I need some help making a decision. I love my 99 LX470, but with 150,000 miles I wonder how much more trouble free service I can expect? I’m currently looking at a 2005 LX with 35,000 miles from the Lexus dealer with 100,000 mile certified warranty. My LX is set up the way I want with 33” BFGs and an ARB front diff. The dealer wants $46k for their LX, and will give me $12k for mine. The only known problem I have with mine is a leaky steering rack, and leaky rear main seal. I fixed up the steering leak with some Lucas steering fluid, but now the pump groans a little on cold startups. I tightened the bolts around the rear main seal, between the transmission and engine, and the leak seems to have subsided.
I really stay on top of my maintenance and use all synthetic fluids. I’m an engineer with a pretty good eye and ear for suffering mechanical components, and from what I can tell all else is in good order.
Questions:
· Is a 05 better than a 99? I noticed that the 05 has plastic headlights and my 99 is thick glass.
· How many miles can I expect from mine?
· Is the quality of construction the same?
· Can I expect better gas mileage from the 05 with a 5 speed transmission?
· Is the new Trac system better than my old school 4WD with a front locker?
· Financially, am I getting a good deal from the Stealer / Dealer?
What would you do?
Sorry this is long, and I know there is no easy answer, but I know you guys know your S*&^ when it comes to the Toyota 100s.
I really stay on top of my maintenance and use all synthetic fluids. I’m an engineer with a pretty good eye and ear for suffering mechanical components, and from what I can tell all else is in good order.
Questions:
· Is a 05 better than a 99? I noticed that the 05 has plastic headlights and my 99 is thick glass.
· How many miles can I expect from mine?
· Is the quality of construction the same?
· Can I expect better gas mileage from the 05 with a 5 speed transmission?
· Is the new Trac system better than my old school 4WD with a front locker?
· Financially, am I getting a good deal from the Stealer / Dealer?
What would you do?
Sorry this is long, and I know there is no easy answer, but I know you guys know your S*&^ when it comes to the Toyota 100s.