Input on Potential Purchase

[hkeller]

Anyone recognize this rig? http://www.nextridemotors.com/2006_Lexus_LX 470_Mount Juliet_TN_228660352.veh

It appears to be lifted by adjustment of the AHC height sensors. Any thoughts on the cons of that?

 

[mcgaskins]

I wouldn't say it's a bad thing necessarily if you want to drive around town, but loading it up with a ton of gear, adding a rear bumper and sliders, etc. will tax the system. I also looked at the Carfax and it appears that the last owner only had it for 6 months which is kind of a red flag for me. It was also serviced at the drive through quick lube places which I'm not crazy about. Had a few nasty experiences with those when I was younger before I started wrenching myself. Also even though it's obvious, black is a TERRIBLE color if you intend to go off road for scratches!

 

[hkeller]

Yeah, the 6 month thing bothered me too. However, the Lexus service history is good and they had a pre-purchase inspection done at a local dealer, which checked out.

 

[mcgaskins]

Do you know if they just did the timing belt service at 90k? Seems like a decent deal but I wouldn't call it an amazing one. If you were local I'd say go check it out, but since it looks like you're not I might invest the $ for a cheap flight out just to be sure it's legit.

 

[hkeller]

No, the 90K service has not been done. Yesterday, I could have flown round trip for $199, now they are up to $360 for a flight. Darn.

 

[shevy77]

I test drove it a few weeks back and passed. It had some issues with windshield moulding. They may have addressed that, by now. It also seemed to have potential AHC issues. I was able to get it into high one time. Afterwords, I dropped to low and then it would not get to high setting again. Not sure if you can cycle multiple times over 10 minute period, but it was enough scare me. I gave the seller feedback and they responded that it had checked out at mechanical inspection. The vehicle looked nice from far away and overall was in ok shape. The front bumper is not intended for the LX or it had an issue as the grill would rub the bumper while opening. There was a lot of mud under the frame rails and it had been 'detailed' as the engine bay had oily 'shine' all over everything. They told me it had been owned by a Vanderbilt doctor which I believe with the Hamptons, New York service records.

 

[hkeller]

^^^This^^^ was possibly the most helpful post I have ever seen on Mud! Thank you very much! I will be passing on this one.

 

[hankinid]

It was serviced by Lexus in Brentwood, TN from 5/06 to 3/13, then Lexus of Southampton, NY from 7/13 to now. Rear height sensor "re-secured" during 7/13 service.

Info from service history from the lexus.com website. History also noted 3 services on front axle.

I'd doubt the "doctor" thing...a Lexus dealer can give you a printout of service history, which will also show name of the original owner...mine does show a doctor in Bend, OR...address seemed to jive as "Home" destination was never erased until I bought the truck.

Steve

 

[hkeller]

Sounds like it might have been pounded around in the mud a bunch.

 

[mcgaskins]

It's always a doctor or a little old lady who only drives on Sundays

 

[hankinid]

It's always a doctor or a little old lady who only drives on Sundays

Original/previous owner of mine was an MD. That said, I know two large animal vets in the area with LC's for work...and work can mean farm calls 24 / 7 / 365, often in the middle of a very muddy field.

 

[shevy77]

Yea, I don't know if it was a doctor or not. It doesn't matter, really. I wanted to like it. I drove a couple of hours to see it and knew within the first five minutes that it would be staying. While driving down the interstate, the rubber moulding from the windshield came loose and I had to roll the window down and pull it inside the cab to keep it from beating the side of the truck. My wife even knew at that point that it wasn't the truck I was looking for.

Honestly, the things I mentioned can be fixed, but the price was not right for the issues that I saw.

Good luck on your search. I am still looking.

Cheers

 

[hkeller]

Thanks. It would have costs me a day off work and a few hundred bucks to fly down there, which you just saved me. I owe you one!

 

[mcgaskins]

In my experience with these trucks, they're either amazingly good or you want to walk away immediately. I looked at several when I was ready to buy and almost all had some major turn offs until I drove my 98 and within about 15 minutes made a deal on the spot.

 

[hoser]

I test drove it a few weeks back and passed. It had some issues with windshield moulding. They may have addressed that, by now. It also seemed to have potential AHC issues. I was able to get it into high one time. Afterwords, I dropped to low and then it would not get to high setting again. Not sure if you can cycle multiple times over 10 minute period, but it was enough scare me. I gave the seller feedback and they responded that it had checked out at mechanical inspection. The vehicle looked nice from far away and overall was in ok shape. The front bumper is not intended for the LX or it had an issue as the grill would rub the bumper while opening. There was a lot of mud under the frame rails and it had been 'detailed' as the engine bay had oily 'shine' all over everything. They told me it had been owned by a Vanderbilt doctor which I believe with the Hamptons, New York service records.

Just a few notes:

1) If the AHC sensors have been adjusted for lift.... then the suspension will not always go higher (than high).
2) The ARB Deluxe bumper was never designed for the LX hood. Sounds like the antenna tabs weren't trimmed enough.
3) many, maybe most windshield installers will not be able to install the windshield and trim correctly... and most 100's have already had their windshield replaced.
4) First time I've seen the OE fog lamps used in the ARB bumper.... doesn't seem to quite work though.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

It's always a doctor or a little old lady who only drives on Sundays

Oh, that's why all my cars were previously owned by old ladies. I was starting to think it was odd that I never actually see old ladies driving LXs and bmw M3s.