Question for the group about LC200 Heritage

[usnbmbtk]

Apologies in advance if this has been covered... Coming in hot from the 4Runner world and looking to upgrade.

Is there a specific VIN code denoting the LC200 Heritage Edition? Wanting to pull the trigger on a 2020 or 2021 model. I found one locally and ALMOST got burned by someone just slapping some badging on it. I've been scouring the net and cannot find anything specific. Outside of badging and BBS wheels are there other unique features to look for that wouldn't be on the base? TIA!

 

[cboyd]

We’ll others with more definitive answers can post up, but I would have thought all ‘21 and ‘22 are HE.

No third row install would be a big clue. HEs don’t have third row installed, so there shouldn’t be any mounting holes for the seats.

 

[CharlieS]

No specific vin code that I am aware of.

Bronze accent stitching on the seating surfaces, plus black interior with a black headliner are unique to the heritage edition.

 

[CharlieS]

We’ll others with more definitive answers can post up, but I would have thought all ‘21 and ‘22 are HE.

No third row install would be a big clue.

No, they still had the "base", non-heritage edition in '20-21. They also had third row seating as an option for the HE in '21.

 

[MikeVpdx503]

I believe lack of cold box in the center console was also unique to the HE, whereas all base models ’21 & ‘22 had it. But not a great way to tell when researching a non-local purchase…

 

[LTSR]

No fridge on the HE as well. retrofitting one isn't easy, so that's an easy way to separate an HE vs base.

 

[goldwater58]

The most sure fire way to spot an HE (from the inside at least) is the bronze stitching on the leather.

 

[HSTexan]

As mentioned the best ways to tell from the interior would be lack of cool box in the center console and bronze stitching. From the exterior the HE will not have chrome door mouldings on the lower part of the door

You can also go to the Toyota website and enter the VIN and it can provide you the build sheet and it should say "HERITAGE" under the grade section

Toyota VIN Decoder - Find Vehicle Specifications By VIN | Toyota.com

Discover your Toyota's unique history with our VIN decoder. Enter your VIN to access valuable information like the year it was built, color, technical specifications, optional equipment, and more.

www.toyota.com

 

[Omega3651]

Not true.
Toyota made 3 row Heritage Editions.
The bronze stitching, the lack of a cool box, different headlight surrounds and a different grill in addition to the lack of the Chrome Door moulding.
The last year of production 2021 saw 3 row Heritage Editions in the rare colors of Gray and Silver.

 

[CharlieS]

It'd be easy enough to "fake" grille, headlights, badges, rims, and even to weld over door holes and repaint (if sufficiently motivated).

It'd be complex and cost prohibitive to swap in bronze trimmed interior surfaces. It'd be somewhat ridiculous to replace the interior pillar trim, hatch trim and headliner with the black colored stuff (only available on the terra on the base). Putting in a cool box has been priced out and it would also be expensive enough to be unusual for someone to take that step.

If it doesn't have a cool box and does have bronze stitiched leather, you're probably looking at a HE. If it doesn't have third row seating or the mounting points, you're probably looking at an HE (but as several of us have pointed out, third row seating was an option in '21, so you might find a HE with third row).

Opinions vary, but I suspect you'll pay a premium for the "special" model, and not get a whole lot more to show for it. The "base" is top spec everywhere else in the world...

 

[Umbrarian]

In addition to what has been said, should come with the Yakima Basket.

 

[04UZJ100]

Black interior black headliner. Sure Fire way.

 

[Cincodemustache]

Black interior black headliner. Sure Fire way.

This.

 

[Madtiger]

Not useful, but HE has “rougher” leather grain.

 

[greynolds]

Checking the VIN seems like the best option, but lack of the cool box (which was a big plus for me) would also be pretty definitive.

 

[Gr8Daneger]

HE’s have in addition to the vin:

-Bronze forged BBS wheels, with black lug nuts

-Blacked out headlights

-Black chrome front fascia

-Unique Grill

-Unique and black painted side mirrors

-D pillar badge

-Chrome door trim delete

-Running board delete

-Yakama roof rack

-Non-Aniline leather

-Bronze stitching on interior

-Blacked out head liner

-Cooler box delete

-2020 third row delete, 2021 with third row

-All weather mats

-2020 have a unique rear coil

 

[desmocruiser]

I have noticed many non HE’s listed as HE’s, this is typically due to dealer ignorance when they input a vin a get a drop down box to choose between 2 models (remember they aren’t on every forum pouring through intimate details of every car made) and the system doesn’t recognize a vin distinction and they just click the first or default.

Being said, what are the specific features of an HE model are you in search of if it has enough features (BBS, badging, headlights, grille, etc.) to be a good fake?

When I purchased my 20’ HE I wanted the BBS wheels and didn’t want the third row, the badging, all black interior and molding delete was a nice bonus, but not a deal breaker.

 

[prwillard2]

From the exterior the HE will not have chrome door mouldings on the lower part of the door

This right here is the easiest way from outside. If it's got chrome accents (many will wrap them vehicle color) it's not a Heritage.

See mine for example with no chrome:

 

[CharlieS]

I wanted the black interior/black headliner and pillar trim as well as the third row delete, but I failed to close the deal on a HE when they were available new. The rest of the HE package was of no interest to me, personally. I spoke with Eric S, and the only other way to get the black headliner was with a Terra interior, which isn't my cup of tea. I'd still like one, but the pricing on them has gotten out of hand.

 

[Omega3651]

Here is an example of a Gray 21 Heritage Edition. Notice the difference in the grill, wheels, headlights and side view mirror in addition to the lack of chrome moulding and side steps.
That one is also a 3 row version.