Quality differences from one year to another

[SWUtah]

Just wondering if anyone is seeing quality differences from one year 100 series to another year? Also is Toyota beefing up componets on the the LC every year and addressing problem issues like the starter, and exhaust manifolds. Are we seeing starter and exhaust manifold issues on 2004 and newer LC's?

Thanks for any insights

 

[FirstToy]

98 was solid but 99 is by far the worst year. They fixed everything after that.

 

[cruiser99]

And the source of this info???

 

[hoser]

There is a list of TSB's and some of them list new improved replacement part numbers. I would guess the later the year the better since they were built with those new parts from the factory. However, with the many changes in '03, it is possible the '02 was a better model. The big question is did quality drop when they changed the assembly plant away from Araco. Or was that just a rumor?

 

[dclee]

The big question is did quality drop when they changed the assembly plant away from Araco. Or was that just a rumor?

When did they do this? My `04 was built at Araco (though they did change the "Araco" text on the stickers, very plain now, not the cool blue logo like on my 80...).

 

[hoser]

Here's the thread...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=59530

 

[dclee]

Here's the thread...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=59530

Cool, 2005 model year or later. Looks like we got the last of the Araco stock! Now I don't feel so bad not having the newer VVTI engine. Uhh, well, not really...

 

[FirstToy]

And the source of this info???

just teasing SWUtah, he has a 99

 

[Gohawks63]

There's a TSB for the multi-function display for the '04 models. Apparently there's a new part number for the new screen. If it goes out, you better hope that you're still in warranty or you have an extended warranty.

The part alone costs $5000.

 

[a990dna]

The big question is did quality drop when they changed the assembly plant away from Araco. Or was that just a rumor?

I'm not sure they changed anything other than the name when Toyota acquired 56% share in Araco... now known as Toyota Auto Body Co.,Ltd. They are referenced in the table under the "Toyota Manufacturing Subsidiaries and Affiliates In Japan" in the following link.

As of March 2005:
http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/manufacturing/index.html

 

[tabraha]

I was pretty sure they moved the production to Tahara. Not sure about whether or not the Lexus variant was moved as well.

 

[Jim_Chow]

The May '06 issue of LC magazine has an 100-series factory tour. It says both Toyota and Araco make the LC 100 and LC 79 in the Yoshiwara plant. There are pics of 100 body panels being stamped from rolls of steel, bodies being laid on the chassis, a parking lot of chassis, workers installing the seats, final QC and the QC checklist, and a Mid East spec 100 and LC 79 rolling off the assembly line (100 has the emblem ornament that sticks up like on the old caddy sedans). It doesn't say that Yoshiwara is the only plant making 100's, nor does it show any pics of LX's but there is a LX in the reception area along w/ Lexus flags/emblems hanging on the walls of the factory.

 

[calamaridog]

Toyota Auto Body bought and merged with Araco in 2004. There is no such thing as Araco anymore, they gave it the Toyota Auto Body name.

Here is what they build:

http://www.toyota-body.co.jp/english/lineup/index.html

 

[Tinkerer]

I think some problems were fixed after '99, but some new problems appeared, whether due to quality issues or related to running design changes. (Just like any model run...)

Noticed a Lexus TSB TC001-05, "Fifth Gear Shudder", for 2004-2005 LX470 vehicles produced BEFORE VIN JTJHT00W#53553516. The fix is to remove tranny, replace tranny breather tube, and replace with new tranny.

Ouch.

 

[Ross IV]

so i would like to know what year is the best year. i know i open a can of worms with that. i am leary of new cars but would like to expand my collection and i like the look of this model.

 

[hoser]

Ross, there's basically 4 versions:
1) '98-'99
2) '00-'02
3) '03-'05
4) '06+

Each successive revision has significant changes, often better but also more complex. Pick the latest year of each revision to get the best of that particular category. There is no one "Bad" year. Though in regards to reliability, the '00+ had the improved 4 pinion front diff and the '03+ had the improved throttle position sensor. In regards to safety, the '00+ had VSC and ATRAC and the '03+ had the optional side curtain airbags.

I'd personally get the newest, best condition 100 I could afford.

 

[Ross IV]

good enough.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Ross, there's basically 4 versions:
1) '98-'99
2) '00-'02
3) '03-'05
4) '06+

Each successive revision has significant changes, often better but also more complex. Pick the latest year of each revision to get the best of that particular category. There is no one "Bad" year. Though in regards to reliability, the '00+ had the improved 4 pinion front diff and the '03+ had the improved throttle position sensor. In regards to safety, the '00+ had VSC and ATRAC and the '03+ had the optional side curtain airbags.

I'd personally get the newest, best condition 100 I could afford.

You could even separate them into 5 versions ('98-99, '00-02, '03, '04-05,'06+) in the sense that the '03 uses type IV ATF and has the ATF dipstick like the '98-02, but has the 5spd like the '04+ and doesn't have the nav problems of the '04. Anything '04+ uses WS ATF (shift timing different for different ATF), no dipstick.

 

[r3run33]

hey i will chime in on my 06 it sucks
mirror stopped wrking
sun roof rattle and grind when opening
rear hatch leak (2x's fix at dealer)
vsc lights keep coming on

as for my 99 it had 80k miles and then only thing that broke was the radio; i wish i had her back with good tires that thing was unstoppable. I read a post somewhere that the 130 lc is coming soon and i am definetly going for that one i want to dump this lx asap but nothing out there can take its place.

 

[2001LC]

Just wondering if anyone is seeing quality differences from one year 100 series to another year? Also is Toyota beefing up componets on the the LC every year and addressing problem issues like the starter, and exhaust manifolds. Are we seeing starter and exhaust manifold issues on 2004 and newer LC's?

Thanks for any insights

Interesting thread you started ~10 years ago SWUtah. Be interesting to see everyone's opinions with so much more history today.

Rule of thumb I learned in the 60's was buy third year of model production. Manufacture's finds issues by year two and corrects by year three. The LC is a ten year cycle, do they really keep improving.

For me I can say my 2001 (my 1st LC) is the best vehicle I've every owned. It is an unstoppable tank that is forgiving when I've pushed road condition or maintenance intervals. For the most part I've only needed to follow Toyota maintenance schedule. Not one drop of any fluid has every leaked, truly amazing. Has never used any oil between changes, how is this possible. Handle consistently like road condition are clear, best I've driven. Even at 14 years old, I'd not hesitate to drive coast to coast and looks like new.

I do consider getting into newer 100 (LC or LX); for the 5sp, lights, interior or VVTi.
But are they really improvements?
What is benefit to VVti?
Did Toyota/Lexus increase reliability, drivability or longevity???
Or did Toyota/Lexus just increase complexity and cost of ownership, and reduced reliability???

A friend, the most experienced (based on years) Lexus mechanic told me just before leaving Lexus: "The business has changed". That most all he did now was factory work (recall/warrantee). I asked why he thought this was the case and since when? His reply made senses: Retiring engineers that had the mission of excellence and the industries push to reduce Cost of Ownership (annual maintenance). He said post 2005 is where they started seeing this. Did the LC & LX line fall to these factors or are they the exception?

Back to OP question what say all.