plans for the vehicle and make decisions based on that, money comes and goes and a few thousand doesn't sound like it'll effect your bottom line.

Aesthetics are definitely the primary reason I prefer a HE. It’s nice to have all that stuff done factory OEM.

 

[bloc]

I personally don’t think this leather is from the older cruiser. I’ve had it and this leather feels better and more supportive. I literally sold that ‘08 because the leather to me just sucked. It felt like vinyl and my lower back was always unhappy after 100+ mile drive.

Thanks, that’s good info.

I would have preferred black leather as well but my wife won out but I do prefer the black plastics and headliners so it's a give and take. I also like that I paid $15K less for my base than an HE at the time. Kaon and Specialist 3D Products (both out of Australia) offer block off plates for the holes left by removing the jump seats. Both options offer a tie down ring as well. I prefer the cargo space provided without the seats and I would never use them as it is so out they came.




I had a two-row LX570, there is no difference in the space short of the floor mat once the seats are removed and the covers are in place. I added a $90 HE rubber mat and the covers and I am in business. I don't know of a single person who uses the cargo covers, they always come out of the car when new and go into storage where they either stay for eternity or get tossed back in when the vehicle is sold. You might be the first person I've met that prefers the cargo cover, I didn't think y'all existed haha.

I would use the cargo cover daily, basically any time I’m not on a trip. Probably in the minority.. but I’m definitely not the only one.

And the protruding anchors aren’t great.. both sides do interfere with the way I configure my cooler and sleeping pad.


My point isn’t that the HE is clearly superior.. but it does have some differences that can matter a lot for certain people. More than just a sticker job.

 

[Tex68w]

Thanks, that’s good info.



I would use the cargo cover daily, basically any time I’m not on a trip. Probably in the minority.. but I’m definitely not the only one.

And the protruding anchors aren’t great.. both sides do interfere with the way I configure my cooler and sleeping pad.


My point isn’t that the HE is clearly superior.. but it does have some differences that can matter a lot for certain people. More than just a sticker job.

Glad to know there's folks out there using the cargo covers, they couldn't be more useless for myself though. I don't find the anchors to be an issue at all, in fact, having the tie-downs is a perk for myself.

Again, this just proves that everyones needs and uses are different and you should buy for that first and foremost. I like a lot of the aesthetic features of the HE but I dislike some things as well and like most I'd likely end up removing the HE wheels in favor of the aftermarket leaving only the darker chrome, tinted headlights and lack of body side molding being the only attributes I'd gain from in the end.

 

[Specialeyes]

Glad to know there's folks out there using the cargo covers, they couldn't be more useless for myself though. I don't find the anchors to be an issue at all, in fact, having the tie-downs is a perk for myself.

Again, this just proves that everyones needs and uses are different and you should buy for that first and foremost. I like a lot of the aesthetic features of the HE but I dislike some things as well and like most I'd likely end up removing the HE wheels in favor of the aftermarket leaving only the darker chrome, tinted headlights and lack of body side molding being the only attributes I'd gain from in the end.

I never cared for cargo covers either. The one on my 4R has sat in my garage ever since I brought it home. Limo tint works wonders. 5% on all except for the driver/passenger where I went with a still illegal 15% lol. You aren’t seeing what’s inside that’s for sure, only drawback is when night driving it’s equally difficult to see out.

 

[stonepa]

It’s real leather. Hell would have to freeze over before I buy another vehicle with fake leather.

I have to say, if i could get cloth or the equivalent of MB-Tex in my LC i would take it in a heart beat. Leather seats just don’t last. The cloth and MB Tex will outlast the vehicle with little to no wear.

 

[bloc]

I have to say, if i could get cloth or the equivalent of MB-Tex in my LC i would take it in a heart beat. Leather seats just don’t last. The cloth and MB Tex will outlast the vehicle with little to no wear.

Agreed.

 

[Tex68w]

Should my 200 stick around long enough for the front seats to wear out and I can't find a replacement leather seat cover then I'll likely end up replacing the fronts Scheel-mann's.

 

[ToothDr]

I have to say, if i could get cloth or the equivalent of MB-Tex in my LC i would take it in a heart beat. Leather seats just don’t last. The cloth and MB Tex will outlast the vehicle with little to no wear.

The cloth seats in 1993 80 series still look like new

 

[Tex68w]

The cloth seats in 1993 80 series still look like new

Agreed, I miss those retro cloth seats in our 80.