Buying an LX450

[andcunning]

I am about to pull the trigger on a relatively pristine LX450. 230k miles, has a great service history at Lexus up to 2015 and then has sat and been driving every month or so a few miles. Only oil changes since. It was in one accident where the owner hit a sign post and the bumper was replaced. No further damage, no airbags deployed. It’s single locked.

It’s had a head gasket replaced at 190. All fluids flushed and replaced up until 2015. The driver seat is broken.

Curious if it’s worth pursuing. I’m having a well known Cruiser shop do a PPI. I was planning on baselining it after purchase and redoing the suspension with a 2” lift. I’m adding a JDM winch bumper and adding ABS lockers to triple lock it.

What would be a reasonable price?

The body and interior are perfect aside from paint issues on the mirrors. I was going to get them resprayed with the JDM bumper anyways though.

 

[scottryana]

Without any pictures, I would say $12-17k, but "relatively pristine" could really mean a lot of different things to different people. For a truly pristine LX450 you could see prices in to the $30k's. But with 230k a clean truck should be around $12k-17k

 

[andcunning]

Without any pictures, I would say $12-17k, but "relatively pristine" could really mean a lot of different things to different people. For a truly pristine LX450 you could see prices in to the $30k's. But with 230k a clean truck should be around $12k-17k

I forgot to mention no rust on the frame. I didn’t snap a pic, but confirmed it was u touched and rust free. Here are some photos:

 

[Azca]

There is no good answer to the good price question. Something to think about; how long did it take you to locate this and second, if you pass, how long to you think it will take you to find another? Time is money. You might find another next week or, next year. Nothing guarantees that it is in as good of condition as this one is. The price question is; what are you comfortable in spending on it and then add 10%. It took me over a year of searching all over the southwest to find mine. I spent at least once a week combing through online sources 13 years ago looking for one that fit my requirements. When it came time to buy, I haggled, a little "saving" $200 bucks. I would have paid at least $500 more than asking price. Was it a good price when I bought it? For me, yes. I could have spent another year trying to find it. Saving a few hundred dollars will not reimburse you for your time.

Read the FAQs on buying a cruiser so you are informed and understand that these are not the most economical 4x4s to own, maintain, or modify. That said, I will never let mine go.

 

[andcunning]

There is no good answer to the good price question. Something to think about; how long did it take you to locate this and second, if you pass, how long to you think it will take you to find another? Time is money. You might find another next week or, next year. Nothing guarantees that it is in as good of condition as this one is. The price question is; what are you comfortable in spending on it and then add 10%. It took me over a year of searching all over the southwest to find mine. I spent at least once a week combing through online sources 13 years ago looking for one that fit my requirements. When it came time to buy, I haggled, a little "saving" $200 bucks. I would have paid at least $500 more than asking price. Was it a good price when I bought it? For me, yes. I could have spent another year trying to find it. Saving a few hundred dollars will not reimburse you for your time.

Read the FAQs on buying a cruiser so you are informed and understand that these are not the most economical 4x4s to own, maintain, or modify. That said, I will never let mine go.

Would y’all be worried about the accident on the Carfax?

 

[Azca]

Nice looking rig, always liked that color. Seats will need new coverings and it appears the glove box is misaligned. Any work on the evaporator or AC system? Looks like significant spring sag front and rear, the new springs you speak of will address that. Just on the way it looks, I would not hesitate at the price ranges @scottryana is giving you. Strait bodies with good paint are hard to find. If there is no rust, it is a keeper.

 

[andcunning]

Nice looking rig, always liked that color. Seats will need new coverings and it appears the glove box is misaligned. Any work on the evaporator or AC system? Looks like significant spring sag front and rear, the new springs you speak of will address that. Just on the way it looks, I would not hesitate at the price ranges @scottryana is giving you. Strait bodies with good paint are hard to find. If there is no rust, it is a keeper.

The Carfax accident worry you at all?

Here’s what was done:

Truck has documented Lexus dealer service from ~1 mile to 231k miles. Most service performed at Sewell Lexus (early life) and Westside Lexus (later life).

Major Mechanical & Preventative Maintenance

Engine & Cooling

• Head gasket replaced at Toyota of College Station (noted by Lexus at ~198k miles)
• Cooling system services multiple times:
  • Radiator flushes
  • Heater hose under intake replaced
• Front crankshaft seal replaced
• Valve cover gaskets replaced
• Spark plug tube seals replaced
• Multiple belt replacements
• Regular Mobil 1 oil changes throughout life

Transmission / Transfer Case / Differential

• Transmission, front & rear diffs, and transfer case services documented
• Multiple full fluid services at major intervals

A/C System (Extensively Serviced)

• Compressor, clutch, dryer replaced (~188k)
• Evaporator, expansion valve replaced (~180k)
• Suction hose replaced
• Earlier full A/C system replacement (~55k)
  A/C system has been fully rebuilt multiple times

