Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here (1 Viewer)

[DeltaT]

Think so eh? Well I will be putting down my deposit tomorrow as he will be holding it for me until i get back in town. Look forward to joining the community. Is there anything else I should be looking out for in particular? Possibly CV boots, driveshaft u joints? What is most commonly replaced on these things? Thank you for the input mars. You sounded confident and made me feel the same!

Yeah, go for it. 19k sounds like a good deal. What to look for? The usual things as with any 9 year old car/truck, tires, rust, damages etc.. Start her up cold and listen if there is an exhaust leak. That could be a cracked exhaust manifold.
Also, check your AHC (Automatic Hight Control). Put the LX in park with motor running and see if it goes up and down (and stays there). Drive it and get a feel for the suspension. It should not be harsch. Fiddle with all the buttons and see if everything works. See if the AC blows cold.
Check if it comes with spare keys, documentation and ask if they can throw in a new navigation DVD.
Read Slee's Guide

And of course it.

Once you have it, post pictures !

 

[SWUtah]

Hello everyone, first before my question id like to introduce myself, I am Joel, I came over from the Toyota-4Runner.org forums as my lifted, loaded 4Runner is now for sale. Currently I am in the market for a Lexus LX470. The one I have found is a 2003, which I know has the updated 5 speed correct? As well as some other changes in dash, etc. Well this vehicle is coming from a Lexus dealership where it has been serviced its entire life from being new. A mom drove it prior to me (Baylor Mom Sticker still on back window), She was the single owner, timing belt, WP, have been replaced, AHC fluid flushed and replaced, it is fully loaded with Navi, Rear Ent, ML Audio. It has 125,000 mi on it currently. It was listed for $24,900 which I have a family friend working there who has got it down to $19000 flat. What do you guys think? Please let me know I cant really find too many 03s to compare it with and would like to know with it being the first issued 5 speed are there any known issues? Thanks guys!

Great deal buy it!

 

[Reno]

Right on! Sounds good to me. I planned on doing the AHC check by looking at the levels in the resi and counting the ticks on the side from low position to high position. I will definitely post pictures! Plan on doing the AHC lift and 295/70/18 trail graps (what i ran on my 4runner) on day one. Just gotta get off this drilling rig in Utah and get back to Texas. Never thought id come to Moab to work and not play first! haha keep an eye out for my build towards the end of the month beginning of December! Thanks for all the help and replys fellas!

 

[fatso]

80 series, 100 series, or a Grocery-Getter sequoia

Alright, I'm new to forum, but I'm about to jump headlong in with the purchase of an LC . . . so, I need some opinions (and yes, feel free to vent) . . . I'm a 4Runner guy as my wife and I both have 3rd Gen 4Runners ('04 and '06). Unfortunately, our family has expanded beyond the confines of a "little" 4Runner, so my '04 has got to go. It will be replaced by a bigger Toyota Rig (i.e. one that has a legit 3rd row seat that someone taller than 4' could actually sit in).

Here are my options (I want to stay under $15K):

1.) 1997 LX 450 - ~149K miles on it. Been well maintained, but missing some basic stuff (tow package, roof rack) and the rims need to be replaced. Priced around $8000. 2 owners. I know my lead-foot wife won't like the performance (although she won't be driving at much). No lockers. But I'm a closet gear-head who loves all the stuff that can be done to this rig.
2.) 2000 Land Cruiser - ~164K on it. Timing Belt changed at ~100K. Some dents and dings and such, but overall good shape. 2 owners. ~$11000.
3.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~141K on it. Not much info on this rig other than its priced ~$14000 and owner is desperate to get rid of it. I'm not sure how much I can get them to budge on the price.
4.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~117K on it. Great shape, priced around $16K. I'm assuming the 90K mile maintenance has been completed, but, honestly, this thing is outside my price range.
5.) 2003 Sequoia Limited - I know, I know, why even consider it? Well, I had to consider it with 3 kids are running around now. 143K miles, timing belt changed, good shape for the miles, although the computer has been cleared (not sure why, but I drove it long enough to re-set everything and no error codes appeared). No frame rust, tranny in good shape, engine is sound. Priced at around $11K

Ok, opinions? This will be my DD, but it will spend a lot of time in the mountains of CO on rough roads. I love the 80 series, but I just cannot get over the fact the the paltry engine performance (especially coming from a 3rd gen 4Runner). I've heard endless posts on 80 series vs 100 series and almost everyone says go 100 series, begrudgingly.

Good talk! Fire away.

