Trying to decide on GX550 vs. LC.
- Thread starter Joeguide
- Start date
I suspect many are considering the new 4Runner vs LC vs OT given similar offroad characteristics and torque specs.
4Runner - offroad version only has part-time 4WD, not what I want for skiing. Better fuel efficiency.
LC - Selling for as much as the OT, or more, doesn't have eKDSS, and only 31" tires. I also will tow a 6000# GVWR trailer, which any can do, but tongue weight is 600# + WDH 100# + trailer battery/propane/cargo (200#?), so I assume closer to 900#. That would only leave about 200# for vehicle passengers/cargo on the 4R/LC - not enough. Better fuel efficiency. One video mentioned it handles bumpy roads better at higher speeds and the electric motors help with crawling.
OT - Better fit & finish, better service, but worse gas mileage. However, I also have an EV to us for efficiency. The crawl ratio on this is definitely not like the Rubicon 4xe - not sure if electric motors would help with descending. PS: my stock tires measure exactly 32". I've heard anywhere from 31" to 32.6".
I can't friggin believe I had to spend 81K+ to get the OT+ to get seat memories. I couldn't get them on a 2011 Limited Highlander at all. What is it with Toyota and seat memories? My 2005 Nissan Titan circa 33K had seat memories tied to the key fob..
4Runner - offroad version only has part-time 4WD, not what I want for skiing. Better fuel efficiency.
LC - Selling for as much as the OT, or more, doesn't have eKDSS, and only 31" tires. I also will tow a 6000# GVWR trailer, which any can do, but tongue weight is 600# + WDH 100# + trailer battery/propane/cargo (200#?), so I assume closer to 900#. That would only leave about 200# for vehicle passengers/cargo on the 4R/LC - not enough. Better fuel efficiency. One video mentioned it handles bumpy roads better at higher speeds and the electric motors help with crawling.
OT - Better fit & finish, better service, but worse gas mileage. However, I also have an EV to us for efficiency. The crawl ratio on this is definitely not like the Rubicon 4xe - not sure if electric motors would help with descending. PS: my stock tires measure exactly 32". I've heard anywhere from 31" to 32.6".
I can't friggin believe I had to spend 81K+ to get the OT+ to get seat memories. I couldn't get them on a 2011 Limited Highlander at all. What is it with Toyota and seat memories? My 2005 Nissan Titan circa 33K had seat memories tied to the key fob..
This part is pretty nuts. Or brilliant...how many people caved and made the big jump to a + mainly for the memory seats? I probably would.
In fairness, I would have bought either the OT or OT+ in a decent color, but the OT+ was the first that was offered to me after 4mo on the waiting list.
In a way I'm glad I was forced into it that way so I didn't need to live with having decided to take or leave the plus model - either wondering if I wasted money, or should have opted in.
Otherwise, I might have had to wait until Nov, Dec, Jan for the next allocation.
My 2 cents: Just looked at a Landcruiser - Landcruiser Premium Package and an OT today and yesterday. I know a lot of people claim the GX's interior is at a Toyota level or not luxurious enough. For me, the interior quality is night and day different between the two. And the ergonomics of the GX is much preferred. Was sort of surprised about how strong I preferred the GX to the LC. I could have taken home the LC today but will wait hopefully only a few months to get a GC.
I thought I would like the physical buttons on the LC but after having driven an EV with no physical buttons for the past few months, I realized how little I mess with climate settings.
For me, if I was going to do a LC, I would opt for the 1958 which I think is the best value of the options. But at a similar price between the LC and the entry level GX trims, it is an easy choice.
Also spending a few hours at a Toyota dealer (with a very nice sales person) versus a Lexus dealership, I will be much happier getting the service done there.
I thought I would like the physical buttons on the LC but after having driven an EV with no physical buttons for the past few months, I realized how little I mess with climate settings.
For me, if I was going to do a LC, I would opt for the 1958 which I think is the best value of the options. But at a similar price between the LC and the entry level GX trims, it is an easy choice.
Also spending a few hours at a Toyota dealer (with a very nice sales person) versus a Lexus dealership, I will be much happier getting the service done there.
We were offered an early allocation of an OT in Nori green that we declined, mainly because I wanted the memory seats! Yah, we caved and waited for the OT+. Since my wife is only 5'4", I would be constantly setting the seats manually each time I drove it. Over the many years we plan to own it, that would get old.
Originally purchased the LC Premium loaded but the dealer couldn’t seem to deliver. Lots of stories and false expectations set. Located an OT+ four hours away and went for it. Very glad I did! Liked the look of the LC but you don’t drive the looks or color. So many big differences between the two really. Power plant is obvious but there are many others. The ONLY thing the LC offered that the OT+ did not was the digital rear view mirror. Never had one before and it’s fine without it but did like that feature. As for wheels and tires, the LC needed immediate upgrade vs the OT+. That adds up to several $k. At the end of the day I know I made the right choice for me. Best of luck making the right choice for you!
I would suggest neither one. If you want a true 'go to hell and back' kind of 4x4 with supreme capability - just two words - Pontiac Aztec. Nothing else even comes close.
For those that purchased their GX at an out of town dealer. Do you have any issues with your local dealer servicing the vehicle? My fear is that they will have the attitude of, well you didn't buy it from us so we are not going to take care of you as we would someone who did.
We bought our of town and recently brought it to the most local dealership for the 5k check up and tire rotation. They took down all the little items and made a note in case there is a future fix (hood flutter) for instance. They were very pleasant and seemed to not have an issue. They washed the truck as well. I will be comfortable going back.
We drove both before buying. I was so disappointed in the LC test drive that I almost didn’t even look at the GX. We went to Lexus to test drive an LX and they happened to have a GX parked out front so we drove it as well. Was night and day different from the LC. LC felt like an economy car in comparison. They had an allocation for loaded Nori OT+ we had to wait about two months on and love it.
I would only own a LC if I was planning on putting a lot of money in aftermarket towards it
I would only own a LC if I was planning on putting a lot of money in aftermarket towards it
No issue at all - car dealers make more off service than they do off of car sales. I bought at a dealer 90 miles from home - but have it serviced locally - service could not even care where it came from.
I haven't yet taken mine in for service, but the way the dealership is set up, after talking to them a bit, it seems pretty clear they don't care at all. I bet they don't give it a passing thought in the service department. I guess it would be nice to have your salesman available to bug the service department, but frankly I'm not sure it would help. My firm used to represent several auto dealerships and service and sales weren't particularly close (in some cases even physically).
I'll find out soon!
I'll find out soon!
No dealership should have a problem working on a vehicle bought at another dealership. The most likely person to buy a new Lexus is someone who already owns a Lexus. Additionally service is a profit center for the dealership. The only slight hangup might be if you have one off manufacturing issues and how far the dealership will go make it right.
