Should I buy?? 1997 LX 450

[ohp676]

Greetings, I am looking to get into the FJ world, and to build a rig that can get me to colorado and ride a few trails while I'm there. I found this vehicle in Dallas. http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/ctd/3199736953.html

In the phone the guy came down to $6450. It looks pretty clean, but I'm not use to these vehicles yet. All my yota experience is with the early '80s 22r.

What should I look for? The miles have me worried. Is 195k too high for this price? I also ran the vin off the Lexus data base and found a lot of service visits up to 2007, then it probably went to a new owner that didn't use a Lexus dealer for service. The HG was R&R at 40501.
Below is the service history. Does anything stick out?
Thanks
__________________________________________________ ______________

SERVICE TYPE DATE SERVICE PROVIDER MILEAGE REPAIR # DESCRIPTION
Dealer Reported 04/20/2007 Sewell Lexus 121922 1307865 O RING LEAK ($135.00), # 1 OIL PAN LEAK(1130.00), FRONT TIMING COVER AND FRONT S
Dealer Reported 04/20/2007 Sewell Lexus 121922 1307865 REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS,FIT KIT, SHIM KIT, TURN ROTORS AND REPACK WHEEL BEARING
Dealer Reported 04/20/2007 Sewell Lexus 121922 1307865 REPLACE REAR BRAKE PADS, SHIM KIT AND HARDWARE KIT. RESURFACEREAR BRAKE ROTORS A
Dealer Reported 04/20/2007 Sewell Lexus 121922 1307865 EST TOR REPAIR DRIVER SEAT LEATHER $495
Dealer Reported 09/28/2005 Sewell Lexus 103448 1174036 REPAIR DAMAGE TO LEFT QUARTER PANEL
Dealer Reported 09/28/2005 Sewell Lexus 103448 1174036 PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR
Dealer Reported 09/28/2005 Sewell Lexus 103448 1174036 TOUCH UP VEHICLE
Dealer Reported 09/16/2005 Sewell Lexus 103199 1171238 REPAINTD AND REFINISHED LEFT FRONT DOOR AND LEFT REAR BUMPER.
Dealer Reported 09/16/2005 Sewell Lexus 103199 1171238 PAINT MATERIALS
Dealer Reported 09/16/2005 Sewell Lexus 103199 1171238 LEATHER REPAIR
Dealer Reported 09/16/2005 Sewell Lexus 103199 1171238 LOAN CAR PROVIDED
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 OIL AND FILTER,RESET MAINTENANCE LIGHT IF APPLICABLE
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 UNABLE TO PASS STATE INSPECTION UNTIL REAR BRAKES REPLACED
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 ESTIMATE TO REPAIR EACH LEFT SIDE DOOR CLADDINGS- $292 EACH, COULD TOUCHUP REST
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AFTER SEVERAL TEST DRIVES, NORMAL OPERATION AT THIS TIME
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 NO UNUSUAL NOISES AT THIS TIME
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 FOUND REAR BRAKES 0.0 MM, RECOMMEND REPLACING REAR BRAKE PADS RIGHT AWAY, UNABLE
Dealer Reported 07/12/2005 Sewell Lexus 100675 1156303 LOAN CAR PROVIDED
Dealer Reported 10/26/2004 Sewell Lexus 91425 1103931 REPROGRAM NEW KEY FOB
Dealer Reported 06/11/2004 Sewell Lexus 85974 1076067 UNABLE TO DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERN AT THIS TIME
Dealer Reported 06/11/2004 Sewell Lexus 85974 1076067 INSPECT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FRONT BRAKES MM REMAINING MM TO SENSOR REAR BRAKES
Dealer Reported 03/16/2004 Sewell Lexus 82175 1059183 REPLACED EGR MODULATOR AND THE VSV
Dealer Reported 03/16/2004 Sewell Lexus 82175 1059183 REPLACED DRIVE BELT IDLER AND DRIVE BELTS
Dealer Reported 03/16/2004 Sewell Lexus 82175 1059183 GOODWILL VSV FROM CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REPAIR
Dealer Reported 10/30/2003 Sewell Lexus 77140 1034152 ALL OF THE BRAKES ARE AFTERMARKET-WOULD NEED TO REPLACE ALL OF THE BRAKES TO MAK
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM T
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 INSPECT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FRO
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 THE RIGHT FRONT CENTER CAP IS MIS
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 SCHEDULE A LX450/LX470
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS & TIRE INF
