Is this a good deal 1996 LX450???????

96blackLX450 · 08-15-09, 04:45 AM

I have the opportunity to buy a 1996 LX450 with 151K miles in good condition overall, EXCEPT the AC isnt working, suspect ac compressor needs to be replaced. And there are three windows that do not roll up or down, not sure what needs to be replaced. But I have talked him down $4300. Should I go ahead and make the purchase? And if so, what kind of cost repairs am I looking at? Any input is greatly appreciated.

mot · 08-15-09, 05:36 AM

If it has a good maintenance history, it has the options you like (such as the front/rear locking differentials, etc...), and you like the rest of the truck, etc... I would get it.

Also, mentioning your locale, etc... would help identify the value in your area.

Good luck and welcome!

96blackLX450 · 08-15-09, 05:42 AM

I live in Mobile, AL. Pretty hot and humid down here so AC being repaired is top priority for sure. Considering that these things have extremely high resale value and are known for superior durability, I'm probably going to buy it today for that price. I just really wanted some input on the cost of the repairs and how I should go about it.

Rusty Phillips · 08-15-09, 05:52 AM

what do you mean good condition overall?
if the AC and 75% of the windows dont work Id be worried about what else isnt working, or is about to go out.....

how nice does the paint look?
how nice is the interior?
how much tread is left on the tires?
how does it drive - any noises or vibrations?

is this a northern truck or southern truck?
any rust underneath.... or frame / accident damage?

difflocks ?

you talked him down $4300 (from what)
- or down TO $4300

these are 13 year old trucks - there are more and more of them for sale locally and on ebay all the time....
right now its a buyers market.

how much to repair the truck?
are you going to do it or pay someone else?
you could easily spend $4300 in parts / labor on this truck if you are paying someone to do it.

If I were you I think Id look around a bit more before buying.

96blackLX450 · 08-15-09, 05:59 AM

I talked him down from $6500 to $4300. Everything else is fine I didnt see any other problems other than the windows and the AC not working. It is a southern truck.

Rusty Phillips · 08-15-09, 06:04 AM

started my response before any of the others were posted - sorry to duplicate anything...

two other thoughts

1. this could have been a New Orleans flood truck....
if so you may be plagued with electrical gremlins the entire time you own it

you will either get very good at sorting these electrical things out, or you will not own it very long.

2. dont assume that because it is in Mobile that it is a rust free southern truck..... it could have spent most of its life in upstate michigan....

96blackLX450 · 08-15-09, 06:39 AM

Well I have already checked all of that, its been registered in Florida and Alabama its entire life.

super90 · 08-15-09, 07:02 AM

Unless you are an "a/c" guy and already know what is wrong and how to fix it and what it costs, I wouldn't want to buy it as you could quickly spend the better part of a grand (having someone else do the work) getting the a/c fixed. Instead, I would rather find a truck that everything worked on and pay $5,500 (for example) and I know what I am getting. It might be that the reason the a/c doesn't work is that they have found it what it needs and don't want to pay the big bill. Very typical.

Lots of good trucks out there. Be patient and find what you want.

lndcruz · 08-15-09, 12:23 PM

See if the guy will let you take it to a ac shop to get a estimate.

That is a good price though. Cruisers are pretty hard to find around here for little $$$

maybe_a_80... · 08-15-09, 02:53 PM

price is good.

if you are comfortable paying for the a/c repair and to get the windows working, you've found a good truck.

one thing to remember is that we are discussing a 13 year old truck that has what is considered by most to be high mileage.

when I buy a used vehicle, i suspect brakes and fluids will need to be replaced and/or flushed immediately upon purchase. also, any 13 year old vehicle is going to need some love if you want to make it work "like new". if you're only paying $4300 for the truck, you should be able to afford the repairs needed now. you will spend more on this truck down the road. we all spend money on ours.

welcome!

Pathfinder · 08-15-09, 03:25 PM

Not a bad price. However the PM will eat you alive. Just know what you getting into. You will spend about 1K getting it baselined IMO. Plus what ever you are going to spend on the AC. In retrospect I wished I had waited to get one that was built. While I got a good deal the mods I spend $$$ money on all add up. I wish I had purchased one that was already built.

