Soon to be a new owner of 2001 LX470

[udubfl]

Hey @katit, just started to read your thread. Hope you enjoy your LX! I will tell you from my own experience, you will have plenty of "things" to do with your LX. At least for me, it's been fun and a good experience of owning a LC.

I too is (still) from BMW world. I have owned 2002Tii, X5, E46 330IZHP, e90 M3, and now drive E30 318is along with my 2001 LC with nearly 180k miles. So, I have some comparison perspective. I would say that I work on my LC way more than any of my BMWs. Things do break or wear down but as previous post states, there's also plenty of preventative maintenance and upgrades you can do. Not much upgrades in engine/HP/power (compared to BMWs) but more with retrofitting your LX/LC with expedition/suspension/electronics/etc. In my world, I would say I have spent more time "fixing"/"baselining" my LC vs. upgrading. I am looking forward to getting to more upgrading after getting all the baselining complete.

One difference I noticed between BMW and LC/LX is replacement parts. In general, there's less options and more expensive to buy Toyota parts than BMW parts. Not exactly sure but perhaps its because LC/LX market is much smaller (small production numbers) than BMWs. So, you will find great small entrepreneurs in the LC/LX world filling in the gaps.

You may want to hit up your local Toyota dealership for part discount but there's couple toyota parts on-line stores that I use besides the one mentioned above.

Closed | Norwalk Toyota Parts

No longer taking orders

parts.norwalktoyota.com

Toyota Parts Factory - #1 Source for Genuine OEM Toyota Scion Parts & Accessories | Camelback Toyota Parts

Your #1 source for all of your OEM Toyota and Scion parts needs. Toyota Parts Factory is a Phoenix-based Toyota dealer selling genuine OEM Toyota and Scion parts and parts accessories to the public at wholesale prices. We look forward to serving you and becoming your #1 source for genuine OEM...

parts.camelbacktoyota.com

Also, be careful of ebay stuff. didn't realize people are now selling knock-off parts claiming it's Toyota brands on ebay. So, if the price is too good compared to dealership pricing, it's probably a fake. Just do your due diligence.

Interesting to see what your perspective will be a year from now in comparing the LC/LX to world. Have fun!

 

[katit]

I too is (still) from BMW world. I have owned 2002Tii, X5, E46 330IZHP, e90 M3, and now drive E30 318is along with my 2001 LC with nearly 180k miles. So, I have some comparison perspective. I would say that I work on my LC way more than any of my BMWs. Things do break or wear down but as previous post states, there's also plenty of preventative maintenance and upgrades you can do. Not much upgrades in engine/HP/power (compared to BMWs) but more with retrofitting your LX/LC with expedition/suspension/electronics/etc. In my world, I would say I have spent more time "fixing"/"baselining" my LC vs. upgrading. I am looking forward to getting to more upgrading after getting all the baselining complete.

One difference I noticed between BMW and LC/LX is replacement parts. In general, there's less options and more expensive to buy Toyota parts than BMW parts. Not exactly sure but perhaps its because LC/LX market is much smaller (small production numbers) than BMWs. So, you will find great small entrepreneurs in the LC/LX world filling in the gaps.

Interesting to see what your perspective will be a year from now in comparing the LC/LX to world. Have fun!

@udubfl Don't get me scared I thought I will have a break
I had E53, E39, and now my DD is F80 6sp.
just recently had E34 which was "baselined" and interior restored with 100k. Then my daughter totaled it. I found another E34 in CA, brought it in just to realize that it's going to be all the same restoration process which I didn't feel like repeating. So, I sold it and decided to look in completely opposite direction. Never had a truck before. Never had Toyota (many Hondas though). Heard a lot about 100s and 2 of them popped up on CL. First(LC) was blah, rusted, etc. This LX was like a fresh air And I mean I've seen old cars.

Nothing is "urgent" on this car. I will get interior to 100% and it shouldn't take much. I doubt I will be upgrading anything as my offroad needs is about 0% I will use it to DD part time, in a snow, take family around biking, when I go fishing/hunting. It will see road trips, pull trailers and maybe slight offroad/county driving but it won't see trails.

 

[krice118]

Call and order parts from cruiser outfitters if you are unsure. they can help fill the gaps

 

[udubfl]

haha! @katit, Sorry, wasn't trying to scare you! I wanted to make sure you knew you weren't gonna be bored

For what you are intending it for, I think you pick the right rig. I love my LC because it's truly an SUV. We have used it so many different ways.

 

[RoughOne]

I recommend Alpine ilx-w650. Everything you need. You will have to have internet connection to use Navigation. It has car play and 2 camera outputs. You can get the optional Amp that mounts to the back of the unit. You will get 4x50 watts plenty to drive your door speakers. No need to use factory Amp under seat. Head unit and Amp is about $500. Best Buy will install for free.

 

[katit]

I recommend Alpine ilx-w650. Everything you need. You will have to have internet connection to use Navigation. It has car play and 2 camera outputs. You can get the optional Amp that mounts to the back of the unit. You will get 4x50 watts plenty to drive your door speakers. No need to use factory Amp under seat. Head unit and Amp is about $500. Best Buy will install for free.

What is camera "outputs" for?

I understand about "internet to use navigation". Thats because it's a navigation via iPhone. I kind of want both of the worlds. I want navigation which will work without a phone/data (this is where we usually go to hunt) but I do like to have Apple maps/Apple Car play in a city. Looks like I will have to settle on Android unit also I'm hesitant..

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Does anybody have night pictures of central console and dashboard? I want to see what should be lighted. PRNDL is not lighted on center console, not sure if it should...
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[RoughOne]

What is camera "outputs" for?

I understand about "internet to use navigation". Thats because it's a navigation via iPhone. I kind of want both of the worlds. I want navigation which will work without a phone/data (this is where we usually go to hunt) but I do like to have Apple maps/Apple Car play in a city. Looks like I will have to settle on Android unit also I'm hesitant..

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Does anybody have night pictures of central console and dashboard? I want to see what should be lighted. PRNDL is not lighted on center console, not sure if it should...
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Im sorry they are inputs. You can connect 2 cameras. Front and back or anywhere you please and toggle between them. If you want built in Navigation a good unit starts at $700. The Android head units are fully packed with features but sacrifice in sound quality. I'm all about sound so I went with a major manufacturer. Alpine

 

[katit]

Im sorry they are inputs. You can connect 2 cameras. Front and back or anywhere you please and toggle between them. If you want built in Navigation a good unit starts at $700. The Android head units are fully packed with features but sacrifice in sound quality. I'm all about sound so I went with a major manufacturer. Alpine

I read a lot about all this yesterday and looks like Apple Play is via wire only on this device which is a problem for me. I don't like wires
Researching other options. Looks like some similar priced Pioneers have wirelsee Apple Play

 

[katit]

Were is amp in a car? I thought it's under front passenger seat but there is nothing there. I peeked to see what is up with sub and there is already aftermarket stuff. And nothing under seat. But I do have MK stereo.. Didn't remove door panels yet.

I am going to with Android unit for functionality. Will try to figure out sound after basics work (BT/camera/etc)