Bryan858

iTrader: (1)

HI there, I'm planning on buying either one of theese but I heard that the engine was changed after the 92 model Land Cruisers. The LX450 came out in 96-97 but is the engine the same as the 92 Land Cruiser? I just want to be sure if I buy the LX450 it will be just as dependable as all thoose early year Land Cruisers... Thanks for any help... Bryan

DetMich1

Yes, the LX models are based on the corresponding LandCruiser models . However, with some cosmetic as well as substantive differences. The 4.7 V8 engine was introduced in 1998 which provided a significant increase in towing capacity. These vehicles all have extremely reliable drivetrains. I would reccommend you consider a 1998 or later model for the increased power of the V8. If you buy one of the pre 2001 models which ushered in the introduction of Navigation and the Mark Levinson sound system you will find substantially lower prices than in the newer used models. You can find 2000 and earlier models for under $26,000 and with the exception of the Nav/ML sound (usually bundled in post 2001 models) you will have a very luxurious and extremely well-equipped and reliable vehicle.

mmarshall

For years the main difference between the Land Cruiser and the LX450 /470 was just the richer interior and wood paneling and the height-adjustable suspension on the Lexus...and of course the Lexus higher price and longer warranty. It is debatable if the few extra features of the LX justify its roughly $10,000 added price....I tend not to think so.

Gohawks63

The only thing I long for that my LC doesn't have is the memory seats. I would think that a $55k-$60K vehicle should have them, especially when you find that option in $25-$30K vehicles today.

Bryan858

iTrader: (1)

I just found out that pre 98 models share the FJ title which is the model that all the land cruisers share. The 98+ models are no longer considered FJ's... I also heard that toyota will relaese a new SUV named FJ** Something... Does anyone know if this will be the new real "Land Cruiser"? Well ok... Thanks again for the replies guys... Bryan

dougjohn

To answer your primary question -- whether or not the LX 450 and the Land Cruiser are equivalent, the answer is YES.
The LX 450 came out in 1996; 1997 was the last model year. Mechanically, the LX 450 is identical to the Land Cruiser of the same model years.

In 1993, the LCs picked up the 1FZ-FE engine -- the 91 and 92 had the 3FE (same as the one in the 62 series LCs.

The main difference between the LX and LC would be the quality of the leather, the type of "wood grain" used (better in the LX) and the stereo (6-CD changer in the LX). The stock shocks (and possibly the springs) are different between the two -- the LX has a softer, more floaty ride.

For all intents and purposes, consider these to be the same - get the one in the best condition with the best price. If you get the LX, save yourself a few bucks and get all your parts from Toyota, rather than Lexus (unless it's something that's Lexus specific -- which isn't anything mechanical).

In 1998, Toyota introduced the 100 series Land Cruiser. For the most part, the newer (1998-2005) Land Cruisers are the same as the LX 470s. There are some differences -- one being the suspension offerered in newer 470s that is not available for LCs. Same rule applies here though -- get the best one for the best price. If you're getting something that's still under warranty -- I'd lean toward the Lexus. The difference in customer service between Toyota and Lexus dealerships will blow you away.

Back to some technical details...
you mentioned FJ, so I assume you know your LCs to some degree. The 1991-92 LCs were designated as FJ80; from 1993-97, they became FZJ80 (designation change due to engine change). The 1998 - now models are designated as UZJ100 (change in engine and body).

If you really want to know the diff between 1998-2005 LCs and LX 470, check out this thread

The FJ cruiser you're referencing is said to be coming out soon, but will not be called the Land Cruisers. As I understand it, it'll be built on the Tacoma frame. If you're looking for a LC, this is not necessarily what you want. As for off-road capability, there's no way to know until it hits the market.

Hope you found some of this helpful.

tabraha

Good explanation Doug.

Bryan,

80 SeriesLC = LX450's equivalent
100 Series LC = LX470's equivalent (sounds like you aren't looking at either of these)

Like Doug said, you can't go wrong with either an 80 or a 100, and you can't go wrong with the Toyota or the Lexus Counterpart.

With the 80 series, the LX450 seems to have a higher percentage of vehicles that have the optional front and rear locking differentials. It was optional on both the LX and the LC 80's.

Another good resource is this page:
Slee's 80 series FAQ


Tad Abraham

Gohawks63

This is another site that seems to specialize in the older 'Cruisers.

People who frequent that board seem pretty knowledgable and might be able to answer some of your questions.

http://www.cruizers.com/cgi-bin/Ultimate.cgi

dougjohn

If you want a board that's extremely knowledgeable in respect to LCs and LXs, check this site:
IH8MUD.COM