Hey all I've on mud since December now learning and watching for an Fzj80. Anyways I may be buying an LX this weekend. I have read over some FAQ and looked at the Slee guide but just thought I would ask for anymore input. What to look for when buying? Which issues are the most costly to fix? Or most time consuming/labor intensive? I do quite a bit of the work on my own vehicles but don't always have time to do major work myself. Just any advice on what to look for would when buying be great. Thanks
LX 450 purchase advice.
- Thread starter Bradwantsan80
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NLXTACY
Wits' End
Start here:
Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide
Slee - 80 Series Land Cruiser Newbie Guide
- Thread starter
- #3
Hey thanks I have looked that one over just wondering if anyone had anything else to add like the most costly or time consuming repairs.
NLXTACY
Wits' End
Honestly that list has been beaten to death all over this section. Many threads asking the same so it's tough to rehash the same things over again. That Slee piece and the FAQs above are ideal for getting to know your 80. It's easier asking specific questions and the illuminati can chime in.
Walletclan
Noob Cruiser
If you would like to chat offline, send me a PM. I bought a 96 LX450 a few years ago and learned some things in the process.
Here some reading for ya.
Should I buy an 80, costs of ownership?
Should I buy an 80, costs of ownership?
Another thing you should consider is the LX vs. LC decision. I bought a Cruiser rather than an LX, and I'm glad I did. The plastic cladding on the side is a major bummer, in my opinion. Not that the truck you're considering wouldn't be a great truck for you, and it might even be a great bargain, but just consider that. There are plenty of threads on here about LX vs. LC to look at. Just think on that before you buy, if you're so inclined.
Advice: get a 4runner instead 
Most costly to fix would be a blown motor, transmission, or head gasket, in descending order.
You're pretty much guaranteed to have issues like electrical faults, window motor or regulator failures, power steering pump failure, degrading interior, and worn Birfield CV joints.
I've seen quite a few threads about unresolved engine performance issues, like stumbling idle, which I think might be due to ECU damage. Google "all my crazy Lexus issues solved".
You're pretty much guaranteed to have issues like electrical faults, window motor or regulator failures, power steering pump failure, degrading interior, and worn Birfield CV joints.
I've seen quite a few threads about unresolved engine performance issues, like stumbling idle, which I think might be due to ECU damage. Google "all my crazy Lexus issues solved".
LINUS
Waiting for the Great Pumpkin
All parts fail eventually, so you might as well buy an ENTIRE LX450 worth of new pieces that are still available.
Then you can change whatever item is the "hot topic / part of the week" at your leisure.
Then you can change whatever item is the "hot topic / part of the week" at your leisure.
And don't forget to pre-order your "pink panty" window graphic! Lol......Seriously though... good luck, and enjoy!
- Thread starter
- #13
Hey thanks for the input guys but unfortunately I am still on the search. I should have called in sick to work today because the LX was sold before I got there. Should have known it being pretty much a 1 owner in pristine condition with 122k and a 12k asking price it wouldn't last. He agreed to 10.5k from me but then sold it for more today. Pretty bummed. Next time I'll pounce. Anyways what's a harder fix? Birfs or oil pan? I haven't had a chance to get under one yet. And why is the cladding a problem on Lxs? I like the way it looks. Do they not make sliders to fit the cladding?
- Thread starter
- #14
And is it true many seep from the oil pan but as long as its not much it probably isn't much of a problem I would assume?
- Thread starter
- #15
And yes the lx had lockers too. Will I ever find such a deal again?? haha
All landcruisers leak oil to some extent. I've pretty much stopped most of mine but it's only a matter of time before something else lets loose. It's entirely possible that the pan is not leaking but something above it is. For example, the oil level sensor gasket gets hard and leaks, and it looks like the pan is leaking.
The cladding hasn't been a problem for me. It goes thru the Moab red rock just fine. Sliders fit just fine.
The cladding hasn't been a problem for me. It goes thru the Moab red rock just fine. Sliders fit just fine.
...the cladding traps water and salt and hides rust. My rust free LX450 was absolutley not rust free. Once i took the cladding off completely I found many hours of body work...
