'97 LX 450 w/ 233k miles

[erea77]

I am new to the forum, although I've been lurking for quite a while.

I am looking at buying a '97 LX 450 w/ the following:

-233k miles
-A/C needs to be repaired
-tan leather upholstery(front seats torn up slightly)
-towing package
-black onyx exterior
-power sunroof
-running boards
-roof rack

I am taking it into my mechanic today to get it checked out.

Is there anything in particular I should have him check out?
Any other advice about these vehicles would be greatly appreciated.

I could get it for around $2-2.5k.

 

[Alleycats]

Compression check? for starters...

 

[erea77]

Compression check? for starters...

Good to know. Thanks, I'll have them do that.

 

[Wheelingnoob]

Looks for rust around the roof rack feet.
Front axle ball leaks
Check locker operation if its got them

For 2k it would need to be in bad shape not to get. But if it needs 4k in maintenance then it may not be a good deal. It all depends how DIY you are.

 

[scrowley]

Parts and Labor can add up very quick on an un-maintained 80. Just have him bid the job on what he would fix with all labor and materials.

Chances are if everything is leaking on the engine, steering, coolant, etc then I am sure that the rest of the truck was not maint. But if it looks good overall that is a great deal. If it has lockers its a good deal even if it has issue. Worth in parts and s c rap.

Post up the details after he looks at it.

 

[erea77]

Parts and Labor can add up very quick on an un-maintained 80. Just have him bid the job on what he would fix with all labor and materials.

Chances are if everything is leaking on the engine, steering, coolant, etc then I am sure that the rest of the truck was not maint. But if it looks good overall that is a great deal. If it has lockers its a good deal even if it has issue. Worth in parts and s c rap.

Post up the details after he looks at it.

My mechanic quoted me less than $500 to have it in prime condition, and I talked the guy down from $3000 to $2350, so we're going to pick it up right now.

Excited to own one of these great vehicles.

 

[LINUS]

I have the exact same in my sig ( will make an ad sometime soon) - all the maint & extras do add up....I figure with all the work mine has plus upgrades it'll be $7K. You would be at that mark in a 2K 80 if you do all the work, so figure in advance if you bring home a project, your wallet will bleed.

 

[erea77]

Just picked up the LX450.

I will take pics soon and post them. Suggestions, tips, advice, like always, are greatly appreciated. I really respect the knowledge everyone has here.

Thanks!

 

[erea77]

Haven't had time to wash it yet, but took some pics anyways.

I did pull the running boards off though because they were rusted out. I really like how it looks without them.

 

[tominboise]

Looks nice. A clean Utah rig. Time to put some tires on it and go to Moab....

 

[Rookie2]

Unless you have to replace the motor on it pretty soon, looks like the still of the decade to me.