Good luck.

Brian894X4 · 08-15-09, 03:52 PM

I've never heard of a compressor going bad, but it could have run out of refrigerent. I think this is fairly rare too, unless the AC has been messed without. If it had a front end accident, the AC dryer may have gotten hit and let out all the refrigerent. When it was fixed, they may have neglected that.

Having the driver's window fail is not unusual. The motor wears out after constant use. Or more accurately, the gear inside the motor gets stripped. Having 3 out of 4 wear out seems a bit odd.

Being from Alabama and Florida, my biggest fear would be that it's a flood truck and as mentioned, the electrical gremlims are a worrying indicator.

Don't mean to be such a downer, I would just double check everything really, really well before you buy. Good luck.

As far as resale value, these things "used" to have a pretty high resale value, but mostly depending on condition and mileage. They are very specialty vehicles with a very limited number of people who desire them...especially now. They are, however, rare. So that helps with value. High mileage 80s in average or worst condition are a dime a dozen though. It's the low mileage, single or low owner models that are rust free that command good prices. And even then, the prices are FAR less than they were a few years ago.

super90 · 08-15-09, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian894X4

I've never heard of a compressor going bad...

Wish I could say that. I had one go out on my FJ60 and a new OEM compressor installed with a new drier and expansion valve wasn't cheap. It was probably eight years ago and I remember something like $700 or $800. I did not do the work myself. Didn't have any time to mess with it when it failed.

96blackLX450 · 08-15-09, 06:59 PM

Well I have a friend with the dealership who got me a brand new compressor with clutch assembly, a new drier, and a new expansion valve for $200. And an AC specialty shop quoted me $490 to install everything while flushing out the AC system with new refrigerant. Oh and yes I bought the LX450 today for $4000.

lndcruz · 08-15-09, 08:08 PM

Good deal. Get some pics put up!

Brian894X4 · 08-15-09, 10:25 PM

Congradulations. If it all checks out...that's definately not a bad deal at all.

Of course, you understand pictures are now required.

Rusty Phillips · 08-29-09, 06:41 AM

so....

pics please

mikesean76 · 08-29-09, 08:06 AM

pics....where are you located?

96blackLX450 · 08-31-09, 06:17 PM

I am in Fairhope, Al. Im by the beach across the bay from Mobile. Anyway, Ive changed all fluids except the diffs, K&N air filter new spark plugs/wires and distributor, sea foamed the engine. Leatherique came in today so Ill be doing that tomorrow. Just been busy, pics coming soon. I dont have an owners manual and I need to know how much fluid does each diff hold? Thats my next maintenance job. I also have the new AC compressor with a new clutch and new expansion valve and a new drier---Labor to install=$320 and thats draining the old system and with new freon installed. Its from a reputable auto AC shop and seems like a pretty good deal.

SBFJ60FIG · 08-31-09, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by super90

Wish I could say that. I had one go out on my FJ60 and a new OEM compressor installed with a new drier and expansion valve wasn't cheap. It was probably eight years ago and I remember something like $700 or $800. I did not do the work myself. Didn't have any time to mess with it when it failed.

Ahh...but you presume the diagnosis was correct good sir! I've owned almost all Toyota stock since 1988, never had a compressor go bad yet.

'83 HiLux
'84 Extra Cab
'84 FJ60
'87 FJ60
'88 Supra
'88 4Runner
'97 FZJ80
'97 LX450

Probably missing a few but no compressor issues on any of these trucks. Which of course is not to say that they don't go bad...I'm sure they do, but I think we'd all agree not very many Toyota compressors get replaced!

bpassmore · 08-31-09, 08:49 PM

my compressor in my 97 LX has marbles in it.

corsair23 · 08-31-09, 10:57 PM

Before you replace a bunch of stuff on the AC system, you might read through this thread:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...elp-romer.html

