Getting back in the 80's game...

[firetruck41]

Tomorrow the family and I are taking a short roadtrip halfway across the state to look at/and likely buy a locked 96 LX 450. It has 112k and the owner and I talked extensively, sounds like the antenna needs fixing (done that one before), and the brakes pulse when applied hard from highspeed (also done that one before), was in an accident, and proffessional repairs to passenger doors (doesn't bug me as long as it looks like they did a good job), clean carfax. I guess I am most worried about the HG and plan to do a simple bubble test after the test drive, anything else I ought to do? Especially anything that would be significantly different than on a 93 (like I had before), to look at or investigate?

 

[IdahoDoug]

Sounds like you know the vehicle pretty well. Just would bring a few tools to crack the diffs to see what's in there and the level, ask about the front knuckle service at 60k and act shocked when it wasn't done, and ask about tranny fluid changes, etc. Be sure the Airbag light comes on when you turn the key to 'run' and then goes out - unscrupulous repairs where the bags go off will sometimes just disconnect this light. It's supposed to run a diagnostic each time you start and remain lit for a second or three while it's going on.

If you're worried about a HG, bring along a set of new sparkplugs and buy a $30 compression tester. Do the test and if you like what you find, reassemble with new sparkplugs since you're buying it...

DougM

 

[firetruck41]

Only really worried about the HG because of all the HG fear mongers here on mud

 

[Biff]

Make sure the radiator is in good condition, thats the one thing I missed when I bought my 80.

 

[T Y L E R]

Ben, it'll be great to have you back in the 80's family!



TY

 

[IdahoDoug]

If it doesn't work out, I may be selling the 97 this coming spring. Delivery included. Fresh knuckles, rear wheel bearing repack, A/C charge, new factory brass rad, Doug Miller over the top general maintenance. You know the drill. I think I need a 100 series for my wifey so I'll be keeping my beloved 93.

Hope this one works out for you.

DougM

 

[T Y L E R]

I think I need a 100 series for my wifey so I'll be keeping my beloved 93.


DougM

So much for neck in neck drag races ..



TY

 

[mot]

So much for neck in neck drag races ..

Yep, she'll be SMOKIN'!

 

[reffug]

Ben, it'll be great to have you back in the 80's family!

TY

Agreed. At least now we won't have to listen to the crying.

 

[speyrod]

Ben check your email

 

[cruiserdan]

Sounds like you know the vehicle pretty well. Just would bring a few tools to crack the diffs to see what's in there and the level, ask about the front knuckle service at 60k and act shocked when it wasn't done, and ask about tranny fluid changes, etc. Be sure the Airbag light comes on when you turn the key to 'run' and then goes out - unscrupulous repairs where the bags go off will sometimes just disconnect this light. It's supposed to run a diagnostic each time you start and remain lit for a second or three while it's going on.

If you're worried about a HG, bring along a set of new sparkplugs and buy a $30 compression tester. Do the test and if you like what you find, reassemble with new sparkplugs since you're buying it...

DougM

Down-grading then, are we?.................

 

[Romer]

Come on and join the pink panty clan. Since you worked on your 93, you should be familiar with what to look for. You might take Slee's checklist with you in any case.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Dan,

That's actually how I view it as well. I'm going back and forth on it. I'm sure I'll regret saying this, but the 100 series - both Lexus and Cruiser - just look like crap to me. When I saw my first one many years ago I nearly puked. They've gotten a bit better looking as the series has had minor updates, but they still look like freakin' crossover minivan-meets-light-duty-station-wagons to me. Eeesh. Unfortunately, I drove one about 6 years ago and was astonished how refined, quiet and smooth they are on the road. Like I said, I go back and forth on it......

So Ben - how did it go? What city were you in - I'm guessing E. Wash??

DougM

 

[firetruck41]

More pics:

 

[firetruck41]

BTW, I was very tempted by a 93 LC that Lindpimps SO had on her lot, it has ~170k mi, new OME lift, new ARB bumper, new magnaflow, new 285/75/16 BFG A/Ts, locked, green on grey leather. She was very nice and got a few detail pictures for me and talked to me on the phone about it, it is advertised for $11.9k. But it has one dent on the tailgate, and the wife absolutely insisted on starting with perfect body/interior, also the LX was attractive for it's lower miles, R-134, nicer (Lexus) interior, color, etc. But the 93 seemed like a nice rig (did not physically look at it or drive it). If someone is interested, you should look in autotrader online in the Tacoma area, after looking around, that is a pretty good price for a rig in that condition w/those mods.

 

[reffug]

Nice looking rig Ben.

 

[T Y L E R]

Awesome !!!






Oh, and a few on me ..




TY


PS: You can change your user title to 'Do I look fat in these pink panties??'

 

[whodat]

Are the front seats original or high quality covers?

 

[firetruck41]

Are the front seats original or high quality covers?

They are original, and in better shape than I expected.

 

[NovaFZJ80]

nice rig you picked up there!!!