Need a LX (1 Viewer)

[NeedaLX]

Ok not really

I've just long considered one will likely be my next vehicle purchase. Getting ready to retire a 2005 Accord that's served winter DD duties for longer than it should. Other car is a 2005 LS430, so wanting to replace the Accord with something well suited for winter, but also something comfortable and pleasant to be in.

Ironically the only other vehicle that piques my interest (and fits my needs) is the total opposite end of the spectrum, in the GR Corolla. I might be the first person in history cross shopping these two.

Anyways, just posting to post, and will maybe add search specific questions and updates. Plan on checking this site more frequently to learn, as well as for the Classifieds. Appreciate the forums like this one, not too many around that are still active.

 

[Kabanstva]

Prepare to spend about 10X more on gas over your Accord if you’re gonna daily an LX. Welcome !

 

[FxFormat]

Be prepared to say wtf and scratch your head when you see how much clean LX's are going for.

 

[ColonelJLloyd]

Ok not really

I've just long considered one will likely be my next vehicle purchase. Getting ready to retire a 2005 Accord that's served winter DD duties for longer than it should. Other car is a 2005 LS430, so wanting to replace the Accord with something well suited for winter, but also something comfortable and pleasant to be in.

Ironically the only other vehicle that piques my interest (and fits my needs) is the total opposite end of the spectrum, in the GR Corolla. I might be the first person in history cross shopping these two.

Anyways, just posting to post, and will maybe add search specific questions and updates. Plan on checking this site more frequently to learn, as well as for the Classifieds. Appreciate the forums like this one, not too many around that are still active.

Not really. I had to retire my 2003 Camry XLE last year. Was looking for a 10-15 year old Lexus GS or similar and nothing was coming my way. Decided to order a '25 Camry XSE and it's great, but I'd love to drive a GR. I thought I read they are sort of vaporware, though.

My '01 LX just sort of fell into my lap. I'm having fun with it.

 

[NeedaLX]

Prepare to spend about 10X more on gas over your Accord if you’re gonna daily an LX. Welcome !

I hear you…

Coming from maybe 21 mpg in the accord (v6) and 19 in the LS so not the best

Can I expect 14 in the LX? Lol

Be prepared to say wtf and scratch your head when you see how much clean LX's are going for.

I’m almost there I think

Still regret passing on one in like 18-19…

 

[FxFormat]

As a first time buyer, dont chase after low mileage but rusty vehicles. avoid the ones from NY/NJ/PA at all costs, get one from the south, even with high miles it's okay. I have 228K miles on mine and runs like new, i got it from NC

 

[NeedaLX]

Not really. I had to retire my 2003 Camry XLE last year. Was looking for a 10-15 year old Lexus GS or similar and nothing was coming my way. Decided to order a '25 Camry XSE and it's great, but I'd love to drive a GR. I thought I read they are sort of vaporware, though.

My '01 LX just sort of fell into my lap. I'm having fun with it.

On one hand getting a new car would be nice and much simpler overall

I’d have to think about committing to dailying a manual again because that’s the spec I’d want

On the other hand Idk if I like the GRC enough at that price tag and $40k gets you a pretty nice LX

As a first time buyer, dont chase after low mileage but rusty vehicles. avoid the ones from NY/NJ/PA at all costs, get one from the south, even with high miles it's okay. I have 228K miles on mine and runs like new, i got it from NC

Hardest part about the search living in PA..

Have to be pretty sure about an out of state vehicle before committing to the trip

Finding one somewhere in the south would be ideal

 

[rexington14]

If you don't need the utility, interior space or off road capability then go GR Corolla. They can be had quite easily these days for MSRP, usually even less.

 

[Kabanstva]

Also keep in mind whatever you’re paying for the 100 series….. budget an extra $5-$10k for maintenance and repairs. Trust me unless you get stupid lucky you’re not finding an old car like this that needs nothing. These cars are 18 years old for the newest one you’ll find.

I bought mine back in 2015 with low mileage from my brothers customer and what helped me seal the deal is my brother sold him the car when it was brand new (he works at Lexus) and they did every single scheduled service on it without any cost cutting. I got a turn key car but it wasn’t cheap.

Now you’re not likely to find a deal like that because even if you do find low mileage you’ll still get a car that’s almost 20 or more years old. Rubber, plastic, etc just wears off over time. You can expect various leaks (valve covers, rear main, other areas that can leak oil), coolant leaks, worn suspension and steering components etc.

I think if you get a car that was somewhat maintained by normal people standards (not fanatic Mud standards), then $5k is a good ballpark for repairs (think of the leaks I mentioned, possibly steering rack, maybe brakes, shocks, control arm bushing etc). If you get one cheap that was neglected you can easily dump over $10k trying to make it a good reliable vehicle again.

 

[NeedaLX]

If you don't need the utility, interior space or off road capability then go GR Corolla. They can be had quite easily these days for MSRP, usually even less.

I’d appreciate those things but not sure I’d say needs. The utility is a strong draw however and would allow for a lot I can’t do currently

GRC fulfills the fun factor and practicality of a Corolla/new/small car

I think the main difference is if I get the GRC I’d still want a LX lol If I get the LX I might not still want a GRC

 

[NeedaLX]

Also keep in mind whatever you’re paying for the 100 series….. budget an extra $5-$10k for maintenance and repairs. Trust me unless you get stupid lucky you’re not finding an old car like this that needs nothing. These cars are 18 years old for the newest one you’ll find.

