planning to look at 07 LX 470 - had front diff, boots, dumpers replaced below 85K

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May 9, 2009
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Boston suburb
There is LX 470, 07 for sale - checked dealer records - replaced front diff at 75K, AHC dumpers at 85K in front, earlier in the back, ripped boots (replaced), all service done at dealership. Car had Terra Grapplers at some point.
Do these sound like red flags? Should I even bother looking at the car? If I should - any way to check differential?
I can post dealer notes if these would be helpful.
Thank you for feedback!
 
Sounds to be an overly well-maintained LX. Could have had a certified 100K warranty so they just replaced parts at the first sign of a leak? Not uncommon with Lexus service. Post some pics!
 
My primary concern are these notes from maintenance report:
THE INITIAL 1/2 HOUR OF DIAGNOSIS IS AT NO CHARGE. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DISASSEMBLY OF MAJOR DR - DRIVING ON SIDE ROAD - STARTED MAKING CLUNKING NOISE FROM RIGHT FRONT - THEN THERE WAS A SMELL - CHEMICAL OR RUBBER SMELL - NO LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH - WE JUST PUT IN A AXLE BOOT THE OTHER DAY - ROLLS IN NEUTRAL - NO REVERSE - HAD IT TOWED - DIAGNOSIS
DIFFERENTIAL, ASSEMBLY - REPLACE - DIFFERENTIAL, ASSEMBLY - REPLACE - DIFFERENTIAL DAMAGE - 74348 470 COMPLETED FRONT DIFFERENTIA ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT DUE TO CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE - CAUSE FOR DAMAGE UNKNOWN - ROAD TESTED VEHICLE AND FOUND OPERATION TO BE AS DESIGNED - AWD AND 4WD OPERATIONS WORK AS THEY SHOULD
Front differential failure at 75K? Was the truck abused? You are absolutely correct about being over-maintained. But at the same time - suspension issues lead me to believe that it was driven hard or in rough conditions.
I will take a look at it this Saturday. Got 04 LC - so can compare the rides. Just do not know how to check that they did good job on replaced differential.
 
I would be weary. The thing with extended warranties (or even the factory warranty) is most dealers do not really like doing expensive repairs whilst being paid far less by Toyota (or 3rd party) than if being paid far more by a retail customer.
 
Front diff replacement at 75K on an '07 is definitely not the norm. Replacing AHC components sounds more typical although perhaps this LX was abused off road? Good look at the undercarriage on a lift should tell the story. If it's been a Boston LX it's whole life, you'll have to see how rusty it is.
 
Drove the car today. Seems to be ok. Surprising low amount of rust for New England car. Did not agree on price though. They wanted to get dealer retail for theirs and pay trade in for mine. No go as far as I am concerned. I might stop by at Lexus dealership which serviced the car and see whether they can get me more of history. The car had Terra Grapplers not long time ago - now has Bridgestones. Makes me wonder. And main thing is why front diff was replaced.
 
Was this in Nashua? I remember seeing a 2007 recently listed up there but didn't pay much attention since the price wasn't right.
 
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