Wanted Non-Rust Belt LX 470 or 100-series LC under $8k

I'm not in a rush (looking for the right price), but am looking to purchase my first 100-series LC or LX 470. I've been lurking in these forums for the last several months salivating, and so now it's time... Especially since several of my friends have purchased 4Runners and TLC's over the past several months!

Looking for any of the following models:

• '98+ Lexus LX
• '98+ Toyota Land Cruiser
• '03+ Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 (4.7L)
• '02+ Lexus GX

I live in IL and am moving to Colorado by summer 2017, and am hoping I can find what I'm looking for between now and then. Here are the things important to me:

• Less than 150k miles
• Little to no undercarriage rust (no rust belt vehicles)
• Leather & heated seats
• Clean title and good maintenance records

My hope is that I can get something in good enough condition and with low enough miles that it can serve me will for several years, and that I can (over time) outfit it to become a very capable off-road adventure vehicle for my family (wife and three kids under 5 yrs old) and I.

For now I'm looking on cars,com and auto trader and it seems like there are options, but just thought I'd post on here to get wisdom and maybe get lucky and find my next vehicle! I'm planning on doing a one-way flight to pick it up from a state that doesn't use salt in the winter months

Thank you!!

 

[MikeFromMT]

Good luck, I live in the West and have been looking for at least two months for the same thing as you, and my price goes to 12K, there are some cars with over 200,000 miles that will be in your price range, but I'm pretty sure they've got other issues as well.
Most decent, well documented cars with low miles sell very fast, for over book value. I've found about 80% have no record of TB/WP ever being done, nor diffs/drivetrain lube being done either. I've been looking in the Western/Southwestern states.

 

[Brian J]

For Sale: - 1998 LC - 252k - $4,800 - Boston

Selling this 98, currently in Boston but was garage kept in Georgia until 2013, the undercarriage rust is minimal for a 98 (see photos). the town I live in does not allow salt due to harbor pollution concerns.

mileage is higher than you want (though with these its just a number) but it certainly is an excellent candidate for an offroad build.

 

[sorich]

For Sale: - 1998 LC - 252k - $4,800 - Boston

Selling this 98, currently in Boston but was garage kept in Georgia until 2013, the undercarriage rust is minimal for a 98 (see photos). the town I live in does not allow salt due to harbor pollution concerns.

mileage is higher than you want (though with these its just a number) but it certainly is an excellent candidate for an offroad build.

Thanks, Brian! A few too many miles and a bit too much rust for me, but I appreciate the post.

 

[OutoftheMud]

If your still shopping
2001 Toyota Land Cruiser

 

[sorich]

Thanks! I actually found one already.