virtue22

I have been looking at LX450's (need something for my wife and new son to tool around in) and ran across a LX470. It has 95,000 Miles and has not had the 90k service. The only things I could find besides the 90k service is it just needs a good detail. CarFax is good, rides good, it has been maintained (oil changes etc.), no dents, dings, scratches, leaks, or anything else noticeable after a short inspection. Its white in color (I was really looking for a different color) but for the right price I suppose I could settle, besides its mainly for my wife for now. I think I can get it for between 15,200 and 15,500. Any ideas, is this a good price?

luca

Just keep in mind that the carfax report can be very misleading. It only tells you what has been reported; unless it is a one owner dealer only serviced car I wouldn't trust it. (Try to talk to the previous owner/s) I had a 600 Benz that I bought from a Mercedes dealer, the carfax said I would be the 3rd owner and it had never been wrecked. Turns out I was the 5th owner and it had been a limo in NYC, plus a minor crash....this all came from a title search.

virtue22

a little more info:

It has been locally owned and dealer maintained up until around 50k where it was traded into Mercedes dealer. From 50k to 95k it was religiously maintained by an independent Lexus shop which has all the records.

I feel pretty confidant in performing the majority of the 90k service (all fluids) but will probably have the belt done by a professional.

I found a list of what the 90k service includes but I would like to go above and beyond with the maintenance, any suggestions, any thing to lookout for?

I agreed upon $15,400, any thoughts?

Lexs400

that's a pretty good price ! did you end up buying it ?

virtue22

I did end up buying it.

Got it home and did my usual "detail" inside and out. It is in much better shape than I had originally thought. Interior is in exceptional shape with the exception of the Nav anti-glare which is worn. I also could not find a scratch/dent/chip/etc. on the exterior with the exception of the wheels. The wheels have been neglected and are stained with brake dust. I even detailed the engine bay (the PO lived down a dirt road) to make the LX feel "new".

I am very happy with the purchase, and even more happy with finding a well maintained (have all records) LX at a reasonable price.

I originally bought it so my wife and new baby could run around in something safe and reliable, mission accomplished thus far. That means I get my '93 LS400 back. Not to say the LS is unreliable, its just its 16 years old and the LX is so sweet.

I was holding back on this post so I could include some pictures, pictures to come when I get a chance.

Looks like I will be spending more time in the LX community now so thanks for the info, its truly invaluable. Talk with you soon....

jwarnermd

You shouldn't have to rush on the timing belt. I have over 150K on my 1999 and no problems. I did have to replace the front CV joints. When and if you do, the parts are inexpensive as is the labor at a local shop. Most aftermarket parts such as Autozone will be warranted for life. Make sure the shop honors this. I replaced my driver side again recently, but didn't realize until I happened to price it at Autozone and asked about the warranty. Check for leaking grease around the boots. Also, be aware there are grease fittings on the transaxle to the rear which need greasing occasionally.

One other thing that happened at about 140K was one of the coils to the spark plugs went out suddenly with the engine running very rough and engine light flashing. Have a parts store check which plug coil is bad and for $60 and ten minutes work you'll be going again. I replaced the plug, too in case it was fouled. A local shop wanted $200.

ubetifly

I read your posts and felt good enough from reading your experiences to go ahead and purchase a 2002 lx 470 with 83000 miles on it. It's as good as new to me, everything works and runs awesome which is my big fear. I'm worked about the cv joints, AHC, and how long I can push the 90k service. I have the Lexus mx manuals for my lx, and hope to do all the work myself except for the timing belt/water pump. Any thoughts on just how long is smart to go on the timing belt with an interference engine? It's not just the miles but how old the belt is that worked me.