New poster and new (to me) 2001 LX470

[Gman509]

Hi all, Been lurking on this sight for a little bit and thought I would finally post as I just completed the purchase of a 2001 Lexus LX470 this week.

I used to have an excellent 1998 Toyota LC that I bought at 105k miles in 2010 for $10.5k. I took it to Central Africa with me and after two years there I sold it before returning to the US. I never really checked the market back here before selling it, and I've kicked myself ever since. It was just stock with BFG tires, but I took it all over various parks, breaking brush and tricky areas in the middle of nowhere without a problem.

Anyways, I've been dying to get another before my next overseas tour (that I will bring back this time) and have been looking off and on for a few month with no success in the VA, NC and surrounding areas. (I am in the DC burbs currently). Most I had seen so far had major underlying mech problems from bad owners or were originally from MW or NE states with major rust issues.

I finally found a Black 2001 LX470 with just over 105k miles and I picked it up for $15,900 (including taxes, tags, etc). More than what I wanted to pay, but it is in great shape, no underbody or engine rusting, dealership maintained for most of its life and only one previous owner. Well taken care of with a very clean interior and paint job. If I had more time I may have saved some money, but I was satisfied.

Unfortunately, taking it to the mechanic for a thorough checkout it looks like the 90k servicing for the timing belt and water pump was not completed (owner stopped the dealership visits right at 90k). Lindsay Lexus in Alexandria wants $990 for this, but I am assuming that any certified Toyota mechanic can complete for a bit less, correct?

Add to that issue there is only one key, and unfortunately it is just a Valet key, not a master (does not lock glovebox), which means a huge expense to either flash the ECU or get the dealership to replace it and rekey. Dealer wants $800 for this and a local locksmith said he'd charge $600 for the flash and one remote key. I know the remote keys are expensive and I could maybe get him down by buying a regular key online and having him use that, but is $500 a reasonable expense for a ECU reflash?

Anyway apologies for the long post, but look forward to reading more great information on this site and generating ideas for my own LX from some of the great info here. Thanks.

 

[Bretthn]

Nice, can't wait to see some pictures. The $990 price for the service may not be bad depending on the detail and parts replaced during the install. I opted for the Toyota dealer in my area based on the $25/hour labor difference. Any Toyota dealer should be happy and capable to work on it.

 

[looking4lc]

I know an excellent mechanic in fairfax but don't know how much he will charge. Maybe around 600$.
For the key, u can find some locksmith in CL would flash it for less. Around 300$.

 

[Backcountry pinstrip]

You may have to bite the bullet on this one and go to the dealer(Lexus) on this one. You want keys that work as long as possible and your dealer is going to back his work give you a nice Lexus loaner and your on your way, it's pay now or later. It's a good idea to develope a relationship with your Lexus dealer they are more proactive about fluids (ahc) and they see more lx's than the toyota dealer sees landcruisers.990 for the tb water pump is a good deal especially if the idlers are included. They charge 1500 for the sedan models. Lastly it has been my experience that the L dealer goes out of their way to make you happy doin repairs for free or sharing costs with you if a major part fails,Toyota not so helpful.Lx are not cheap so keep the value up by staying OEM. Welcome to the club BTW

 

[Gman509]

Thanks for the advice all. I'll have to call and confirm with the dealer on what the $990 entails, the form just says water pump and t-belt, none of the other 90k fluid changes. I hear what you are saying about establishing a relationship, but I am shipping this vehicle off to my next destination this summer (Dominican Republic). I see that there is a Toyota dealership down there, and I am trying to find out about the quality of parts and service there. If labor is cheaper but dependable, I may wait to do the servicing there. I think I will have the AHC fluid swapped out here before I leave though.

In regards to the keys, I will keep calling locksmiths, but every place I call wants at least over $600 for an ECU flash and just 1 remote key, so I may go for the $750 from the dealership for the ECU replacement and 2 remote keys. The only thing is the dealership says they won't know until the ECU has been removed if they will charge the ECU fee ($1500) because only at that point can they verify the previous owner did not already do this. Really? It is killing me to pay so much for something that I shouldn't have to deal with. I'd rather put the money to some new tires.

Bretthn - your thread is awesome. I grew up in NC (Charlotte) and love the NC Mtns. Spent many weeks there in my teens hiking and camping. Great pics! I may try to get down there myself this spring and hit some of those trails. My sister also lives in Greensboro as well.

 

[Marc311]

I highly recommend Lee at Springfield Auto Care at 8535 Terminal Road in Lorton. I do most my work myself, but anything else goes to him. Virtually all my co-workers take their cars there as well. Very fair prices and very knowledgeable. Not a Toyota Specialist, but a good mechanic.