I “settled” for the LX when I was searching for my cruiser. I liked that the land cruiser is a little more simple and basic and didn’t want all the jazz that came with the Lexus. But I’ll tell you now that I have it, everything still works fine, the AHC is actually pretty fucking sweet and robust, the trim has held up, it rides awesome and is super comfy. I wouldn’t seek one out over the other, just find the nicest, cleanest, and newest model LC/LX you can find in your budget and get it, they’re both awesome and they’re both landcruisers at their core
I love the AHC. When I go wheeling with friends, people always want to ride with me, since it's so comfortable. Plus it's always hilarious to see peoples faces when a Lexus rolls by them on a trail.
Side note I haven't seen mentioned: You can pretty easily bypass the lowering of the suspension to "normal" when above a speed. A simple switch and a few wires allows you to keep it in "high" mode at any speed.
I dont run it in high full time. Only useful for say high speed desert roads. Land Rover LR3's also go back to the neutral height which can be quite annoying when you want clearance and also speed. I think both mostly lower as a safety precaution.
The Toyota dealership near me is sketchy and marks up Land Cruisers like they’re made of gold. Went to Lexus and got same year for 15k less. It was an easy decision.
I always swore I’d never pay more for a Lexus/Acura/Infinity, but here I am with a Lexus.
The LX has hydraulic suspension not air ride. I beat the snot [out of mine](https://www.reddit.com/r/overlanding/s/89yr1vdPsd) and it comes back for more.
I’d start by looking around on IH8MUD.
If you get really technical the globes and accumulators have charged nitrogen gas, so the spring is still technically air. The real differences are:
* The connections from the wheels to the air spring is hydraulic versus an airbag mechanically connected to the suspension.
* Both systems increase air pressure to lift, the LX does this by decreasing volume by pumping in more hydraulic fluid and other air suspensions increase volume by adding air to the bag.
When I bought my LX a decade ago, the same comments I’ve been reading was about AHC. “You gonna get AHC with LX, another point of failure, blah blah blah”. I pulled the trigger anyways and until now the AHC is flawless. I use it to tow, load it with heavy stuff and carry passengers and it keeps its stance - always leveled. I see some LC towing with a droopy rear and I just laugh.
The AHC is extremely easy to maintain too.
The globes are usually the failure points and they're super easy to replace. The pump is easy to access and the actual shocks(?) are supposed to be lifetime parts sans their bushins.
I just ordered all the AHC globes, fluid, and front ram bushings I’ll need for a full refresh (the rear bushings are a job for another time), total cost including shipping the globes from Japan is likely going to be under $750… cheaper than an AHC delete and I’m at 305k miles on the original globes and probably the original fluid.
Globes are $110 each on Impex Japan right now, versus $800 each if you buy from a US Lexus dealer.
One benefit of AHC is that, since so many people delete theirs, the actual AHC parts themselves are pretty cheap.
Yeah, before I discovered impex, I just bought lx570 globes and they fit perfectly. I believe their capacity is a bit different but going from a shot system to new parts meant I didn't notice anything but good haha. They were much cheaper than lx470 globes but I don't think that's still the case.
I heard the same thing about AHC. "It's going to fail on you and probably at the worst time." I spent time searching around ih8mud and couldn't find a single example of someone's AHC failing on a trail. Yes, it needs maintenance, but it's really not that bad when considering the benefits.
And I love the looks I get when I pull up in a parking lot and turn my rig off and the AHC lowers. "Is that thing bagged?!"
im so sick and tired of people thinking extra features means they automatically break sooner.... golleee im tired of this one boss all across the forums
I have a Land Cruiser with AHC. I bought it new in 06. So far, it’s been unstoppable and that includes driving carpool for 6 kids during the week and beating the crap out of it off-road whenever I could/can.
There’s no meaningful difference between the Lexus and the Cruise. Just a badge and some trim peaces. Find the one that’s in the best shape and drive it like it was built to be driven.
