Should I, or should I not buy this 97 LX450? (1 Viewer)

[jbyrd78]

I found a gold LX450 sitting on the side of this mom and pop dealership on my way home from work this past Friday. I went back and checked it out because I have always wanted to tryout an 80's series. It has 228,000 miles on it and drives pretty good. The owner let me take it for a few hours, so I ended up taking it to a Lexus dealership that was over by this car lot and the master mechanic looked it over for me and told the frame is in good condition and for its age and being a southern state vehicle it's in pretty decent shape. He mentioned to me stuff had been replaced and it does need some work done on it to bring it up to speed. The owner of this car lot is selling this car for his brother who is in med school. I actually talked to his brother after I drove the car. He doe not want to sell this LX450 for any less than $6,500, but Kelly Blue Book show the value of the vehicle at around $4,300 with the mileage it has on it. Are these vehicles in such demand, that it's worth what this guy is asking or should I stick to the KBB value?

 

[jbyrd78]

Some more pics

 

[jbyrd78]

More

 

[jbyrd78]

More

 

[H4everything]

does it have the triple locker?

 

[nukegoat]

KBB isn't accurate for these. $6500 is fine. Run it

 

[jbyrd78]

does it have the triple locker?

How do I find out if it has triple lock?

 

[H4everything]

Should see a switch to engage front and rear lockers in addition to the transfer case differential

 

[jbyrd78]

KBB isn't accurate for these. $6500 is fine. Run it

One thing I forgot to ask. With this being a 20+ year old vehicle are all the parts available for for this vehicle if needed?

 

[jbyrd78]

Should see a switch to engage front and rear lockers in addition to the transfer case differential

I didn't see a switch, only the 4wd shifter.

 

[musthave]

Not locked. Still in excellent buy! Drive it like you stole it.

 

[Red Merle]

Excellent deal. Parts are available though Toyota/Lexus for most things and there are plenty of aftermarket parts available.

 

[mrsleeve]

Snatch it before someone else does at that price...

 

[scottryana]

That is a super weird color, I do not think I have seen it before. Black bumpers? I would bet it was in a decent accident and has had quite a bit of body work and paint done. Could have been years ago but I would at least check it out.

 

[jbyrd78]

KBB isn't accurate for these. $6500 is fine. Run it

I actually asked him to ask his brother if he will sell it for $5500. I'm hoping he jumps on it, or counters with $6k.

 

[jbyrd78]

Thanks everyone for your responses.
I actually asked the owner to ask his brother if he would sell it for $5,500. I'm hoping to hear back tomorrow. The main reason why is b/c the mechanic at Lexus mentioned the windshield had been replaced, and was not done properly. The mirrors have the death wobble I read about, and he mentioned something about the ABS/some issue with the brakes. I felt what he was talking about while I was driving it. When you are driving and apply the brakes, it feels like when you hit a slick spot and the ABS makes a grunting noise, is trying to work but not having any luck.

 

[jbyrd78]

That is a super weird color, I do not think I have seen it before. Black bumpers? I would bet it was in a decent accident and has had quite a bit of body work and paint done. Could have been years ago but I would at least check it out.

Thanks for saving my 6 and mentioning that. I just looked and it says the car was involved in an accident. I also noticed while looking at the pics I posted that the wiper fluid heads on the top of the hood are painted the same color as the hood. I'm wondering if it was front end damage. I will be inquiring about this tomorrow.

 

[Jroc561]

KBB isnt good for cars 20years plus, especially when said car has a following. Same for e30's, 90s JDM cars, etc

 

[Dustin U]

I've seen quite a few LX in that color. I would jump on that!

 

[TJ Vines]

Definitely jump on that friggin thang if you don't hate the color.