Buying 1999 LX470 and Your Expertise Required!

[hkimsoft]

Hello All;

I 've found a 1999 LX470 with 46K miles; One Owner for $26,500.
And here are some of the questions need to be answered...

1. It dosn't have Locker! is this optional for LX 470 for 1999?
2. Exterior and Interior is immaculate! But under the car...
Engine oil pan seems very damp(wet) with oil, so does front transfer case.
(It's hard to believe that it's got leaks at 46K miles... )
3. Last but not least, should I wait for 100?

Simple yes/no answer will be fine with me as I 've already spent lot of time reading through the previous threads... Just need your expertise(2nd opinions)... before I go and get it!

Thanks a lot.

 

[spressomon]

FYI: I recently (January 2005) purchased a 1999 100 with 69K. It is in perfect condition in all respects. The seats look like they had not been used! It has all options including rear heat/ac unit; 3rd seat; factory rear locker; center diff locker; etc. I paid $22,500.00 off the East coast.

 

[Josh83]

1. Locker was never available on LX470. Limited slip rear was either offered or standard, I'm not sure which.

2. Have it checked out by a mechanic. It could be that the drain plug was left loose, or it could need an oil pan gasket. There is just no way to know.

3. Thats personal preferance.

As far as the price, I think that sounds reasonable, especially if it is at a dealer. If you are happy with the truck and feel that that is a good price then don't worry what others think.

 

[Jukelemon]

That price is way too high. Regardless of miles, a 1999 is not going to resale in the private market for anywhere near that i.e. if you sell it/trade it you are going to take a bath.

 

[NMuzj100]

+1 for a mechanic's check. A 99 with 46k should look near perfect. Nothing wrong with the LX in my book. No locker is no problem. You really wanted ARBs front and rear anyway right.

 

[e9999]

price seems high
oil bothersome but could be nothing too

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

oil bothersome but could be nothing too

I share this feeling. Could be nothing though. Check it out for sure with another mechanic.

 

[ryanjl]

Where are you located? The price is highly dependant on where you are geographically, as car prices vary from region to region.

However, no matter what people say, a 99 LX470 with only 46K miles is not priced all that high at $26K, unless you are living in a REAL buyer's used car market. People get too used to reading dream stories on the web, and their frame of reference gets skewed somewhat. Maybe get the dealer to buy an extended warranty for you. That, and if you are trading a vehicle in, you won't have to pay sales tax on the amount subracted from the $26K for your trade in value. That should more than offset any price difference.

I'd bet the oil you noticed was coming from improper tightening of the drain plug, or non-use of the crush washer on the drain plug. However, I'd still have a mechanic look at it just to be certain.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Where are you located? The price is highly dependant on where you are geographically, as car prices vary from region to region.

However, no matter what people say, a 99 LX470 with only 46K miles is not priced all that high at $26K, unless you are living in a REAL buyer's used car market. People get too used to reading dream stories on the web, and their frame of reference gets skewed somewhat..

Good point. Imagine finding an 80 with 46K miles! I'l take it!

 

[hoser]

The LX470 tends to blue book about $4k more than the LC in that year. For an immaculate vehicle with 46k, the price sounds pretty reasonable in my part of the world. Have a mechanic check it out, BUY IT and never sell it!!

 

[jp213a]

Either you or a mechanic need to remove the two undercarriage spash guards to determine the source of the oil leak. If you have a mechanic do it, be there with him to see for yourself what's going on. If the source is the oil drain plug or oil filter gasket it is obviously not a big deal but the front crank shaft or cam shaft oil seal is costly to replace (>$500) and you must question what caused a leak at only 46Kmi. If buying from a dealer, push for a guarantee (>90 days). If the tires and brakes are new and the body color suits you, the price isn't bad (assuming the oil leak is resolved) but it is approaching "retail".