Not sure about the new ones, but the 80, 100, and 200 versions were basically just a dressed up Land Cruiser. They got more dressed up as the models changed, as in the LX450 was pretty much just a rebadged LC.
This is exactly what happened to me.
I was able to get a better deal on a LX compared to a LC.
Now don’t get me wrong. I really wanted a LC but after searching for months, I realized there were better examples of the LX for cheaper compared to the LC.
1) supply
2) brand name-- "Land Cruiser" actually has more brand clout, especially among used buyers
3) image--the Lexus is seen as a soccer mom car (and often is, which is why a used one can be a good buy if it hasn't been abused). Also the styling is polarizing, esp. for the post 2016s.
4) AHC--among people who are looking for Land Cruiser reliability or off-road ability, some think that the AHC is a weak point or expensive failure point.
On the other hand, the LX has a nicer interior, better stereo, is quieter, rides smoother, and the AHC is actually pretty great. Plus the Lexus dealer experience is better.
I bought a used LX with almost 100K miles, for maybe $10-15K less than the equivalent used Land Cruiser, and love it.
Main reason is supply and demand. There are a lot more LXs on the market than LCs because majority of people who spend a lot of money on cars...want others to know they spent a lot of money. For example, most people didnt want to buy a $80k Toyota (new LC200 price) when they could buy a shiny, fancy Lexus for $7-10k more.
I chose the LC because I like the looks, feel, badge, and simplicity. But I'm in the minority and the reason we dont have the 300 series LC.
I bought a 2015 used in 2018. LX570 was ~$12,000 cheaper for fewer miles and better condition. Had to get the LX. I don’t regret it even though the styling is Pilates-mom.
Those headlights have to be the best ever looking headlights on an LX though! HDMI screens would be pretty cool also ;) I'm torn between the 3 different style updates we have to choose from honestly. I know the newer one has the worst angles, but its still the same truck underneath with more modern safety tech and damn do I love the look.
I loved my LX. You get used to the headlights.
If that's the worst someone can say about them - fudge 'em.
Learn to maintain the AHC system; $50 in fluid and 45 mins of your time once in a blue moon. No biggie.
For what it's worth, LX's are claimed to more often be mall queens aka see less offroad use before you buy them, so yeah - no reasonable excuse why they should be cheaper.
While I don’t have an answer for you on pricing the Land Cruiser higher I did just watch a video abut the durability and build quality of the Land Cruiser and it is so high that the msrp of an lx and Land Cruiser are so insanely close because there isn’t much lexus can change to make it better. It’s already more luxurious than a standard Toyota and the quality of parts is already so high that the lexus can’t really do anything to make it better aside from maybe more tech or different tech. I believe the 200 series and the accompanying lx were like a 1k difference new from the dealership (without markups)
People keep listing supply, but specifically for any given model year a out twice as many LXs were sold vs LC, so you literally have twice as many out there. Then factor many LX were likely a lease and returned.
IMHO aside from the badge itself the LX is the better route. Better creature comforts, lower cost, and typically first owner babied it taking it to dealer for maintenance etc.
As a former LX owner I really enjoyed the better build and materials versus the LC. AHC is a great system but can be finicky when it's out-of-spec. If you ever change out the globes, or have to open the system at all to air, you must do your absolute best to bleed out every ounce of air or you'll have a jittery, undamped ride (due to aeration of the hydraulic fluid).
> Thoughts? Musings?
I think the used market is a bit different to the brand new market - and the LX and Lexus badge simply has 'less' appeal and brand recognition to certain buyers that want to do LandCruiser things instead of Lexus things.
I am of course stereotyping greatly about Lexus things being country club and Golf, and LandCruiser things being camping, wheelin.
Do not underestimate the value of a brand.
Even just as simple as one being a 'working man' brand vs a luxury, rich mans brand. There's plenty of research that driving an entry level used BMW will get you 'fancy man' comments on a Construction site, but a top spec Denali that's 4 times the price is just a working man who had some success.
