Pondering Upgrading from a 2000 to a 2015+...Maybe

[phillyd162]

Bought my 2000 LX470 13 months ago, serviced it extensively, and drove across country. But, making some upgrades, and as much as I love it, I'd prefer to have a newer model that's faster, fresher, with more features, etc. The 2000 is classic but slow, not as posh, etc. but I may still keep it also.

Started looking at 2013+ models. If I buy one, I'll likely do it on the east coast and drive back to Colorado again, but yesterday in Colorado did:


1. 2015 LX570 with 95k miles and Adaptive Cruise option (love). Loved it. Solid, smooth, crisp, no shakes, quick throttle. 20" Michelins, and the same wheels as on my 2000 LX470, just oozed roadtrip vibes.

I've mostly been focusing however on L-Certified 2016+ models with lower mileage for modern warranty, etc. to go with, and new look, so also drove...

2. 2016 LX570 with 37k miles and all options, HUD, etc. Used at a Toyota dealer, and not one I'd buy. Instant reactions. Loved the look. Didn't drive as well as the 2015. 8-speed was bulky and just couldn't seem to get the power down as sharply, and the ride was definitely more of a shake & jiggle. The 2015, first turn onto the street, I was "whoa, there's the power". The 2016 8-speed..."hmm, maybe it's just lazy?".


So...question. Am I feeling the right impression of a newer vs. older 200 series?

I'm going to drive a couple of other 2016+ models east coast, but the lazy balky 8-speed and super jiggly ride on 21's just didn't impress me how the 2015 did. Should I look for a newer one wiht 20's swapped on and does the 8-speed vary in feel, that much, vs. the 6-speed that felt far more effortless?

 

[Madtiger]

So you are determined to get LX? How about Land Cruiser? Smaller rims help.

 

[phillyd162]

So you are determined to get LX? How about Land Cruiser? Smaller rims help.

LX all the way. Not off roading, and dollar for dollar, the LX just offers a lot more for either the same…or less.

I think the 21’s will have to go, regardless, but curious on the 6-speed vs 2016+ 8-speed too.

 

[ATwoZ]

Don't know the later models as well, but I think what you're experiencing is mainly the change in transmission from 6 to 8 speed. Otherwise, when it comes to driving etc, not a ton of change. I'd agree with LX being the way to go...even if you were off-roading, unless you're going absolutely crazy, toss somee 33s on with minimal issue, a 10mm AHC lift and you're good to go. No it doesn't 'say' Land Cruiser, but it will perform the same (and more comfortably).

I think there's plenty of 'opinions' on the later LX when it comes to the front-end more than anything- that's your own personal preference.

So aside from the change in transmission, look for one CO or west to avoid salt/rust issues. Looks like you're looking at lower mileage anyway, but two common issues that seem to crop up around 100k are radiator going out and the starter failing. Plenty of documentation on here about that, and many that have replace proactively.

 

[phillyd162]

Don't know the later models as well, but I think what you're experiencing is mainly the change in transmission from 6 to 8 speed. Otherwise, when it comes to driving etc, not a ton of change. I'd agree with LX being the way to go...even if you were off-roading, unless you're going absolutely crazy, toss somee 33s on with minimal issue, a 10mm AHC lift and you're good to go. No it doesn't 'say' Land Cruiser, but it will perform the same (and more comfortably).

I think there's plenty of 'opinions' on the later LX when it comes to the front-end more than anything- that's your own personal preference.

So aside from the change in transmission, look for one CO or west to avoid salt/rust issues. Looks like you're looking at lower mileage anyway, but two common issues that seem to crop up around 100k are radiator going out and the starter failing. Plenty of documentation on here about that, and many that have replace proactively.

Excellent to know, thanks!

2015 with 95k miles I drove in Denver was perfect on road, enjoyable.

2016 I’m looking at is Certified with 66k in Ohio, and another Certified 2017 with 67k in Delaware. Loved the 2015 but I’d prefer newer to still get the Certified perks.

Delaware dealer has both a 2018 with the standard 20” wheels and the CPO 2017 with 21’s. Planning to drive both this week. If it rides better with the 20’s, that makes sense, but also need to see what the 8-speed is like in other examples.

 

[ATwoZ]

Excellent to know, thanks!

2015 with 95k miles I drove in Denver was perfect on road, enjoyable.

2016 I’m looking at is Certified with 66k in Ohio, and another Certified 2017 with 67k in Delaware. Loved the 2015 but I’d prefer newer to still get the Certified perks.

Delaware dealer has both a 2018 with the standard 20” wheels and the CPO 2017 with 21’s. Planning to drive both this week. If it rides better with the 20’s, that makes sense, but also need to see what the 8-speed is like in other examples.

Makes sense for sure... I definitely understand the CPO thing, but in the realm of all the vehicles out there, the Land Cruiser/LX is probably the least likely to need that continued warranty. You'll pay a premium for it, so if it gives you peace of mind that's great, but otherwise, check dealer history, service records etc and know this is one of the most reliable vehicles made. If this were a CPO BMW/Mercedes etc it'd be a different story.

Given your situation that you're less focused on off-roading you may want to ping the peeps at Club Lexus as well and get their thoughts.

 

[phillyd162]

Makes sense for sure... I definitely understand the CPO thing, but in the realm of all the vehicles out there, the Land Cruiser/LX is probably the least likely to need that continued warranty. You'll pay a premium for it, so if it gives you peace of mind that's great, but otherwise, check dealer history, service records etc and know this is one of the most reliable vehicles made. If this were a CPO BMW/Mercedes etc it'd be a different story.

Given your situation that you're less focused on off-roading you may want to ping the peeps at Club Lexus as well and get their thoughts.

Very true. Appreciate it

 

[Madtiger]

Makes sense for sure... I definitely understand the CPO thing, but in the realm of all the vehicles out there, the Land Cruiser/LX is probably the least likely to need that continued warranty. You'll pay a premium for it, so if it gives you peace of mind that's great, but otherwise, check dealer history, service records etc and know this is one of the most reliable vehicles made. If this were a CPO BMW/Mercedes etc it'd be a different story.

Given your situation that you're less focused on off-roading you may want to ping the peeps at Club Lexus as well and get their thoughts.

If the one he buys has a rough ride or rough transmission or rusty underneath (and he still wants to buy it), then CPO makes a whole lot of sense because an AHC issue(s) or transmission issue easily pays for the CPO cost.