Buying an undocumented GX? (1 Viewer)

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Jun 9, 2016
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Philadelphia
Ive been spoiled by the Lexus service site when looking for a GX and i just came across one that has almost no service history. I mean like 5 entries total since new, not even complimentary oil changes or washes. Part of me is wondering if they just didnt have a dealership local because it absolutely doesn't match the profile of a Lexus buyer. On the other hand, should i even care? Had it not been a lexus i would be stuck judging the vehicle on its merits and inspection anyway right?

Its an 03, non nav, non ML, with tow package, 138k miles and listed for $10k but seems like it'll be easy to get the guy down to $9k. He is also sure it has had the TB/water pump done recently and is calling the shop his mom always brought it to in order to get me proof. Oh yeah, its a one family car, Dad bought it, mom got it in the divorce, and now the son is the owner and selling it.

So besides general leaking gaskets, CV boots, Steering joints, knuckle bearings, and air suspension seal points, is there anything else i should be concentrating on the is GX specific when i go look at it?
 
thats what i was hoping to hear. in a previous life i was a multiple jeep owner and not having maintenance records wasnt a big deal because the 4.0 and transmissions were pretty damn indestructible as long as it didnt suck up water. This 4.7 sounds pretty stout too so unless i hear metal grinding its probably fine.

Were oil changes 5k or 10k mile recommended for these?
 
its a good 2.5 hours drive for me so a lot of what i was relying on the lexus service reports were to act as partial pre purchase inspections. I am going to call the toyota dealership and have them do a pre purchase inspection since its closer than a lexus dealership and anything besides the rear air ride will be pretty commn place to a yota tech anyway.

The price is already low enough that even if i had it done at lexus i couldnt get him any lower on the price anyway, it would just be a heads up as to what i will be replacing myself as soon as it hits my driveway.
 
Tcase actuator leak...Look for it
 
so he sent over what service records he had and it did have a documented timing belt change at a toyota dealership at 100k and both CVs re-booted at 120k

The Bad (or positive): at 118k (so 20k miles ago) the tech notes have C1735 and C1744, ball joints loose, and radiator starting to leak.

This can be looked at in a couple of ways

a. 20k miles ad letting that go could be a negligent owner
b. Money that is needed on top of vehicle cost
c. Wear that is perfectly reasonable for a vehicle with 138k miles and a good bargaining chip for a lower price. I had already planned on a front end rebuild within the year, and eventually pulling the factory bag system for more consistent reliability for family trips that are an 8 hour drive

My current thought process is C but i am worried that i am just antsy to get into one and might not be thinking objectively.
 
The radiators commonly leak - I proactively bought a Koyo at ~108k.
 

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