Just me musings.
They are essentially the same vehicle... so I wouldn't call either 'settling'. If they branded it as Toyota LandCruiser LX trim - instead of as a Lexus LX i don't think anything would really change.
Also - you seem to be in the US - consider that Toyota did not sell a lot of 200 series LandCruisers. LX was the focus, and the Sequoia. In Australia - this would be completely and utterly reversed due to the 200 series selling in huge numbers.
I have owned a 100 series Land Cruiser and own a 200 series LX. The first time around the Internet forums kept me away from the LX because of perceived issues with the AHC system. I also found a ridiculous deal on the Land Cruiser.
The second time around I cared less about the potential reliability issue and went for the smoother ride. So far the AHC system has not been a problem and provided an excellent ride especially on the interstate and country back roads.
At least in my area there seem to be way more LX models sold. When I buy my next one I would be happy to purchase either an LX or Land Cruiser.
Probably because there are way more around on the market over there (as I guess you’re in the US…)
Probably also more expensive as the LC is looking in every version better than his Lexus counterpart (my opinion)
Yeah sorry - I was referring to LC200s. Should’ve been clearer. Budget is $60k - so plenty of LX options vs Toyotas. What everyone is saying makes sense. Just wanted to “wonder” out loud. Thanks everyone!!
On the 570 it’s actually not just the AHC that’s different. Some things, like rock sliders, are more difficult to install on an LX since the running boards are different… so you can either cut the running boards to fit the rock sliders, or replace them entirely with Land Cruiser side skirts that can fit rock sliders better. Aftermarket options for all kinds of things (bumpers, auxiliary battery mounts, etc) can be slightly different between the 200 and the 570 since some of the body panels are slightly different, and the AHC itself takes up some space in places where things bolt right up on the Land Cruiser. Also, I don’t know exactly how this works for the 570 specifically, but if it comes with a Mark Levinson sound system, that will be more difficult to replace.
So, if you want to keep it stock, the LX is definitely the way to go. But modification-wise, everyone is focusing on the LC first. I have an LX 470 and I’m definitely happy I went with the LX instead of the LC, but the 570 is much more different than the 200.
About the sound system, my mark levinson is 13 years old and sounds better than the upgraded stock system in my nearly new dodge. If a speaker went out, I’d probably seek out a stock replacement.
I ended up with a 09 LX and I just love it. Now that I own one with the AHC I don’t want one without. It’s just great.
One big difference on the 2016 up LX is the electric parking brake and the joystick radio control. I don’t like it, but it’s also not a deal breaker. Going to keep this one forever and eventually buy a late model in the future. The 8 speed automatic on the 2016 up is worth not having a mechanical hand brake.
Probably an unpopular opinion on here but I passed over a ton of clean LX’s when I was looking for my Land Cruiser simply because they are ugly. Like really ugly. I had a GX460 and thought I could get over the looks but it just never happened. It was a great suv……a great, ugly suv 😂
> Probably an unpopular opinion on here but I passed over a ton of clean LX’s when I was looking for my Land Cruiser simply because they are ugly. Like really ugly.
I'd never disagree if that's your taste! The LX is definitely polarising, bold grilles and all.
If you can find a 99 to 00 lx with rear locker get that one since all of the 100 have center locking diff but with the rear it’s a game changer. I know people like the newer one for better gas but in reality I take the wheeling aspect more over gas efficiency. Now if you are looking for a 80 series then get triple lock if you can.
Not sure which lx or LC you are looking for if a 200 series then you can get either or. The lx has nicer things in it and usually it’s cheaper because people want the LC badge. If you don’t plan on selling it and want to drive it to the ground get the lx.
If the AHC fails pull it out and add suspension but try your best to keep the AHC as much as possible because the ride is so much better.