Dealer Reported 09/23/2002 Sewell Lexus 64327 0518231 BATTERY FAILED LOAD TEST
Dealer Reported 06/05/2002 Sewell Lexus 60773 0496665 **DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED THE STARTER ASSY --AUTH#R98635
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 SCHEDULE A LX450/LX470
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS & TIRE INF
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 WOOD AROUND THE VENTS DISCOLORING
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 COMPLETE
Dealer Reported 03/27/2002 Sewell Lexus 57403 0482210 ONE YEAR STATE INSPECTION .5 EMISSIONS INSPECTION OTH
Dealer Reported 12/14/2001 Sewell Lexus 54612 0462912 BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING VERY BAD **E
Dealer Reported 12/14/2001 Sewell Lexus 54612 0462912 CENTER CAP IS MISSING ON THE RIGH
Dealer Reported 12/14/2001 Sewell Lexus 54612 0462912 BODY ESTIMATE FOR THE RIGHT REAR
Dealer Reported 06/20/2001 Sewell Lexus 49583 0430314 SCHEDULE A LX450/LX470
Dealer Reported 06/20/2001 Sewell Lexus 49583 0430314 CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Dealer Reported 06/20/2001 Sewell Lexus 49583 0430314 CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS & TIRE INF
Dealer Reported 06/20/2001 Sewell Lexus 49583 0430314 THE BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING **WE REP
Dealer Reported 06/20/2001 Sewell Lexus 49583 0430314 REPLACED TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Dealer Reported 03/19/2001 Sewell Lexus 46000 0414404 STACEY ESTIMATES **LEFT FRONT BUM
Dealer Reported 03/19/2001 Sewell Lexus 46000 0414404 GREG ESTIMATES ***AROUND ENTIRE T
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 "BRAKE" LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN FIRST
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 REPLACE REAR BRAKE PADS, SHIM KIT
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 ONE YEAR STATE INSPECTION .5 EMISSIONS INSPECTION OTH
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 THE FRONT BRAKES ARE AT 5.0 MM
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 BRAKE FLUID IS DIRTY-RECOMMEND FL
Dealer Reported 02/02/2001 Sewell Lexus 44738 0406673 SEWELL COMPLIMENTARY CAR WASH PAR
Dealer Reported 12/19/2000 Sewell Lexus 43078 0399123 V BELT R&R **REPLACED ALL THREE BELTS
Dealer Reported 12/19/2000 Sewell Lexus 43078 0399123 COMPLETE **POLICY #1298S
Dealer Reported 12/19/2000 Sewell Lexus 43078 0399123 DO NOT WASH THE OUTSIDE OF THE CA
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 WHEN ACCELERATING, THERE IS A FLU
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 VALVES ARE EXCESSIVELY OUT OF ADJ
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 CYLINDER HEAD GASKET R&R **PULLED
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 SCHEDULE A LX450/LX470
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 CHANGE ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 CHECK ALL FLUID LEVELS & TIRE INF
Dealer Reported 10/11/2000 Sewell Lexus 40501 0384357 AT SEWELL LEXUS, OUR ENTIRE SERVI
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 COF
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 1ST OIL BRAKE
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 REMOVE FRT AND REAR BRAKE PADS DE
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 R&I CAMS INSPECT CAM BUCKETS AND VALVE TRAIN ADJUST INTAKE VALVES
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 DECARBON MOTOR THREE TIMES
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 CK SQUEAK FRT RT SIDE WHEN TURNIN
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 REMOVE FRT AND REAR BRAKE PADS
Dealer Reported 05/23/2000 Park Place Lexus 36156 0187441 DEGLAZE AND ADJUST BRAKE PAD SHIMS GOODWILL PER PJ
Dealer Reported 03/29/2000 Park Place Lexus 34435 0182253 CK FLUTTER NOISE WHEN DRIVING ,
Dealer Reported 03/29/2000 Park Place Lexus 34435 0182253 REMOVE CAMS -INSPECT BUCKETS,& SP
Dealer Reported 03/29/2000 Park Place Lexus 34435 0182253 CK TRANS RPMS REV UP ON ACCEL FRO
