FlzRider

My 2007 GX470 is nearing 150k miles and I've been wanting to upgrade to an LX for some time now. I am struggling with my options and thought i'd post here to get your thoughts.

The way I see it, I have 3 options:

1. Buy a very lightly used '13-'15 LX570 for approximately $62k (with 8k-15k miles). This option is the cheapest, and really cuts depreciation down significantly.

2. Buy a new, leftover '15 LX570 for some unknown discount off MSRP. Likely ~$80k, unless you tell me otherwise.

3. Buy a new '16 LX570 for a price that is likely very near MSRP ~$93k or just slightly under. The new '16 LX looks gorgeous to me, has all the latest tech, however, depreciation will hit it hardest.

Any thoughts?

hankinid

If I were you, and I'm not, I'd go with option1. Let the first owner eat the depreciation.

As to option 2, $80K will get you a new Land Cruiser with a bit of negotiation. I recently checked out an '11 LX with 40K miles for $50K. The minute I found that the third row seats cannot be easily removed, I passed. I instead found a '13 Cruiser with fewer miles for $10K less, flew to the dealer, handed them a certified check, and drove home.

Like I began, it's your choice. Swmbo and I are completely debt free, and although I could easily swing a '16 LX by having my dealer call my bank with drafting instructions, for the difference involved in price, it's a no-go for me and wife. You may get a good deal on a 3 year old LX coming off lease.

Let us know what you end up with.

Steve

As to option 3, if you like the coke-bottle look of the '16 and want to bite the depreciation bullet, go for it.

G Star

iTrader: (2)

2016 LX is epic. If you've got the budget for a 16, go for it.

Write it off if you can!

SeaHawg

I would go for option 1 or even a 2011 model year for less. The 2011's have good technology and are already amply depreciated.

ggebhardt

I am going for it but I will likely pay a huge tax penalty.

I was able to charge off like $75K last year on the 2015 purchase but if I buy the 2016 in 2015 I will loose $50k of my deduction as the laws, I think, have changed and I can only deduct $25K each year on the 2016 LX, leaving me to pay the extra taxes on the $25k lost on the 2015.

My CPA is looking into it but the laws have changed

T4Fun

no gx460? It handles much better than a cumbersome LX and has all the tech stuff. Space slightly less inside.
I would opt to not buy any lx here. A total redesign is in expected in 2018 and waiting 3 years would be worth it.
You'll take a huge hit even on a used LX imho

ggebhardt

The GX is kinda a disappointment if you are used to a LX.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the gx is no match to the lx in almost every aspect especially with this 2016 facelift. the car is small so it might handle better (but honestly both don't handle anywhere close to be impressive anyway), but the lx is faster, more powerful, larger, bigger screen, more tech, etc...

malba2366

Greg it is very likely that congress will pass the section 179 increased limit/bonus deduction at the last minute again just as they did last year. Last year, if you remember, the extension was passed the last week of December. I believe they will extend it into 2016 this time as well due to the election year.

SeaHawg

Let's hope they keep their hands off credit card travel rewards miles, too 😁

M1911

I test drove a GX 460 three times, but finally gave it a pass. I found the seats to be uncomfortable. You don't get the best technology (radar cruise, surround view cameras, etc.) unless you get the Luxury model, at which point you are up to Land Cruiser pricing. The third row takes a lot of interior capacity, bringing it down to 60 cu ft. The GX body kit reduces ground clearance to 8" and has a lousy approach angle. I'm not a fan of the side-hinged rear door. The GX also has a surprisingly large turning circle (> 40') compared to a 38' turning circle for a Land Cruiser.

So I'm picking up a 2013 CPO Land Cruiser instead. YMMV.

ggebhardt

This is good to hear. I put my 2015 LX in service in December 2014. I think that means I got two years into the 179. I am telling my dealer I might not take my 2016 LX until after the first of the year in 2016 for tax purposes. I will keep my eyes open for the change in deduction.

Thanks very much.

hankinid

ROTF, etc.

"Slightly less" space inside?...Try 83 cubic feet on the LX and 60 on the GX.

"Huge hit" on used trucks?...Check the percentage of remaining value on a 3 year old LX v. a GX.

Beyond that, cumbersome cargo door designed for right-hand drive trucks...it opens on the wrong side of the curb.

To me, no comparison between engines.

I've yet to see a GX off-road, but I see plenty of series 100 trucks in the dirt and I'm beginning to see some 200's, though admittedly Cruisers v. LX's.


Steve

hankinid

I found a very clean 2013 Cruiser after 3-4 months of searching. Flew to the dealer, handed them a check, and drove her home. Swmbo inherited my '01 LX. You will love the Cruiser.

I'd taken a close look at an '11 LX, but passed when I found that removing the third row seats involved disconnecting the cylinders that moved the seats from sitting position to folded.

OT...outstanding user name btw My Cruiser's plate is "FN FAL".

Steve

M1911

Nice. I met a NH state representative whose Bronco had the plate "HK-91". Her HK-91 had a registered auto sear in it, too.