Fuel & Electrical

• All fuel injectors replaced (~68k)
• Starter replaced twice (early & later life)
• Multiple new batteries over life

Brakes, Suspension & Steering

• Multiple front & rear brake jobs
• Front wheel bearings repacked
• Strut noted leaking at ~176k (yellow advisory)
• Rear brake service repeated several times

Interior / Seats

• Power seat rails repaired and repositioned multiple times for legroom
• Right front seat disabled from moving forward after adjustment to move it back permanently

Body & Insurance History

• Insurance body repair recorded at 161k miles to address hitting a sign post
• Early-life paint overspray correction at 1 mile (delivery issue)
• Glove box repair
• No structural damage noted in dealer records or Carfax
• 1 accident reported hitting a sign post with no structural damage and no airbags deployed

 

[scottryana]

No the carfax wouldn't worry me a bit. As long as there wasn't any major frame damage.

This sounds like a nice truck. Go drive it, have the PPI done and see what your gut is telling you. A truck is only worth what it is worth to the buyer. If you absolutely love it and the PPI comes back, you probably won't find another one anytime soon, they are getting harder and harder to find.

 

[Brindleboxer]

The only thing I would say about the accident is did it create a salvage title. If it is salvage then it is inherently worth less than a non-salvaged one. Even then it isn't a deal breaker just something to consider.

That being said as others have pointed out, if it is worth it to you and you don't plan on reselling there is no further discussion required.

In my younger days I would look for no rust and mechanical sound first and foremost. But now the cost of paint is crazy and I would be more apt to purchase with some mechanical issues before paint and body work (e.g., I just got quoted $7500 to paint my 80 and that is nothing crazy just back to stock color and some light bodywork.)

 

[andcunning]

The only thing I would say about the accident is did it create a salvage title. If it is salvage then it is inherently worth less than a non-salvaged one. Even then it isn't a deal breaker just something to consider.

That being said as others have pointed out, if it is worth it to you and you don't plan on reselling there is no further discussion required.

In my younger days I would look for no rust and mechanical sound first and foremost. But now the cost of paint is crazy and I would be more apt to purchase with some mechanical issues before paint and body work (e.g., I just got quoted $7500 to paint my 80 and that is nothing crazy just back to stock color and some light bodywork.)

It’s got a clean title! Just light body work when the old driver hit a sign post. Can’t see any damage now, so assuming the repairs are sound if they’ve held for 11 years already. Paint looks pristine.

 

[Azca]

Bumper replacement is no concern, especially if they didn't replace the grill. As flimsy as the stock bumpers are, if it did not get to the body, the damage was very minor. IMO, ignore it and buy it. With those service records, you will be hard pressed to find another like that.

 

[andcunning]

Bumper replacement is no concern, especially if they didn't replace the grill. As flimsy as the stock bumpers are, if it did not get to the body, the damage was very minor. IMO, ignore it and buy it. With those service records, you will be hard pressed to find another like that.

What’s a fair price given everything? Don’t want to overpay!

 

[Azca]

I don't watch prices anymore. If you want an idea go check out Bring A Trailer. Seriously, don't worry about over paying, if you want it, get it. If you pass, I will guarantee you will be kicking yourself for years.

 

[andcunning]

I don't watch prices anymore. If you want an idea go check out Bring A Trailer. Seriously, don't worry about over paying, if you want it, get it. If you pass, I will guarantee you will be kicking yourself for years.

Honestly that makes me feel better. The service records really sold me. Our 200 series was a single owner all Toyota services every 5k miles. 80k on the odometer. Has been like new mechanically. This seems like that. Thanks so much!

 

[scottryana]

Honestly that makes me feel better. The service records really sold me. Our 200 series was a single owner all Toyota services every 5k miles. 80k on the odometer. Has been like new mechanically. This seems like that. Thanks so much!

Oh don't think that the service records are going to mean a whole lot... On a 30 year old truck anything could go at any time. Just get in and baseline all the fluids and drive it and see what it might need. The dealers don't even have mechanics that know how to work on these old trucks. Prepare to dig in and get your hands dirty with some of the maintenance, like front end, brakes, etc.

 

[Azca]

Oh don't think that the service records are going to mean a whole lot... On a 30 year old truck anything could go at any time. Just get in and baseline all the fluids and drive it and see what it might need. The dealers don't even have mechanics that know how to work on these old trucks. Prepare to dig in and get your hands dirty with some of the maintenance, like front end, brakes, etc.

Agree, my point is that at least you know there was an attempt to treat it right and not neglect it. @scottryana is absolutely right, mechanics today are, by and in large, not concerned with workmanship or doing things right. There are exceptions but few and far between. Do your own work on it, you will learn alot and, at least you care about the end result.