Dealer Reported 01/31/2000 Park Place Lexus 31687 0176589 NEW CAR STATE INSPECTION
Dealer Reported 01/31/2000 Park Place Lexus 31687 0176589 INSTALL REAR SEATS
Dealer Reported 01/31/2000 Park Place Lexus 31687 0176589 CRNKSHFT REAR OIL SEAL (ATM) R&R
Dealer Reported 01/21/2000 Park Place Lexus 31682 0175567 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED PDI
Dealer Reported 01/21/2000 Park Place Lexus 31682 0175567 DETAIL, PREOWNED CARS
Dealer Reported 01/21/2000 Park Place Lexus 31682 0175567 CENTRE CAP MISSING
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 30,000 MILE SERVICE LX450
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT-LX450
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 OTHERS OTH
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 FRT DR CONTROL LINK R&R
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 LC1
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 "A COURTESY RENTAL VEHICLE IS SUP
Dealer Reported 12/06/1999 Park Place Lexus 30191 0171371 REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS (INCLUD ES MACHINE ROTORS)
Dealer Reported 08/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 28322 0161123 REPLACE REAR CUP HOLDER
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 ANTENNA ASSEMBLY WITH HOLDER R&R
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 Z= R&R MOTOR ASSEMBLY
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 REPAIR FLAT TIRE
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 REPLACE REAR CUP HOLDER (SOP) ***
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 LC1
Dealer Reported 08/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 28307 0160644 "A COURTESY RENTAL VEHICLE IS SUP
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER R&R
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 SIDE) COMB: OPPOSITE SIDE
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 LC1
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 "A COURTESY LOANER VEHICLE IS SUP
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 OTHERS OTH
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 SHOCK ABSORBER KIT (1-SD) R&R
Dealer Reported 06/24/1999 Park Place Lexus 27082 0154674 COMB: OPPOSITE SIDE R&R
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 25,000 MILE SERVICE
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT CHECK
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 LOANCAR
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 "A COURTESY LOANER VEHICLE IS SUP
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 CHECK PLUG RIGHT SIDE REAR FLOORB
Dealer Reported 06/04/1999 Park Place Lexus 25866 0152829 REPLACE REAR BRAKE PADS (INCLUDE S MACHINE ROTORS)
Dealer Reported 04/12/1999 Park Place Lexus 22694 0147472 TEXAS STATE INSPECTION ANNUAL
Dealer Reported 01/28/1999 Park Place Lexus 20679 0140190 PHONE INOP SINCE 20000 SVC . RECO
Dealer Reported 01/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 20437 0139635 20,000 MILE SERVICE
Dealer Reported 01/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 20437 0139635 OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT CHECK
Dealer Reported 01/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 20437 0139635 REPLACE RT REAR CENTER WHEEL CAP
Dealer Reported 01/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 20437 0139635 LC1
Dealer Reported 01/19/1999 Park Place Lexus 20437 0139635 "A COURTESY LOANER VEHICLE IS SUP
Dealer Reported 08/28/1998 Park Place Lexus 15419 0127794 15,000 MILE SERVICE LX450
Dealer Reported 08/28/1998 Park Place Lexus 15419 0127794 OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT-LX450
Dealer Reported 08/28/1998 Park Place Lexus 15419 0127794 BOTH FRT CENTER CAPS HAS POPPED O
Dealer Reported 02/25/1998 Park Place Lexus 10394 0113322 10,000 MILE SERVICE- ALL EXCEPT LX450
Dealer Reported 02/25/1998 Park Place Lexus 10394 0113322 OIL AND FILTER REPLACEMENT -ALL E
Dealer Reported 02/25/1998 Park Place Lexus 10394 0113322 FRONT WIPER BLADE R&R

