Research for my first 100 Series

[Rhythmdoctor]

Umm no. An LX is a Lexus (in the USA). LX450=80 series. LX470=100 series

The 5500 price discussed is for the LX450

Correct.

Here's the vehicle I'm referring to. Don't like the ding on the bumper and the seller said it was from previous owner. No way of knowing for sure without Carfax.

Sorry, here's the link - http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...SEMAILLEAD&searchRadius=0&listingId=347862172

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Get a 2001-2002 LX470...you get the kids latch in the second row (not available in 98-00) and you can find them easily without the navigation. And you can reach your target price. 03-05 are in their own price bracket, with 06-07 beyond that.

It's been hard to find the LX 470 for under $12k. A lot of the dealerships with listings on Autotrader try to say the internet price is non-negotiable. I called on place today that had a 1998 LX 470 with 106K for $11.4K. I called and asked some questions and I swear they did not want to sell that thing. Rude as hell. I was asking about rust and the guy was like "it's 20 below outside, if I go out there to check, we need to get some things straight...". Then he told me price is non-negotiable when I said I'd do $11k out the door.

 

[yotasavg]

It's been hard to find the LX 470 for under $12k. A lot of the dealerships with listings on Autotrader try to say the internet price is non-negotiable. I called on place today that had a 1998 LX 470 with 106K for $11.4K. I called and asked some questions and I swear they did not want to sell that thing. Rude as hell. I was asking about rust and the guy was like "it's 20 below outside, if I go out there to check, we need to get some things straight...". Then he told me price is non-negotiable when I said I'd do $11k out the door.

Well they must really be hurting to sweat over the $400 lol, and with top notch service it sounds like too!

 

[RobRed]

Correct. Here's the vehicle I'm referring to. Don't like the ding on the bumper and the seller said it was from previous owner. No way of knowing for sure without Carfax. Sorry, here's the link - http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?LNX=PSEMAILLEAD&searchRadius=0&listingId=347862172

That price isn't too far out of the ball park if it's triple locked from the factory.... I see what might be a factory locker switch in place.

Any land cruiser owned by a civilian (wives, non 4x4 enthusiasts, regular people) will have corner damage. It's an immutable law. I would not sweat it for a second.might use it to get price reductions from aforementioned regular people.

 

[Muddy Bean]

Another data point for you. I bought our 98 LC from Florida clean cardiac and a little over 100,000 miles on the clock. $10,500. Deals can be had. I waited a year for this. I have since taken it to a rust control place and had it sprayed. We live in St Joe Michigan not too far from chicago. Spend the $$$ on a nice clean one, and take good care of it. Also, with the epic snowstorm we just experienced....without sounding sensational, the Land Cruiser has earned my undying respect over the last week. The snow here has been unreal. We have driven thousands of miles in the heavy snow and after pushing out stuck jeeps pickups and cars, I am literally amazed at the performance of the LC in deep snow.

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[phsycle]

Well they must really be hurting to sweat over the $400 lol, and with top notch service it sounds like too!

It's not $400. He asked for $11k OTD, which includes TTL. This means the sales price would be down in the $9.5k range.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

It's not $400. He asked for $11k OTD, which includes TTL. This means the sales price would be down in the $9.5k range.

Exactly, but that's still a reasonable price, don't you think?

The pricing of these vehicles is all over the map. I think being winter right now, it's going to be hard to secure a good deal.

Any thoughts/opinions on this?

 

[yotasavg]

Good point phsycle, I overlooked that part. I do still think that would be a great deal for the buyer. I would have paid that price if my 98 had those miles and was an LX.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

That price isn't too far out of the ball park if it's triple locked from the factory.... I see what might be a factory locker switch in place.

Any land cruiser owned by a civilian (wives, non 4x4 enthusiasts, regular people) will have corner damage. It's an immutable law. I would not sweat it for a second.might use it to get price reductions from aforementioned regular people.

What does it mean to be triple locked?

I'm also curious (and obvious 4x4 noob) about why my current LC (1989 FJ62) only has front lockers? Does it not need rear because it's RWD when not in 4x4? Another question, if I'm say in 4x4 H with front lockers locked and I get on a major road where no 4x4 is needed, do I need to also free the locks? Or can I just turn of 4x4 with the button and free lockers when I get back home?

I live in Chicago and the last few days I've needed the 4x4 on while getting in/out of my garage and driving through the neighborhood. However, when I get on a road with 30mph speed limit and 4x4 isn't really needed, I'm not sure the best thing to do. I don't want to have to park and free lockers every time I switch to a road but I will if it's terrible for my LC.

 

[El Cid]

Also, with the epic snowstorm we just experienced....without sounding sensational, the Land Cruiser has earned my undying respect over the last week. The snow here has been unreal. We have driven thousands of miles in the heavy snow and after pushing out stuck jeeps pickups and cars, I am literally amazed at the performance of the LC in deep snow.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD while navigating gnarly trail. Typos are inherent.

I'll second this, we experienced our annual ice storm, and the land cruiser took on every challenge without a hitch, while the entire city was shut down. 6thousand evenly balanced pounds and plenty of torque make for a prime vehicle to have during all kinds of storms..

