Which vehicle is a better deal? '01LX v. '00 LC

[Koda]

Please grant some advice to a new member considering two rigs. Which would you choose and why? Is either one a particularly good deal?

1. '01 LX470 with 77k miles, asking $23,400 and firm on the price. Beige with tan interior. No nav system. Newer Brigestone Revos.

2. '00 T.L.C. with 58k miles, asking $23,800, open to some negotiation, but I have to ship it from CA to ID or fly down and drive it 1000 miles back home.
'Champagne Pearl" color with tan interior. Black dash (no wood). No nav system. Newer Falken Ziex S/TZ 04 tires.

Lexus - great stereo, but I worry about the potential repair costs on the suspension, the electronic telescoping steering wheel and the price of Lexus parts in general. On the plus side, it's local and seems to be below book.

LC - I really like the low miles but it seems a bit pricey for a 2000 and I'm not so sure about those Falcon tires - anyone with experience?.

My primary desire is for rock solid reliability. I need to be able to take the family (2 little kids) way up in the mountains and back in the woods with no worries. No serious rock crawling, but definitely dirt roads, trails, snow, etc. for camping, fishing, skiing and general back country touring. Both rigs appear to be in great shape. I will have a mechanic examine them for sure but please assume for this question that they are in mechanically equivalent shape. I await your wisdom (or suggestions of other available rigs).
Thanks,
Kevin in Idaho

 

[calamaridog]

Honestly, I'd go with the newer LX is they are in similar condition. 20,000 mi. on this platform is not a huge deal. LX suspension failure doesn't seem to be a big issue either. Standard style OME could be swapped in place of the adjustable suspension with some labor if you have a failure and don't want to repair.

If the LX is an ID vehicle then consider the rust issue also.

Tires are fairly cheap, so don't make your decision based upon tires. Stereo's are easily upgraded too.

The 90k service is expensive and should be factored into any purchase decision, depending upon how many miles you drive in a year.

Airfare + gas ($250) + two days driving = better be a big savings.

 

[firetruck41]

Honestly, I'd go with the newer LX is they are in similar condition. 20,000 mi. on this platform is not a huge deal. LX suspension failure doesn't seem to be a big issue either. Standard style OME could be swapped in place of the adjustable suspension with some labor if you have a failure and don't want to repair.

If the LX is an ID vehicle then consider the rust issue also.

Tires are fairly cheap, so don't make your decision based upon tires. Stereo's are easily upgraded too.

The 90k service is expensive and should be factored into any purchase decision, depending upon how many miles you drive in a year.

Airfare + gas ($250) + two days driving = better be a big savings.

I think Calamaridog said everything I was thinking. I would go with the LX if they are in similar condition, no questions.

 

[ff347]

1. '01 LX470 with 77k miles, asking $23,400 and firm on the price. Beige with tan interior. No nav system. Newer Brigestone Revos.

X2

 

[firetruck41]

BTW, I think the Falken tires are a cheap tire, kind of like a store brand tire, not that they are automatically bad tires, but I would expect the REVOs to be better by far.

 

[aedgington]

The LX is the better deal. The LC is waaaaay overpriced, by several thousand.

 

[Koda]

The LX is the better deal. The LC is waaaaay overpriced, by several thousand.

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll probably get the Lexus checked out. Aedginton, I see you're from Houston. Maybe I just need to fly down there and buy one. The availablity anywhere near Boise is scarce. There's a 2001 here with 80k, priced by a private seller at 26,900. There's a nice looking one owner 2000 in Salt Lake with 68k, priced at 24,500. Trying to find a low mileage rig at a decent price is proving difficult. I may just suck it up and buy one with 100k miles where someone else paid for the 90k service.
The hunt continues.

 

[aedgington]

If you're intent on getting one, I'd definitely consider flying to Texas or California & spending the weekend looking at 'em. Sounds like they're breaking the bank in your area; just don't rush, take your time & find a nice one you like.

I know a guy selling a black/tan/nav 02 w/ 55K here in Houston for $26,000, so both the 01/80K & 00/68K seem pretty ridiculous.

 

[Drinkin40s]

Don't forget the Lexus dealers are quite helpful in providing information on the service history.

 

[bamachem]

Last month I got a damn-near-mint '00 LC w/ 62k on the clock from a dealer for $19,800 out the door - dealer serviced and new tires(michelins) and southern vehicle (no road salt and no rust). That price is high for sure.

 

[SWUtah]

Last month I got a damn-near-mint '00 LC w/ 62k on the clock from a dealer for $19,800 out the door - dealer serviced and new tires(michelins) and southern vehicle (no road salt and no rust). That price is high for sure.

You got a great deal.

 

[LXPearl]

Koda, the 01 LX sounds like an excellent value. The LX suspension is better on gravel roads than the LC. The added flexibility of the adjustable height levels and auto leveling are add to its value over the 00 LC. Being able to raise the height to HI will be great in back country conditions (as long as you stay under about 30 mph). Then, back on the highway or mall cruising, the LX will spoil you. You will have a hard time beating that price on the LX. For service, most Toyota dealers will work on the LX at lower cost than a Lexus dealer.

 

[DarkStar]

for the time you spend on the road, the LX is a better ride...off road it shouldn't matter too much unless you are big into suspension mods.

I like the LX for the levinson, the adjustable/hydraulic suspension, folding mirrors, and other creature comforts. Headlamps are better too.

 

[bamachem]

You got a great deal.

yeah, i know - thanks - but i was also very patient. i lurked around for nearly a year, and looked hard for the last 3-4 months of that before finding one in such good condition for that kinda price. i found it in nashville at an infiniti dealer - local trade in on a new M35. the PO babied the hell outta it. tons of receipts in the glovebox showing a great service history as well.

 

[LXPearl]

Bama - not just a great deal, that is outstanding.