Curious about my 1996

Location

United States

I have an unlocked 96 that I have had for a bout a year now. Got the thing with 88k on it, now I have 105K. Changed valve cover gasket recently, installed new driver's side seat/leather, new kenwood head unit, new speakers, keyless remoter start/alarm, OME 2.5 lift/1 year old BFG all terrain 285/65/16. Really great shape.

I know it is old man of me, but I kind of am sick of the lift. Maybe looking for an unlifted 1997 locked lx450 or 80. Could someone ballpark the market/price for my rig? It seems to be one of the lower mileage FJ's out there, as far as I can tell. Thanks!

 

[Bull Moose]

There are about 6 80s in great, documented mechanical condition on the market right now, and they are all around the country. These in great mech cond are also in good cond with nice paint, no body damage and no rust. Mileage on these ranges from 190k down to about 120k.
These are priced in the 9k to 17k range.

The next tier is much higher mileage with Minor, expected mechanical issues, and in some cases aesthetic issues. I estimate about 12 to 18 of these on the market. These are priced in the 7k to 12k range.

Finally, the rusted, run down, ultra high mileage (250k +) and not well maintained market is virtually over run. 50 to 200 of these easily. Prices range here from about 1k to 6k.

Priced with lockers is generally 3k over an exact same model without lockers. This is an irrational difference in price, but it indicates the intrinsic value of functioning factory lockers in the buyer side of the market.

From a buyers perspective, if you want a nice, daily driver you have many options, as long as you have a cash position. However, Loan value on these vehicles is very low, in the 4k range, which is an indication to me that the high end prices ( which I define as over 7k) are not sustainable, as 98-02 model 100s are hitting the market now in the 9k to 12k range with 150k miles.

To summarize, I am in the market for an 80, and it is a buyers market. Further, if a buyer is patient, prices will, in my estimation continue to fall as a result of the downward pressure from the expected maintenance costs, as well as the pressure from the used 100 market. I believe the days of the double digit price for 80s is gone. The maintenance and upkeep is too high of a disincentive for the buyer to deliver a high cash to value purchase price.

 

[Bull Moose]

As a example of prices in the market, the thread below was started in September 2013, 85k miles, excellent condition, virtually original with upgraded ARB in front. Starting price of 16k. 8 months on the market, now accepting offers. I estimate it will go for 7500. Locked and/or lifted it might reach 9000.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1997-lexus-lx450-80k-miles.769471/

 

[Muddy1]

Wow Bull Moose, nice analysis. I've only been looking at 80s for a couple of weeks, but my research matches your analysis.

I have friends who are very hard-core off-roaders (one is a professional off-road instructor who trains corporate clients on use of off-road vehicles... e.g. forest service, cell phone carrier repair people, etc.) and they are all a-gaga for the 80s, as they feel anything without solid axles and locking differentials are inferior for trail use.

All the same, it is really impressive to watch guys with 100s and FJ Cruisers such hit the trails, and post their videos on YouTube. Yes indeed, the IFS look like they will just break.... but they don't and the guys make it to the top.

Anyway, my point is that Bull Moose's analysis seems spot-on, and 100s are pretty nice vehicles, and as my Dad used to say "With any used car, you are buying what's left of it." and with the 100-series, there's a lot more left, especially if off-road duty is limited or part-time, as is the case with most of us.

All the best,

Muddy1

 

[Muddy1]

By the way, my research shows that at time of purchase in 1997, electric lockers were a $850 option.

 

[Bull Moose]

$850...interesting. i am thinking that a set of lockers and an air compressor are about $1,500, and installation is about $1,500 so that might explain the difference.

 

[AZcruisers100and80]

If your rig is cosmetically ultra clean and has no rust underneath, I would ballpark it (in the right scenario) around $12k-13.5 (For example a clean 40th Sage w 149k miles just sold on ebay for 12,500. yours is about = to such buyers, less the 40th, plus the lower mileage). Selling is all about presentation (photos) and timing (when few other ultra clean/low miles are on the national market. It fluctuates.).

I agree with a lot of Bull Moose's analysis. With one really important footnote (on which I could be wrong--my subjective opinion).

The additional factor is the Economics 101 principle of Supply And Demand. As 80's age, the demand for low mile, clean examples seems to be increasing year-over-year. (Did you see the 60 or 80k low mile AZ 97 locked that sold on here in two hours for about $17k? He could have easily gotten $22...even held out for $24 with proper presentation/timing.) There is a consistent market demand for these clean examples. Simultaneously, supply of 80's that are genuinely low mileage and genuinely clean is decreasing. Any time demand increases and supply decreases, price goes up.

If I were you, I would hang on to it, keep the mileage low, and hang on to all OEM parts. Then again, if you want to sell it to me for 7,500 as someone hinted above that 80k LX will go for (it's worth more if it's clean/no rust), I'd be happy to take it off your hands.

 

[AZcruisers100and80]

p.s. After I bought my 100 (which my wife drives), I got a second 80, because I realized there is just nothing like those 95 to 97 80's....in many of our opinions anyway.

 

[Droverrover]

I just bought mine this month. 97' , 100,120
Miles . Emacculate interior , not even compressed foam on drivers seat. No rust garage kept. Only thing that's sucks is no lockers. I paid $5,000

I can't post pics , but it can be seen on expo
Under LC forum, droverrover buys an 80!!??
The prices have become more reasonable lately. Always drove land rovers, but always secretly coveted 80's . :-D