 

[vilasman]

What to expect at around 200,000 miles

Hi. I am really trying to decide on buying a 2002 with 163,000 miles. The body and interior are in excellent condition. Body shows no damage. Price is 15k. It comes with all service records. And the carfax report seems to look as well. If you go monacy motors website you can see it.
My mechanic has been to see it and at first he was excited about it, he talked at length with the dealers mechanic and went over all the service records with him. Then he drove it. His only problem with driving it was the soft thud when going into drive. A kind member informed me that this was the rear differential and that it needed to be lubed, which probably means the fluid needs to be changed.
My question is this... My mechanic primarily works on Honda products. This is not his first experience with cruisers but there are people here who know cruisers better than him I am sure.
I want to know from you alls expierences what should I be scared of here? It's an old car with some miles and I know keeping it up will not be like keeping a Honda up but what do I need to look out for?

 

[phsycle]

Alright, I'm new to forum, but I'm about to jump headlong in with the purchase of an LC . . . so, I need some opinions (and yes, feel free to vent) . . . I'm a 4Runner guy as my wife and I both have 3rd Gen 4Runners ('04 and '06). Unfortunately, our family has expanded beyond the confines of a "little" 4Runner, so my '04 has got to go. It will be replaced by a bigger Toyota Rig (i.e. one that has a legit 3rd row seat that someone taller than 4' could actually sit in).

Here are my options (I want to stay under $15K):
5.) 2003 Sequoia Limited - I know, I know, why even consider it? Well, I had to consider it with 3 kids are running around now. 143K miles, timing belt changed, good shape for the miles, although the computer has been cleared (not sure why, but I drove it long enough to re-set everything and no error codes appeared). No frame rust, tranny in good shape, engine is sound. Priced at around $11K

I think you narrowed your choice down with that bolded statement above. 3rd row in the 100 is more like a 2.5 row.

Also, just FYI, 04 and 06 4Runners are 4th Gens. ;p

 

[fatso]

Good call on the 3rd Gen vs 4th Gen. My mistake.

So, as much as the Sequoia seems like the way to go (I've gone that route multiple times), I'm not quite yet committed to buying an automobile assembled in the US (Every car I have ever owned came from Japan). I was afraid of the usability of the 3rd row in a 100 series. I've never sat in the 3rd row for a long time (just jumped in to see how roomy it was, seemed reasonable), so I'll have to defer to someone else if it's better than it's "jump-seat" moniker. The Sequoia 3rd row is surprisingly room actually.

I don't want the 3rd row to be the deciding factor though.

 

[Old#7]

98, rear locker, 238K, yes or no?

Ok guys I have the chance to purchase a 1998 with he rear locker, bone sock, new paint job because of faded paint and his daughter backed into the rear driver side door.
It has 238000 miles, the timing belt and main service was done at a dealership at 180K miles. Regular maintenance has been done.

I can get it for $7300-$7500. Original asking price was $8250. (Top of my budget)
I am going to be moving up from my 80 series.
The bad:
Needs tires, shocks,front brakes and alignment to pass safety inspection. Got a quote from Les Schwab (just as ammo for negotiation) of $1800.
I can do the work my self and I can get the parts myself for cheaper too. I can find some used tires for around 250-300 bucks.
CV boot on one side is leaking, I can fix that with pfran's clamps.
Would you jump on it? Miles too high? Anything else to be worried about?
Also, it had condensation on the inside of the sunroof, it had snow sitting on top though. Is this normal?

Thanks

 

[Bloomer]

Sanity Check Needed Please - 2007 with 38,000 miles

I know this place is full of knowledge and experience. Was hoping I could get feedback on price of a 2007 Land Cruiser with 38,000 miles and no AHC. One owner, one minor low speed accident, and one ding in the rear cargo upper door. PO backed into a nonmoving vehicle at low speed. Firm on price at 39,500. What do yall think about the price?

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

 

[Bawlz]

I know this place is full of knowledge and experience. Was hoping I could get feedback on price of a 2007 Land Cruiser with 38,000 miles and no AHC. One owner, one minor low speed accident, and one ding in the rear cargo upper door. PO backed into a nonmoving vehicle at low speed. Firm on price at 39,500. What do yall think about the price?

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

Way too much. KBB says $39,700 (always runs high), but Edmunds says $26,598 (always on the lower end), so seems like somewhere in the middle would be more fair. It's also really important to watch the market around you for a bit and see what they are listed for/going for (if it's listed seemingly high and never sells, that should be a clue it's too high).

 

[SWUtah]

I know this place is full of knowledge and experience. Was hoping I could get feedback on price of a 2007 Land Cruiser with 38,000 miles and no AHC. One owner, one minor low speed accident, and one ding in the rear cargo upper door. PO backed into a nonmoving vehicle at low speed. Firm on price at 39,500. What do yall think about the price?