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Not a bad price for the records, but if the front axle service hasn't been done (should have been 2x's at this mileage), that's something to negotiate with. Also, aftermarket wires = no good.

It sure looks nice from here.

Find out about front axle service. Get pics of the undercarriage. Looks like a good deal, maybe a steal if you get it for $6k.

Be ready to put another $2-4K in baselining as well.

 

[Funner]

Nothing bad about the history in my opinion. The fact that the oil pans have been resealed is a plus as most of them are leaking by now. The head gasket could have been a huge plus if it was more recent, but this was done 150k miles ago, so not as helpful. Someone here may chime in on when the supposedly improved head gaskets were available.
It's an LX so some may value that a little more. It's really clean too. The big add is the diff lockers. Frankly, you posting it here isn't going to improve the odds of you getting it. Now a bunch of TLC nuts know it's there too.
I would go with $6500 cash and try to negotiate down in person, but that looks like something to add to the garage.

 

[ohp676]

Be ready to put another $2-4K in baselining as well.

Thanks for the reply. What is baselining?

The head gasket could have been a huge plus if it was more recent, but this was done 150k miles ago, so not as helpful. Someone here may chime in on when the supposedly improved head gaskets were available.

Does anyone know when these improved head gaskets came out?

Thanks for helping out.

 

[swampfoxSC]

I dont know the exact date of the factory update. But I do know it was available in 05. So since the it was replaced in late 2000 you should be golden. I would jump on it if it is what you want. It is in above average condition. And has some big issues already addressed. Just check the axle for noise/grinding and leaks/weeping at the birfield joints. Weep-not bad($200). Leak-could be bad(could be big$$). And should be negociated accordingly. And you should do some base line mainteance as you would with any used vehicle of this age/mileage. What about any recent service history? Such as just oil changes.

 

[Stumpalama]

BUY IT!

 

[Schwaz80]

Yes. Buy it now.

 

[ohp676]

Thanks again. I will go try and make a deal.

 

[96beast]

Wow, that PO was paranoid!

 

[Cruiser Kid]

Holy crap...... just buy it. Welcome!

 

[thirdmatt01]

Buy it! Or I will

 

[CruiseOrlando]

Be ready to put another $2-4K in baselining as well

Thanks for the reply. What is baselining?

You have a lot of reading to do! These trucks cost money to keep them reliable. Depending on your level of skill depends on how much it costs in reality.

You should read this from the FAQ:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/1012335-post3.html

And specifically, this is an older thread, but is even more true now than it was almost 6 years ago:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/124556-should-i-buy-80-costs-ownership.html

 

[ohp676]

You have a lot of reading to do! These trucks cost money to keep them reliable. Depending on your level of skill depends on how much it costs in reality.

You should read this from the FAQ:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/1012335-post3.html

And specifically, this is an older thread, but is even more true now than it was almost 6 years ago:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/124556-should-i-buy-80-costs-ownership.html

Thanks for the info. I will get on it now.

 

[BrotherRob]

Looks pretty good to me. OCD POs are great POs. Don't let people scare you about the cost of ownership. It's an old vehicle, you'll be doing some work on it but these things are durable as hell.

 

[ohp676]

Well it sold before I got to it. I hope one of you guys got it.



So I am still in the market for one. I am in Oklahoma now, but I will be in the DFW area for Labor Day weekend. Thanks

 

[Delancy]

I am in Oklahoma now

Where in OK?

Can I send my tag numbers now for future reference? Hahaha.

What are you looking for, specifically?

 

[TYM4FUN]

Here is one that was pointed out to me today.....http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3186420293.html........looks like it might be the same one????

 

[Delancy]

Eskridge in OKC had two LXs listed, both in the $6-7k range for the last month.

It's odd that a Lexus dealer kept on the lot, so assuming there's some history to. (I say odd based on the communications with local dealer for the many months I searched.

This is in Tulsa,

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/ctd/3192690862.html

Familiar with this lot, and I wouldn't hold out hope that it's a diamond in the rough, but more than happy to check out.

It'd be well worth an independent, third party inspection, in my opinion. I wish I had had a Muddinista on site when buying mine. Can only gain so much knowledge from reading, but after working on mine for awhile, I see and pay for all that I missed.

 

[andhop72]

WOW

This is crazy that I came across this thread. Im sorry but I just bought this car. I am new to cruisers and was just roaming around this forum and found this thread and said holly crap this is the car I just bought. I hop to learn a lot form this forum. I just sold my Jeep so Im hoping that the community here is just as helpful.

 

[beavf16]

This is crazy that I came across this thread. Im sorry but I just bought this car. I am new to cruisers and was just roaming around this forum and found this thread and said holly crap this is the car I just bought. I hop to learn a lot form this forum. I just sold my Jeep so Im hoping that the community here is just as helpful.

Congrats and welcome!