Research for my first 100 Series

[Rhythmdoctor]

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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Thanks so much for the info.

Thanks again everyone, your expertise is greatly appreciated! The search continues!

Anyone know how much 3rd row seats cost? I'm looking at another LX and they are missing the 3rd row seats (owner removed them and then they got ruined in his garage).

 

[yotasavg]

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?

I've seen a set for sale around here on CL for $150 looking brand new, I've seen them on ebay too. I bet you could find a set if you're really looking.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

I've found another promising LX 470, 1999 with 125K. My wife checked it out today (she's got a great eye) and said no rust, no overspray, no undercoating etc... However, carfax shows this vehicle has been in NJ and IL it's whole life, so I find it hard to believe there is no rust. What am I missing here? Carfax does not show color, so I guess it's possible it was re-painted since I cannot confirm original color.

Any ideas or tips to confirm no rust?

VIN: JT6HT00W0X0072803
Things flagged on Carfax:
Fleet, Rental and/or lease use records
Corrected Title Records
Emission/Safety inspection records
Loan/Lien Records

Thanks in advance you wonderful people.

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

So, I just paid for the unlimited Carfax service since I don't trust the dealers. I'm surprised Carfax doesn't show original color, I would think that would be a given. Am I missing something here?

Going to inspect this vehicle myself tomorrow morning but want to be fully armed before going.

 

[fireball]

Any ideas or tips to confirm no rust?

Umm...crawl under it and look at it?!

A 15yr life spent in NJ and IL and absolutely no rust? Seems too good to be true.

The lower left hand corner of the VIN tag/sticker on the driver side door jamb should have the 3 digit color code for the original color. At least it does on my LC. The Lexus color codes are found here: http://www.toyotareference.com/lexuslx/1998-2007

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

Umm...crawl under it and look at it?!

A 15yr life spent in NJ and IL and absolutely no rust? Seems too good to be true.

The lower left hand corner of the VIN tag/sticker on the driver side door jamb should have the 3 digit color code for the original color. At least it does on my LC. The Lexus color codes are found here: http://www.toyotareference.com/lexuslx/1998-2007

Agreed that it seems too good to be true. My wife definitely looked underneath and didn't see anything and she does know what to look for.

I do know that if you wash your vehicle every week, regardless of salt and elements, you will not have rust. My buddy washes his truck once per week and it's 12 years old and not one spec of rust is on it.

This vehicle, however, has had 3 owners and it's unlikely all 3 took such good care. I have confirmed that the original color has not been changed, however, that doesn't mean it wasn't painted.

Is there anyway to tell if a vehicle has been re-painted? I'm really skeptical of the no rust on this but I guess it is possible if this was meticulously maintained.

 

[Cyberjace]

If it's metallic paint, it's pretty tough to match the orientation of the metallic flecks. If the painted the jams, it gets tougher to tell. You want to find a place where new paint meets old. The engine compartment is one, but the painted surfaces behind the gas door is easier to look at straight on to compare to body. Look for variants in the flecks, more than color.