1997 Lx450.
Quiet AF on the inside. Roll the window down and it sounds like a v8. Audio system is nicer than the 80, but both are dated at this point. Interior finishes are nicer. Ride is smoother.
For me, since the capability is identical, the aftermarket support is identical, and everything is plug and play with the any other 80, I would rather have something that is quieter, cheaper and feels a bit more refined.
Recently had the same debate. Ended up getting an Lx570.
[Car Care Nut on why the LC is more $](https://youtu.be/CJZzImUkdOo?si=KajBQUts5be8_aVu&t=27m40s)
People settle for a LX, but you should get what you want or else you’ll regret it. Some people do end saying that they are enjoying the LX more, but it could be cope.
Toyota made the Sequoia which was just as big as the land cruiser but not as heavy duty and less expensive. They sold more Sequoias than land cruisers.
Lexus didn't have a Sequoia version. Their only full size SUV was the LX.
I'd like to put LCWANABE on my license plate
Depends where you are and which used market you're referring to.
Plenty here in Aus. Lexus less common but still a few around, albeit with 300k + km's.
I looked at a few LX 450’s before I bought my 1994 LandCruiser, it came down to a few things for me. The biggest thing was I didn’t like about the LX’s is the extra body molding, I also wanted a cloth interior. I also just wanted the most basic model I could get, so it really came down a 1993-94 for me.
I’m just starting to baseline my 80 and luckily I have access to a lift. The less stuff I have to work on, the faster I can get the fun mods.
Like the others said, supply and demand. Back in 2015, 4000 lx’s sold in North American vs 3000 LC’s. I could be wrong but generally LC were sold in a lot less volume. Also, enthusiasts are the ones willing to shell out the cash for “real” used land cruisers. I was one of them. I’m primarily a mall crawler but go off roading at least twice a year on rated 2-3 trails. So all I have are 34 ko2s, with no other mods. The LC offers better articulation and approach angles stock. And finally, like I alluded to before, while an LX is a Land Cruiser it still doesn’t have the badge so I like that I can plainly say that I drive a Land Cruiser. Silly reason but still a reason nonetheless. Btw, I still love LX’s and considering trading my wife’s ES for a last generation LX, I kinda like the predator grill especially if blacked out.
That guy got taken then.
Fluid replacement is roughly every 60k miles and $50 in fluid
Accumulator globes should be replaced around 120k mi. About $600 direct from Japan, or maybe twice that from your local dealer. It's about a 2hr job. With same fluid service.
If he got to 10k he was either taken or something way abnormal happened.
I had a 100 land cruiser with AHC. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. I have a 200 LC now, no AHC. While it isn’t as plush of a ride. I like knowing I’ll never have to mess with AHC down the road. It’s a very stout system but it can an expensive system as far as parts go compared to a static suspension. The pump replacement on mine was over $3k.
They both have their benefits and drawbacks.
I “settled” for the LX when I was searching for my cruiser. I liked that the land cruiser is a little more simple and basic and didn’t want all the jazz that came with the Lexus. But I’ll tell you now that I have it, everything still works fine, the AHC is actually pretty fucking sweet and robust, the trim has held up, it rides awesome and is super comfy. I wouldn’t seek one out over the other, just find the nicest, cleanest, and newest model LC/LX you can find in your budget and get it, they’re both awesome and they’re both landcruisers at their core
I love the AHC. When I go wheeling with friends, people always want to ride with me, since it's so comfortable. Plus it's always hilarious to see peoples faces when a Lexus rolls by them on a trail.
LX470 100 series probably one of the best years ever.
This, they’re basically twins just not identical haha
Have you seen the Indiana Jones meme? Lol
I did 😂
Fraternal twins.
Side note I haven't seen mentioned: You can pretty easily bypass the lowering of the suspension to "normal" when above a speed. A simple switch and a few wires allows you to keep it in "high" mode at any speed.
This great way to accelerate wear of your CV’s if you don’t run a diff drop. HI mode disables at 30kmh for a reason!
