2004 lx high miles what to look for? pros & cons of 2004?

[ponytl]

I really would prefer a LC vs the LX on an older high mile truck... but it's one owner rust free & maintained the best I can tell... I think I have already purchased it sight unseen ... picking it up this week... what should I be aware of or beware of on a 2004?

 

[Slickspawn]

I'm in somewhat of the same boat. Two things, minor really: steering column tilt and telescope motors wear out and the nitrogen accumulators on each suspension corner die around 100k-150k and the AHC will feel stiff.

Last thing... The navigation system also controls the HVAC so replacement is a challenge.

I'm looking at one with 285k, a 2005 for $12k...

 

[ponytl]

exactly... I love my 1998 lc (better than my wifes lx470) just because it is so simple... and the 2004 does not have the variable valve timing... so no extra HP that I know of... but does the 2004 have the 5 speed?

 

[Ok29445]

If I had to do it again, I'd look closer at a LC vs LX due to simplicity of suspension but its not a difficult conversion.

 

[medtro]

exactly... I love my 1998 lc (better than my wifes lx470) just because it is so simple... and the 2004 does not have the variable valve timing... so no extra HP that I know of... but does the 2004 have the 5 speed?

Yes, 2004 has 5 speed.

 

[RND1]

Is the wife upgrading her LX or are you simply adding to the collection? The '04 won't be very different than the other 100's you own. AHC maintenance prob biggest potential expense. Back up camera started in '04 which is nice. Lost the tranny dipstick after '03. May have side curtain airbags which is nice for passengers out back. And as others have stated the MFD (multi function display) controls everything so if it's not working, that's an expensive fix. Let us know how it works out.

 

[fjfodee]

Do some research on this. There are a couple of threads here about this issue. Only affected a certain VIN range from '04-'05.
2004 Transmission Issue - Washboard Vibration, Shudder

 

[ponytl]

Is the wife upgrading her LX or are you simply adding to the collection? The '04 won't be very different than the other 100's you own. AHC maintenance prob biggest potential expense. Back up camera started in '04 which is nice. Lost the tranny dipstick after '03. May have side curtain airbags which is nice for passengers out back. And as others have stated the MFD (multi function display) controls everything so if it's not working, that's an expensive fix. Let us know how it works out.

No the wife likes hers... just adding to the fleet I guess... my 18yo daughter has a Z3 bmw and if she goes anywhere I'd prefer her in this vs the z3...
funny that when we go anywhere we all head to my 1998 lc to pile into .... mine is the one that is always clean and has a full tank I guess.... I have no real desire to drive the lexus... weird I know but just seems the LC fits me better just like my F350 must be a GUY THING?

Do some research on this. There are a couple of threads here about this issue. Only affected a certain VIN range from '04-'05.
2004 Transmission Issue - Washboard Vibration, Shudder

I'm going to guess if it's not doing this @ 200k+ it might have missed the problem? thanks for the link

 

[ryanCA]

Jealous of your F350.

I so badly (even though I have no need for it), want a F450 Super Duty dually. God those things are just sex.

 

[ponytl]

I have had an f350 or like truck since high school... pulled race cars, boats... now mostly use it when I need to move a bobcat around... I will daily drive it when I have a need for it... I keep the diesel tanks full just in case...

 

[arcteryx]

I have a 2004. I prefer the LC over the LX, mainly because of the suspension and I can get all parts through a vendor here. @beno and @cruiserdan cannot get LX specific parts. I know because I tried on my Lexus car.

I wish the MFTD didn't have the climate control integrated, but it works fine. It's just one more thing to repair/replace. Yes as mentioned above, the 04 has a 5 speed. Love it. Get the VIN and go to the Lexus site and enter it for dealer maintenance history. Invaluable info there. Otherwise, these things just run and run.

 

[apdxyk]

I have a 2004 LX470. Close to 160k miles. Mostly highway. Never had any problems, so have nothing to share.

 

[Nolan Sylvester]

I'm in somewhat of the same boat. Two things, minor really: steering column tilt and telescope motors wear out and the nitrogen accumulators on each suspension corner die around 100k-150k and the AHC will feel stiff.

Last thing... The navigation system also controls the HVAC so replacement is a challenge.

I'm looking at one with 285k, a 2005 for $12k...

My tilt and telescope motors are not working. How hard is it to replace these? Are the parts expensive?


Sent from my iPhone

2005 Lexus LX470

 

[PADDO]

Easy to replace, motors can be found for about $225 each.

 

[Nolan Sylvester]

Are there any how to's out there?