Newbie/Hopeful Future LX470 Owner

[05Orca]

Hi All,

I've been lurking for the past few months absorbing as much pre-purchase info as possible. About 5 years ago I bought a 2020 Subaru and it has been, by a long shot, the worst built vehicle I have owned. A total lemon with over 6,000$ in warranty covered repairs with under 80k on the ODO and always dealer maintained and serviced. This experience has led me toward 100 series ownership. I decided I want something older and reliable with an understanding that it will be costly when its time for larger maintenance items. I am a previous '80s BMW owner so unobtanium expensive parts and expensive labor rates are something I am familiar with. That being said these trucks seem like a good compromise of parts availability and reliability while remaining (relatively) simple to work on.

I am currently in talks with a gentleman that is selling an 05 LX470 here in Northern California. The truck has a lot of miles on it (315k) but generally seems well maintained and rust free. Timing belt, water pump, radiator, alternator, rear brakes and all fluids were replaced 15K miles ago. The seller states front CV axles and steering rack are fully functional but will need attention in the future. I got a quote for both items at the local Dealership for around 5,500$ for both items. Seems expensive and I may decide to do CV axles myself but the steering rack seems like a major PITA and I may decide to send it off for that. AHC is reported to work flawlessly and the front seats were professionally reupholstered recently. The truck is by no means perfect but for its age and mileage it seems to be in great shape. The local Toyota dealership is performing a PPI at my expense this coming Friday. If all checks out I will be heading to take a look at it in person Saturday and plan to complete the transaction barring any extreme issues being discovered. I have been looking at 100s for about 4-5 months and this truck stood out to me as a good balance of price, mileage and maintenance.

This forum has been and invaluable resource while trying to understand major pain points for these vehicles and I appreciate everyone's detailed contributions. That being said, part of me feels insane spending money on a vehicle that has so many miles. If there is any words of encouragement/discouragement that you may have for me I am happy to hear them and even if this truck doesn't work out for me I will be a 100 series owner sometime in the near future.

 

[dbfw]

Words of encouragement:

It sounds like you know old cars and you are considering the most important aspects for any 100 series purchase, rust and maintenance. Rust and maintenance history will be much more significant factors in your experience and overall cost of ownership than mileage.

Ask the seller if the heater Ts were replaced at the same time as the radiator, and if not, make that your first DIY maintenance item before you do anything else. Having owned many different vehicles myself over the years, I too was hesitant to believe they are still worth investing in with the mileage we're all seeing, but I'm now on year 7 of daily driving my 99 with 254k, and am still very happy with the truck. With the understanding that components will wear and need replacing, but the overall drivetrain is typically worth the investment if rust free, I continue to enjoy the truck every time I drive it.

With that mileage, if you don't see a recent replacement of the brake master/booster assembly, budget for that in the near future as well. Other items will generally give plenty of warning before needing replacement and will be more gradual.

PS, my brother in law has a 2019 Impreza with something like 120k miles that is burning so much oil he is being quoted a shortblock replacement, it's already worn out.

 

[05Orca]

Words of encouragement:

It sounds like you know old cars and you are considering the most important aspects for any 100 series purchase, rust and maintenance. Rust and maintenance history will be much more significant factors in your experience and overall cost of ownership than mileage.

Ask the seller if the heater Ts were replaced at the same time as the radiator, and if not, make that your first DIY maintenance item before you do anything else. Having owned many different vehicles myself over the years, I too was hesitant to believe they are still worth investing in with the mileage we're all seeing, but I'm now on year 7 of daily driving my 99 with 254k, and am still very happy with the truck. With the understanding that components will wear and need replacing, but the overall drivetrain is typically worth the investment if rust free, I continue to enjoy the truck every time I drive it.

With that mileage, if you don't see a recent replacement of the brake master/booster assembly, budget for that in the near future as well. Other items will generally give plenty of warning before needing replacement and will be more gradual.

PS, my brother in law has a 2019 Impreza with something like 120k miles that is burning so much oil he is being quoted a shortblock replacement, it's already worn out.

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I have tried my best to be a sponge and consider things from the perspective of previous vintage vehicle ownership.

I have actually shifted focus a bit and cancelled the PPI on the truck. There were some things that were eating at the back of my mind. Not much material service records and I decided that rather than compromise and buy a higher mileage/cheaper truck I would rather wait for something with less miles and a more detailed service history even if I have to pay a premium. That being said I have my eye on a truck that's got half the amount of miles and very detailed service history and is owned by what seems to be a LC enthusiast. I am hopeful and confident that even if this one doesn't work out something will pop up that suits my desires and needs in the near future. That being said if anyone sees this and has a well maintained post-'03 LX that they want to part with please do reach out. Preferably unmolested with no electrical/body/suspension modifications. Budget ~20k.

Thanks again for your valuable insight.

It really is a shame about these new Subarus. I wish my experience was positive as I have many acquaintances with 0 issues and great ownership experiences. Luckily Carvana will come take it away for a good price.