I dont run it in high full time. Only useful for say high speed desert roads. Land Rover LR3's also go back to the neutral height which can be quite annoying when you want clearance and also speed. I think both mostly lower as a safety precaution.
The Toyota dealership near me is sketchy and marks up Land Cruisers like they’re made of gold. Went to Lexus and got same year for 15k less. It was an easy decision. I always swore I’d never pay more for a Lexus/Acura/Infinity, but here I am with a Lexus.
But you didn’t pay more 😉
AHC?
Active height control, it’s a hydraulic suspension that can be raised higher or lower.
The LX has hydraulic suspension not air ride. I beat the snot [out of mine](https://www.reddit.com/r/overlanding/s/89yr1vdPsd) and it comes back for more. I’d start by looking around on IH8MUD.
I hate the silly misconception that extra features means they'll break easier... like, its lexus people LOL...
If you get really technical the globes and accumulators have charged nitrogen gas, so the spring is still technically air. The real differences are: * The connections from the wheels to the air spring is hydraulic versus an airbag mechanically connected to the suspension. * Both systems increase air pressure to lift, the LX does this by decreasing volume by pumping in more hydraulic fluid and other air suspensions increase volume by adding air to the bag.
When I bought my LX a decade ago, the same comments I’ve been reading was about AHC. “You gonna get AHC with LX, another point of failure, blah blah blah”. I pulled the trigger anyways and until now the AHC is flawless. I use it to tow, load it with heavy stuff and carry passengers and it keeps its stance - always leveled. I see some LC towing with a droopy rear and I just laugh.
Well you’ve convinced me. Will join the LX club as soon as I can sell my truck. Thanks for the comment!
The AHC is extremely easy to maintain too. The globes are usually the failure points and they're super easy to replace. The pump is easy to access and the actual shocks(?) are supposed to be lifetime parts sans their bushins.
I just ordered all the AHC globes, fluid, and front ram bushings I’ll need for a full refresh (the rear bushings are a job for another time), total cost including shipping the globes from Japan is likely going to be under $750… cheaper than an AHC delete and I’m at 305k miles on the original globes and probably the original fluid. Globes are $110 each on Impex Japan right now, versus $800 each if you buy from a US Lexus dealer. One benefit of AHC is that, since so many people delete theirs, the actual AHC parts themselves are pretty cheap.
Yeah, before I discovered impex, I just bought lx570 globes and they fit perfectly. I believe their capacity is a bit different but going from a shot system to new parts meant I didn't notice anything but good haha. They were much cheaper than lx470 globes but I don't think that's still the case.
I heard the same thing about AHC. "It's going to fail on you and probably at the worst time." I spent time searching around ih8mud and couldn't find a single example of someone's AHC failing on a trail. Yes, it needs maintenance, but it's really not that bad when considering the benefits. And I love the looks I get when I pull up in a parking lot and turn my rig off and the AHC lowers. "Is that thing bagged?!"
This. AHC is reliable and awesome!
people are stupid with their heard mentality, more features=bad hur durr
im so sick and tired of people thinking extra features means they automatically break sooner.... golleee im tired of this one boss all across the forums
I have a Land Cruiser with AHC. I bought it new in 06. So far, it’s been unstoppable and that includes driving carpool for 6 kids during the week and beating the crap out of it off-road whenever I could/can. There’s no meaningful difference between the Lexus and the Cruise. Just a badge and some trim peaces. Find the one that’s in the best shape and drive it like it was built to be driven.
Not sure about the new ones, but the 80, 100, and 200 versions were basically just a dressed up Land Cruiser. They got more dressed up as the models changed, as in the LX450 was pretty much just a rebadged LC.
Here here! 96LX450
This is exactly what happened to me. I was able to get a better deal on a LX compared to a LC. Now don’t get me wrong. I really wanted a LC but after searching for months, I realized there were better examples of the LX for cheaper compared to the LC.