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

Where did it spend its life? Any rust? Maintance records? When was it built, timing belt and water pump should be changed at 7year intervals not just 90k miles. Look at autotrader.com for what one is priced at that is similar to yours. You can use this info to deal on this rig.

 

[10ga]

Alright, I'm new to forum, but I'm about to jump headlong in with the purchase of an LC . . . so, I need some opinions (and yes, feel free to vent) . . . I'm a 4Runner guy as my wife and I both have 3rd Gen 4Runners ('04 and '06). Unfortunately, our family has expanded beyond the confines of a "little" 4Runner, so my '04 has got to go. It will be replaced by a bigger Toyota Rig (i.e. one that has a legit 3rd row seat that someone taller than 4' could actually sit in).

Here are my options (I want to stay under $15K):

1.) 1997 LX 450 - ~149K miles on it. Been well maintained, but missing some basic stuff (tow package, roof rack) and the rims need to be replaced. Priced around $8000. 2 owners. I know my lead-foot wife won't like the performance (although she won't be driving at much). No lockers. But I'm a closet gear-head who loves all the stuff that can be done to this rig.
2.) 2000 Land Cruiser - ~164K on it. Timing Belt changed at ~100K. Some dents and dings and such, but overall good shape. 2 owners. ~$11000.
3.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~141K on it. Not much info on this rig other than its priced ~$14000 and owner is desperate to get rid of it. I'm not sure how much I can get them to budge on the price.
4.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~117K on it. Great shape, priced around $16K. I'm assuming the 90K mile maintenance has been completed, but, honestly, this thing is outside my price range.
5.) 2003 Sequoia Limited - I know, I know, why even consider it? Well, I had to consider it with 3 kids are running around now. 143K miles, timing belt changed, good shape for the miles, although the computer has been cleared (not sure why, but I drove it long enough to re-set everything and no error codes appeared). No frame rust, tranny in good shape, engine is sound. Priced at around $11K

Ok, opinions? This will be my DD, but it will spend a lot of time in the mountains of CO on rough roads. I love the 80 series, but I just cannot get over the fact the the paltry engine performance (especially coming from a 3rd gen 4Runner). I've heard endless posts on 80 series vs 100 series and almost everyone says go 100 series, begrudgingly.

Good talk! Fire away.

We've got a 2003 Limited Sequoia and as much as I like it, it feels like a soccer mom car. That also sounds a little high to me or maybe it's just your area. Mine has 225,000 and timing belt was just done about 2000 miles ago. I'm getting ready to put up it for sale and hope to get $8500 for it. It's in perfect condition and it's white with new tires. I'm wanting a 100 series and would be willing to go back 4 or 5 years just to get one. I also think the 100 series rides better than the Sequoia. The Sequoia feels really top heavy. The only thing I don't like is the loss of fuel economy. I'm averaging 17 in the Sequoia and I'm guessing I'll be lucky to average 13 with the LC. I'm also a 4Runner guy and have been considering a 4th Gen 4runner. I just sold my 2000 3rd Gen and have missed it ever since. Why not look for a 4Runner with a 3rd row? The 1998 100 Series I've been looking at for the last month has 180,000 miles on it and timing belt was done at 160,000. They were asking $10,000 for it, I offered $7850 and we never could meet on price. It went off craigslist so I figured they sold it. I sent a txt yesterday and they said they took it off. I told them my offer was still good and she said she would talk to her husband when he got back in town. I'm guessing it I offered $8400 it would be mine. The only thing about the 98 is it does not have rear air so that's also something to consider when buying a big SUV. Anyway, good luck. sorry for the long message, just my feedback on the Sequoia.

 

[10ga]

I have another question for you 100 series guys about the above mentioned 100 series. When I test drove it the last time I put in the low lock and turned the knob to lock the rear diff. There was a beeping sound when I locked the rear diff in, is that normal? I just drove it a few feet and then turned it off. Just curious if maybe I didn't give it enough time to go off or does it do this the whole time you have the rear diff locked?

Thanks

 

[fatso]

Alright, I'm new to forum, but I'm about to jump headlong in with the purchase of an LC . . . so, I need some opinions (and yes, feel free to vent) . . . I'm a 4Runner guy as my wife and I both have 3rd Gen 4Runners ('04 and '06). Unfortunately, our family has expanded beyond the confines of a "little" 4Runner, so my '04 has got to go. It will be replaced by a bigger Toyota Rig (i.e. one that has a legit 3rd row seat that someone taller than 4' could actually sit in).

