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Hi All,
I'm a long time lurker to the forum and thought I would finally come out of the shadows. I've been a long-time owner of LC and LX vehicles. Four weeks ago, I updated from a 2000 LX 470 to a 2015 LX 570 with 21K miles. Loved my LX 470 but wanted updated electronics, amenities and a hands-free setup. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I will be doing some light off-roading with this new vehicle but likely staying in near-stock configuration. I resisted the temptation to go with a lightly used 2016 RR due to concerns about reliability even though I preferred the styling and ride quality slightly over the LX.
My thoughts so far: overall, more enjoyable to own than my 470 based on updated features. The ride quality is more solid but also more truck-like. I can't decide whether I prefer the stiffer Sport mode with increased responsiveness but more body roll than Comfort mode. I have found myself switching often between the 2 modes depending on my mood. I don't plan to use the 3rd row and wish it were easier to remove. The navigation system is good but hands-free seldom discerns my commands the first time. Anyway, I'll probably always remain an LX or LC owner. Thanks for a great forum.
Sure, I got it for $56K (asking was 57,599). I've never bought a new vehicle and always paid in cash. Like many on this forum, I am fortunate to be able to afford basically anything I want but have never cared enough to be the first owner of a vehicle to pay for it.
Sure, I got it for $56K (asking was 57,599). I've never bought a new vehicle and always paid in cash. Like many on this forum, I am fortunate to be able to afford basically anything I want but have never cared enough to be the first owner of a vehicle to pay for it.
nice find. I think 2013-15 are the best looking and the 6 speed trans is better in my opinion then the 8 speed.
Sure, I got it for $56K (asking was 57,599). I've never bought a new vehicle and always paid in cash. Like many on this forum, I am fortunate to be able to afford basically anything I want but have never cared enough to be the first owner of a vehicle to pay for it.
What options came with your LX? Do you have the ML stereo? Nice price for a low mileage unit. Congrats.
What options came with your LX? Do you have the ML stereo? Nice price for a low mileage unit. Congrats.
Thanks. Yes, it was CPO and came with every option available for 2015. The ML stereo was a nice upgrade from the Nakamichi of my 2000 LX.
I've since had a clear bra placed for paint protection (package with partial hood for $1000). I got the OEM liners and am waiting on some Canvasback covers. I removed the tow hitch cover for towing. I am considering having the front side windows tinted.
"I don't plan to use the 3rd row and wish it were easier to remove."
Really? it took about twenty minutes.
I've read every thread on this and for most of low-average technical ability (like me) it will take an hour for both sides. But that's not really the issue. I'm not an electrician or mechanic and I don't want fuss with electronics or wires. I don't want to have to account for leaking that could potentially occur because of a modification not intended by the manufacturer.
That said, if someone did a quality Youtube demo of the process I might change my mind. Without such a video, I'm inclined to think it's not as straightforward and effortless as some say.
It really is very easy! No need to worry about electronics. The extent of that is unplugging 2 connectors. All you need to do is follow this thread below.
The ride quality is more solid but also more truck-like. I can't decide whether I prefer the stiffer Sport mode with increased responsiveness but more body roll than Comfort mode. I have found myself switching often between the 2 modes depending on my mood. I don't plan to use the 3rd row and wish it were easier to remove. The navigation system is good but hands-free seldom discerns my commands the first time. Anyway, I'll probably always remain an LX or LC owner. Thanks for a great forum.
You can transform the ride quality by picking up a set of 17 or 18" wheels. The RWs are available on craigslist, and 18s are cheap locally or on ebay. Bigger tires improve the ride, ability to go over obstacles, and have way more tread depth than the stock Dunlops.
Also, there is a big reduction in road noise from the larger tires. Even though they are LT tires with a higher load index than the stock P-metric Dunlop car tires, it rides like a Lexus sedan on Michelin Defender LTXs.
I've read every thread on this and for most of low-average technical ability (like me) it will take an hour for both sides. But that's not really the issue. I'm not an electrician or mechanic and I don't want fuss with electronics or wires. I don't want to have to account for leaking that could potentially occur because of a modification not intended by the manufacturer.
That said, if someone did a quality Youtube demo of the process I might change my mind. Without such a video, I'm inclined to think it's not as straightforward and effortless as some say.
Easier to talk yourself out of it instead of doing it...it's not rocket science and you'll like the increase in room in the back. You are not "fussing" with wires; instead, you're simply unplugging the wiring coming from the seat to the wiring running down the body. If you freaking about leaking, put a dab of silicone sealant on the bolt (one on each side) that screws in vertically, and a little bit on a piece of duct tape and slap that over the hole to the rear of the bolt you just mounted...I ended up with 2 plastic hole plugs from HD and the silicone sealant. I tested both sides when I finished with my pressure washer and found no leaks whatsoever.
Originally Posted by Chocolate
You can transform the ride quality by picking up a set of 17 or 18" wheels. The RWs are available on craigslist, and 18s are cheap locally or on ebay. Bigger tires improve the ride, ability to go over obstacles, and have way more tread depth than the stock Dunlops.
Also, there is a big reduction in road noise from the larger tires. Even though they are LT tires with a higher load index than the stock P-metric Dunlop car tires, it rides like a Lexus sedan on Michelin Defender LTXs.
QFT...one of the best improvements you can make. Replacement tires in 18" are less expensive than OEM, have a better load rating, and are far more comfortable both on and off road. A set of Tundra take-off 18's ran $100 at my local Toyota / Lexus dealer. 0-miles from a new Tundra, with lug nuts, TPMS senders, and hub caps.
Would you mind elaborating on your opinion...I'd like to know why.
Toyota drove several "pre-300 series" trucks around for a few years before they introduced the series to the world...that's what they do to find any issues ahead of time that may affect reliability...the notable exception is the 8-speed...released to the world by installing in new vehicles and making the owner the Guiana pig. Issues include fluid leakage and solenoid related shifting issues. The normal result was / is the dealer installing a new transmission at no cost and usually tossing in a 125K platinum warranty.
Early-on, Toyota issued a TSB on 8-speed shifting issues...300 series transmission TSB . That applied to the '16 model year, those issues were supposedly fixed on '17's and later trucks.
From the link above..."let's not forget that cruisers in Australia are still getting 6-speeds. Because those guys are the ones who really can't afford to have a failure. US with our smooth roads and dealerships everywhere, and we think more gears are better, is the only reason we got a new tranny.
"The 8-speed didn't help fuel economy or power to the ground (diff ratios went from a 3.90 to a 3.08 but the top gear stayed the same, which is going to be hell with the smallest increase in tire size or reduced aerodynamics from a bumper or lift)."
The diff ratio change by itself would be enough for me to pass.
[QUOTE=hankinid;10244315]Easier to talk yourself out of it instead of doing it...it's not rocket science and you'll like the increase in room in the back. You are not "fussing" with wires; instead, you're simply unplugging the wiring coming from the seat to the wiring running down the body. If you freaking about leaking, put a dab of silicone sealant on the bolt (one on each side) that screws in vertically, and a little bit on a piece of duct tape and slap that over the hole to the rear of the bolt you just mounted...I ended up with 2 plastic hole plugs from HD and the silicone sealant. I tested both sides when I finished with my pressure washer and found no leaks whatsoever.
Thanks for the tips. I will probably be doing this mod soon. I'm trying to find a waterproof cargo mat with the most complete coverage once the seats are out.
07-06-18, 08:28 AM
New owner of 2015 LX
