About to buy, need opinions please

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Ramathorn15

Ramathorn15

Joined
Jan 8, 2016
Threads
49
Messages
1,361
Location
ABQ NM
Hey all, I'm new here and have been trying to hunt down a good LX470 in my price range (20-25k).

I think I've narrowed it down to two different ones, but I'm having a hard time deciding. It makes it even more difficult that they are 6 hours away from me.

Option #1:

$20,000

2006 LX470- 154k miles. Silver exterior and grey interior. Spent its life in TX and has every single service record listed on lexus drivers (including the timing belt at 89k miles). It looks like its in good condition from the photos ive looked at. The seats (driver especially) do look pretty wrinkly compared to some ones I've seen with less miles. Also, there was this service note at 79k miles: "OTHERS C/S CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 30MPH,AND ALL WARINING LIGHTS ARE ON. - DIAGNOSE TRANSMISSION FAULTY INTERNALLY. - CUSTOMER ADVISED, NEEDS TRANSMISSION.". There was no other notes indicating the transmission was replaced or any other complaints were made about it.

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Option #2

$22,000

2006 LX470- 117k miles. White with tan interior. There is literally not a single service record on carfax or lexus drivers. Heres a link to the posting: 2006 Lexus LX 470 for sale - Autolist

I would have to assume the timing belt has not been done. It also seems to have a strange lean towards the passenger side. The interior looks to be in much better condition though.


WWI8MD??
 
Which color do you like better!
No accident and no rust is most important. All other issues are negotiating points.

There're 100's, miles mean very little, they'll both outlast most buyers.
 
2001LC said:
Which color do you like better!
No accident and no rust is most important. All other issues are negotiating points.

There're 100's, miles mean very little, they'll both outlast most buyers.
Click to expand...

I like the white with less miles better, but don't like having to rely on faith that the previous owners did maintenance (oil changes, etc.) on a regular basis.
 
at 117k and if it's from a rust free area... I'd take the white one... honest there wasn't a lot to be done up until this point and if they paid 80k for it chances are they are not the type owners not to maintain it... That is usually the upside to these trucks... people that buy them don't have to choose between a tank full of fuel and an oil change... they usually aren't working 3 jobs and have the time to take them in... just the nature of the beast better cars get better care... there might be a sticker on the engine saying the TB was done... but if not... it is a reasonable reason to offer a little less and have the peace of mind to know it is freshly done...
 
Ramathorn15 said:
I like the white with less miles better, but don't like having to rely on faith that the previous owners did maintenance (oil changes, etc.) on a regular basis.
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#2 with 3 or 4 owners is unusually, but most take good care for 1st year or two. But hey if in doubt move on, there will be other deals.
 
ponytl said:
at 117k and if it's from a rust free area... I'd take the white one... honest there wasn't a lot to be done up until this point and if they paid 80k for it chances are they are not the type owners not to maintain it... That is usually the upside to these trucks... people that buy them don't have to choose between a tank full of fuel and an oil change... they usually aren't working 3 jobs and have the time to take them in... just the nature of the beast better cars get better care... there might be a sticker on the engine saying the TB was done... but if not... it is a reasonable reason to offer a little less and have the peace of mind to know it is freshly done...
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I'm starting to lean this way. The strange thing is that its had 4 previous owners and not a single one of them took it to a reporting shop consistently.

Seems risky, but I really like the price and condition more than the first option.
 
I think it really depends on what maintenace has been done and if anything is leaking on either. 2006 for $20k seems good, but maybe not if it needs a steering rack and AHC system hasn't been maintained.

Inspect the windshield and a-pillars closely, can be a $1500 expense to repair a bad job if there is rust forming (from my experience). If it has factory glass, worry not.
 
Are you in a rush to buy? $20k-$25k is lots o' money.

I would go with option # 3 and wait for the "right" one.

Sounds like you prefer the lower miles with the service history and all services done including TB. Then wait for that one.

It doesn't have to be just these two options and it doesn't need to be right now(maybe).

Don't amp. Choose wisely or your $20k-$25k can easily become more than what you allotted for.
 
Not in a huge rush to buy, but have been searching for about 3 months now with no luck. There seems to always be at least one thing wrong with every one that shows up, or they are marked up by like 10k.

The white one is at a Lexus dealer and the sales guy is going to call me today after he talks with the mechanic who did the 60 some point inspection. It looks to be in really good condition inside and out which leads me to believe the previous owners were good to it.

The steering rack was leaking, and they replaced that. Other than that, the car passed all the other points in the inspection with flying colors according to the sales person.
 
Between the two, definitely the white one, but those prices seem high....could be the area though.
 
Ramathorn15 said:
Not in a huge rush to buy, but have been searching for about 3 months now with no luck. There seems to always be at least one thing wrong with every one that shows up, or they are marked up by like 10k.

The white one is at a Lexus dealer and the sales guy is going to call me today after he talks with the mechanic who did the 60 some point inspection. It looks to be in really good condition inside and out which leads me to believe the previous owners were good to it.

The steering rack was leaking, and they replaced that. Other than that, the car passed all the other points in the inspection with flying colors according to the sales person.
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I find dealer inspection a joke, unless as part of a certified used car warranty. I'd make final sale conditional on privet inspection by third party or get complete extend warranty in the deal at no additional cost to you.
 
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Just got off the phone with the dealer. He said the car does have the TB sticker and indicates it was performed in May 2013 when the car had 65k miles. Seems odd it was done so early, but it also sounds like it had maintenance done on it.
 
If at a Lexus dealer then I believe you may make the vehicle "certified" by paying about $2k more or so. Not sure exactly what that entails. Then it carries a warranty of 3 or so years and or x-amount of miles, which ever comes first.
 
Ramathorn15 said:
Just got off the phone with the dealer. He said the car does have the TB sticker and indicates it was performed in May 2013 when the car had 65k miles. Seems odd it was done so early, but it also sounds like it had maintenance done on it.
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90k miles or 7 years for belt, or water pump leaked.
 
2001LC said:
90k miles or 7 years for belt, or water pump leaked.
Click to expand...

So thats probably a good sign that they likely followed the time interval of 7 years. Meaning they likely took car of all the other maintenance on a regular basis.

I think I'm going to pull the trigger.
 
I would prefer to buy from a MUD member who's active on here, especially with a long distance transaction. I'd take a serious look at this one:

For Sale: - 2007 LX470 - 91k

Wish I could buy it myself, but living in the salt belt, I'm not keen on the AHC.
 
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