I bought mine back in 2015 with low mileage from my brothers customer and what helped me seal the deal is my brother sold him the car when it was brand new (he works at Lexus) and they did every single scheduled service on it without any cost cutting. I got a turn key car but it wasn’t cheap.

Now you’re not likely to find a deal like that because even if you do find low mileage you’ll still get a car that’s almost 20 or more years old. Rubber, plastic, etc just wears off over time. You can expect various leaks (valve covers, rear main, other areas that can leak oil), coolant leaks, worn suspension and steering components etc.

I think if you get a car that was somewhat maintained by normal people standards (not fanatic Mud standards), then $5k is a good ballpark for repairs (think of the leaks I mentioned, possibly steering rack, maybe brakes, shocks, control arm bushing etc). If you get one cheap that was neglected you can easily dump over $10k trying to make it a good reliable vehicle again.

Solid advice. I am definitely looking for newer models primarily and ideally hoping to hold out for a 06-07 model. But yeah, even the premium on those doesn’t guarantee they still won’t need $5k+. But the way I see it, the newer every component is the better

I know the 100 series are somewhat fussier but I had a similar mindset when shopping for my LS430 several years ago. Was able to find a southern 1 owner vehicle. Lexus dealer maintained for most of its life. Needed some minor things but not too much in deferred maintenance

 

[OEMGUY0720]

I saw a meme the other day: “when you realize buying a land cruiser is the cheapest part” then Kanye West smiling face turned straight/disappointed. Anyway, good luck on the hunt, that’s just half of the journey might as well enjoy it and take your time.

 

[NeedaLX]

I saw a meme the other day: “when you realize buying a land cruiser is the cheapest part” then Kanye West smiling face turned straight/disappointed. Anyway, good luck on the hunt, that’s just half of the journey might as well enjoy it and take your time.

Yeah, I don't want to settle and plan on keeping this vehicle long term

Which begs the question... that I'm sure has been discussed on here countless times

Wanting a newer model for primarily on-road use - should I truly hold out for a 06-07? Or be open to 05s too?

I've only driven 4-spd, pre-vvti upgrade years, so can't say how much the power increase is worthwhile. Definitely want the 5-spd

 

[LC Lurker]

The 5-speed in my pre-VVT ‘03 is very smooth around town and on the highway. I’m pretty familiar with Pittsburgh area (I went to college at WVU), and the steep hills around there are pretty similar to ones where I drive my LX now.

The 03 with the 5 speed but pre-VVT, feels very adequate in the hills and solid when I drove through White Mountain National Park in NH. I wouldn’t hold out for a VVT unless I towed a lot or planned on 35s or something. Or maybe even if I lived at extreme elevation (CO, NM, Sierras in CA/NV, etc.)

It’s a personal preference at the end of the day. I never expected this thing to be a rocket ship. It feels a little quicker than my Gladiator on 37s did so I’m happy with that.

 

[NeedaLX]

The 5-speed in my pre-VVT ‘03 is very smooth around town and on the highway. I’m pretty familiar with Pittsburgh area (I went to college at WVU), and the steep hills around there are pretty similar to ones where I drive my LX now.

The 03 with the 5 speed but pre-VVT, feels very adequate in the hills and solid when I drove through White Mountain National Park in NH. I wouldn’t hold out for a VVT unless I towed a lot or planned on 35s or something. Or maybe even if I lived at extreme elevation (CO, NM, Sierras in CA/NV, etc.)

It’s a personal preference at the end of the day. I never expected this thing to be a rocket ship. It feels a little quicker than my Gladiator on 37s did so I’m happy with that.

That is helpful context, similar hills for sure. Always a pleasure for gas mileage....

Personal preference is a good way to put it. I don't mind the premium of an 06+ but it's more so the scarcity and actually finding one

Maybe arbitrary but I don't think I could bring myself to go older than '05. Having three '05s at the moment, something about adding an even older vehicle wouldn't feel right

 

[excessive]

i have a LS430 and LX470, they are the perfect complement to each other

 

[FxFormat]

i have a LS430 and LX470, they are the perfect complement to each other

They both use the same timing belt kit and valve cover gaskets

 

[NeedaLX]

i have a LS430 and LX470, they are the perfect complement to each other

They really are

With regards to overall build quality, function, styling, nothing beats vehicles from that era imo

Only thing missing to compliment both is something fun, small, and rwd. But that's next on the list...

 

[NeedaLX]

Well.... HaveaLX

Purchased a 2006 with 92,000 miles, bone stock, clean frame, and generally flawless inside and out. Flew out to pick it up and promptly drove 900 miles home against better judgement

Not a fun drive but it handled it like a champ. Very pleased with the comfort and smoothness of the AHC. The power of the VVT felt adequate and managed a modest 19 mpg cruising at 70

It's not clear when the timing belt was last serviced (if ever), so that will be the first thing on the list, along with AHC service, and the rest of the 90k mile items. Also need to add a Gromm unit ASAP

Overall very pleased with it and happy to be finished with the search

 

[NeedaLX]

The one thing that did come up on the drive..

ABS, vsc trac, and vsc off lights came on after several hundred miles. The first time was after stopping/slowing down after several hours of driving

The last half of the trip the lights would go on/off intermittently after applying brakes and coming to a full stop. Brake performance felt fine to me, no unusual brake characteristics from what I could tell

Any thoughts on this? I know these have some common/potentially $ brake booster/master issues. Hoping it is something simple like a sensor

I guess this is my first 100 series forum research/troubleshooting topic...