Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here (6 Viewers)

[Bawlz]

Greetings - this is my first post here. My wife needs a big SUV for work and I am drawn to these nice rigs. Party because of their reliability, partly because they are just badass.

Just started looking and I checked out a 1999 LX470 w/ 101k on the clock. It is at a dealer and as of know I dont have any records, that may change once i get the autocheck/carfax whatever report. I took it for a spin and everything seemed OK. Granted, I dont really know what I am looking for and have never driven one of these before.

It was quiet, although when I really revved it there was some extra noise (exhaust leak?), I think the brakes were towards the end of their life (soft pedal). I also noticed that when i turned left there was a squeak coming from the front right wheel area. The air suspension worked and all electronics seemed satisfactory. The only other thing I noticed was that when I was playing with the transfer case, if I had the transfer in "N" while the vehicle was in park, took the vehicle out of park, and then put the car back into park, there was a grinding noise.

They are asking 12,900. Seems like a good deal because of the mileage... but it may be a good deal because there are issues? How much of a headache could this be?

There is an issue with earlier truck's exhaust manifolds cracking and leaking when cold, then warming up and becoming quiet, perhaps you heard them.

The suspension is actually not air, but hydraulic. If there are any records of it being bled/flushed, that is a good sign and a good thing for longevity of the AHC system.

The grinding noise you heard when messing with the transfer case was the park pin trying to stop the transmission internals from moving, because by putting the transfer case in Neutral you eliminated any load on the transmission and the internals were spinning freely until the park pin ground them to a halt. depending on the design of the park pin, that has the potential to cause some damage to that area of the trans.

Seems like you could negotiate down the price with some of the issues, or get the dealer to fix them. A '99 is getting to the age where regardless of miles, there are going to be some age issues. I generally like the "Buy the newest you can afford" train of thought for that reason.

 

[00N8]

Normally I would say a 2003+ for the 5-speed. But what about a 2001 with a SC vs a 2003?

That's what I went with. The older model and slapped a SC on it. I also didn't want the crappy nav and put my own Kenwood unit in.

 

[Chitown4x4]

What is your all take on a 2004 with less than 25k miles on her Loaded out?
KBB says, $38k, NADA says $32k and Edmunds says $24K That is a huge disparity on this model and year, usually they are closer!

Dealer wants 34k and is giving me good money on my trade...

 

[SWUtah]

What is your all take on a 2004 with less than 25k miles on her Loaded out?
KBB says, $38k, NADA says $32k and Edmunds says $24K That is a huge disparity on this model and year, usually they are closer!

Dealer wants 34k and is giving me good money on my trade...

If it is rust free I would buy it, 2004 was the sweet spot for the LC/LX. Last year the oldtimers in Japan built them. You will have to change the timing belt and water pump since it is over 7 years old, the belt is both time and mileage sensitive. I would tell the dealer you will pay their price but they have to included the timing belt change and new water pump and all new gaskets. Then you will be good for another 100K miles or 7 years.

 

[Fireguy]

I'm looking at a 100 that is completely built - bumpers front rear, roof rack, winch, arb locker in front, oem in rear, lift, sub fuel tank, dual batteries, comms, full maintenance, 1999 with 160k on the odometer. The only thing scaring me is the miles. What would a good price for this rig be. It is extremely clean and well cared for, needs nothing. Pretty much done.

 

[G-Cat]

I'm looking at a 100 that is completely built - bumpers front rear, roof rack, winch, arb locker in front, oem in rear, lift, sub fuel tank, dual batteries, comms, full maintenance, 1999 with 160k on the odometer. The only thing scaring me is the miles. What would a good price for this rig be. It is extremely clean and well cared for, needs nothing. Pretty much done.

$14-$17K?

 

[Romer]

What is your all take on a 2004 with less than 25k miles on her Loaded out?
KBB says, $38k, NADA says $32k and Edmunds says $24K That is a huge disparity on this model and year, usually they are closer!

Dealer wants 34k and is giving me good money on my trade...

