altaf

Going to test drive a '99 Land Cruiser today and later this week a '98 LX 470. Any thing in particular that I should pay attention to before purchasing? Any common faults or problem areas for this model year? One has about 60k the other around 90k.

Thanks.

roberttran

Just check to see if the steering is responsive and the transmission runs smoothly.
Also when the car is initially started, try to listen for ticking/clicking sounds from the engine area when moving. Since these cars have been out for afew years now, reports of the exhaust manifold cracking is starting to appear. You'll only have a small window of time to hear the ticking since the crack will seal up when the engine gets warm. Depending from where you are, also check for surface rusting on the underside. Make sure the rust isn't really bad. Some rust is expected so don't worry. Also ask for mantanence records if possible. also ask where they had it serviced, If it was always serviced at the dealer, the dealer should have records of everyone done to it there.
Good lucking finding a car!

-Robert

altaf

Thanks for your reply. I drove a 2000 Land Cruiser and 4Runner today. The LC was too soft and leaned too much on turns. The 4Runner was a better fit for me overall. I don't expect the LX 470 to be much different, so I'm off to search for a 4Runner.

Doc C

I don't know if the 98 LX had the adjustable suspension i.e. comfort-sport, but if it did, you could firm the ride up that way, but still have the soft ride when you wanted it. It does make a difference. Just food for thought.

Doc C

Doc C

roberttran,

You got it!!! My 2000 LX goes tick,tick, tick when I first start it. My friend was telling me, "Man, sounds like you got a cracked exhaust manifold!!" I told him he was crazy. Okay, so... is that really bad!?? Extremely expensive to fix?? I've been trying to talk my wife into an '04. This would be a great excuse. Should I trade it in or try to fix?? Sorry about all the questions. Please help if you can.

Doc C

roberttran

I don't remember how much it costs to fix, all they have to do is weld the crack. If you are still under warranty, they have to fix it I beleive.
It may be a tempting reason for the '04, but you should just get if fixed and wait for the '05
The only problem you may end up with is not passing your state emissions inpection since exhaust is leaking into the atmosphere.
My '99 has that problem, but the tech at the dealer said he couldn't hear it or detect it. He told me that the car probably wasn't cool enough for the crack to open up for him to hear. I am going to complain to my dealer soon to have it checked again, since my warranty runs out in 4k miles and don't feel like paying for it to be fixed.

-Robert

GS450h FTL

I had a rattling noise from the exhaust system on my '99, took it to Lexus got a $1200 quote to replace the heat shields for the catalytic converter. Talked around then someone told me to go to any muffler shop like Midas and for a nominal fee they would spot weld the shields. $25 and over a year now later I have not heard a sound.

roberttran

I also have that problem. That sounds more like a vibration and rattle then a ticking. I plan on using a peice of gum to fix it

-Robert