Questions about Buying a Used Land Cruiser

[geneva54]

I currently have a 2012 Sequoia with 185k miles on it. I love the Sequoia and plan on keeping it.

I want to buy a newer SUV. I rented the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe. They are alright but have known issues.

So I have been looking at used Land Cruisers with less that 40k miles on them. There are not many listed in Ca so would probably have to
buy out of state and have shipped here.

Are there any years better than others? They all look about the same to me except for the colors. I like the interior of the 2016 and up versions.

I think the engine on the Land Cruiser has the same issue as the Sequoia with the SAIS system which I will just have to deal with.
Are there any other known issues?

 

[Madtiger]

2018 and up if you have the $$$.

2016-2017 are excellent. 2018+ have a few minor improvements that may be worthwhile (such as AUTO power folding mirrors, soft closing tailgate, latest automatic transmission programming, and revised KDSS bolt).

KDSS bolt...what is it? See: New KDSS valve bolts

 

[grinchy]

I currently have a 2012 Sequoia with 185k miles on it. I love the Sequoia and plan on keeping it.

I want to buy a newer SUV. I rented the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe. They are alright but have known issues.

So I have been looking at used Land Cruisers with less that 40k miles on them. There are not many listed in Ca so would probably have to
buy out of state and have shipped here.

Are there any years better than others? They all look about the same to me except for the colors. I like the interior of the 2016 and up versions.

I think the engine on the Land Cruiser has the same issue as the Sequoia with the SAIS system which I will just have to deal with.
Are there any other known issues?

I think there is a year difference thread up in the stickies. If not search it up.
Functionally the tranny was changed in 2016.
There are three gens and have cosmetic differences over time. Same engine and frame etc.
The tlc is generally about five years behind the Lx in convenience features.

 

[PatrickBateman]

2018+ key fobs are different also

 

[Madtiger]

2018+ key fobs are different also

yeah, i love the key fob! Toyota did good there to make you feel special when buying LC. (I am easily impress.)

 

[geneva54]

DSS

2018 and up if you have the $$$.

2016-2017 are excellent. 2018+ have a few minor improvements that may be worthwhile (such as power folding mirrors, soft closing tailgate, latest automatic transmission programming, and revised KDSS bolt).

KDSS bolt...what is it? See: New KDSS valve bolts

It looks like I will have to stay with 2016-17 since I don't want to go above 60k.

I saw the KDSS bolts and they seem to be part of the driveshaft and something that may have to be lubed every so often but what is their function?

 

[geneva54]

I'm not finding the difference sticky.

Has anyone had the problem with the LC going into the limp mode because of the SAIS issue on this engine?

Are the seats comfortable? Are they real soft leather?

 

[LCT]

I'm not finding the difference sticky.

Has anyone had the problem with the LC going into the limp mode because of the SAIS issue on this engine?

Are the seats comfortable? Are they real soft leather?

Here it is.

Model Year Differences, LC200 + LX570

For those in the market for a used LC200/LX570 (like myself), I figured I'd post the research I've done on model year differences. I'd appreciate the community's help correcting mistakes and filling in missing info. All data is for US-spec vehicles. This is the only other model year...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Madtiger]

KDSS bolt can adjust hydraulic pressure of the KDSS system by it, which i believe you mess with when you do a lift. In the older LC (before 2018), it was Allen head bolt...and if it rusts, then it was PIA to adjust. The protruding bolt makes it much easier. You need to grease it up to prevent rust whether you have new bolt or old.

Don’t see SAIS issue on this forum...but i am relatively new.

Seats are supremely comfy. 2016+ leather is the best out there, SEMI-ANILINE: Semi-Aniline Leather...what is it?

Exception: 2020 Heritage Edition does not use semi-aniline.

 

[M1911]

2016-2017 are excellent. 2018+ have a few minor improvements that may be worthwhile (such as power folding mirrors, soft closing tailgate, latest automatic transmission programming, and revised KDSS bolt).

Earlier Land Cruisers also have power folding mirrors (my 2013 does). I would skip the 2016 due to it being the first year for the 8-speed transmission.

 

[Madtiger]

Earlier Land Cruisers also have power folding mirrors (my 2013 does). I would skip the 2016 due to it being the first year for the 8-speed transmission.

2018+...when you lock the car, the mirrors fold automatically. For me, this is great because i know right away if i locked the car or not.

 

[KLF]

2018+ have a few minor improvements that may be worthwhile (such as power folding mirrors,

Not sure why this keeps getting posted. Power folding mirrors have been on these trucks since 2008 (I think). My '11 had them. I use them often with my '15. Maybe you mean "auto folding"?

Edit: whoa what a trifecta.

 

[geneva54]

Earlier Land Cruisers also have power folding mirrors (my 2013 does). I would skip the 2016 due to it being the first year for the 8-speed transmission.

Were their issues with the transmission during that year?

 

[PhuckItImDone]

Gotta say, I dont find the seats all that comfortable. I can never find myself comfy, now matter how I adjust. Especially over rides 5+ hrs

 

[grinchy]

Don’t see SAIS issue on this forum...but i am relatively new.

A few around, not that common. Bypass exists, takes a few hours to install, costs some $.

 

[684cruiser]

Were their issues with the transmission during that year?

I dont think so, dont let the "dont buy first year model" statement scare you away. Lots of members here with 2016s, if its a good deal get it, for instance my tundra is a 2014 first year of the new generation and its almost 100k no problems.

 

[grinchy]

yeah that was like 10 years into the production run . . . FYI miles is not the most important criteria for this purchase. service history and condition are prized more.

 

[CGP]

Were their issues with the transmission during that year?

just a different software setting. Any dealer can flash it to the current version. There is a TB on it.

 

[geneva54]

A few around, not that common. Bypass exists, takes a few hours to install, costs some $.

Yes I'm familiar with the bypass. Was looking at it for my Sequoia.

I wondering if maybe the valves are different since the LC is made in japan.

 

[M1911]

Were their issues with the transmission during that year?

Some early buyers weren't happy with the shift quality. Some folks said that they were happy after their transmission was flashed with an update. I think I read about one person here who had his transmission replaced, but I could be misremembering.