LX470 Should I be concerned ?

[Gebo]

I am looking at purchasing a white 2002 LX470 with 95,000 miles. I noticed 4 things as I tested it out. First of all, it doesn't shift near as smooth as my '98 LS400. It shifts harder with a "little" bump. The "D" is burned out in the dash. Some of the clear coat is peeling off the top of the front bumper (about 1 square inch area). Lastly, the strip lights that are supposed to come on in the passenger side footboard are burned out.

Should I run or not? Cost to fix?

Thanks, Gary

 

[100 TD]

Mostly cosmetic items, nothing to worry about, the shift may be better when the driveline is greased and the tranny oil is changed. Others will comment, how much are you paying?

 

[davegonz]

Depends...what's the price on it? I've seen some really pristine rigs lately going for cheap around here.

 

[Gebo]

18,000

 

[BManning`]

Not saying $18g is a bad price, but if I was paying that I'd want the truck to be perfect.

If you're not a DIYer, you're probably looking at (guess) $2g at a Lexus dealer for a trans fluid swap, fixed D light, paint touch-up and fixed strip light.

Have you checked the AHC for smooth operation?

Offer $15g, they counter, buy it for $16g...

 

[Gebo]

I can do tranny fluid. How to check AHC? 18K is about 2-4K less than any other in my market area. Maybe you guys can hook me up in the SE US...

The D light is no big but the strip light and tranny bother me. THe fluid is not bright red but it is not burnt. Does any of you have an LX and a LS to compare the shifting?

 

[77HesterSue]

Seems high to me, especially with the stuff that needs to be done. I just bought an 01 LX470 with 125k for a bit over 14 and they did the timing belt/water pump. But if you are already in love.... Good luck!

 

[Gebo]

I'm merely infatuated at this time!

 

[Gebo]

Where are you guys finding these "CHeap" LX's? I did the Autotrader 200 mile radius and have been subtracting $2000 from asking and I can't find hardly any 2002 under 20,000 after the 2,000 deduction....

 

[coryc85]

My '02 LX shifted a little harsh when I first got it. I've now drained and refilled the fluid twice and it's noticeably smoother. I also greased the drive shafts and they were pretty empty judging by how much grease it took.

You might want to negotiate the timing belt in there, assuming it hasn't already been done. That is something you will need to do fairly soon and it will cost you, parts alone are around $400.

Make sure you get 2 remote keys with it, make sure you have the key for the wheel locks.

You can check the AHC by just getting in and raising it to H and then to L to make sure it is working.

 

[Dandon]

You can check the AHC by just getting in and raising it to H and then to L to make sure it is working.

Remember, it only works with all doors incl. liftgate closed. When I got mine, I tested it with the driver's door open and I thought it didn't work.

 

[Gebo]

Thanks so much for the advice. Another question, can you really tell the difference in the "ride control" settings? You know, those 4 or 5 settings from "Sport to Comfort"?

 

[uHu]

Thanks so much for the advice. Another question, can you really tell the difference in the "ride control" settings? You know, those 4 or 5 settings from "Sport to Comfort"?

Yes, there's a big difference. But even the Sport setting is not Very firm, just "a bit firm".


To check the state of the gas springs, aka nitrogen spheres, you
1
change the height control to Low, wait 30 secs after reaching Low,
2
then note the AHC fluid level in the reservoir (there are small markings on one corner)
3
change the height to High and wait 30 secs after reaching Hi
4
read the change in fluid level.
5
If there is a change of 7 graduations or less, the spheres are flat. Need new ones - not cheap.
If they are new, I think you get more than 14 grad's.

This is provided the vehicle is empty (no heavy load) and that the difference in ride height (when going from Lo to Hi) is 2 inches at the rear and a bit less up front.


If it is a 2002, shouldn't the timing belt have been changed already. Isn't it 100 k m, OR 5 years, whichever comes first.

 

[Gebo]

Uttu,

He said his mechanic (an independent Lexus mechanic) told him to go to 120K before changing the Timing belt. He did change Coolant at 90K.

Man, thanks so much for the detailed AHC explanation.

I just sold my Tundra today. Good thing is the buyer told me to keep it until I get the LX470. I've got a couple of weeks to keep looking.

 

[LXPearl]

With the 4wd the LX does not shift as smoothly as the LS, there will be some effect from the transfer case, but not much. Drive a newer one for comparison.

I used Mobil 1 ATF in mine and it smoothed out some. You can go 120K with the belt, but at 7 years of age, mileage is not the only factor. If it breaks, the engine is toast, so don't take too many chances.

Make sure they used the Toyota red coolant and distilled water, it will cause all the components to last longer and work better.

The D light tends to go out in these rigs. The sideboard lights are nice to have, but rather involved to fix. My passenger side went out under warranty, the price they showed was higher than I expected. I think they replaced the entire fiber optics.

 

[2000UZJ]

having the D light burned out is very nice at night. i put it into 2nd the other day and could not stand the big green light beaming me.

thats a plus on my book (first flaw i have ever liked!) .

 

[NMuzj100]

Is the shift "bump" drive-line thunk ? Search. If so then it's easily and cheaply fixed. D light burn out is a plus and eight year old cars rarely have perfect paint.

Not sure about the price.

 

[Gebo]

Everyone I have looked at has problems with the running board lights. None out of 3 have worked. The "D" was out in 2 of them as well. However, only the one had the "rough" shifting. The others we almost as smooth as my '98 LS. Oh, it is not the driveline bump you get when the rear of the driveshaft needs grease. It's a transmission issue. I noticed the transmission fluid was a little brown. I'm passing on the one I initially asked you guys about. Now as far as pricing, I have no idea where you guys are getting these fabulous "buy" prices. I am in the VA/NC area and I haven't found what you guys have found in terms of great pricing. Anyways, if you find a great deal on a 2001-2002, please PM me.


Thanks for all your input. I will find the LX470 for me!

 

[NMuzj100]

Maybe you're too close to DC. There's no recession in the .gov.

 

[Gebo]

Don't get me started Mr. O. rocks!