I'd say too much. You can get a 2007 with well under 100K miles for less than that

You can get a nice 2004 with about 100K miles for around 21K. Add $1000 for every less 10,000 miles and you get $27-$28K as a fair price for the low mileage unit

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

I guess what ever is more important to you on the 04 for 34k. Many think under a 100 is really barely broken in. I agree with Ken, you should be able to fine a low mileage 04 for between 23-27k.

Just my .02

 

[michaelshin]

If it is rust free I would buy it, 2004 was the sweet spot for the LC/LX. Last year the oldtimers in Japan built them. You will have to change the timing belt and water pump since it is over 7 years old, the belt is both time and mileage sensitive. I would tell the dealer you will pay their price but they have to included the timing belt change and new water pump and all new gaskets. Then you will be good for another 100K miles or 7 years.

Wow I didn't know 2005 and on were built by different crew!
Where are they built now?

 

[michaelshin]

I guess what ever is more important to you on the 04 for 34k. Many thing under a 100 is really barely broken in. I agree with Ken, you should be able to fine a low mileage 04 for between 23-27k.

Just my .02

I found my white 04 with 80k, totally unmolested from southern california for 19.5k.
Working on baselining bit by bit as I learn from the forum.

 

[jemsec]

I'm looking at a 100 that is completely built - bumpers front rear, roof rack, winch, arb locker in front, oem in rear, lift, sub fuel tank, dual batteries, comms, full maintenance, 1999 with 160k on the odometer. The only thing scaring me is the miles. What would a good price for this rig be. It is extremely clean and well cared for, needs nothing. Pretty much done.

160,000 is low miles for a Land Cruiser. Look around at all the ones with 2-300,000. If it's been maintained properly it will last a long time. I've seen them with 350+ many times.

 

[amg2y]

I'm looking at LX470 with Mark Levinson, but no Navi and no DVD. 145k miles for $12,000. Is that good/fair price? Clean title, no dings or dent. Black on Tan color. First owner, all maintenance done at Lexus dealer, even oil changes. Need to make decision tonight. Thanks

 

[Romer]

I'm looking at LX470 with Mark Levinson, but no Navi and no DVD. 145k miles for $12,000. Is that good/fair price? Clean title, no dings or dent. Black on Tan color. First owner, all maintenance done at Lexus dealer, even oil changes. Need to make decision tonight. Thanks

Year?

 

[amg2y]

sorry, 2001

 

[Bawlz]

sorry, 2001

Yes, that sounds like a good deal.

 

[amg2y]

Thank you,
Will pick it up Thursday. Yay....

 

[DeltaT]

Thank you,
Will pick it up Thursday. Yay....

Congratulations ! Be sure to post some pictures. Seems like a great of a deal to me.

 

[Chris Sandstorm FJ]

I found my white 04 with 80k, totally unmolested from southern california for 19.5k.
Working on baselining bit by bit as I learn from the forum.

You rotten scoundrel.... that is a great deal....I spent 19k for my 01 with 74k, from Tracy, CA...

 

[Bawlz]

Thank you,
Will pick it up Thursday. Yay....

Congrats!!!

 

[Braves]

Explorer for 100 Series?

New to the Forum thanks for having me folks. I currently have a 2004 explorer with a little over 100k on it. I have a feeling that things on her are about to start giving out. I am considering selling it or making a trade and furnishing a little cash to purchase a 97-2000 100 series, however, it will be hard to justify to my father selling my car for one that is older and will have more miles on it. I have always loved LC's and wished I would have gotten one to start with, however, that is not the case. I am currently in graduate school and have 2 years left and rack up between 10k-12k a year. My price range will probably be no more than 12k and I would ideally like to be in the 150k mile range. I was wondering what y'all thought from a financial stand point as well a general sense on the logic of making such a move. I know the reliability is outstanding on these rigs and their value holds much stronger than my current ride. Lastly, I do not plan on doing much work on the vehicle with the exception of the simple stuff (fluids/oil). Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks