jmarwill

I'm considering buying either an LX 470 or a Toyota Landcruiser (2005 or 2006 on both models). Can anyone tell me what the difference is (i.e. what do I get with an LX that I can't get with a Landcruiser)?

Thanks,
Jeff

V8_Fan

For '06, the LC came w/ AHC as an option (virtually all units came with the mandatory option), so '06 will have very little difference other than the LX will likely have the levinson audio, memory seats (rear entertainment was still an option on both, I think). Both '06 LC and LX have vvti, neither '05 does. '05 LX is the same as the '06 minus the new cosmetics (new spoke style for the wheels, LED tail lights, new grille). Likewise, '06 LC has a new grille, LED tail lights, plus an integrated headlight/parking light design. FYI, overseas LC's have had the AHC available since '98. The question you should be asking is whether you want an '05 or '06, as the main difference is the vvti.

tigmd99

If price is not an issue, then i would get LX470. The interior upgrade (more leather, real wood) along with Mark Levinson are major plus. I love memory seats. The Land Cruiser is cool though...the name alone is just cool...however, the lack of features is a problem though.

EDIT: i also prefer the projector headlights over the reflector ones on the LC.

V8_Fan

Now if you're talking a '08 LC vs. '08 LX, I would lean towards the LC. Why? It has KDSS while the LX has X-REAS. KDSS gives lots more suspension articulation offroad while X-REAS feels more "sporty" on road. The '08 LC has memory seats, too. In fact, the interior & features look darn close to the '03-'07 LX. Only complaint of the toyota is service at the dealer takes forever, and you get no loaner; you get the same service as the guy who bought a $12K Yaris.

tigmd99

Jim, although KDSS is cool, the '08 TLC also has significantly worst departure angle than '08 LX570. IMHO, i think that angles are more important than articulation in off-roading, esp. given how effective the CRAWL control is on the '08s. No matter how good articulation is, it won't help when your bumpers are trashed. Having a 20 degree departure angle is a major limitation off-road...and the fact that it's not easy to fit an aftermarket bumper is another minus...in fact, i do not even think that you can fit an aftermarket bumper at all! The LX570 at least can raise a few degrees in the rear (and front) to avoid dragging the bumper(s), which i assume is not cheap to replace/repair.

V8_Fan

Does toyota compute the LX's departure angle w/ AHC in H or N? That would make a difference. All the newer toyotas have huge, chunky plastic rear bumpers (4th gen 4Rnr, GX/Prado, 100 series LX/LC, 200 series LC/LX). I guess one could add a 2" lift to the LC.

tigmd99

Lexus gives both figures for the angles.

I am not sure how easy it is to lift TLC with KDSS. I would imagine that it's not straight forward.

V8_Fan

Isn't the KDSS basically swaybars that can be electronically disconnected, kind of like a lazy-man's alternative to the old-fashioned manual sway bar disconnects sold for the 100 series & earlier LC's overseas? (only a lot more complicated, costly, and heavy)

pagemaster

I believe there a no electronics to the system. The stabilizer bar are detached by hydraulic mounts.

It a $1500 option on the GX. Not that costly in my opinion and it appears like a pretty simple system. No maintenace or service required.

tigmd99

Doesn't KDSS take into account articulation of both front and rear axles?? In other words, the front and rear axles are connected.

jjbenzo

Just so you are aware...Toyota freshened the LC and LX for the o6-07 models. The 05's are a little more dated looking. For example, both got new wheels, grilles, LED tail-lights, new colors and most all came with the rear body colored spoiler apposed to the black wind deflector. I would go with either in 06-07.

Salted

Sorry if I'm bumping an ancient thread, I'm just in a similar situation and had a quick question.

I like the LX 470 more for a couple aesthetic reasons (interior, headlights, wheels), but I am nervous about the AHC Hydraulic system.

Buying used there's no way I can be sure it wasn't contaminated at one point. And even if it wasn't, how long can it last?

Googling, it looks like it's around $5,000+ to replace accumulators, shocks, sensors? That's not something I want to take on.

In a worst case scenario, if I bought a LX 470 and the AHC Hydraulic system goes out, or the sensors malfunction; how much would it cost me to switch to an OEM Land Cruiser spring / Bilstein shock setup (parts & labor)?

Thanks

Max707

I replaced my AHC with Old man EMU 2" lift. Slee off road did the work, included the front diff drop. It was a couple of thousand including install they do great work included disabling the dash light for the AHC, removing all the old AHC equipment. Much better then the AHC and the 2" lift looks great. Call Christo he can walk you through costs.