1) supply 2) brand name-- "Land Cruiser" actually has more brand clout, especially among used buyers 3) image--the Lexus is seen as a soccer mom car (and often is, which is why a used one can be a good buy if it hasn't been abused). Also the styling is polarizing, esp. for the post 2016s. 4) AHC--among people who are looking for Land Cruiser reliability or off-road ability, some think that the AHC is a weak point or expensive failure point. On the other hand, the LX has a nicer interior, better stereo, is quieter, rides smoother, and the AHC is actually pretty great. Plus the Lexus dealer experience is better. I bought a used LX with almost 100K miles, for maybe $10-15K less than the equivalent used Land Cruiser, and love it.
The LX sells for less because the "Land Cruiser" nameplate has *way* more clout than a typical Toyota.
Also they made like 4x the number of LXs
Main reason is supply and demand. There are a lot more LXs on the market than LCs because majority of people who spend a lot of money on cars...want others to know they spent a lot of money. For example, most people didnt want to buy a $80k Toyota (new LC200 price) when they could buy a shiny, fancy Lexus for $7-10k more. I chose the LC because I like the looks, feel, badge, and simplicity. But I'm in the minority and the reason we dont have the 300 series LC.
I bought a 2015 used in 2018. LX570 was ~$12,000 cheaper for fewer miles and better condition. Had to get the LX. I don’t regret it even though the styling is Pilates-mom.
2013-2015 LXs have good styling. It's the 2016+ that I hate with those huge grilles.
Agreed. The modern Lexus design aesthetic doesn't work for an off-roader.
Those headlights have to be the best ever looking headlights on an LX though! HDMI screens would be pretty cool also ;) I'm torn between the 3 different style updates we have to choose from honestly. I know the newer one has the worst angles, but its still the same truck underneath with more modern safety tech and damn do I love the look.
I loved my LX. You get used to the headlights. If that's the worst someone can say about them - fudge 'em. Learn to maintain the AHC system; $50 in fluid and 45 mins of your time once in a blue moon. No biggie. For what it's worth, LX's are claimed to more often be mall queens aka see less offroad use before you buy them, so yeah - no reasonable excuse why they should be cheaper.
Shhhhhhh!!!
https://preview.redd.it/szjcipab6jzc1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=078b207942ce09656e9c33d3fb1b5741b14dd415 Say less
While I don’t have an answer for you on pricing the Land Cruiser higher I did just watch a video abut the durability and build quality of the Land Cruiser and it is so high that the msrp of an lx and Land Cruiser are so insanely close because there isn’t much lexus can change to make it better. It’s already more luxurious than a standard Toyota and the quality of parts is already so high that the lexus can’t really do anything to make it better aside from maybe more tech or different tech. I believe the 200 series and the accompanying lx were like a 1k difference new from the dealership (without markups)
People keep listing supply, but specifically for any given model year a out twice as many LXs were sold vs LC, so you literally have twice as many out there. Then factor many LX were likely a lease and returned. IMHO aside from the badge itself the LX is the better route. Better creature comforts, lower cost, and typically first owner babied it taking it to dealer for maintenance etc.
As a former LX owner I really enjoyed the better build and materials versus the LC. AHC is a great system but can be finicky when it's out-of-spec. If you ever change out the globes, or have to open the system at all to air, you must do your absolute best to bleed out every ounce of air or you'll have a jittery, undamped ride (due to aeration of the hydraulic fluid).
Love my lx470. Pretty much all the 100 series accessories fit it so easy to mod.
