You know the story. I’ve been lurking here, wanting to buy my first 100 series, to haul the wife and kids into moderate wilderness.
With my budget constraints, I was leaning towards a Mitsubishi Montero or a newish Dodge Durango. Did the math and since I enjoy learning and hacking on my cars, I figured it was worth keeping an eye out for an LX (not a cruiser).
I think I got pretty lucky on this one. 2002 LX470 with 135k miles, negotiated for $13k.
Really clean outside. Averaged 7500 miles per year and it seems to have been all paved...
Under hood is like a new car. Do people detail their engine, maybe for selling?
Undercarriage is clean too. Other than the exhaust, there are only a few specks of rust.
Most obvious sign of age are the ripped front seats but I can totally live with that!
Brought it to a Lexus dealer for an inspection and they said the water pump and a shock is seeping but otherwise solid. I don’t have the PO’s maintenance history so I’ll be doing some sleuthing and asking question of you smart and experienced folks.
FYI I’m fully expecting the unexpected because I’m usually not this lucky. But until then, my biggest issue is having people judge me as a Lexus owner since I’m more of a beater car guy! I bought this not because it’s a luxury vehicle, but because it’s a 4x4, so I guess I need to find some trails and dirty this up!
With my budget constraints, I was leaning towards a Mitsubishi Montero or a newish Dodge Durango. Did the math and since I enjoy learning and hacking on my cars, I figured it was worth keeping an eye out for an LX (not a cruiser).
I think I got pretty lucky on this one. 2002 LX470 with 135k miles, negotiated for $13k.
Really clean outside. Averaged 7500 miles per year and it seems to have been all paved...
Under hood is like a new car. Do people detail their engine, maybe for selling?
Undercarriage is clean too. Other than the exhaust, there are only a few specks of rust.
Most obvious sign of age are the ripped front seats but I can totally live with that!
Brought it to a Lexus dealer for an inspection and they said the water pump and a shock is seeping but otherwise solid. I don’t have the PO’s maintenance history so I’ll be doing some sleuthing and asking question of you smart and experienced folks.
FYI I’m fully expecting the unexpected because I’m usually not this lucky. But until then, my biggest issue is having people judge me as a Lexus owner since I’m more of a beater car guy! I bought this not because it’s a luxury vehicle, but because it’s a 4x4, so I guess I need to find some trails and dirty this up!
Last edited: