New 03 LX470 Owner, what parts should I pre-buy? (2 Viewers)

[rmspider16]

Hey Everyone,

This is an AMAZING forum btw. Incredible how active and helpful this place is... I'm reading it constantly. Just picked up this beautiful one-owner 2003 LX470 in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. It currently has 107,500 miles and seemed to be very well maintained. Even though the used dealer did some prep work and it recently was serviced, I'm baselining all fluids because I'm OCD. Timing belt job done at 77K miles in 2017, so that job should be due by age next year.

My question is what parts are worth stockpiling (during sales like what's coming up) to ensure I have it at the ready for any future issues. I'm thinking of the big ones such as: Radiator, brake booster assembly, ACH globes, brake rotors/pads. I noticed another forum member mentioned IMPEX charged a 25% tariff on his order, so may have missed the boat on the good globe prices at the moment.

Here's what I've done over the last two weeks:
1. Flush coolant system (PO or dealer put in some green coolant) switched back to OEM SLL
2. Flushed Power steering system
3. Changed oil and filter
4. Greased Driveline
5. checked AHC (9 graduations)
6. Flushed Trans with Type 4 OEM
7. Cleaned TB and MAF
8. Installed A/C line drip line to avoid future frame rust
9. Changed Front/Rear Diff fluid
10. Full detail inside/out and ceramic coated...mind blowing how well the paint comes back for 23yrs in Las Vegas sun.

Planning to do:
1. Heater "T's" and associated hoses to those T's. They seem fine by checking, but will change to be sure.
2. PCV valve and line to it.
3. AHC Fluid to flush
4. Brake fluid to flush
5. Undercoat with Surface Shield
6. Replace broken antenna (not sure if this needs to be OEM or can use knock off)

I planned to use this vehicle for camping and occasional driver, but its sooo nice, i don't know if i'll ever take it off road. I'm already planning to winter store it (UTAH) to keep it rust free. I feel like my OCD is going nuts because its such an awesome vehicle.

Anyway, look forward to becoming a part of this awesome community. Here are a few pics of the new baby. I was also able to average 20 MPG driving like gramma from Las vegas to UT going 70 (during the night, so roads were empty).

 

[Super77]

Nice find, and welcome! Great that you’re baselining, that’s a smart move. I progressively detail my engine every time I pop the hood. Makes it easier to find leaks and worn parts, and more of pleasure to work on stuff without getting filthy every time.

I dunno about stockpiling spares yet. This isn’t some rare German car with unobtainium parts, it’s a Toyota. A common assumption is that Uncle T engineered 100 series LCs for a 25 year service life, so the first of them have just reached the point where some year-specific parts are NLA, but any parts that are common to the whole series will likely be available for a while. Me, I’d wait to get to know my truck and then spend a little more surgically.

The challenge with garage princesses is that they never see the use for which they were built. The more you spend and invest and “overvalue” in your mind, the less likely you are to risk your truck with a preserve-first mindset. Not trying to judge here, but me it’s more like: “what defects am I willing to live with in return for pushing the LC’s capability?” But this forum is for everyone.

Also, 20mpg is wishful thinking. I’d cross reference that against some actual measurement. You’re more likely at 15-16.

 

[Live to Ski]

I can appreciate the stockpile statement...read '87 fj60 egr valve unoptanium (new)

 

[kbfj621989]

Nice find!
Personally, with this low mileage, I would not pre-purchase anything other than the heater tees and hoses. If the radiator is not showing any browning on the plastic, I would not replace it.

It’s great that you have done much of the routine maintenance. I would recommend checking the spark plugs as they have a tendency to loosen up over time in some rigs.

The OEM antenna is easy to replace if the cable isn’t broken within the motor. Takes a little longer if the cable has broken as you will need to pull the antenna motor off the fender but it’s not too difficult.

 

[rexington14]

Nice looking LX! LX470s in white are timeless.

Not everyone uses these in off road extremes. I'd keep it stock and just drive it - camping, daily driver, vacations, road trips, mall crawling, family hauling, etc.

I'd just leave the frame alone if it's not going to be used in winter/salt conditions.

While of course subject to change, the 25% off sales have been quite frequent over the last few years. I only stockpile parts for jobs I plan to complete within a year's time frame.

 

[plainjanefjc]

I’d do spark plugs and get a few coils to keep. Valve cover gaskets probably need done, what about ball joints?

 

[SmoothLC]

Welcome @rmspider16 - nice find!

Parts to stockpile? It really depends on how you plan to use the vehicle.

If you plan on glamping and occasional DD and no off-roading, then there is not much to recommend beyond what you already have listed.

BTW - Where did you get it ceramic coated or did you DIY?

I'm always on the look out for a good local detail shop recommendation.

 

[rmspider16]

Hey thanks for all the great replies. The spark plugs were shown replaced about 6k miles ago, so I may just check the torque to make sure they didn’t back out.

@SmoothLC I did it myself. I used Gyeon mohs. There are several prep steps, but it’s all very DIY friendly. I typically use turtle wax ceramic spray after every wash on all my vehicles. That stuff is affordable, durable, easy to apply, and works amazing. I already had the mohs on hand, otherwise I would just use the turtle wax ceramic spray only.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Drive it, I wouldn't worry about stockpiling anything.

 

[2001LC]

Replace now, what inspection reveals it needs.
1) Engine filter (base on 20.2 MPG read out).

 

[excessive]

i do think its a good idea for 100 series owners to replace their radiators as Preventative Maintenance. It's expensive, but so is a new engine. Age causes wear on plastic just as much as mileage

 

[rmspider16]

Replace now, what inspection reveals it needs.
1) Engine filter (base on 20.2 MPG read out).

Hey 2001LC, i'm checking out your awesome YT videos regarding wheel bearing change all your fantastic very in-depth posts. Thanks for all the fantastic info for DIY'ers. Regarding your comment about the "Engine Filter". Are you saying i should change out the Engine Air filter in the airbox? If so, it was just changed prior to my purchase and appears brand new. I'm doubtful its a OEM part, so maybe the airflow through it isn't correct. Did the MPG suggest i have some issues? Want to get it all sorted, so i really appreciate your help!

 

[rmspider16]

i do think its a good idea for 100 series owners to replace their radiators as Preventative Maintenance. It's expensive, but so is a new engine. Age causes wear on plastic just as much as mileage

I'm kind of leaning that way too. It currently does not show any leaking and the top appears black in color with no cracks. I may try to change it out at the next TB job, which is roughly next year.

 

[2001LC]

Hey 2001LC, i'm checking out your awesome YT videos regarding wheel bearing change all your fantastic very in-depth posts. Thanks for all the fantastic info for DIY'ers. Regarding your comment about the "Engine Filter". Are you saying i should change out the Engine Air filter in the airbox? If so, it was just changed prior to my purchase and appears brand new. I'm doubtful its a OEM part, so maybe the airflow through it isn't correct. Did the MPG suggest i have some issues? Want to get it all sorted, so i really appreciate your help!

If new air filter, likely good enough air flow, even if aftermarkets.

Just seeing you got, 20.6 MPG, 162 miles with avg 70 MPH. Makes me think, air restriction. Even here in the mile high city (less oxygen), we don't see 20 MPG.

Could be non stock tires size. Or very conservatives driving, with lost of down hill.

 

[rmspider16]

If new air filter, likely good enough air flow, even if aftermarkets.

Just seeing you got, 20.6 MPG, 162 miles with avg 70 MPH. Makes me think, air restriction. Even here in the mile high city (less oxygen), we don't see 20 MPG.

Could be non stock tires size. Or very conservatives driving, with lost of down hill.

I was driving very conservative. Slowing down a lot over hills and trying to baby it home. Was during the night so not much traffic. In the city I was getting around 15mpg. It’s bone stock.

 

[2001LC]

Very nice. My 03LX w/321K miles. Gets my best MPG at around 17ish MPG combine city HWY. Best of all mine 100 series ever. Or did, until Kuni Lexus let idle for hours (very hard on CATS and O2's), while at their shop for alignments.