 

[Muddy Bean]

What does it mean to be triple locked? I'm also curious (and obvious 4x4 noob) about why my current LC (1989 FJ62) only has front lockers? Does it not need rear because it's RWD when not in 4x4? Another question, if I'm say in 4x4 H with front lockers locked and I get on a major road where no 4x4 is needed, do I need to also free the locks? Or can I just turn of 4x4 with the button and free lockers when I get back home? I live in Chicago and the last few days I've needed the 4x4 on while getting in/out of my garage and driving through the neighborhood. However, when I get on a road with 30mph speed limit and 4x4 isn't really needed, I'm not sure the best thing to do. I don't want to have to park and free lockers every time I switch to a road but I will if it's terrible for my LC.

Ok so you need to study up on google on lockers and how they work and what they are. I'm pretty sure what you're talking about is the locking hubs for 4wd not differential locks. There's a difference. You never ever want to drive on pavement with your diff lock on. You can't hardly make a turn. Driving with your hubs locked is ok but lowers your mpg and adds a bit of wear to parts. Nothing major. I used to keep my hubs locked all winter. The 100 doesn't have hub locks becAuse it's electronic. Again, study up on this a little and it will all become clear as mud

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[Rhythmdoctor]

Ok so you need to study up on google on lockers and how they work and what they are. I'm pretty sure what you're talking about is the locking hubs for 4wd not differential locks. There's a difference. You never ever want to drive on pavement with your diff lock on. You can't hardly make a turn. Driving with your hubs locked is ok but lowers your mpg and adds a bit of wear to parts. Nothing major. I used to keep my hubs locked all winter. The 100 doesn't have hub locks becAuse it's electronic. Again, study up on this a little and it will all become clear as mud

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Yep, and I appreciate the info. You're right, I have locking hubs which I ASSumed was the same as differential locks. Will study some more.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

I'll second this, we experienced our annual ice storm, and the land cruiser took on every challenge without a hitch, while the entire city was shut down. 6thousand evenly balanced pounds and plenty of torque make for a prime vehicle to have during all kinds of storms..

I want to 3rd this. My LC has been a beast plowing through thick alley snow. I drove some friends home Sunday night and the only vehicles out besides me were plow trucks. I helped some neighbors get to their driveway by driving back-and-forth over the "humps" in the driving tracks.

 

[phsycle]

Exactly, but that's still a reasonable price, don't you think?

The pricing of these vehicles is all over the map. I think being winter right now, it's going to be hard to secure a good deal.

Any thoughts/opinions on this?

As long as it drives well and has had good maintenance, you should be fine. I personally wouldn't get a 98-99 LX, just because they neither came with a rear locker (like 98-99 LC's) or ATRAC (like 00+). But shouldn't be a big deal to you whether it has those features or not.

 

[Junglejack]

The way the post appeared, it truly seemed to be about the 1998 LX. Indeed, there of course were LX450's. Sure was not trying to make it seem like all LX's are 470's...

And here is why it might be misconstrued: " I found one LX (1998) with under 70k miles, dude is asking 13.5K. I emailed him letting him know I'm interested but that his price is way high (private dealer price with the low miles was like $5500). I'm all about being patient and getting the best bargain but again, don't want to be waiting forever if the numbers are wrong."

Looking at that, how could it seem he was not talking about a 470? Yes, I should have been more specific.
So, um, ???

 

[Muddy Bean]

So wait, does he want an LX or a LC?

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[Rhythmdoctor]

So wait, does he want an LX or a LC?

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I'm in full LX 470 mode now and I found what could be a really nice one for a decent price - IF I can get the price I want, and IF it has no rust, I will have it this weekend. Will definitely post some pics after she's mine

 

[Muddy Bean]

I'm in full LX 470 mode now and I found what could be a really nice one for a decent price - IF I can get the price I want, and IF it has no rust, I will have it this weekend. Will definitely post some pics after she's mine

Nice! Do post shots someday I want to drive an LX and see what it's like compared to my LC

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[Rhythmdoctor]

Quick question for anyone who can help.

My wife is currently at a dealership and test drove a 1999 LX 470 - she said it was very bouncy when driving. Is this normal for this model? Doesn't that mean the shocks are bad? Any info would be appreciated.

E2A: Another question, this time for a 2001 LX - private seller, says 3rd row seats are missing (he put them in garage and mouse tore them up so he tossed them)... how expensive/easy are these seats to replace?

 

[PADDO]

Quick question for anyone who can help. My wife is currently at a dealership and test drove a 1999 LX 470 - she said it was very bouncy when driving. Is this normal for this model? Doesn't that mean the shocks are bad? Any info would be appreciated.

No, it should not be bouncy, not normal and could be indicative of an AHC that has not been maintained and/or is failing. It's not like a conventional suspension where shocks and springs provide the damping, this vehicle uses hydraulics, processors and springs for damping and height control. I'd recommend you search the terms AHC and neutral pressure to get up to speed on the AHC system and how to quickly appraise if the accumulator globes are shot. Could be simple and inexpensive maintenance is required or worst case a $2000+ repair.

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