 

[Couvi]

I daily drive a 2004 Land Cruiser with 285k on the odometer – this has been my main vehicle for over 10 years (and family traveler) it's by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's only left me stranded 2x – once I ran out of gas, I pushed it to see just how far I could go ( almost 350 miles on one tank it seems ) and the other time my battery died. Other than that it's gotten us from point A to B for a VERY long time. Maintenance and lack of rust are the most important things as everyone says. I've had to do two timing belts, one radiator and a CV axle but am still on the original steering rack, starter, alternator etc. I have a few things I need to address this year but I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere – it's just so comfortable to drive and the visibility is just sooo good, the commanding view of the road is superb, at all angles. With all that in mind, these vehicles are getting older so it's a good idea to have an indy shop you trust so you can avoid the dealer – those prices for rack and CVs seem too high to me. I could go on about this vehicle for hours, love it.

 

[05Orca]

I daily drive a 2004 Land Cruiser with 285k on the odometer – this has been my main vehicle for over 10 years (and family traveler) it's by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's only left me stranded 2x – once I ran out of gas, I pushed it to see just how far I could go ( almost 350 miles on one tank it seems ) and the other time my battery died. Other than that it's gotten us from point A to B for a VERY long time. Maintenance and lack of rust are the most important things as everyone says. I've had to do two timing belts, one radiator and a CV axle but am still on the original steering rack, starter, alternator etc. I have a few things I need to address this year but I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere – it's just so comfortable to drive and the visibility is just sooo good, the commanding view of the road is superb, at all angles. With all that in mind, these vehicles are getting older so it's a good idea to have an indy shop you trust so you can avoid the dealer – those prices for rack and CVs seem too high to me. I could go on about this vehicle for hours, love it.

Awesome, thank you for sharing your experience. I have been pouring over these threads for months while saving and I am finally ready to buy and It's all I think about all day! The truck I am hopefully going to look at is a Galactic Gray '05 and I absolutely love the spec. One person ahead of me is going to look at it tomorrow. I have all my fingers and toes crossed it doesn't sell, if I was local I could beat the other guy to the punch. I am trying to let fate decide if this is the one for me but I cant lie I will be sad if it does sell.

I agree on finding a good independent shop. That quote seemed a bit ridiculous. Unfortunately my options are somewhat limited where I reside. I have read good things about Red Sun in Rocklin, CA and Stellar Built however the latter seems to build off road rigs rather than focus on maintaining and keeping these trucks running. If anyone has any additional suggestions for indy shops in Sacramento, CA I am all ears.

 

[terryscott621]

I was also worried about getting into a vehicle with what I would consider high mileage. My 02 LX470 had 250K when I purchased it, three years ago. I've put 15K on it in three years and it has been VERY reliable. Of course, when I first got it, I went through and did all the basic maintenance. Even my wife has come around on it. At first, she was like why the hell are you buying this 20 year old vehicle to daily drive??? Now, we take the LX most places and her 2019 vehicle mostly sits in the garage, reserved only for longer road trips. The LX is solid, it doesn't squeak, it doesn't rattle, it just keeps going with very little effort on my end. Like others have said, rust is a big issue and deferred maintenance by previous owners is another issue to look out for. Overall though, don't rush to buy any vehicle, get a PPI to cover yourself, and eventually the right vehicle will come along. Good luck in your search!

 

[05Orca]

I was also worried about getting into a vehicle with what I would consider high mileage. My 02 LX470 had 250K when I purchased it, three years ago. I've put 15K on it in three years and it has been VERY reliable. Of course, when I first got it, I went through and did all the basic maintenance. Even my wife has come around on it. At first, she was like why the hell are you buying this 20 year old vehicle to daily drive??? Now, we take the LX most places and her 2019 vehicle mostly sits in the garage, reserved only for longer road trips. The LX is solid, it doesn't squeak, it doesn't rattle, it just keeps going with very little effort on my end. Like others have said, rust is a big issue and deferred maintenance by previous owners is another issue to look out for. Overall though, don't rush to buy any vehicle, get a PPI to cover yourself, and eventually the right vehicle will come along. Good luck in your search!

It is funny you mention that, I have a buddy who did the same when I told him I am prepared to spend ~$20k on a 21 year old truck. When I mentioned the powerplant and land cruiser heritage he quickly realized my motivation. It is harder to convey that to folks with less mechanical knowledge though i.e. a spouse. I am trying hard not to rush anything however it is a balance because I feel like examples that meet the spec I am searching for are few and far between. I feel a sense of urgency when the right truck gets posted but will absolutely be doing a PPI regardless of seller description and my strong desire to buy. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[excessive]

the newest 100 series out there is now 19 years old. No matter which one you go with , you're going to shell out to either get maintenance up to date. Probably budget 2-4$ at least for the 1st year, and then maybe 1-2k per year after that. I've spent much more than my trucks ( two 100's) are worth on maintenance and repairs, but i have peace of mind in the most up to date and reliable examples of what are almost classics at this point