This is a 1996 Lexus LX450, the same rig as an 80 Series Land Cruiser with a few upgrades such as a thicker windshield, additional sound deadening, better leather, and a few other things to make it more "upscale". I've owned this LX since 2014 and 226k miles, and it now has 233k miles. The LX has always been one of many cars in my ownership, including other Land Cruisers, and, for the most part, has been kept at our ski house under covered parking.
EXTERIOR: all factory VIN stickers and other labels are present, all original tinted Toyota glass, all light housings are original, all paint original, essentially everything on the exterior is the same as when it left the dealership. The only changes are that the running boards have been removed, the tires were upsized to 285/75r16, and the front and rear bumpers were upgraded to ARB and Kaymar, respectively.
The paint looks exceptional, although some sun fade is common for this color of LX450 and Lexus vehicles from this period. There is an area in the center of the upper rear tailgate and a small spot above the driver's side door handle where the clearcoat has failed, and a few scratches are evident on the right rear fender flare. However, there are no dents on the vehicle, nor are there any other scratches on the LX other than what is noted. This rig is one of the cleanest original LXs around. Please note that the spare tire was removed to take photos of the undercarriage, but it has been reinstalled.
The body of the truck is as rust-free as you would expect from a West Coast cruiser that has been mostly kept in covered parking, but there is some surface rust present on a few fasteners at the front of the engine bay and the axles do have a bit of surface rust. There is absolutely no rust of any significance on this truck.
INTERIOR: A mostly original interior that is nearly blemish-free, extremely clean, very well preserved, and fully functional. The only changes to the interior are: the front seats, center console cover, and front door armrests have been reupholstered, the speakers have been replaced, including the subwoofer, and the doors and rear quarters have additional sound deadening added. Otherwise, the interior is 100% original.
The only negative issues to note on the interior are a hole in the carpet below the front driver seat, the original Lexus floor mats, the Lexus labels have come off all of them, and the driver-side front floor mat is worn. There is some wear on the upper half of the steering wheel. Lastly, some of the small dash bulbs are no longer functioning, like the "D" light. Notable is that the sunroof is fully functional and leak-free; and all power functions work on the front seats.
MECHANICAL: The LX has the original engine and transmission, which have been regularly serviced and maintained to operate as designed.
2025 service included an oil change, coolant flush, new battery, front and rear differential fluid change, wiper blades, trans fluid change, AC recharge, and gears in the passenger front seat.
2026 service has included replacement of five 285/75R16 tires, radiator, antenna, hood insulator, and an oil change.
The water pump and other larger services were completed before my purchase. I have kept records of the work I have performed on the truck, but I don't have any service records from the previous owner.
The LX was upgraded with 1997 80 series Land Cruiser axles with Toyota factory electronic locking differentials. The complete axles were swapped with all necessary factory equipment, including the ECU, wiring harnesses, magic dial, ecu, just as if it came from the factory with locking diffs. However, they are not fully functional, and I don't recall what is left to be completed to make them operational.
The suspension was also upgraded to Old Man Emu regular height medium springs with Bilstein shocks, but the shocks are old and soft and will require replacement. Therefore, the LX will come with a second set of adjustable Rancho shocks that may be installed.
OTHER ITEMS:
This is an exceptional original condition 80 series Land Cruiser with some very desirable modifications, looking for a new caring owner who understands how few of these remain in this condition. ,
The price is $18,000. I think this price is below market, but I want to assure whoever buys this truck gets what they want and takes care of whatever the LX needs from a service and repair perspective.
LX is located at my house in San Francisco. Please email to initiate contact. I'm happy to get on the phone to answer questions. I can provide additional photos, the VIN, and any other information you request. The sale includes all the original Lexus equipment, including two sets of keys with fobs, manuals, brochures, a first aid kit, and a tool kit.
Please read the ad before asking questions and make an effort to communicate like a real human being.
Thanks for reading,
Eric
PS: I have tons of additional photos.
EXTERIOR: all factory VIN stickers and other labels are present, all original tinted Toyota glass, all light housings are original, all paint original, essentially everything on the exterior is the same as when it left the dealership. The only changes are that the running boards have been removed, the tires were upsized to 285/75r16, and the front and rear bumpers were upgraded to ARB and Kaymar, respectively.
The paint looks exceptional, although some sun fade is common for this color of LX450 and Lexus vehicles from this period. There is an area in the center of the upper rear tailgate and a small spot above the driver's side door handle where the clearcoat has failed, and a few scratches are evident on the right rear fender flare. However, there are no dents on the vehicle, nor are there any other scratches on the LX other than what is noted. This rig is one of the cleanest original LXs around. Please note that the spare tire was removed to take photos of the undercarriage, but it has been reinstalled.
The body of the truck is as rust-free as you would expect from a West Coast cruiser that has been mostly kept in covered parking, but there is some surface rust present on a few fasteners at the front of the engine bay and the axles do have a bit of surface rust. There is absolutely no rust of any significance on this truck.
INTERIOR: A mostly original interior that is nearly blemish-free, extremely clean, very well preserved, and fully functional. The only changes to the interior are: the front seats, center console cover, and front door armrests have been reupholstered, the speakers have been replaced, including the subwoofer, and the doors and rear quarters have additional sound deadening added. Otherwise, the interior is 100% original.
The only negative issues to note on the interior are a hole in the carpet below the front driver seat, the original Lexus floor mats, the Lexus labels have come off all of them, and the driver-side front floor mat is worn. There is some wear on the upper half of the steering wheel. Lastly, some of the small dash bulbs are no longer functioning, like the "D" light. Notable is that the sunroof is fully functional and leak-free; and all power functions work on the front seats.
MECHANICAL: The LX has the original engine and transmission, which have been regularly serviced and maintained to operate as designed.
2025 service included an oil change, coolant flush, new battery, front and rear differential fluid change, wiper blades, trans fluid change, AC recharge, and gears in the passenger front seat.
2026 service has included replacement of five 285/75R16 tires, radiator, antenna, hood insulator, and an oil change.
The water pump and other larger services were completed before my purchase. I have kept records of the work I have performed on the truck, but I don't have any service records from the previous owner.
The LX was upgraded with 1997 80 series Land Cruiser axles with Toyota factory electronic locking differentials. The complete axles were swapped with all necessary factory equipment, including the ECU, wiring harnesses, magic dial, ecu, just as if it came from the factory with locking diffs. However, they are not fully functional, and I don't recall what is left to be completed to make them operational.
The suspension was also upgraded to Old Man Emu regular height medium springs with Bilstein shocks, but the shocks are old and soft and will require replacement. Therefore, the LX will come with a second set of adjustable Rancho shocks that may be installed.
OTHER ITEMS:
This is an exceptional original condition 80 series Land Cruiser with some very desirable modifications, looking for a new caring owner who understands how few of these remain in this condition. ,
The price is $18,000. I think this price is below market, but I want to assure whoever buys this truck gets what they want and takes care of whatever the LX needs from a service and repair perspective.
LX is located at my house in San Francisco. Please email to initiate contact. I'm happy to get on the phone to answer questions. I can provide additional photos, the VIN, and any other information you request. The sale includes all the original Lexus equipment, including two sets of keys with fobs, manuals, brochures, a first aid kit, and a tool kit.
Please read the ad before asking questions and make an effort to communicate like a real human being.
Thanks for reading,
Eric
PS: I have tons of additional photos.
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