Confused and Need some input

[asut01]

I have 2 options.

1. 2000 LC with 206,500 miles (Virginia SUV), dealer maintained its whole life. New transmission from Toyota Dealer at 122k, Timing belt at 122k. Lady is asking about 7k. This SUV is about 1 hour from me.

2. 2001 LX, 191,100, one owner NJ car. Timing belt around 120K, mostly dealer maintained about 4 hours from me about 7K. Possible rust issue, but do not have high resolution pictures.

I am debating which one to pursue.

 

[trudd]

Have you used the VIN to look at the dealer records on the Toyota / Lexus owner's portal? Might help sway you.

Also, do you want an LC or an LX?

 

[asut01]

I was able to check the records on LX, but Toyota website is little tricky to get the service records out. I know LX has memory seats, projector head lights, nicer interior, ML audio and AHC. But, was wondering, am I gonna missing those features if I went with LC. Or LC will require least amount slush fund to it going for long time?

 

[asut01]

The LX is no go, the owner is little sketchy. So, only option locally to DC is this LC. I have looked thru all the records from the dealer, everything checks out, including rebuild transmission to timing belt work back in 122k miles. Currently, it is due for timing belt service, I should be able to use this as a bargaining chip. Should I be concern about high millage of 206K? I should be able to get the price down some due to the fact it require timing belt service.

 

[ponytl]

I'll take miles over rust ten to one.... due for a timing belt? maybe but I just looked at a tundra with 276k and had never had it done... I pulled one at 182k oem and it still looked good... I think the water pump is more of an issue then the belt... but Yes if they will drop the price $5-600 for that one issue (which is about half what a shop would charge to do it) then why not ask... I don't know your skill set when it comes to these things... but you can easy do the full service with the fan bracket & fluids for less than $300 in parts..

 

[asut01]

Thank you for replying. In my family we have 4 Mercedes Benz and between my brother and I, we do all the maintenance, since we have access to shop lift at our buddy's place. Your estimate on parts is dead on, with what I have seen on Rock-Auto and Autohoaus az. I have seen DIY of this job on FAQ with pictures, at first it seems daunting, but it should not be that bad. How much time shop time should we allocate for this job, since we only have 1 lift (I know not required for this work, but may come handy)? What is the interval of transmission flush with fluid/filter and converter drained? Dealer records indicated last flush was done at ~160K. Also, what is your reference about fan bracket?

Also, so far I am communicating with the owner online, will not get chance to drive this till Sunday, therefore I am collecting as much knowledge as possible between now and then. This way I am will equipped.

 

[ponytl]

on a 1 to 10 scale this is a 5 at best... there are some great posts on this exact topic here and anyone would be wise to use them... just saves a lot of time not having to think about "how" when someone has already taken the time to show you step by step... ramps are good... you do need time under and time above so a lift might be nice... WITH good help I think it's a 4-5 hr job IF you have your ducks in a row and Know what to expect...

Look on ebay Fan Bracket for 4.7 toyota... some here are purest but I have used several of the timing belt "kits" off ebay and they mostly include name brand parts i'd buy anyway... most are less than $150 $50 for the fan bracket new serp. belt... and fluids... might as well change the oil & filter... if you are on the lift and have time... grease everything but mostly the drive shaft... you should be good to go... the trans service is pretty up in the air many never do and are past 250k... I have never replaced the cam seals and have never seen any leakage... but others have...

 

[asut01]

Thank you for the info about the fan bracket, now I see what you mean by that. Looks like we should be able to tackle most of it during one day. Also, why are folks so concern about heater T's. In 206K miles, this SUV was towed in twice, once for the transmission and second for the steering hose.

 

[asut01]

Update, ended up buying one owner 2000 Land Cruiser, with full Toyota Service history until 206k miles (current millage). Only thing this thing needs is timing belt service and right side outer mirror shell which is chipped. Paid $5500. This Cruiser has Toyota rebuild transmission at 122K. All new exhaust work was done last year by Toyota about $2k. What do you guys think, did I get a good deal?

Also, will Tundra TRD wheels 275/65/R18 work on this rig?

 

[camino70]

Sounds like a great deal!

 

[ponytl]

deal

 

[LimaBravo]

Good deal. Don't worry white the mileage. I bought one two years ago with 310,000 and other than a blown alternator diode it's been running like a champ