For-Sale Faceoff: Land Cruiser vs. Lexus LX450
Both the Toyota and the Lexus are attractive and are similar in price. Which one would you bring home?
A few months back, I decided my next vehicle will be a Toyota Land Cruiser. The commanding driving position, legendary reliability, off-road readiness, and ample cargo room were all key considerations. To be honest, the Land Cruiser’s iconic status didn’t exactly hurt either — though I’m open to the Lexus versions too.
And while I love sports cars to the bottom of my greasy little heart? For daily driving, I prefer an SUV. Plus, for sheer driving pleasure, I already have a motorcycle, and no space or budget for three vehicles. So I’ve been combing greater Los Angeles for candidates, and this faceoff showcases some of the factors I’m looking weighing as I search for my next ride.
On the left, we have a modified 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser, with 218k on the clock, and an asking price of $19,700. On the right, we have its challenger, a stock 1997 Lexus LX450 with 142k miles and an asking price of $17,500. I’d likely be happy with either of them, albeit for different reasons.
As you can see from the pictures, the Toyota’s exterior has been sprayed with bed liner, and it’s also sporting a beefy brush guard and a snorkel. That gives it an awesome, Mad Max vibe, though it also telegraphs that it’s been used to crawl more than the mall.
On the other hand, the Lexus, which is one generation older than the Toyota, looks basically stock. And I happen to appreciate the champagne paint against the dark wheels. As the ad notes, this is the last year of the solid axle, so the beauty is more than skin-deep.
The Toyota also comes with a host of cool aftermarket kit, including Ironman Foam Cell Pro shocks, springs, and torsion bars, along with Metaltech OPOR rock sliders and a robust Gamiviti roof rack. It’s also shod with BFGoodrich K02s — which is wicked off-road rubber.
Aside from the 18-inch Fuel wheels, chintzy window covers (which I’d immediately trash), and JDM corner lights, the Lexus is essentially as it was when it left the factory. And while there’s some rust on the side steps, the paint is said to look pretty good “for a 25-year-old car.”
The cabin of the Toyota is a surprising contrast to the rugged exterior, as the front seats have been recovered in real leather, and look fantastic. There’s also a touchscreen Kenwood head unit, and snazzy Lund Catch-All floor mats. Overall, everything looks pretty tidy.
In the Lexus, the front seat looks pretty rough, and the dash is said to have a couple of cracks. That said, it also retains its factory stereo system, which because I am a dork that loves tape decks to an unhealthy degree, is a huge plus for me.
At the end of the day, the lower price, lower milage, and stock appearance would likely win me over here. So I’m going to call this one for the Lexus. But which would you choose? The kitted-out Land Cruiser? Or the more reserved-looking Lexus LX450? Hit me up and let me know!
Photos: Los Angeles Craigslist