Why LC more expensive than LX? (1 Viewer)

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What does 645 and 647 mean? What is the unit of that measure?

Distance up ramp divided by wheelbase

So the one got 64.7% of its wheelbase up, and the other 64.5. If the rear wheel touches the ramp, it would be 1000, or 100% of its wheelbase
 
Just wanted to add something that I came across a couple of years ago with reference to RTI for the vehicles when stock. As many have mentioned the articulation as measured by this type of test has the vehicles very close in "score", see below from Dan Edmunds, from Edmunds testing, on instagram.View attachment 2177609

This is great.. probably need to update the earlier posted LX/LC RTI thread.

Also interesting for a major auto publisher to use the description "astounding".. for both LC and LX.

And people wonder why we love these things so much..
 
AHC handles better on-road? Do you have data to support this? Car & Driver compared the two in 2018 and roadholding was within 0.01g of each other. Criticism of handling by C&D applied to both...so it is not like AHC has much (if at all) advantage over KDSS on the highway...both kinda lumbers around on-road.

Off-road. More capable? KDSS has RTI of 647 per Edmunds. I still don't see how AHC offers more compression and droop when it still has the sway bars fully active vs. KDSS disconnecting them.

How is AHC more capable? Even at its highest state, approach/departure angles are still less than LC (stock vs. stock). AHC has those pump/canister exposed to damage off-road. If you take that out with a rock, what happens?

And then AHC HIGH mode is only active below 18 mph. At higher speeds, it slams you down to street/highway height.

As for compliant ride off-road, KDSS relaxes the sways below 40 mph i think.......AHC slams you down on anything above 18 mph.

Finally, you have significantly more maintenance cost along the way to prevent (rare) catastrophic failure.

@bloc answered a lot of these and I agree with him on those points.

For all intents and purposes, the LX to LC scored the same, which shouldn't be a surprise as they are the same core vehicle with same suspension geometry and same suspension stroke. Just a different approach to springs and shocks. If there is anything to celebrate, it is that the 200-series is a slinky beast in sheeps clothing.

Sway resistance is composed of 2 main functions: 1) Sway bars 2) Coil springs. Remember that KDSS and AHC are related cross linking technologies from Tenneco Inc. KDSS cross linking acts on the sway bars to relax them for articulation, while the main LC springs are full rate. AHC acts upon the coil springs (actually hydraulic pistons that are part of the AHC coil spring support system) with sway bars that are full rate. 2 ways to achieve the same thing.

There's a 3rd major component to sway resistance - stock suspension geometry with roll center and control arm angles. This geometry is destroyed when one puts significant static lift on the vehicle. Where AHC earns its keep over every static suspension lift solution, is the duality of its ability to keep good ride heights for handling, yet lift on demand.

I could go on about how damping and dual spring rates of the AHC system to enhance handling but we'll leave it at that.

To your point, a stock LC being 300-400lbs lighter gives it some advantages too. Both are indeed still
6000lb body on frame, solid rear axle bruisers so they're not going to challenge any road oriented SUV/CUV. As a self diagnosed speed junkie, my 33" AT tired LX will still put up surprising pace on a mountain road. Yet have lift on demand clearance for technical off-roading.

I do run my LX off-road, and have chased Raptors through dessert washes and it is absolutely capable and composed. Earning the respect of even doubtful Raptor owners. It does not slam itself down as you put it. It will keep over 2" lift up to 25mph, and 1" up to 50mph. Not enough? 10minues with a 10mm wrench and get a free sensor lift which will add ~1.75" to both. Meaning ~3.5" lift to 25mph and ~2.5". Matching aftermarket lifts. Without the daily compromises.

AHCheights.JPG
 
Hell, the extra 2 were probably just from the extra cush the non-low-profile tires gave it hahaha

Crazy to think this is on 21" tires for the latest LXs%@#.

I bet they do these test with manufacturer spec'd tire pressures. Throw some 17" wheels and 33" or larger tires on them. Air down. New high scores.
 
Crazy to think this is on 21" tires for the latest LXs%@#.

I bet they do these test with manufacturer spec'd tire pressures. Throw some 17" wheels and 33" or larger tires on them. Air down. New high scores.

