Second opinions on an 05 LX 470

Hi all. I started shopping for my first LC100/LX 470 a couple of weeks ago. A used car lot an hour from me has a 6 owner, 2005 LX 470 with 200k miles. UT and CO owned. They're asking $17,900. The interior/exterior is a little worn, but not anything I can't live with. I'm not sure what to make of the undercarriage. Seems like mostly surface rust, but maybe some rot under the gas tank? I added the two worst-looking photos. Just wondering if it's worth spending an afternoon to go see it. I don't think I'd want to pay more than $14k for it.

Pros:
- timing belt and water pump were done in 2021
- AHC removed (one less things to break, I guess?)

Cons:
- The myLexus states in 2020 "TRIEDMULTIPLE TIMES - COULD NOT DUPLICATE - NO REPAIRS MADE OR RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME ~|~CUST STATES UPON COLD STARTS IN AM CAR WILL TURN OVER SPUTTERS AND DIES. EVENTUALLY WILL RUN AFTER FEW TRIES AND WARMS UP"

- some other things I'd hope not to see in myLexus, e.g. "STEERING RACK LEAKING LEVEL 1" in 2020, "GUEST DECLINED RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AT THIS TIME", "TECH FOUND REAR BRAKES METAL TO METAL"... sounds like the vehicle was not maintained to a tee. The myLexus records stop in March 2020.

- has spotty oil change records in the carfax (i.e. multiple gaps of 2+ years or 15k + miles. Only 7 total oil changes reported since 2005).

 

[TexLexican]

Seems overpriced even if they have proof of their own records. 6 owners leads one to wonder how it was driven, especially in the area it has been in.

 

[Kabanstva]

Seems overpriced even if they have proof of their own records. 6 owners leads one to wonder how it was driven, especially in the area it has been in.

I doubt it's ever been to any type of offroad aside from maybe some gravel roads. I barely even drive my LX, and the few times its been offroad really shows. I have scuffs and all kinda visible trail damage underneath. I don't see a single scrape under this truck.

 

[MountaineerLC]

Pass. For $18k I'd want a nice condition vehicle in stock form, not one someone else had messed with unless it was by a known and legit source.

 

[pdavis49]

That place is notorious for asking too much for their trucks. Hard pass. Join Rising Sun, the local affiliate of IH8MUD and post a wanted add. Rising Sun 4x4 Club Colorado - https://risingsun4x4club.org/

 

[afeinland]

Pass. For $18k I'd want a nice condition vehicle in stock form, not one someone else had messed with unless it was by a known and legit source.

Yeah, the more I look through the pics and maintenance history, the less appealing the price becomes.

That place is notorious for asking too much for their trucks. Hard pass. Join Rising Sun, the local affiliate of IH8MUD and post a wanted add. Rising Sun 4x4 Club Colorado - https://risingsun4x4club.org/

Thanks for the the link! Haven't been in a 4wd group since high school, so I'll check them out.

 

[2001LC]

The service items not shown completed at Lexus, likely done elsewhere. Many times, owners take in to Lexus/Toyota for OF&L to get reports of what needs done.

Some shops listed in service history, aren't what I call good ones. So use what they did as points to look deeper at during inspection.

The gas tank skid rust looks to be surface from not regularly washing underside. Very common in CO UT. If that's about all, it's no big deal.
Ko2, wheels and roof rack are adds.
Missing NightView camera and it's windshields along with missing running boards are deducts.
The OME shocks are likely end of life. It likely has aftermarket rear coils and T-bars crank up for a mild lift.
Note it has both trailer hitches, indicates some towing use.
The paint appears missing from hub flange in pictures. If so, indication some sonic cleaned them. This indicate special care in service. The painted black grill also indicates special care/pride.

If your top dollar $14k offer that, out the door price! Those Colfax lots are very negotiable. Get a deposit down, provided it passes inspection. Inspection is key! Even a deposit at $16K, may be further negocable after inspection.

PM/DM if you'd like inspected.

 

[Sag19]

That place is notorious for asking too much for their trucks. Hard pass. Join Rising Sun, the local affiliate of IH8MUD and post a wanted add. Rising Sun 4x4 Club Colorado - https://risingsun4x4club.org/

They sure do charge a ton, they bought my used 2020 4runner pro off me straight up no trade for 63 grand. A truck I paid 50 grand for two years prior.

 

[BustaRibs]

You can def do better. I wouldn’t make it past the 6 priors on that one, especially at the current ask.

For comparison, I just bought an ‘05 LX, 2 owner (from father to son), Alabama truck - zero rust, 180k in remarkable condition for $17,500

No matter what, get a PPI from a reputable Toy shop b4 you pull the trigger, unless you are capable of doing a thorough mechanical evaluation yourself.