Which Year 200 to Buy

[Markuson]

I know I'm in the minority here, but... the first time I saw the 2016+ redesign I threw up in my mouth just a little. In addition to the crazy redesign of the front of the car, the rims are also so bad. Since then I've grown to like it more, to the point where I really genuinely like it now, but I still feel like it's a bit strong and the wheels still look off to me, maybe it's after seeing 5-spokes on LCs for so long at this point. I donno. Still not totally feeling it.

So I guess because of that the 13-15 is in the sweet spot for me aesthetically. I think it was a really nice subtle refresh. It looks classic, tasteful and stately, yet subdued.

The only 16 I thought looked terrible was the LX’s crazy, transformers/movie grill. Truly awful IMHO....not to mention super impractical to mod… But I think the front of the 16+ LC looks great.

 

[mcgaskins]

I know I'm in the minority here, but... the first time I saw the 2016+ redesign I threw up in my mouth just a little. In addition to the crazy redesign of the front of the car, the rims are also so bad. Since then I've grown to like it more, to the point where I really genuinely like it now, but I still feel like it's a bit strong and the wheels still look off to me, maybe it's after seeing 5-spokes on LCs for so long at this point. I donno. Still not totally feeling it.

So I guess because of that the 13-15 is in the sweet spot for me aesthetically. I think it was a really nice subtle refresh. It looks classic, tasteful and stately, yet subdued.

That's funny I feel exactly the opposite. I never really cared for the 08-15 styling (and I had 2 in that year range), but the second I saw the 16+ LC styling I immediately thought it was one of the best looking SUVs on the road.

 

[Markuson]

That's funny I feel exactly the opposite. I never really cared for the 08-15 styling (and I had 2 in that year range), but the second I saw the 16+ LC styling I immediately thought it was one of the best looking SUVs on the road.

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Agree, and I’m in an 08.

To me, the big difference is when in stock form. Once you start adding bumpers, etc, they all look great...but I think the stock form of the 16+ went a long way toward tamping down the bloated-marshmallow (Pillsberry doughboy?) look the earlier, stock 200. Love the more dramatic hood bumps & headlight structure.

 

[mcgaskins]

Agree, and I’m in an 08.

To me, the big difference is when in stock form. Once you start adding bumpers, etc, they all look great...but I think the stock form of the 16+ went a long way toward tamping down the bloated-marshmallow (Pillsberry doughboy?) look the earlier, stock 200. Love the more dramatic hood bumps & headlight structure.

Yes good point. I should clarify the 08-15 look great when modified, especially when you change the bumpers. This is the first pic of my 14 one day after I bought it, and it looked pretty good modified.

 

[Just a Ninja]

Yeah.... 2013 LC

 

[427Monster]

I like both 2013 and 2016 designs. 2016 grill/headlights are designed to give sleek look. But I really like the big, blocky 2013 headlights which looks like brute and heavyweight.


Currently have a 2018 and looking to add a 2013 if deal is right.

 

[blatant]

A time will come, possibly sooner rather than later, that folks will seek out the earlier 200's that get less love, just as all things. Same mechanical beast ( or better, given 6spd transmission ). Like the early 100s, lesser tech, easier to upgrade. Cyclical. I'd have bought one with zero tech and roll up windows if it were an option, not b/c i'm cheap, but it's clear what a huge pita this stuff becomes over time/age if you plan to keep / buy used. Poverty pack...Lot to be said.

 

[bloc]

...but I think the stock form of the 16+ went a long way toward tamping down the bloated-marshmallow (Pillsberry doughboy?) look the earlier, stock 200.

This, exactly.

I even like the 16 wheels more.

But, as mentioned.. more tech. 8spd transmission, cameras through the windshield, power lift gate..

I dunno. There's plenty of stuff to fail in a 2008. For that reason I can't see there being much of a difference in the future with regard to people looking for the more "simple" year models.. it'll come down to what has less miles and is in better shape, and, I think, a more attractive vehicle overall.

 

[Yossarian]

Everyone is overthinking this, the OP said he wanted a white LC. Early LC's white was white, I think Toyota called it brilliant white. Mid-generation 200's switched to the Lexus pearl white, not the same.

All kidding aside, the pic of the car in the OP's avatar leads me to think they'll want all new tech, so go with the latest. That'll leave the early 200's for all of the 80 guys moving up.

 

[khans]

Thank you everybody.

Thoughts on color? I was pretty set on the white with (eventual) contrasting ARB bombers and roof rack but that picture above of the grey with the black mods looks straight up mean / epic.

I know for most it's a personal preference - but love to hear what the group thinks.

 

[khans]

#goals

 

[Markuson]

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#goals

Def looks cool, but I wouldn’t let a Viper4x4 near my truck.

All bun...no beef.

 

[Rigger]

I’m still a bit stunned to learn that my ‘08 has vinyl seats. Really? I thought all LC’s had leather after about ‘90.

I bought what I could afford several years ago. An ‘08. But now I want a new one. Saw one at the dealership yesterday. Silver. Beautiful.

 

[linuxgod]

2008 to 2015 will be confused for a highlander

2016+ will be confused for a 4Runner

I bought my 2013 at the beginning of 2016. I was looking for something ~3 years old with ~40k on it. Ended up with one 2 years old (since registered) and 49k miles with a Toyota CPO warranty. Snagged it for $49k at the time, so someone else took $30k+ in depreciation for 2 years of ownership.

As others have pointed out the right year depends on your budget and your goals. For us we have one vehicle so I wanted a highly reliable daily driver which we could also use to pull our trailer on long trips. I went back and forth between LC and LX (the latter are much easier to find and usually a few grand cheaper) for several months until I found the right condition/mileage/year/price. I couldn't afford (justify really) brand new, but I also wanted as much of the creature comforts as I could get and I wanted to know if I sunk $20k in mods into it over several years that I would get years and years of use out of them

 

[gaijin]

I’m still a bit stunned to learn that my ‘08 has vinyl seats. Really? I thought all LC’s had leather after about ‘90.

I bought what I could afford several years ago. An ‘08. But now I want a new one. Saw one at the dealership yesterday. Silver. Beautiful.

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Beautiful! Glad you chose the correct color

 

[tominboise]

2008 in Gold is obviously the preferred set up....

 

[VooDoo2]

The BEST one is a Pre update, non DPF 2015 4.5L Twin Turbo V8 Diesel

 

[ckkone]

The narrower front and rear fenders on the 08-11 just don't do it for me, they were slightly enlarged on the 13-15.

 

[VooDoo2]

The narrower front and rear fenders on the 08-11 just don't do it for me, they were slightly enlarged on the 13-15.

Rears havent changed
Fronts changed around the headlights but not in width. You would be hard pressed to see any difference at all with both cars side by side and zero functionality differences

 

[afgman786]

2008 in Gold is obviously the preferred set up....

View attachment 1985007

Old man gold is definitely the way to go! Can't really tell how dirty it is in pictures or see the custom pinstripes you get from the trails.