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2001 Lexus LX470 suv

Been emailing back and forth. So far I know the history via Lexus history. Which shows some body work done on the back passenger side, but Autocheck shows no accidents, 4 owners and a score of 84.

No 90k service that is known.
Everything that is power works.
No rust, although I'm waiting on pics to prove it.

It's a 2 1/2 hour drive away for me. I am trying to temper any excitement until I see what you guys have to say about it.
 
Click to expand...
Trapper50cal said:
Yeah, if it passes the sniff test for any shenanigans and you feel confident
the ODO hasn't been rolled back...Looks legit.
Click to expand...
Can they still roll the ODO back? Also the guy has sent more pictures. The underneath is spotless. It will need the 90k service though.
 
If everything checks out it seems like a great vehicle but $14k would still be a little steep for me, even with that few miles. Consider that this is a bone stock rig too, so you'd probably be adding at least $1,000 on top of that for tires just to start. I just went through a similar debate when looking for an LC last month - I finally landed on a 1999 with 214k w/recently redone timing belt, bone stock, great interior, good findings from an independent mechanic... $7,150 - just for perspective. Its nice to have come in a little under budget because then paying for upgrades like tires stings a little less.

Also, guy is using emojis in a Craigslist post. Just something to keep in mind. Maybe someone more experienced than I can give some insight on the mileage-to-value ratio.
 
I dunno man, $14K is getting close to '03/'04 territory with the updated interior and 5-spd tranny. Just for giggles, here is an example of an '04 north of Denver for $13K. Granted its got more miles, but you kinda get the idea. If you dont mind a little more mileage, you can definitely do a newer one for $14K if you are patient.

2004 Lexus LX470 SUV - loaded
 
And here is a pretty pearl white LX470 in Cali with only 132,000 miles for $10,500....and its 17 years old, thats really low for the age!

Lexus LX470

And here is a very nice 2004 LX470 also in SF bay area thats hard loaded with 129,000 miles and timing belt done for $16,900.

2004 Lexus lx470

Lastly here is a 2003 LX470 up in Spokane, WA with 133K miles for $13,900!

2003 Lexus LX470

These are western cars I doubt you need to worry about rust. Just to give you some ideas!
 
One thing I need to factor in on a vehicle across the country is buying it without seeing it. Getting one off these forums not that bad if I don't get to see it, but Craigslist or Auto Trader not so much. Also the added cost of either flying out and driving back or shipping.

This one is close to walk away from after looking at it. Dude has title in hand.

I have offered him 12.5 and told I will drive it away Saturday.

NADA puts clean retail right at 14K, but it's the only site that puts the value that high.

We will see what he says.
 
I have made a couple of long distance trips to buy vehicles from Cl or the like and not sure I would do it again. Buying from someone on mud I would likely consider.

Few years back drove up to Utah with a trailer to look at 2 cj7's figured one of them would work but passed on both. I spent a long time talking to both sellers about the distance I was traveling and urged them be straight up with me before I make the trip. I was assured in both cases "its worth the trip" In both cases it was BS and I was not happy and came back empty handed. 3 months later found exactly what I was looking for 20 miles away.
Last year went to Oregon to get my 60, almost the same experience. However this time I flew up. Guy sounded really straight and honest on the phone. Got there and several undisclosed issues were quickly discovered. However I did buy it (after knocking a little off the price) and drove it 950 miles back with my fingers crossed the whole way. Guy hadnt even taken the time to air up the bald tires knowing I was driving a huge distance back.

In short I would be very very careful and be prepared to walk away despite the long trip made to see it as hard as that would be.

Sellers just always want to gloss over the rough stuff in my experience.
 
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He will do 13k. The pics really do show a very clean ride. I am going to drive it stock for a little while at least until it needs new tires.

Problem is I have to have my bank cut a check before I head up there.

I honestly don't think I can get into the 03' and up at 13k. Especially with so few miles.
 
Can you have the bank cut a check for 11 and take 2 in cash? Then there is room for last minute adjustments if need be. However when you travel all that way he pretty much knows he has you locked in Im guessing
 
I think it's always worth paying a little more to get one close that you can look at before handing over the cash. I bought one from a mud member all the way in San Diego but he's driving it all the way to Tennessee for me. Cost me a $1000 deposit and his one way plane ticket but well worth it compared to shipping. Looks like a nice LX, if you like it, pull the trigger. Can't beat the miles.
 
So the guy said the reason he is selling it is because he:

"I purchased it for resale. Often buy luxury cars under $20,000 with good mileage for resale. Got the opportunity to get this lx and was thrilled to get it."

What do you guys think about that?
 
Yeah, let me translate that for you....."I am a flipper and I probably picked it up at an auction for $6K....I am either a small dealer/wholesaler that may or may not operate under a business license....regardless of the AutoCheck due to the body work it more than likely has been in an accident....." Stay away my man, this is NOT the seller you want. You want a true private citizen selling their Cruiser with hopefully no accidents and has service records, OR at least a reputable dealer that took it in on trade maybe and has passed thru their service area for any reconditioning and is now out for sale.
 
For what it's worth, he said he took it to a local Lexus place to have it looked at and they said it needed nothing.
 
I agree with fireguy I would walk away no matter how good it looks. I definitely wouldnt travel a long distance on this guys word. The only other solution might be to find a mudder or mechanic local who can independently check it out for you. I would spend money on that before buying a plane ticket
 
Can you verify his statement with lexus?
 
I think you are making the right call. Your patience will pay off.
 
I agree. I'd let someone else have that one.
 
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