Buying a low mileage older LX 470....wise move?

[Quick]

Hey Guys,

Would buying a lower mileage LX 470, regardless of the years, a wise move? I mean though the mileage might be lower (50-120K), won't the age still cause issues like, CV joints, steering rack, CD player or the typical issues are mileage dependent?

Any issues with '03-'05 LX 470 especially the CD/Radio?

Just wondering?

Thanks

 

[BEG]

I wouldn't think twice about it if the maintenance has been done. LX470s tend to have comparably fewer miles than LCs and most were driven very gingerly, if they were driven much at all.

 

[Quick]

Buying a lower mileage from up north could still have the rust issues? What I mean is, does rust becomes a concern only if driven in snow or just being in rust belt can still cause the rust issues, like FL vehicles?

 

[OG 91 LC]

I bought my '98 LX two years ago with 94k miles. CD player didn't work. Don't care for it. I will be adding new head unit. Starter failed. Swapped it out myself. One cv boot clamp failed. Quick and easy fix. AHC fluid swapped. Quick and easy.

Truck now has 104k miles. Drives amazing.

Biggest reason why I didn't hesitate to purchase. Before the purchase I got on Lexus site and checked out the vehicle history. All services were done at Lexus up to 70k miles.

I'd like to score a '03+. They go for twice as much for what I paid for my '98. And every time I see that navigation system it turns me off.

If the vehicle history and maintenance is there I'd say go for it.

 

[KillerBox]

I purposely looked for a 2001 or older LX 470 because I didn't want my AC controls and etc going through my stereo headunit. Now I have upgraded the double din headunit to a modern Kenwood with Navigation, Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, DVD and etc. If the Kenwood ever goes bad, I can buy a new one for less than $700.00 compared to the 2002+ model headunit costing $3,500+ for a rebuilt (I am not sure on this price, I just read it somewhere.)

Be careful because some 2001 models had the optional Navigation headunit. For my needs, the perfect Landcruiser for me was a 2001 LX 470 with the Mark Levinson optional non-navigation radio. I ripped all of the Mark Levinson stuff out but, the doors were already made for 3 way component speakers. So two months ago, I bought an one actual owner plus the car lot was the 2nd owner, 2001 LX 470 with 106,000 miles for $11,600.00.

The best suggestion I could give you is to take it to a Toyota dealership and get a pre-purchase inspection before you buy it.

 

[viducce]

IMHO the radio doesn't seem like a priority if the vehicle is in a general good shape, just get a FM Bluetooth transmitter and you'll be fine....

 

[yotasavg]

I'd buy a '98 with high miles if everything else checked out. Don't be afraid of using a pre-purchase inspection if you're not up to the task yourself.

 

[ga12r1]

I picked up a 2000 LX470 with 150k on the clock last year. It had all records and was serviced religiously by Lexus. It is my daily driver and I commute 60+ miles day. We drove it from South Ga to Grand Canyon and back last January and in August we are driving it to Canyonlands for a week. I would jump in it tonight and drive to Alaska and back if I had the time. I wouldn't think twice about it. That's how great these vehicles are if they have been maintained properly.

Like others have said I wanted a model without NAV so I could upgrade to newer tech. I installed a Pioneer AVIC-8200 and brought the LX into 2017. I sold my daily driver 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner once I picked up the 100 because it was so much more quieter/solid/comfortable. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Amazing vehicles.

 

[WillW]

Absolutely it would be. Those years aren't even that old.

 

[diego355]

Go for it, If it has service records or a full mechanical inspection from a good shop i would buy it.
I purchased my 98 in November with 150.000 km / 90k miles and everything works. i just replaced the alternator which was making funny noises since I bough her.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Given a choice cost being the same I would choose newer and higher mileage over an older and lower mileage. Newer models have better safety and drive train features you cant get or add in older models. Many 100 series / LX470 owners claim just like new at 200K.

 

[Evan Kapel]

I agree with the previous posts, it does not matter so much the year but the maintenance and condition.
My LC guru C Slee says the only thing that can kill a 100 is rust. Everything else can be fixed/replaced.