Just bought an LX470!

[ascii23]

Hey, I don't really know a lot about toyota 4x4 stuff (I'm more of an USDM guy), but I just saw this thing listed for $3200 and it needed a water pump and serpentine belt. Ended up paying $3000 for it. I know these are worth more than that when fixed but I am wondering how well I did on price?

 

[DBULL]

Does it start and run?

 

[ascii23]

Does it start and run?

Yes, I drove it on the trailer. Was just a little difficult because no power steering.

 

[DBULL]

I believe that the water pump replacement involves doing the timing belt.Looks like a great deal even with repairs!

 

[jLB]

I know these are worth more than that when fixed but I am wondering how well I did on price?

That will depend on the condition of the undercarriage, the amount of deferred maintenance, the general condition, and how much of the work you plan to do, vs having someone else do for you.

Just like any other ~20 year old used vehicle, it could be a “steal” or a “money pit”.

 

[ascii23]

That will depend on the condition of the undercarriage, the amount of deferred maintenance, the general condition, and how much of the work you plan to do, vs having someone else do for you.

No rust, a whole lot of deferred maintenance, fair condition, and I'm doing 100% of the work myself.

 

[jLB]

whole lot of deferred maintenance, fair condition

My son & I did a similar project with a “cheap” 99 LX that we picked up 11/2019, but we were very much aware of what we were getting into, with two other 100 series in the driveway. It has turned out to be a fun coronapocalypse project, and I’d do another in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a fun project, you probably did OK. If you’re planning on doing a “get rich quick flip” you might be in for a rude awakening (depending on where the deferred maintenance is).

 

[ascii23]

My son & I did a similar project with a 99 LX that we picked up 11/2019, but we were very much aware of what we were getting into, with two other 100 series in the driveway. It has turned out to be a fun coronapocalypse project, and I’d do another in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a fun project, you probably did OK. If you’re planning on doing a “get rich quick flip” you might be in for a rude awakening (depending on where the deferred maintenance is).

I plan to keep this somewhat long term, as I've always wanted one. They've always just been a little out of my price range until now.

 

[jLB]

I plan to keep this somewhat long term, as I've always wanted one. They've always just been a little out of my price range until now.

Depending on the condition of:
CV axles
Brake booster
Steering rack.
Ball joints
AHC suspension
Bushings, rubber, and plastic bits
Cooling system
Under hood fuse box
Ignition rod
Interior
Bad windshield replacements.
Cracked exhaust manifolds
Etc

It still might be more expensive than you think…

 

[chbrow10]

So there are lots of videos on the timing belt, water pump, etc job. Tribal wisdom says to use good parts (OEM or Aisian) and to replace the fan pully bracket as well as all the idlers. Aisian sells a good kit. since you will pull the radiator out, might as well take a look at the power steering pressure and return lines, since they are right there and you need to remove the power steering pump anyway.

Doing this work yourself easily adds $1000 or 2 worth of value to the car.

Everyone will recommend baselining the car. Know that the 98-99 LX's came with an LSD, so make sure you use the right gear oil if you change it.

If you are doing an oil change, know that the OEM oil filter is the best deal out there. $3.72 each. Cheaper than fram.

Good luck. Welcome to the club.

 

[nissanh]

That ARB bullbar alone is worth $1000.

Get the timing belt kit done (Use AISIN timing belt kit). Rockauto has it for cheap. NEVER use any aftermarket parts on a toyota. I just got done with a fan bracket (aftermarket) installed during the timing belt job 20K miles ago. It was nearly shot so get all parts OEM or AISIN. There is an overseas parts dealer in Dubai and they sell OEM parts for way less and ships to you in 3 to 5 days (Fedex). Their name is partsouq.com. Pay via paypal and I have purchased more than $3000 of parts over several times and absolutely no complains.

If you need help.. just make a post!

 

[nissanh]

Brake Booster: Good point: Make sure the ABS motor (electric motor under the brake master pump) runs about 30-35 seconds on initial startup and occational afterwords. IF the motor runs longer at initial engine startup and frequent there after, replace the Accumulator (OEM, About $200 or less) and you are good.

The issue is people let the ABS electric motor to run longer periods andf then kill the commutator.

 

[hickuptruck]

Since you're an American truck and car kind of guy, heres the advice I can give you. If you buy aftermarket non-OEM/OE/ToyotaLex stuff, you will and I can guarantee being doing the same job again. The stuff just doesn't fit right, and just doesn't work out 99% of the time.

Look for names like: Denso, Aisin, Hitachi when it comes to OE parts. Some parts you can't get away with and have to get from Toyota.

$3k, all depends if its a POS or not, what the interior looks like, and if that motor overheated or not.

 

[WannaCruise]

@ascii23, This looks like a fun project and a great price. If you need help with the mechanicals, you should check out Toyota Tech's in Ft Mill.

 

[KliersLC]

I'd say you did fine. you almost have 3k in wheels/tires and bumper. Nice score!

 

[KliersLC]

Need more pics!

 

[Mike NXP]

How many miles? What year? Looks like a steal of a deal and not that rusty so far.

Show us your undercarriageeeee yeeeeehawwww

 

[excessive]

steal of the year for $3k. the bumper alone is worth 1/2 that

 

[gamecock2009]

Was this in NC by chance?

 

[Patassa]

The water pump failure (?) sounds suspicious. I'd do a compression check asap and be looking for missing coolant. What happened to the serpentine belt?