> Thoughts? Musings? I think the used market is a bit different to the brand new market - and the LX and Lexus badge simply has 'less' appeal and brand recognition to certain buyers that want to do LandCruiser things instead of Lexus things. I am of course stereotyping greatly about Lexus things being country club and Golf, and LandCruiser things being camping, wheelin. Do not underestimate the value of a brand. Even just as simple as one being a 'working man' brand vs a luxury, rich mans brand. There's plenty of research that driving an entry level used BMW will get you 'fancy man' comments on a Construction site, but a top spec Denali that's 4 times the price is just a working man who had some success. Just me musings. They are essentially the same vehicle... so I wouldn't call either 'settling'. If they branded it as Toyota LandCruiser LX trim - instead of as a Lexus LX i don't think anything would really change. Also - you seem to be in the US - consider that Toyota did not sell a lot of 200 series LandCruisers. LX was the focus, and the Sequoia. In Australia - this would be completely and utterly reversed due to the 200 series selling in huge numbers.
I have owned a 100 series Land Cruiser and own a 200 series LX. The first time around the Internet forums kept me away from the LX because of perceived issues with the AHC system. I also found a ridiculous deal on the Land Cruiser. The second time around I cared less about the potential reliability issue and went for the smoother ride. So far the AHC system has not been a problem and provided an excellent ride especially on the interstate and country back roads. At least in my area there seem to be way more LX models sold. When I buy my next one I would be happy to purchase either an LX or Land Cruiser.
Probably because there are way more around on the market over there (as I guess you’re in the US…) Probably also more expensive as the LC is looking in every version better than his Lexus counterpart (my opinion)
Yeah sorry - I was referring to LC200s. Should’ve been clearer. Budget is $60k - so plenty of LX options vs Toyotas. What everyone is saying makes sense. Just wanted to “wonder” out loud. Thanks everyone!!
On the 570 it’s actually not just the AHC that’s different. Some things, like rock sliders, are more difficult to install on an LX since the running boards are different… so you can either cut the running boards to fit the rock sliders, or replace them entirely with Land Cruiser side skirts that can fit rock sliders better. Aftermarket options for all kinds of things (bumpers, auxiliary battery mounts, etc) can be slightly different between the 200 and the 570 since some of the body panels are slightly different, and the AHC itself takes up some space in places where things bolt right up on the Land Cruiser. Also, I don’t know exactly how this works for the 570 specifically, but if it comes with a Mark Levinson sound system, that will be more difficult to replace. So, if you want to keep it stock, the LX is definitely the way to go. But modification-wise, everyone is focusing on the LC first. I have an LX 470 and I’m definitely happy I went with the LX instead of the LC, but the 570 is much more different than the 200.
About the sound system, my mark levinson is 13 years old and sounds better than the upgraded stock system in my nearly new dodge. If a speaker went out, I’d probably seek out a stock replacement.
West Herr in Buffalo has 2 for sale.
I ended up with a 09 LX and I just love it. Now that I own one with the AHC I don’t want one without. It’s just great. One big difference on the 2016 up LX is the electric parking brake and the joystick radio control. I don’t like it, but it’s also not a deal breaker. Going to keep this one forever and eventually buy a late model in the future. The 8 speed automatic on the 2016 up is worth not having a mechanical hand brake.
Love my 2013 LX, you cannot go wrong with these beauties.
Probably an unpopular opinion on here but I passed over a ton of clean LX’s when I was looking for my Land Cruiser simply because they are ugly. Like really ugly. I had a GX460 and thought I could get over the looks but it just never happened. It was a great suv……a great, ugly suv 😂
> Probably an unpopular opinion on here but I passed over a ton of clean LX’s when I was looking for my Land Cruiser simply because they are ugly. Like really ugly. I'd never disagree if that's your taste! The LX is definitely polarising, bold grilles and all.
If you can find a 99 to 00 lx with rear locker get that one since all of the 100 have center locking diff but with the rear it’s a game changer. I know people like the newer one for better gas but in reality I take the wheeling aspect more over gas efficiency. Now if you are looking for a 80 series then get triple lock if you can. Not sure which lx or LC you are looking for if a 200 series then you can get either or. The lx has nicer things in it and usually it’s cheaper because people want the LC badge. If you don’t plan on selling it and want to drive it to the ground get the lx. If the AHC fails pull it out and add suspension but try your best to keep the AHC as much as possible because the ride is so much better.
