Wanted Looking for thoughts on this 2000 LX 470 12990

Year

2000

Vehicle Model

1. LX470

Mileage

193000

Looking into purchasing my first LX470. I found a 2000 LX 470 near me for sale which has 193k miles. Overall, the body looks really clean and so does the interior. The only upgrades I can see that were added is a touch screen system and a back up camera. I'm hopefully going to check it out in person on Monday I'm just trying to get a feel on here if it is a decent deal. I spoke with the dealer and he says it has no rust on the body, has no lights on dash, and is not leaking any fluids. He does not know when the last time the timing belt/water pump was replaced. It has 6 owners and it looks like it was maintained pretty regularly especially with the first two owners who had it ~90K miles. One of my biggest concerns are the CV boots. Looks like they have already been replaced twice. Also, there is a concern for rust since the car is from Ohio and the E brake needed to be replaced due to rusting and seizing. The dealer wants 12990 for the 470 which I feel is reasonable.

Here is what I can find was done besides the regular maintenance based on the car fax and the Lexus service history:
-36K: left wheel bearing replaced
-41K: Daytime running lights replaced
-51K: left exhaust manifold leak fixed
-60K service performed
-70K: right and left CV boots replaced due to leak
Right inner tie rod replaced
-76K: Timing belt, water pump, and battery replaced
-81K: right foot CV boot replaced
-88K: Left front bearing replaced
-90K: O2 sensor replaced
-103K: Key cylinder bracket replaced
-106K: Rear E Brake and lever replaced due to being rusted and seized
-107K: replaced L/R front wheel bearings, replaced drivers seat control switch, right rear tailgate lamp bulb replaced
-121K: Power steering flush
-129K: left front axel boot replaced due to leaking grease
-141K: exhaust manifold leak fixed
-160K: Front rotors replaced
-168K; New Tires, hood shock replaced
-173K alternator replaced

 

[Fzj80 1997]

I would pass based on color alone, but that’s personal preference. What isn’t personal preference is the fact that you’ll have to spend ~$1,000 right off the bat to do the timing belt and waterpump. On top of that it’s a Midwest truck which makes it a definite pass unless it’s extremely underpriced and you can make a few $$ off of it... which it isn’t. The body might be rust free, but if you’re working on the truck, the undercarriage being rust free totally matters as well. If you do your own work, you have to deal with snapped and seized bolts on a truck with a rusty undercarriage. If you don’t do your own work, you’re going to pay your mechanic extra for when he has to deal with snapped and seized bolts. You can find a rust free truck from the south, or out west for $14-16k with similar mileage, a fresh timing belt and no rust. I would do that instead.

 

[Fzj80 1997]

Autotrader - page unavailable

www.autotrader.com

This truck isn’t too far away from you and looks a bit more promising. It also looks like it’s thundercloud metallic- a pretty desirable color combo. The guy would probably take $15k for it, or maybe less depending on how much you want to try and beat him up lol

 

[bastevenson0912]

I would pass based on color alone, but that’s personal preference. What isn’t personal preference is the fact that you’ll have to spend ~$1,000 right off the bat to do the timing belt and waterpump. On top of that it’s a Midwest truck which makes it a definite pass unless it’s extremely underpriced and you can make a few $$ off of it... which it isn’t. The body might be rust free, but if you’re working on the truck, the undercarriage being rust free totally matters as well. If you do your own work, you have to deal with snapped and seized bolts on a truck with a rusty undercarriage. If you don’t do your own work, you’re going to pay your mechanic extra for when he has to deal with snapped and seized bolts. You can find a rust free truck from the south, or out west for $14-16k with similar mileage, a fresh timing belt and no rust. I would do that instead.

Your the second person who has told me they hate the color. I actually don't mind it at all. I called the dealer and he said the undercarriage had no rust on it. However, I do find it hard to believe since it is coming from Ohio and in the history, it said the E brake had to be replaced due to rusting and seizing. I might try and see if I can get him to send me some pics of the undercarriage before making the drive down there so I don't waste my time.