I know this is off-topic, but this thread is off the rails anyway. Can we arrange this at the 2020 LCDC meetup. There should be a variety of both configs. I'll put my lx on the ramp for free slee sliders! :)
 
Correct. These are all early versions of hydro-pneumatic suspension. I was simply trying to illustrate some of the long term issues LX owners may encounter and perhaps support the importance of preventative maintenance of the system. I think this guy has made a living servicing these systems and I find it all very interesting. Especially when it comes to accumulators and making sure we don't let them fall apart. The material and build quality of the Toyota globes are probably far superior (30 year later) and will last longer, but surely they are not going to last forever. I don't believe Lexus maintenance schedules ever recommend replacing accumulators\globes. Perhaps it's like the transmission flushes. If it lasts 100K...they really don't care after that.
I was more commenting to the other guy’s false statement of poor MB build quality. Thank you for the video, he seemed extremely knowledgeable. I didn’t know MB used hydraulic back in the day.
 
Crazy to think this is on 21" tires for the latest LXs%@#.

I bet they do these test with manufacturer spec'd tire pressures. Throw some 17" wheels and 33" or larger tires on them. Air down. New high scores.

Exactly.

Not to mention what the emerging configurations would do. AHC + tundra arms (I personally think this has a lot of promise, on top of being relatively easy/cheap), tundra arms + king 2.5s and LX sway bar, any of the various LC suspension options with KDSS. Not that RTI is the end-all-be-all of offroad performance, but I'm curious how these things impact that one measure, which is a good indicator of stability and traction potential.
 
Segway but there's always been some curiosity why the 200-series doesn't have a locker option.

I believe a significant reason is that the 200-series, by way of its other talents, not the least of which is its astounding RTI ability, simply doesn't need it as it's able to keep its wheels down on terra firma. Wheels down means no freewheeling and traction.

Development tests to meet performance objectives were likely met without lockers. Didn't need it they said...

Compared to something like Tacoma TRD-Off-Road, with an Edmonds RTI score of 477, yeah could use the help of one. Even the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, which is a more focused tool, scores an Edmonds RTI score of 623.

Win 200-series.
 
It comes down to the Toyota tax, esp. in states like Colorado. People will pay more for an LC because it is an LC. I think it is as simple as that. The LC has a storied history and a ton of heritage, the LX not so much. Plus LC buyers want people to know it's a LC, most folks don't know the LX is tarted up LC.

Never heard of the Toyota tax. I've heard of the Lexus tax as repairs and parts are a good amount higher. Someone stated that the cost to put premium is not that much, which I tend to agree, but it is a lot over a vehicle lifetime.

Where I live, gas is $.70 more for premium than regular based on my fill today. Over $100k miles, that is $5k. Add on the additional maintenance costs for those that service by dealer, and it starts to add up over the life of a car. Some of that is made up by the lower Lexus cost on the used market, but expect to take slightly more depreciation when you sell too.

I like both, but the new Lexus is not my style and the extra length would cause issues off road and in my garage (would have to leave bike rack off at all times). I also desire owning a low key vehicle to not appear flashy and the Toyota badge helps with that.
 
Segway but there's always been some curiosity why the 200-series doesn't have a locker option.

I believe a significant reason is that the 200-series, by way of its other talents, not the least of which is its astounding RTI ability, simply doesn't need it as it's able to keep its wheels down on terra firma. Wheels down means no freewheeling and traction.

Development tests to meet performance objectives were likely met without lockers. Didn't need it they said...

Compared to something like Tacoma TRD-Off-Road, with an Edmonds RTI score of 477, yeah could use the help of one. Even the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, which is a more focused tool, scores an Edmonds RTI score of 623.

Win 200-series.

More like...CRAWL + good articulation = decent substitute for lockers. But, lockers are lockers. CRAWL comes close though.
 
You don't have to run premium fuel in these vehicles, I run the mid grade stuff (89 octane here in TX) and I have on all of my Lexus vehicles in the past with no issues, no knocks. I sometimes even run the Regular 87-octane depending on where I am buying it.
 
More on fuel in the LX. My ‘13 has never run >90 octane since we don’t get “premium” anywhere in Alaska. It isn’t an option, heck outside of Anchorage, Mat-Su, and the kenai the only choice is 87.
 
