Better Buy?

[TDwill]

Hola Guru's,

I have been looking for a long time trying to find my first 80 and have not been able to find a good interior / exterior / mechnaical condition that I felt comfortable getting for my daily driver. These are very hard to come by up here in the Northwest and from my searching, prices are MUCH higher here than other parts of the country. If any of you have an opinion on the below vehicles on which may be the better buy, I plan on having this forever and starting out as a daily driver for the and 3 kids (thus the need for the third row). Also, any thoughts on if these are all just way overpriced and I should keep looking?

1996 Lexus LX450 4X4 Luxury SUV - $9985 177k miles (no maintenance records)
1996 Lexus LX450 4X4 Luxury SUV

1997 Toyota Landcruiser/Lexus LX450 4WD/ 82,000 Original Miles - $13800
1997 Toyota Landcruiser/Lexus LX450 4WD/ 82,000 Original Miles

All maintenance done, this includes: new belts, air cleaner, spark plugs, oil filter. Oil changed, coolant changed, transmission flushed and filled, fluid changed in front and rear differentials and transfer case, fuel injector cleaning service. New Michelin LTX M/S 2 tires. All parts are Toyota OEM. All work done by a Toyota mechanic. Everything works no issues, runs perfect. No accidents ,clean title, non smoker.

1997 Toyota Land Cruiser - $9000 160k miles
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser

 

[bmac1996acc]

I just bought a Locked 97 Collectors with 124k miles for $7000 out of Utah.

 

[Marc311]

The price on the 96 seems WAY high to me - especially given the condition and the K&N (would want the OEM back). The 97 is harder to tell because of the low mileage, but I personally wouldn't pay that much when I'm sure I could eventually find a clean 97 with 120K or so for 10K. That was is now flagged for some reason. Of the three, I think the third has the most potential but would certainly continue to look.

If you find one you really like, don't be afraid to pay a bit more if that is the one that will make you happy. But definitely get an idea of the market first.

I bought mine for the same reason - a daily driver that I'd hold onto for awhile (paid 7K for a 128K locked '95). Mine is actually replacing my 80K 2002 Explorer. I will say this about mileage - extremely low mileage doesn't impress me much as the vehicles are still 12+ years old regardless of miles. 200K+ miles scares me off just because I want to keep the car for a long time and a higher mileage car may need an engine or tranny that much sooner. We all know these things are fine with 200K+, but it is still that much closer to the end of its service life cycle. Between 120K and 170K, the difference in mileage is far less important to me than condition and maintenance. My $.02.

 

[aclos3]

I hear you on the higher NW cost! I bought mine in the time of $4.00 gas for $7000. The blue book was something around $8000. Now, I book it with the same specs, zip code, etc. and come to a figure around $9500. I like the third one you linked the best.

Mine came with no maintenance history, but I did a lot of research here first and I am fairly knowledgeable about cars and could tell that it had been taken car of. If you see OEM parts and the upkeep looks good, you don't have to be too afraid going in without maintenance history. Afterall, you plan to do some PM when you buy the rig anyway, right?

 

[Kaoscruizer]

All I can say is FLY AND DRIVE!

There are a few nice cruisers in the South West on a regular basis. Finding one with sub 90 K mileage can be done, but they are getting sparse and owners still want a fair bit of money for them.

Find what you want .. get a cheap flight and drive it home! a nice little holiday.

 

[aclos3]

All I can say is FLY AND DRIVE!

There are a few nice cruisers in the South West on a regular basis. Finding one with sub 90 K mileage can be done, but they are getting sparse and owners still want a fair bit of money for them.

Find what you want .. get a cheap flight and drive it home! a nice little holiday.

I second this big time! I did it for a 65 Mustang several years back and it was a really enjoyable experience. We also ended up with a very nice RUST free Mustang that we would never have been able to find for the same price up here. We drove down though and trailered the car back.

 

[lucidlyseen]

x10 on the prices being higher up here in the PacNW. I looked for a loong time and couldn't take the time to fly across country for one so I paid about $7900 for a locked well maintained 96 with 178K on it...

 

[TDwill]

Thank you so much for the great information guys. I also think the last one I posted is probably the best buy. However......since it's the DD for the I'll probably spend more and get the super low mileage great looking 97 LX450. As pointed out by several people, if you like it and it's what you've been looking for get it, not going to be worth the same for other folks that haven't been looking for the same thing.

Also, consider another scenario.......first 2 months we were married. I HATE cats, I NEVER wanted ANY. She wanted a cat, I NEVER wanted one, so we compromised and got 2 kittens. Oh how I hate the weakness we have.

 

[Pathfinder]

your prices seam a bit high on all three.

I purchased a mint 96 lx450 with 98K 8 months ago for 7100. I did 1K of base lining and then I began modding.

I think you can find a much better deal if you wait. I only had to travel 3 miles to purchase mine. However in hindsight know what I know now. I would have waited to find a modded 80/LX as I wanted a lift, bumpers, tires. etc.., etc...,etc......... Its just alot cheaper if you get one already done.

Thats my .02

So summary: prices on all three seam high, if your going to mod purchase one already modded, and be willing to travel.

Good luck

 

[mtnspeed]

Got one in Texas

I know this isn't the best way to go about this, but I am about to put mine up for sale. 97' LX450, 110k, ARB, OME lift, Black, and in excellent shape with all maintenance records. Shoot me a PM or email at (mtnspeed@mac.com) if interested. At least I know it might stay in the mud family.