Need your input ASAP on super high mileage LX470!

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d0nkeyxpunch

d0nkeyxpunch

10 Year
Joined
Dec 5, 2013
Threads
48
Messages
311
Location
Los Angeles
Guys,

I have a chance to get into a LX470. The only downside is that it has 321k miles. lol I've been in touch with this seller and he says the price is negotiable (obviously way over-priced).

Here is the FS ad:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/5123639552.html

Here are some details:

-Timing belt: don't remember
-Water pump was done 7-8 months ago.
-No accidents
-Original owner
-No issues with engine/tranny/AHC
-CD player don't work
-Rip on driver seat


He's asking $6,750 and negotiable. What is good price for this? I think I can leverage the high miles and get a great deal on it. It fits my budget and then some so this is really tempting. The only drawback is the super high miles. I ran the VIN# on MyLexus and shows last dealer maintenance back in 2012.

Let me know on your thoughts.
 
Go for it! I have been following craigslist for an LX to add to the stable but wifey may be changing jobs soon and depending on her new commute that may change our focus of vehicle route.

This listing in particular I really liked, original owner and looks to be in great shape. Miles generally do not scare me at all as long as it runs well and doesn't make any knocking or excessive valve train noise it's hard to go wrong.

Are you local? The weather in Southern California is the most mild on cars usually.
 
Spend double that or less and get roughly 2/3 less miles. 321K is very high no matter what anyone says
 
Ask the owner if you can pay to have a competent mechanic do an inspection, check compression, and pull the codes from the OBD2 to see if anything has been stored in memory. If the seller is on the up and up, he or she will agree to that.
 
If he'd take 5k that would be a good starting point. But I agree, get it checked out. You could easily be at $10k if it needs a lot of repairs.

I looked at the pics, looks good for the miles. If the inside and outside are clea and it doesn't need a lot, his price is probably in the ballpark.
 
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Would be good to ask how much towing he did with it since there's a pic dedicated to the tow hitch ball.
 
I bought a 98 LC with 207K miles for $6K a few months ago. Just thought this may help for price comparison: https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/new-to-me-green-98-lc.853683/#post-9714173

Timing belt - see if you can find a sticker somewhere under the hood - on top of the engine cover. When timing belt is replaced, they are supposed to put a sticker with dates and miles.

Good luck!
Chris
 
I'd offer 4K might go 4.5k... It looks nice and I'd not worry about the miles... If you watch this forum I just purchased one (LC) for $1100 with a blown engine... 305k miles and the only reason it blew was a cracked radiator the inside of the engine looked really good for 305k... I would not worry about the engine at all... engines for these are cheap because no one needs them... any 4.7 toyota engine will work up to 2003 and you can have your pick for under $1000 with less than 100k (low miles for this engine) there is a post on this site for replacement leather for your front seats for $299.00 I think you could spend 2k on the high side and less than $500 on the low side to do a few things to give you peace of mind. the flip side is in my area you can buy nice a 200k LC for $6500.00
but... it looks nice and I like the story...
 
At those miles, a good maintenance record is everything. Can you establish anything more in service history than a new water pump and oil change in the last 3 years? Did you check Carfax or other VIN check service? I agree to ask about the towing history.
 
Hes not budging from $6k. Lowest he will go. He did say he towed his boat but didnt mention how many times. Curious, but does alot of towing history kill the engine?
 
300+k miles? Nah, I'd pass. That's really pushing it. I might be good for 100k more, but that's a LOT of wear and tear.
 
Sandroad said:
At those miles, a good maintenance record is everything. Can you establish anything more in service history than a new water pump and oil change in the last 3 years? Did you check Carfax or other VIN check service? I agree to ask about the towing history.
Click to expand...

What @Sandroad said.

d0nkeyxpunch said:
Hes not budging from $6k. Lowest he will go. He did say he towed his boat but didnt mention how many times. Curious, but does alot of towing history kill the engine?
Click to expand...

I would figure $1K for timing belt. $500 for fixing drivers seat, $500-$1K for baselining (replace all fluids, bushings, etc). Also consider unknown stuffs that you need to fix after you buy it because these cars are getting old. Even on a very tough reliable vehicle, things break down/worn out due to age - radiator, starter, brake lines, brake pads, hoses etc etc. So now it is a $8-9K 300K+ miles vehicle. Personally I would pass at $6K.

On towing - you need to consider how often and how big/heavy is the boat. Not only this will wear the engine, but also suspension, tranny, brake, etc.
 
d0nkeyxpunch said:
Hes not budging from $6k. Lowest he will go. He did say he towed his boat but didnt mention how many times. Curious, but does alot of towing history kill the engine?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 300k mile rig, but not at $6k. I think he's gonna sit on that for a while.
 
There's a VERY limited number of people who would buy any vehicle with a third of a million miles, let alone for $6K. I agree with re_guderian that he'll be sitting on that for a while.
 
I live in the UAE and I just bought one for 166,000 km for $7k and I had to spend $2k just to bring it back to a good runner ie base lining the fluids , replace all bushes , shocks , broken mounts etc

So $6k for 300k+ miles ! Who has also towed is in my opinion a no .

Here we can purchase an LX470 cheaper than a base model LC just because they know that there is more to go wrong , parts cost more , and the adaptive suspension is lots of $$$ up keep


Just my opinion
 
Million thanks to you guys for the inputs! I have decided to pass on this. Definitely asking way too much. He said he got offers for $5,500 which he declined and pretty much said he's not in rush to sell it until he gets $6K for it. Oh well. I will keep looking.
 
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