Romer's AC went out on him on the way to Rubithon last year and it ended up being a simple fix...May not apply to you and then again, it might

96blackLX450 · 09-01-09, 02:38 AM

Well I already know the compressor is locked up because I tried a belt on it just to be sure. And I got the compressor from a friend at the dealership at his price and somehow he got all the other components at no extra charge. Does anyone know the diff fluid capacities? Its next on my list and I have no manual. Mine does not have lockers.

zombified · 09-01-09, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96blackLX450

I am in Fairhope, Al. Im by the beach across the bay from Mobile. Anyway, Ive changed all fluids except the diffs, K&N air filter new spark plugs/wires and distributor, sea foamed the engine. Leatherique came in today so Ill be doing that tomorrow. Just been busy, pics coming soon. I dont have an owners manual and I need to know how much fluid does each diff hold? Thats my next maintenance job. I also have the new AC compressor with a new clutch and new expansion valve and a new drier---Labor to install=$320 and thats draining the old system and with new freon installed. Its from a reputable auto AC shop and seems like a pretty good deal.

i believe it is 4 bottles of gear oil or 3.8 qts on the diffs.

You'll find some here are for the k&n, others are against it. I prefer the OEM air filter. it's rinsable and actually has the surface area that it's supossed to have. When i bought my truck it had a k&n in it and i tossed it as soon as i could.

corsair23 · 09-01-09, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96blackLX450

Does anyone know the diff fluid capacities? Its next on my list and I have no manual. Mine does not have lockers.

At the top of the 80s section there is a sticky thread:

FAQ for 80/LX450... (last part changes as stuff gets added)

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...dded-rotf.html

There are numerous, and VERY helpful, sub sections (threads) within the FAQs with a ton of stuff including a section on maintenace. Even with a manual, this information is invaluable. For instance, in the maintenance section's main thread you will find this:

Engine oil

Dry fill 8.0 liters (8.5 US qts, 7.0 Imp. qts)
Drain and refill w/ Oil filter change 7.4 liters (7.8 US qts, 6.5 Imp. qts)
w/o Oil filter change 6.9 liters (7.3 US qts, 6.1 Imp qts)

Differential oil

Front w/o Dfferential lock 2.80 liters (2.9 US qts, 2.5 lmp. qts)
w/ Dfferential lock 2.65 liters (2.8 US qts, 2.3 lmp. qts)

Rear 3.25 liters (3.4 US qts, 2.9 lmp. qts)

Hypoid gear oil API GL-5

Above -18°C (0°F) SAE 90

Below -18°C (0°F) SAE 80W-90 or 80W

Transmission

11.0 liters (11.6 US qts, 9.7 lmp. qts)

Transfer Case takes the same fluid type as the Differential 1.9 liters (2.0 US qts, 1.7 lmp. qts)

ATF DEXRON®II

Engine coolant:

w/ Front heater 12.5 liters (13.2 US qts, 11.1 lmp. qts)

w/ Front heater and rear heaters 13.4 liters (14.2 US qts, 11.8 lmp. qts)

Ethylene-glycol base

Just a suggestion, but when you have some time I'd suggest sitting down and going through each section just to sort of familiarize yourself with all that is there. A lot of time and effort has been put into organizing the FAQs.

In short, to do the front, rear, and center (t-case) you would need ~9 qts

96blackLX450 · 09-01-09, 11:33 AM

Nice, excellent info. Thanks for the help.

mmm635 · 09-01-09, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96blackLX450

Well I already know the compressor is locked up because I tried a belt on it just to be sure. And I got the compressor from a friend at the dealership at his price and somehow he got all the other components at no extra charge. Does anyone know the diff fluid capacities? Its next on my list and I have no manual. Mine does not have lockers.

I just acquired my LC and in the process of baselining it as well. I used the FAQ which has the fluid capacities you need as I am in the process of getting a manual as well.

Link: IH8MUD.com - View Single Post - FAQ for 80/LX450 - May, 2009 - Added ROTF

Sorry, just realized Corsair posted up info - forgot to refresh my screen.