Picking up a 1999 LX - Where to begin?

[gotshotgun]

Alright so the deal with my step-dad for his LC fell through, he wanted to keep it a bit longer. So of course I had to find something else to fill the desire. There weren't many options available in the SF Bay Area and I wanted something with lower miles.

So I stumbled upon an ad for a 99 LX with only 103k miles on it. I just agreed on price with the seller and will pick the truck up tomorrow for $11,300.

It's pretty dirty inside and out, the leather needs some serious scrubbing, but no tears. And the exterior has quite a few scratches and marks from being driven in SF for 13 years. But this car saw 80k miles in its first three years, then this guy buys it and drives it only 20k more miles in 13+ years.

Timing belt and pump were done at 88k miles, 2 years ago. The car runs smooth and everything mechanical works. The steering is a bit loose but not dangerously so and the brakes are a bit weak. Will have to change pads and fluid.

Here are some pics from the ad.

So I do need new tires all around, the current ones are so old their sidewalls have micro cracks. Are Michelin LTX good, what other cheap brands are recommended? I also want to do all fluids. I know there are plenty of threads on here about fluids but could one of you just post a link to your favorite online retailer that sells the oils and filters for use? Also, I will do those T joints and hoses.

Any other useful info from the LC/LX veterans?

I'll post some more pics when I get her home. I'm hoping to have this rig around for quite some time. And to start doing more mountain and trail driving in the Sierra Nevada's now.

 

[RyanStl]

Congrats on your new Hundy. How is the AHC system? That is the main thing you'll need to keep an eye on. Regarding your tire question, even if the tread is good old tires should be replaced, especially if cracking.

 

[gotshotgun]

AHC moved up and down fine. That fluid probably should be changed soon. Does it need to be changed if I never use it?

 

[PADDO]

Yes the fluid needs to be changed periodically - the same hydraulic system which lifts to H and lowers to L also provides your suspension damping and those constant incremental self leveling corrections. It's active height control and adaptive variable suspension combined. The manual devotes quite a few pages to normal AHC and AVS operation, its capabilities and limitations.

 

[jhanley]

Change AHC fluid, it's constantly self-leveling regardless of use. There's a great thread with step-by-step directiom, do a search.

Truck looks awesome. Love the tan. Check tires for rot, otherwise, I'd run the Michelins till death. Baseline fluids.

Not sure about the loose steering? What did you drive before? I'd characterize 100 series steering as light, not loose.

Have fun, those tan LX's look awesome lifted and armored!

 

[gotshotgun]

Thanks guys, I'll do a thorough overhaul and post some after pics.

The steering isn't bad. I am coming form a WRX so I'm not used to the ride. But I will say that after a month of driving an LC I actually love it. A totally different way to drive. Less stressful, more cruising less speeding. A better way to drive.

Think I got a good price or could I have done better?

 

[Jay470]

Thanks guys, I'll do a thorough overhaul and post some after pics.

The steering isn't bad. I am coming form a WRX so I'm not used to the ride. But I will say that after a month of driving an LC I actually love it. A totally different way to drive. Less stressful, more cruising less speeding. A better way to drive.

Think I got a good price or could I have done better?

When I first got my LX the tires from the PO were crap... Replacing the tires transformed the handling. If your tires are shot start there. AHC is expensive if it goes wrong but you can (if you want) swap it out for a conventional suspension system for <$1000 depending on your need for a lift or factory ride. As others have said baseline the Maintenance items... I buy most of my stuff from Amazon and take full advantage of my prime membership but you can acquire fluids and maintenance parts locally if you wish. Most will reccomend staying with Toyota fluids and parts. Enjoy your new ride.

 

[jhanley]

You didn't overpay. Very few cruises of that vintage have 100k miles. I bet NADA is close to 14k.