Looking to get an LX - is this bad?

[twotrunksteve]

I'm looking to get into a LC or LX. This one is a one owner and has a great maintenance history, all at theLexus dealer. I got the undercarriage shots and this is them.... This looks like more than a little rust

. Thoughts?

 

[Couvi]

It looks a little rough to me. What year, how many miles?

 

[twotrunksteve]

It's a 98 with 123k. Timing belt, new brakes and $1,500 of suspension work is documented. Inter is very clean and body is great too, but that rust stalled me.

 

[ga12r1]

It would not be very fun to wrench on. I would think there should be MUCH better options in Texas. I would take a cruiser with double the mileage and a rust free underside before I would take that one.

 

[geanes]

That's crazy low mileage on a 98. Mine was 151k and I thought that was low. Rust doesn't look too bad. What is the asking price? Nice to know the TB/WP was already done.

 

[twotrunksteve]

Still negotiating, I was waiting on these pics first. The asking is $10,750.

 

[viducce]

IMHO keep looking out for another specimen, there must be better ones around...
You're right if the rust turns you away from it, would do it for me to.

 

[geanes]

That's a really good price if everything checks out. Make sure to get a PPI done and check the AHC, steering rack and CV joints. Those are the big ticket items that can creep up on you fast. I paid $12k for my 98 with 151k, but it had a few upgrades including wheels/tires, touchscreen radio with backup camera, HID lights and lots of Toyota OEM spare parts.

 

[nissanh]

Too much rust. Probably from the north and the owner moved to TX last year?
Miles really not an issue, but the rust is what tells me to stay away.

 

[gpxl]

I would pass as there's no way I would want to deal with rust. For reference I bought a 99 with 182k for $9900 and zero rust in January in a market with higher prices than many.

 

[2001LC]

I'd offer $2k and hope they said NO. Don't buy rust!

 

[WingNutLG]

I live less than an hour from you, just for reference.

I've seen cleaner examples for sure. Expect to pay a premium for a southern vehicle, but it's worth it. That one looks a little crusty. Not bad, but crusty enough for me to look elsewhere in this state.

 

[BullElk]

Prolly not. Can't imagine why it needed $1500 of suspension with low mileage.... unless it was rusted out. The low mileage doesn't have quite the pizzazz when it already has needed expensive maintenance work. IMO

 

[TXSunDevil]

I would be surprised if that vehicle spent its' entire life in Texas. I think you can do better.

 

[twotrunksteve]

Thanks all for the replies. I think I will move on. I started reviewing other threads and realize that this LX is really rough. Too many better opportunities out there. This will be my ranch hauler, so it doesn't need to be perfect, but it needs to be a solid base.

Had a look at the classifieds on this site. I'm finding better options for similar money. Always loved these, looking forward to ownership and of course....mods!

 

[fooldall1]

Nope!

 

[jblatl]

Just say no thanks,

To much rust, if you want to keep the truck for any length of time that stuff will always be a problem.

Find one with a clean bottom and do not worry about the miles.

On the other hand, if very cheap and was getting it for my 16 year old daughter then it would be ok. Kids cars only last 12-18 months.

 

[bpe3]

Whenever you're buying a 19 year old vehicle, condition is FAR more important than miles. Sounds like you've already made the right decision. Don't buy rust.

bpe3