LX450 or 96-97 Cruiser TX AZ

[SR.GRINGO]

Hi,

I have a 00 4Runner that is built to play but we need a good city/freeway vehicle. My wife and I are toying with the idea of selling our 01 accord EX-V6 and buying either the Lexus LX450 or a 96/97 Cruiser. We want something that can come out of an accident well, as well as provide ultimate reliability. Here in Mexico if your car is small--you really need to watch out. My 4Runner gets by fine. We would be looking for a fairly low mileage one out of Texas or AZ. I know the brake life is low--anything else we should be watching out for? Also where would be the cheapest place to look in both states--maybe some local papers? Autotrader and cars.com usually have high prices... Suggestions are appreciated. Somebody in the 4Runner forum mentioned the suspension is too soft on the LX450. I would really like to find one with diff locks and a sun-roof.

 

[Brentbba]

First, an official IH8MUD welcome.

Second - how's your gas prices in Mazatlan?? City only driving will only yield you about 12mpg, combined about 14 and completely highway/freeway about 17. Not what you are getting with your 4runner I'll bet.

Other than that, they are the same vehicle outside the softer suspension on the Lexus 9of which you are aware) and a cushier leather interior.

Haven't been in anything but a couple of 5mph rear bumper thumpers, so can't answer about a more serious accident outside of the fact that you've got alot of metal around you or your wife. (btw - I don't want to find out how well they do in a larger accident either )

California also has lots of mall cruisers running around in both LA and San Diego, but prices tend to be a little high.

Good luck on your search.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Thanks Brent--I appreciate the welcome

Gas prices suck down here but we figure it is just what you pay for to have a more secure vehicle. We run the gas through our store so it isn't quite as bad. It is .60 per liter for super--the normal gas is like water. I have a TJM and few other extra parts on the 4Runner--my gas isn't that great. I t-boned somebody with the TJM--there fault--totaled thier car--the tjm now sports some white paint! My Father has a 91 LS400 and the leather is still in excellent cond--if I could find an LX450 with lockers and low miles I think this would be the way to go. If we end up hating the suspension we can always add the OME. Using the search function it sounds like the lexus owners take a little better care in maintenance. I think I will take a couple months and see if I can find a real low mileage vehicle--maybe around 40k--I bet I can get some good deals with the high gas prices up there.

 

[tucker74]

Welcome

You should be able to find what you're looking for pretty easily here (Texas) - lots of LC's and LX's driving around Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio...not to bad of a drive either.

Like Brent said - gas milage sucks, but everything else is great!

Definitely want a bullbar driving around down there

Tucker

 

[Brentbba]

Maybe look into an armored one from the guy in the 100's section looking for info on larger brakes.

 

[ginericLC]

Thanks Brent--I appreciate the welcome

I think I will take a couple months and see if I can find a real low mileage vehicle--maybe around 40k--I bet I can get some good deals with the high gas prices up there.

You are going to be searching for a long time to find a good deal with under 40,000 miles. These vehicles are at the minimum of almost 8 model years old. I think average mileage is something like 10,000 per year. I usually find myself putting 15-20,000 miles on per year. I'm seeing fewer and fewer for sale with less than 80k and other than a few flukes it has been a long time since I've seen one with under 50k.

There are some other minor differences in the LXs. Bumpers are different, Body side molding, stereo, climate control but same ast 40th LC, leather is better, more sound deadening, headlights are a bit larger, wheels slightly different pattern, softer shocks, are just some of the things I can think of off hand. I wouldn't necessarily agree with the better maintainence of a Lexus vs. a LC, but I think the LXs can sometimes be a better value. All the aftermarket stuff is the same.

 

[NorCalDoug]

I've had both an LC (94) and now 2 LX 450s (both 97s). There's really no difference between the LC and LX. The obvious differences have been mentioned already. My LX was pretty beat up inside, but was mechanically very sound (and had an extended warranty through Lexus) (and lockers) so I got it.

The sound system is different in the LX and the suspension is softer in the LX as compared with the stock LC -- I'd definitely swap it out for OME.

Prices seem to differ from region to region. Totally unscientific, but it seems like prices are better in Texas and Florida. They're definitely higher in California.

Good luck.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Thanks for all of the help. I'm starting to think a low mileage FJ80 may be hard to find..... What do you guys think about a 1998 FJ100LX470--with diff locks, and a roof. What kind of mileage should I expect?---maybe 98 with 65k. I'm watching to see what they go for on ebay..... I like the new one becuase of the Lexus V8, but it will be interesting to hear what you think as this is an 80 forum.

 

[cruiserdan]

It is actually a Toyota V8, and is used in Tundras, Sequoias and 4Runners as well. Average annual mileage is probably closer to 15-18k so if you want a truck with around 60k miles you wiil be looking at 2000 or newer. That being said, our regular 97 Collector customer was in for a bit of work today and he is ALMOST up to 28k miles on his.

And NO, it's not for sale, he likes to get it out a couple times a year and bring it over so we can service it and charge his battery 'Cuz it dies all the time.