Considering buying an LX450 with 331k

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M

MechanicalCheese

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Jan 6, 2016
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A little background :

I've had a 2000 4Runner Limited for the past 7 months / 6500 miles. 4.5" lift 285/75/16s and KO2s make for quite the capable and reliable vehicle, but I've been wanting a bit more space. I've crammed 8 people into the 4runner more times than I'd expected, and it's tight with 2 people on the sleeping platform and a weeks worth of gear. So I decided to look at the fzj80 options, and being a suckered for the luxury features, the lx450 in particular.

There's a 97 lx450 in my area with 331k miles on it for $4000. It just passed CA smog, and according to the seller it burns no oil, does not leak, and shifts clean. It does not have factory lockers, but the seller will have them swapped in for an extra $400. Its a clean title, with the body in good condition and no major issues on the interior - the seats are actually in better condition than my 4runner.

With my 4runner over 226k miles, I'm no stranger to high mileage toyotas, but over 300k is something else. Were it not for the price I'd just ignore it - but $4400 for a ready to go lx450 with lockers is one hell of a deal.

Should I even consider this? Minor maintenance doesn't scare me but I dont want another project. I don't have the time or cash for major repairs.
 
Hmmm, $4,400 seems a bit steep. But it is all relative really. It may be ready to go right now, but at 331k miles you can be sure work is going to need to be done to it in the future. I would like to see a list of the maintenance that has been done to it. If it has had a bunch of work done to it eg. head gasket, spark plugs, birfields, the list could go on, then it would be a good deal. Head gasket would be the main concern as fixing that would certainly qualify as a major repair.
 
We had a '97 LX450 /295K with lockers on the Seattle CL - it sat for 6-8 weeks at $3000 & $2750 (price reduced after a few weeks) before someone in OR bought it. It ran fine, original owner.

$4K seems steep w/o a ton of reciepts. And even then.

If you do buy, I'd expect to be the last owner.
 
Pretty sure the only "luxury features" the LX has over the LC are (slightly) softer springs and a different climate control system.
 
Landseer said:
Pretty sure the only "luxury features" the LX has over the LC are (slightly) softer springs and a different climate control system.
Click to expand...

I believe the LX have all of the LC options, including a sun roof, side steps, trailer hitch etc Plus: softer rate springs, climate control, laser key, alarm/key fob, "upgraded sound system", taller center console with woofer (instead of a cubby), additional carpet insulation, higher grade leather- including different colors, pleat and foam (LX driver's OEM foam sold out last I heard), different side cladding, different grill, different wheels, different steering wheel center, rear bumper has a plastic center section without the LC aluminum step plate, and different rear mud flaps. I may have missed one or two items but that's about the difference between the two. I think the LX was about $6-7K more back in the day but not much difference. I have read that only 7% of LX came with factory lockers in the US.

Some people don't like style of the LX side cladding and the additional holes to fill should one want to de-clad. Interior is a little nicer but the LC foam is still available. LX Laser key is $40 at a lock smith and $80 at a Lexus dealer vs $10 for LC.

IMO buy the best maintained, lowest mileage "80" you can find LX or LC. Mechanically they are the same. Either way Lockers are a big plus to more off road oriented people.

I regularly see rust-free LCs and LX's in California and the North West with well under 200K on the clock. So you'd probably have more life left in the rig if you found a well maintained the lower mileage rig.

Lastly, I would question the $400.00 additional for the owner to add lockers as the there are significant differences in the actual drive gear, wiring and actuator of a factory locked model. Beware of the $80.00 OEM locker switch trick!! Also, some people advertise adding the center lock switch (about $45) as "Locked". Air lockers run close to 2K installed for both front and rears.

Good luck in your search.
 
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run, dont walk away!! ....way to high of price...swap in lockers for $400, no way!

331K miles and dont burn oil and no leaks?? hmmm ....Im thinking he's going to take you to the cleaners

Im not trying to be a jerk just dont want you to get taken brotha ;)
 
Former 3rd gen owner (had 2 of them). The 80 really isn't all that much bigger inside. A tad wider, but the cargo area is the exact same length as the 4runner. Exterior dimensions are way bigger (colossal hood to house the straight 6, body cladding and fender flares, etc). 3rd row is nice for holding more passengers, but most of them have been removed. I've also owned a couple 60-series, and it is much more spacious inside than either the 80 or the 4runner, if you don't mind the stone-age character of the vehicle. If your stated purpose for getting a new truck is to carry 8 people I'd look into a suburban or if you want to keep it toyota, a Sequoia or 100 series. The 80 series is only a minor step up in interior space.


FWIW, I paid more than that for my LX (with lockers) with 300k on the clock. It ran great when purchased but still required about $2,000 in general upkeep within the first 6 months. Compared to a 3rd gen 4runner, these 80's are really expensive to own.

my $.02


:edit: if the owner claims he will swap in factory lockers for $400, he is lying to you. This alone would be an instant deal breaker red flag.
 
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That's too many miles for me as a starting point. I'd look elsewhere. That's just me. I look at LC ads all the time and most seem to have 176-215K miles.
 
I live in Vacaville and don't remember seeing that unit on CL. One thing I know that some other members here don't is that CA prices are ridiculous!
I agree that the seller promising factory lockers for $400 sends up a red flag because their is lot more to these elocker systems than just the locker itself.
I just flew to NE Oregon an bought a locked 93 with 267k, head gasket and a hand sized list of other maintenance items done recently by Toyota. It's straight and rust free, front seats redone, stereo, sorta "used" on the inside, everything works for $4000. It made the long drive home enjoyable as it runs like a Swiss watch.
So, I would say $4000 with 331k and no lockers is a bit high. Maybe consider shopping in another state where people don't think there junk is worth your arm and leg.
As far as size compared to a 4Runner, it's not just over all cubic feet inside but also configuration and the heavier duty chassis to carry people, and all the cargo you can fit on a roof rack. IMO there is no comparison between a 4Runner and the FZJ80.
 
tell him i will give him not 400, but 500 for his lockers right now :D

i have sold 2 sets of locked axles for 2000 bucks. lockers for 400 is the biggest red flag and you should stay so far away from this one.
 
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