Here are my options (I want to stay under $15K):

1.) 1997 LX 450 - ~149K miles on it. Been well maintained, but missing some basic stuff (tow package, roof rack) and the rims need to be replaced. Priced around $8000. 2 owners. I know my lead-foot wife won't like the performance (although she won't be driving at much). No lockers. But I'm a closet gear-head who loves all the stuff that can be done to this rig.
2.) 2000 Land Cruiser - ~164K on it. Timing Belt changed at ~100K. Some dents and dings and such, but overall good shape. 2 owners. ~$11000.
3.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~141K on it. Not much info on this rig other than its priced ~$14000 and owner is desperate to get rid of it. I'm not sure how much I can get them to budge on the price.
4.) 2002 Land Cruiser - ~117K on it. Great shape, priced around $16K. I'm assuming the 90K mile maintenance has been completed, but, honestly, this thing is outside my price range.
5.) 2003 Sequoia Limited - I know, I know, why even consider it? Well, I had to consider it with 3 kids are running around now. 143K miles, timing belt changed, good shape for the miles, although the computer has been cleared (not sure why, but I drove it long enough to re-set everything and no error codes appeared). No frame rust, tranny in good shape, engine is sound. Priced at around $11K

Ok, opinions? This will be my DD, but it will spend a lot of time in the mountains of CO on rough roads. I love the 80 series, but I just cannot get over the fact the the paltry engine performance (especially coming from a 3rd gen 4Runner). I've heard endless posts on 80 series vs 100 series and almost everyone says go 100 series, begrudgingly.

Good talk! Fire away.

I pulled the trigger on option #3. 2002 Land Cruiser with 141K miles on it. Single owner, and virtually every piece of maintenance record from a local Toyota dealership. I think I got a good deal on it ($11000). I hate the color (white), but beggars can't be choosers. I'm pretty excited because the car is really in excellent shape, but there is one thing that is bothering, the timing belt. I can't find a sticker, but the engine compartment is absolutely spotless and the serpentine looks like its brand new.

I called the Toyota dealership and asked them if they could pull up the maintenance history. The gentleman I talked to was very helpful, and he indicated that it looked like the previous owner had done just about every recommended maintenance out there. Sounds great, right? However, there was no explicit record of the timing belt being done. There were multiple (3) items that were >$1000, but the detailed list indicated that they were for brake work (at least according to the guy I was talking to).

So, I think I just assumed that the timing belt had been done, but now I'm not so sure. I can't believe that someone would be so anal about every other major service (brakes, oil changes, fluid flushes, you name it, its on the list) would skip out on this one. Like I said, there were multiple items on the list that looked like they could be the timing belt, but the Toyota dealership said they didn't have a distinct record of doing it.

My gut says that I should just take it to a place and get their opinion. I own the rig now, so the ball is in my court. Any thoughts?

 

[DeltaT]

Just ask the previous owner if the timing belt has done and tell him to be hoest. He has nothing to loose now that you own it. He should know being the first. If he says he doesn't know (?!) you can assume it has not been done.

btw, I love white for a 100. Be sure to post pics. Any plans/mods?

 

[LCbruiser2000]

I pulled the trigger on option #3. 2002 Land Cruiser with 141K miles on it. Single owner, and virtually every piece of maintenance record from a local Toyota dealership. I think I got a good deal on it ($11000). I hate the color (white), but beggars can't be choosers.

White's not too bad if you black out the wheels, emblem, bumpers and trim

 

[DeltaT]

White's not too bad if you black out the wheels, emblem, bumpers and trim

and paint UN on the doors

 

[Prado]

Odd LC100

Hi all,

My search for the "perfect" LC100/LX470 continues and I found what I consider an unusual specimen...I wanted to run this by the community here to see if it's legit. It's a 1999 LC100 but it has grey cloth interior, plain black plastic dash panels (instead of wood), steel wheels and does NOT have the third row seats or any mountings for the third row seats. In all the cruisers I've seen advertised I've never seen one like this...did they come like this in the U.S.?

It's got ~100,000 mi and appears to be in good shape and their asking $19,980.

I'd be interested in hearing your opinions!

Cheers,

 

[Anthony.L]

Very rare, but not unheard of. What you have is a special order from the factory, completely stripped down with basic options. That or it was ordered as a commercial or government vehicle, think UN type rigs.

In the US the opposite is the most common, where the vehicle is ordered by the dealer with every single option available to increase the sticker price.

The price is WAYYYY too high.

 

[hoser]

Canada? I'd wait till next year and import a '98 HZJ105. Should be relatively easy to find a poverty pack model.