Opinions on 2016-2020 LC/LX570

[Hokie99]

My wife is ready for a newer car as her Yukon XL is 14 years old. It has been a great family car and I would buy one again but the bad press on the newer Yukon’s are not promising with transmission, electrical, and even frame issues.

I’m a Toyota/Lexus guy at heart so I am pulling for a 200 series.

We are specifically looking at the 2016+ models of the LC and LX.

Any knowledge on the 8 speed transmissions would be great in regards to reliability or lack there of as well as anything else to look for.

Thank you.

 

[JohnPW]

Welcome. Lots of threads on 2016+ LC's and LX's, search function is your friend. Bottom line, there are not many negatives in terms of reliability and function. I moved from a Tahoe to a 2016 LC and love it as a daily driver, family vehicle, camping platform and a tow vehicle for a 21' boat. The 8 speed is great; be aware that there is a flash upgrade available on 2016's that smoothed out the shifting...this wasn't widely known so some 2016's still haven't had the software upgrade, available at any toyota dealer. Newer models don' t need the update.

Be aware of the size difference of the LC versus what you're coming out of. A LC is significantly smaller in terms of storage space and interior volume versus a Tahoe or Sequoia. If you don't need the space, you will love the LC.

 

[Sandroad]

Just pick the color and enjoy the ride. They are a no worries kind of vehicle if you are looking at '16+ and they will easily go for another 14 years. Just the usual history/care/PMI kind of thing for purchase.

 

[Hokie99]

The size difference does concern me but the newer GM stuff is just not good at all and my wife is turned off by the look of the Ford/Lincoln Expedition/Navigator.

At the end of the day there isn’t much else out there that will hold up for 20 years and has good storage....

Thanks for the quick replies.

 

[Madtiger]

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford. Not sure about LX, but LC saw significant changes in 2018.

2018+ Land Cruiser: KDSS bolt change, automatically power-folding outside mirrors, late-2018s have new radiator design, powered lift gate, non-mandatory rear entertainment, newer transmission software (flashable on 2016-2017), and new key design.

 

[LCtwohundred]

Get the latest model (assuming rust free) as you can afford.

I kind of feel like the opposite is true for the 200 series. You can get a 10 year old car that is really quite similar to a brand new one. But instead of losing 30k in the coming 5 years, you'll lose almost no money to depreciation. And because of reliability, other cost are minor. I considered newer models, but settled on a 2013 and will use the savings for upgrades and trips in the future.

I'd feel different if there was a 300 series with meaningful upgrades out already though.

 

[9OH1]

Welcome. Lots of threads on 2016+ LC's and LX's, search function is your friend. Bottom line, there are not many negatives in terms of reliability and function. I moved from a Tahoe to a 2016 LC and love it as a daily driver, family vehicle, camping platform and a tow vehicle for a 21' boat. The 8 speed is great; be aware that there is a flash upgrade available on 2016's that smoothed out the shifting...this wasn't widely known so some 2016's still haven't had the software upgrade, available at any toyota dealer. Newer models don' t need the update.

Be aware of the size difference of the LC versus what you're coming out of. A LC is significantly smaller in terms of storage space and interior volume versus a Tahoe or Sequoia. If you don't need the space, you will love the LC.

I would echo JohnPW comments. We downsized from an ‘08 Sequoia to a ‘18 LC. I believe the engine and transmissions were essentially the same between the sequoia and LC within the same model years.(I could be wrong and I’m sure there will be no hesitation in correcting me which would be great if I am) But our 8 speed ‘18 LC with 50k miles is absolutely butter smooth compared to our 6 speed in the Sequoia. If you wantinterior space, something new and practical for moving people I’d recommend, dare I say it, the Telluride. But for something that you’ll absolutely love, an incredibly solid feel, dependable, capable and fairly unique I’d recommend the LC. For me, there isn’t a better feeling SUV to drive than the LC. Good luck in your search.

P.s. This was bought for my wife, she’s the penny pincher and the daily driver of it, she doesn’t really care to much about vehicles but absolutely loves her LC and will never give it up.

 

[ERC4]

I kind of feel like the opposite is true for the 200 series. You can get a 10 year old car that is really quite similar to a brand new one. But instead of losing 30k in the coming 5 years, you'll lose almost no money to depreciation. And because of reliability, other cost are minor. I considered newer models, but settled on a 2013 and will use the savings for upgrades and trips in the future.

I'd feel different if there was a 300 series with meaningful upgrades out already though.

I absolutely agree. I've had a 2010 and still have a 2013 and a 2017. The automotive landscape has progressed much faster than the LX/LC world. Thus, we were happiest with our 2010, happy with our 2013 and consider the 2017 a mistake. I'd buy the oldest year that has the safety equipment you want.

 

[JohnPW]

I absolutely agree. I've had a 2010 and still have a 2013 and a 2017. The automotive landscape has progressed much faster than the LX/LC world. Thus, we were happiest with our 2010, happy with our 2013 and consider the 2017 a mistake. I'd buy the oldest year that has the safety equipment you want.

Curious as to why you view the 2017 as a mistake?

 

[hickuptruck]

I am exactly of that sentiment, the 200 platform is 13 years old now. Why buy a 2016-2020 when you get 99.99% the same experience in a 08-15.

 

[hickuptruck]

Curious as to why you view the 2017 as a mistake?

You're paying 2017 money for 2008 engineering advancement.

Yes, I've heard the argument of "you're getting a platform where there is all the aftermarket additions available, and where its tried and true", but how many 200-series buyers in the US are building a rig for world-expedition. Sure there are several, but the majority of use isn't for that.