More on fuel in the LX. My ‘13 has never run >90 octane since we don’t get “premium” anywhere in Alaska. It isn’t an option, heck outside of Anchorage, Mat-Su, and the kenai the only choice is 87.

Doesn’t that have to do with altitude or something like that?
 
Doesn’t that have to do with altitude or something like that?
Almost all the roads in Alaska are close (<1000’) to sea level. Our highest pass is only 4300’ and highest town ~3000’. But we are so far north the “tree line” is 1500-2000’ in south central AK, and snow regularly stays year round above 5k’
 
Exactly.

Not to mention what the emerging configurations would do. AHC + tundra arms (I personally think this has a lot of promise, on top of being relatively easy/cheap), tundra arms + king 2.5s and LX sway bar, any of the various LC suspension options with KDSS. Not that RTI is the end-all-be-all of offroad performance, but I'm curious how these things impact that one measure, which is a good indicator of stability and traction potential.

will one be able to use fox or other shocks with the AHC?
What advantage do tundra arms provide over LX/LC arms?
 
will one be able to use fox or other shocks with the AHC?
What advantage do tundra arms provide over LX/LC arms?

There are aftermarket shocks that will work with AHC, but I never could get those companies to respond to me.
Fox, King, Icon, etc. won't work with AHC
Tundra arms will work with AHC with some mods. Tundra arms\components increase your track width by 3".

See my threads
 
Are you sure? It's still a sale to the leasing company. They buy it, they own it. It has a sales price and it has a title. That all seems like a sale to me, but I'm just a dumb okie. :)
@ridetime We're saying the same thing. Yes, the sale occurred between the dealer and the leasing company. Whatever happens after that doesn't matter. The leasing company can lease the same car out 2 or even 3 times. You're not going to double count the same sale. We're not counting leases, we're counting only vehicles sold.
 
I was more commenting to the other guy’s false statement of poor MB build quality. Thank you for the video, he seemed extremely knowledgeable. I didn’t know MB used hydraulic back in the day.
My statement is not false, Mercedes build quality is junk. Their cars are deisned to last 3 years, the life of most leases. Repairs are insanely expensive. They reached a new low with their ill-fated takeover of Chrysler. Now they pump out crap like the GLA. There is a reason for the catastrophic drop off in resale value of used MB vehicles. A 5 year old E or S class is a bargin because it willcost you to own it.
 
Never heard of the Toyota tax. I've heard of the Lexus tax as repairs and parts are a good amount higher. Someone stated that the cost to put premium is not that much, which I tend to agree, but it is a lot over a vehicle lifetime.

Where I live, gas is $.70 more for premium than regular based on my fill today. Over $100k miles, that is $5k. Add on the additional maintenance costs for those that service by dealer, and it starts to add up over the life of a car. Some of that is made up by the lower Lexus cost on the used market, but expect to take slightly more depreciation when you sell too.

I like both, but the new Lexus is not my style and the extra length would cause issues off road and in my garage (would have to leave bike rack off at all times). I also desire owning a low key vehicle to not appear flashy and the Toyota badge helps with that.

Toyota tax is real, look at any used Toyota truck in a place like Colorado. Used prices are off the wall crazy high. A 2 y/o 4runner will sell for 95% of it's original purchase price (so just buy new) Look at what this thread is about, used Land Cruiser of similar year/mileage sell for way more than LXs.

I never looked at my LX as "flashy" I would hardly call an 86K LC Low Key.

Not sure what thegas prices where you live are but I figure it would cost me, maybe 4K over 100 miles buying premium. I saved more than that buying an LX over an LC. 4k over 8-9 years (average driver hitting 100k miles) is probably less than what people spend at Starbucks.

It amazes me that folks are ok spending near or 100K on a new LC/LX (tax, title, etc) 50-75K on a late model examples but $10 a fill up is the deal breaker. If gas prices are such a factor why buy a 200 in the first place?
 
We just picked up a LC. My wife tested out all the big third row SUV's and when she was done she wanted the LC. I asked her why she did not want to LX, she said the styling was too flashy, can't say a blame her. So I went out and found a 2019 LC for her, we love it its a great SUV. I can't wait till she is done with it and I can wheel it.
 

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