When shopping for an LX, low miles or low price?

[Undefined]

I'm new to Land Cruisers and their Lexus cousins, but it seems that these command a solid price even with what I would consider very high mileage. If you were shopping for a used one today (say, a 2003 - 2007 LX470), would you put more attention toward mileage or price?

Many of the lower mileage ones I've seen (<70k miles) have not had the more expensive services performed (90k service, for example), so it makes me curious as to whether it is better to find one in the 90k - 120k mileage that has had all of its service done or to get one that is lower in mileage (but higher in $) and schedule that service after purchase.

Thoughts? Better to spend ~$28k - $35k for a LX with <70k miles or to spend $22k - $26k for one with >100k miles?

 

[Kigiin]

FTW... low price and low mileage.

Low mileage doesn't guarantee trouble free driving - ask me about a low a mileage BMW I drove to NC to pick up. $1,800 later (back in 1995) I still had a POS.

 

[Pullmesideways]

So I had many of the same questions. I liked the low mileage the best, due to wear and tear on interior and exterior bits.

However, the mileage wasn't the only factor that is critical, the service history is key. I actually ended up buying at LX with 54k on the clock with a few wear items that you wouldn't expect like serious hood chips and the woman who owned it must of had a passion for shopping and trying to jam in things that wouldn't quite fit. Hence more small wear items that wouldn't necessarily be expected due to mileage.

However, the vehicle had been serviced religiously every 5k at the Lexus dealer. I can fix the small bits that don't meet my standards, but I am confident in the service and all I have to to do is maintain service cadence to insure a long life for my new baby.

By the way did I mention how much I love my LX!!

 

[hankinid]

I'm new to Land Cruisers and their Lexus cousins, but it seems that these command a solid price even with what I would consider very high mileage. If you were shopping for a used one today (say, a 2003 - 2007 LX470), would you put more attention toward mileage or price?

Many of the lower mileage ones I've seen (<70k miles) have not had the more expensive services performed (90k service, for example), so it makes me curious as to whether it is better to find one in the 90k - 120k mileage that has had all of its service done or to get one that is lower in mileage (but higher in $) and schedule that service after purchase.

Thoughts? Better to spend ~$28k - $35k for a LX with <70k miles or to spend $22k - $26k for one with >100k miles?

I chose mine based mainly on mileage.

The timing belt at 90K usually runs just around $1k or so, a drop in the bucket, but a tiny bit nicer to have it done by PO.

Completed 90K service was not on my list.

Steve

 

[Gman509]

IMO it has to go back to what your bottom line budget is, your patience level, what is available on the market while you are willing to wait and how far you are casting your search. A good mixture of both is always optimal, but it ends up coming down to what you are comfortable with. The more time you have and the higher your patience level the more flexibility you have to walk away from a deal you do not like which gives you greater negotiating power. That being said, you need to know what you are looking for and understand it's value, so that when you finding, you grab it.

IMO if your budget is $28 to $35k why would you be concerned about a $1k cost for the 90k mile service issue, when you can use that fact to negotiate a better price?

 

[LX101North]

I'm beginning to realize that it's all about knowing the entire history of the vehicle. Whether it has 75k or 150k, you just have to be absolutely meticulous when looking over the vehicle. Next time I purchase I'm bringing tools, lights, creeper, etc. I'd tell the owner that you are gonna need at least an hour to look everything over. It's nice to find a low mileage vehicle for the lowest price possible, but just make sure you know exactly what you are getting.

 

[Littlehouse]

Do the dealers usually let you take the vehicle to a mechanic for a once over? If so, whats the ballpark on this? I'm meticulous with my truck, but when i see how my friends, family, etc treat their cars it makes me super hesitant to buy something with miles on the odo.

 

[hankinid]

Do the dealers usually let you take the vehicle to a mechanic for a once over? If so, whats the ballpark on this? I'm meticulous with my truck, but when i see how my friends, family, etc treat their cars it makes me super hesitant to buy something with miles on the odo.

If the dealer won't let you take it to a mechanic, WALK.

I'd guess $100-200...depends on mechanic's hourly rate. Since LC's and LX's are not too common, get it to someone familiar with them.

Generally, those who buy these trucks take good care of them.

You do your homework by reading the FAQ's here, and pre-purchase inspection stuff on sleeoffroad.com

Steve

 

[Backcountry pinstrip]

No idea where you are but just saw a 2006 Lx 140 k miles under 21000 in Seattle. I would be looking at this one but I just got o6 LC 6 weeks ago. It's black.