 

[Madtiger]

If you tow or off-road or care about electronic nannies, then 2016+ has certain advantages over the older models. The 8-speed auto has significantly better gearing which is a good thing if you plan on towing or putting on bigger tires. In addition, the crawl ratio favors the 8-speed as well. I also think that the bumpers on the 2016+ LC (obviously not LX) allows for better approach and departure angles?

Of course, the safety nannies are improved on 2016+.

IMO, the styling for 2016+ LC/LX is more unique and less "Highlander-ish".

2016+ LC also gains semi-aniline leather of the LX and has better buttons arrangement than prior years.

 

[bloc]

Since it hasn't been mentioned yet most people really dislike the nav joystick "feature" on the 16+ LX. No touch screen, if I understand it correctly... all inputs from a little joystick/touchpad thing in the console. If you will take it off-road much the LX still has AHC but got worse approach and departure angles compared to earlier years due to bodywork changes, for the record.

Beyond that the mechanicals might be 95% similar, but 16+ brought large changes in styling and interior that make the vehicle "feel" significantly more modern. Yes, people will still complain that it doesn't have carplay (which can be added aftermarket).. but in my example I shelled out a premium to get a 13-15 cruiser over an 8-11 because they saw small updates like HID headlamps, ventilated seats, nav refresh, and something that makes a surprisingly large difference in day-to-day driving.. the MFI in the gauge cluster is colored vs monochrome. You look at that thing all. the. time. That single panel makes the vehicle feel less antiquated every time I drive it. I imagine the 2016 refresh is like that but amplified. Not to mention the opportunity to find one with less miles and wear/tear.

Also 16+ got larger front brakes on both models.

 

[slipkid13]

If you are looking at an LX test the infotainment system. I have '13 LX with the old style touch screen. I had a loaner with the new mouse/track ball think and I found it to be a PIA. I guess one would get used to it eventually but both systems are woefully outdated so I would go for the old touchscreen. Aside from stupidly bigger rims I don't think there is much difference between a 13 and a 16 or later.

 

[ERC4]

Curious as to why you view the 2017 as a mistake?
[/Qhe vast majority of the vehicle hasn't changed since the

Not only has the vast majority of the vehicle not changed since 2008 but some of the things that have changed have made it worse. The infotainment system is an example. The easy to use touchscreen on the 10 and 13 LX became a very frustrating system on the 17. We also drive with our headlights on all the time. On the 10 and 13 you were able to turn off the "you left your headlights on" buzzer. Not so on the 17 so as soon as you open your door here comes the annoying buzzer. These are just 2 examples. There's tons of stupid stuff that you won't pick up on in a 10 minute test drive. When you approach your locked vehicle you're unable to hit the "open rear hatch" button on the remote unless you've first hit the unlock button and then hit the open hatch button. This is no different than the 10 and 13 but come on, it's 2017. How tough is it to program it like a 2012 Mercedes so you can open your vehicle with one button on the remote? Or how about a kick underneath the rear bumper like a 2017 Chevy? After we made our 2017 purchase it really hit me how little money Toyota and Lexus have put into the 200 series since 2008.

 

[04UZJ100]

Not only has the vast majority of the vehicle not changed since 2008 but some of the things that have changed have made it worse. The infotainment system is an example. The easy to use touchscreen on the 10 and 13 LX became a very frustrating system on the 17. We also drive with our headlights on all the time. On the 10 and 13 you were able to turn off the "you left your headlights on" buzzer. Not so on the 17 so as soon as you open your door here comes the annoying buzzer. These are just 2 examples. There's tons of stupid stuff that you won't pick up on in a 10 minute test drive. When you approach your locked vehicle you're unable to hit the "open rear hatch" button on the remote unless you've first hit the unlock button and then hit the open hatch button. This is no different than the 10 and 13 but come on, it's 2017. How tough is it to program it like a 2012 Mercedes so you can open your vehicle with one button on the remote? Or how about a kick underneath the rear bumper like a 2017 Chevy? After we made our 2017 purchase it really hit me how little money Toyota and Lexus have put into the 200 series since 2008.

You don’t buy a Land Cruiser or LX for modern features, creature comforts, or gimmicky Knick knacks. Period.

 

[JohnPW]

I bought my 2016 used and love it. I test drove the pre 2016 trucks on multiple occasions & felt the interior (as well as the exterior) was nicer on the 2016. I Really value the safety stuff and 360 degree cameras on 2016+ as well. I wish climate had more dedicated buttons vs a menu on screen but I leave it on auto anyway and just adjust the target temperature. Carplay is lacking and would make the vehicle more future proof. I couldn’t care less about the endless “convenience features” on MB and domestic SUV’s...fewer things to break down the line. Biggest gripe is mileage plus small tank.

 

[ERC4]

You don’t buy a Land Cruiser or LX for modern features, creature comforts, or gimmicky Knick knacks. Period.

Funniest reply I've seen in awhile. Yeah, people buying these just wouldn't stand for modern features, creature comforts or that gimmicky knick knack Apple CarPlay.

 

[Chewbacca]

Funniest reply I've seen in awhile. Yeah, people buying these just wouldn't stand for modern features, creature comforts or that gimmicky knick knack Apple CarPlay.

You're in luck. The market for used 200s is extremely strong. You can probably sell yours for what you paid for it, or close to it.

 

[bloc]

Funniest reply I've seen in awhile. Yeah, people buying these just wouldn't stand for modern features, creature comforts or that gimmicky knick knack Apple CarPlay.

All of us knowingly bought ours without CarPlay...