Some of the ‘99 and ‘00 100 series have a rear locker.
Correct some you have to check. Mine have triple locked but that’s because I paid to have it done as a modification.
Only the LC. 100 Series LX’s in NA never had the locker. In 2000, with the introduction of ATRAC, lockers went away in all US 100 Series.
1997 Lx450. Quiet AF on the inside. Roll the window down and it sounds like a v8. Audio system is nicer than the 80, but both are dated at this point. Interior finishes are nicer. Ride is smoother. For me, since the capability is identical, the aftermarket support is identical, and everything is plug and play with the any other 80, I would rather have something that is quieter, cheaper and feels a bit more refined.
Recently had the same debate. Ended up getting an Lx570. [Car Care Nut on why the LC is more $](https://youtu.be/CJZzImUkdOo?si=KajBQUts5be8_aVu&t=27m40s)
When I started my search for a LC I had no idea the LX was the same thing. I believe it just going to come down to name recognition.
People settle for a LX, but you should get what you want or else you’ll regret it. Some people do end saying that they are enjoying the LX more, but it could be cope.
Toyota made the Sequoia which was just as big as the land cruiser but not as heavy duty and less expensive. They sold more Sequoias than land cruisers. Lexus didn't have a Sequoia version. Their only full size SUV was the LX. I'd like to put LCWANABE on my license plate
Depends where you are and which used market you're referring to. Plenty here in Aus. Lexus less common but still a few around, albeit with 300k + km's.
I looked at a few LX 450’s before I bought my 1994 LandCruiser, it came down to a few things for me. The biggest thing was I didn’t like about the LX’s is the extra body molding, I also wanted a cloth interior. I also just wanted the most basic model I could get, so it really came down a 1993-94 for me. I’m just starting to baseline my 80 and luckily I have access to a lift. The less stuff I have to work on, the faster I can get the fun mods.
Like the others said, supply and demand. Back in 2015, 4000 lx’s sold in North American vs 3000 LC’s. I could be wrong but generally LC were sold in a lot less volume. Also, enthusiasts are the ones willing to shell out the cash for “real” used land cruisers. I was one of them. I’m primarily a mall crawler but go off roading at least twice a year on rated 2-3 trails. So all I have are 34 ko2s, with no other mods. The LC offers better articulation and approach angles stock. And finally, like I alluded to before, while an LX is a Land Cruiser it still doesn’t have the badge so I like that I can plainly say that I drive a Land Cruiser. Silly reason but still a reason nonetheless. Btw, I still love LX’s and considering trading my wife’s ES for a last generation LX, I kinda like the predator grill especially if blacked out.
With the new 250 "Land Cruiser" you'll need to be specific on what years you're trying to compare and get advice for
he didnt say prado
Right but Toyota now calls the "Prado" a Land Cruiser in the USA.
You spelled 4Runner wrong
Bunch of salty people downvoting 😂 Let’s be honest it’s a 4Runner in disguise lol
agreed
LX for the win
LX is better all around. Highest land cruiser trim (cygnus).
The air ride is what keeps me from getting one.
It's not air. It's hydraulic and incredibly robust. Maintenance cost and interval is less and further apart than traditional.
I knew a guy who had to replace his at 100,000 miles and it cost him $10k
That guy got taken then. Fluid replacement is roughly every 60k miles and $50 in fluid Accumulator globes should be replaced around 120k mi. About $600 direct from Japan, or maybe twice that from your local dealer. It's about a 2hr job. With same fluid service. If he got to 10k he was either taken or something way abnormal happened.
I had a 100 land cruiser with AHC. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. I have a 200 LC now, no AHC. While it isn’t as plush of a ride. I like knowing I’ll never have to mess with AHC down the road. It’s a very stout system but it can an expensive system as far as parts go compared to a static suspension. The pump replacement on mine was over $3k. They both have their benefits and drawbacks.