2001 LX470 good price?

[LXFAM]

Hi guys, been looking to get a LX470 for quite some time now and stumbled upon one just yesterday that caught my eye. I'm going to see the car in a few days. Seller is asking $4800, does this seem reasonable? I have been scouring the 100-Series FAQ and Slee Off-road guides, so i have a good idea of what to look out for, There is a tremendous amount of information here!

• 2001 LX 470 210k miles Upstate NY
• New transmission in July
• LC Suspension conversion in July
• Owned by an older couple
• No CEL, all electronics functional
• New tires

PAID: $3000

 

[mgoblue]

upstate NY probably means a lot of rust, but regarding the AHC you can't just turn it off - but in the photos it certainly appears to be functioning. Also at that mileage the timing belt should have been done again.

 

[Rolocado]

^+1

 

[nissanh]

If there is no rust on the frame an suspension the price is fantastic! I hope it has no dents or bad paint areas.

 

[Riverrunner]

I recently purchased a vehicle in Chicago with "surface rust." Although the rust isn't that bad and I was able to take a wire wheel and get most of it off the frame and important areas, you are still going to be walking in to a nightmare if you have to do ANY maintenance where rust has occurred. Every single bolt that I have put a wrench to has snapped. Every single mechanic I have taken it to to get quotes for work has quoted extra high due to anticipated issues of snapping bolts. Although most of the work has been done by myself, it is still a major pain in the ass to deal with things breaking all the time.

If you do end up getting it and it has rust, make sure to buy stock in PB blaster because you are going to use a s*** ton of it. Also, be prepared to replace every bolt you touch. If you're going to drive it a long distance home after you buy it, make sure to have some caliper bolts on hand in case one works its way off. Ask me how I know

This could also be the perfect vehicle for YOU. So, don't get too wrapped up in other peoples opinion of something they have no intention of buying. If it feels right, grab it and get to work on it. Good luck either way.

 

[LXFAM]

I recently purchased a vehicle in Chicago with "surface rust." Although the rust isn't that bad and I was able to take a wire wheel and get most of it off the frame and important areas, you are still going to be walking in to a nightmare if you have to do ANY maintenance where rust has occurred. Every single bolt that I have put a wrench to has snapped. Every single mechanic I have taken it to to get quotes for work has quoted extra high due to anticipated issues of snapping bolts. Although most of the work has been done by myself, it is still a major pain in the ass to deal with things breaking all the time.

If you do end up getting it and it has rust, make sure to buy stock in PB blaster because you are going to use a s*** ton of it. Also, be prepared to replace every bolt you touch. If you're going to drive it a long distance home after you buy it, make sure to have some caliper bolts on hand in case one works its way off. Ask me how I know

This could also be the perfect vehicle for YOU. So, don't get too wrapped up in other peoples opinion of something they have no intention of buying. If it feels right, grab it and get to work on it. Good luck either way.

Thanks for the heads up, i am in NY so i have a first hand experience with rust.... that is going to be the first of many things to check for when i get a chance to see it a few days from now.

Forgot to mention but this is also a 1 owner vehicle, same family has had it since new and also comes with the Mark Levinson audio. After doing some digging i also came to the conclusion the AHC cant just be turned off, the couple NEVER used it and didn't even know what the switch did before it failed and was repaired. Really, not too concerning as I may be replacing it with a OME lift.
fingers crossed...

AHC you can't just turn it off - but in the photos it certainly appears to be functioning. Also at that mileage the timing belt should have been done again.

 

[Dox]

Probably the cheapest one out there! At that price I would jump on it and with the thousands you are saving getted sorted then upgrade it.

 

[LXFAM]

Well guys I finally pulled the trigger. I drove out there yesterday morning and the car ended up being better than expected.
He said his parents were the ones who owned the truck since new and took care of it vigorously in Ohio, whenever something broke it was always fixed.

We go check out the truck and its not too rusty. Definitely surface rust on the frame, rear hatch, and bumper supports but nothing major for being in the north for this many years.
EVERYTHING WORKED. The guy said he just replaced the transmission in July and removed the AHC unit after an endless battle with leaks.
Not a single thing was broken, A/C worked, lights functional, exhaust was quiet, engine was smooth and did not make any strange noises, new tires.

The interior was spotless, some dirt and grime and hair everywhere but a quick vacuum and wipe down would clean it right up. The truck runs fantastic and solid.

I offered him $3000 and he accepted! The truck had 213k miles.

I was initially nervous about driving it back but the car coasted smoothly at 70mph with NO problem.
I get home and put the VIN in lexus drivers wow! it was maintained at the same dealership since day 1. After confirming that, i put it in MyCarFax and sure enough the tranny was replaced recently.

 

[SierraWheeler]

Well done, that is a steal!

 

[John Young]

That is a good price--how about some photos of the frame and cross members? Really curious about their condition.

 

[Hokie LX]

Nice pickup! I saw this on Craigslist earlier this week and was seriously considering driving out there to buy it.

 

[camino70]

That looks like a good buy at 4500. Welcome!

 

[Rolocado]

Good for you man!

 

[Leandro]

You got it for 3K????
Seriously?
That is a steal, even if it's a rust bucket....

 

[Rolocado]

You got it for 3K????
Seriously?
That is a steal, even if it's a rust bucket....

No kidding, you could probably part it out for more than that

 

[LXFAM]

Thanks!

You got it for 3K????
Seriously?
That is a steal, even if it's a rust bucket....

Yeah just $3000! I speculated that there would be back and forth haggle over the price but that was not the case. Not only do i have my dream SUV, This is also my first one ever. I already swapped the puddle lights to white LEDs i had lying around, If anyone has ideas on what modifications to do i'm all ears! I have the USA-Spec BT-45 coming to bring the truck into the modern decade.

On another note, here's a list of things i've noticed:

Problems so far-
A slight Clunk when shifting between Reverse and Drive, doesn't happen when shifting into Park
Exhaust shield is rattling
E-Brake does not appear to work but will need to test further
Drivers door speaker rattles slightly

Reliefs:
No rust on any of the painted panels
Scanned the car, 0 fault codes returned
No leaky axles, transfer case, or differentials
Brand new Coil and structs all around ( Replaced AHC)
Switching to Lo on the Transfer Case is smooth
No vibrations on the highway
Headlights / Fog lights look BRAND NEW
No exhaust leaks

 

[nissanh]

Looking at the pictures, a new transmission and maintenance history, this should hit 7000 easily!

 

[Runner2aCruiser]

Well done that's a steal!