OPINIONS NEEDED: '97 LX 450 w/ 233k miles
 

I am new to the forum, although I've been lurking for quite a while.

I am looking at buying a '97 LX 450 w/ the following:

-233k miles
-A/C needs to be repaired
-tan leather upholstery(front seats torn up slightly)
-towing package
-black onyx exterior
-power sunroof
-running boards
-roof rack

I am taking it into my mechanic today to get it checked out.

Is there anything in particular I should have him check out?
Any other advice about these vehicles would be greatly appreciated.

I could get it for around $2-2.5k.

check here for some good info on what to look for

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php...35&postcount=3

Thanks, I read the whole thing.

My mechanic quoted me less than $500 to get it in prime condition. I talked the guy down from $3000 to $2350, so I officially the proud owner of a LX450.

I will take pics soon and post them. Any suggestions, like always, are greatly appreciated. I really respect the knowledge everyone has here!

you'll be pleased. You've got a steal and if it has had decent maint, should last you another 100-150k with no major issues. I'd do a complete baseline on ALL fluids and filters so you know where your at. oil, trans, transfer, diffs, brake, coolent, steering....ALL fluids. I'd also replace the distibuter cap, wires and plugs, belts and hoses (but I'm anal retentive)

forgot replace the PPH (pesky heater hose). it's hard to get to (very hard) but the one "issue" landcruisers have from 95-97 is blown headgaskets....the heater hose goes, so will the headgasket from overheating. Check to see if the headgastket has been replaced. At that milage it probably has.

Thanks a ton balanced! You definitely know your stuff. I know the head gasket hasn't been replaced, but this vehicle has been maintained really well. I have all of the service records from '97 on, and it's had an oil change every 3k miles without fail since then. Also, it was just a daily driver for the seller's wife. That being said, I should definitely replace the PPH.

Do you know the ballpark of what a mechanic would charge to replace that?

I don't have an answer to the mech question but any lexus or Toyota service writer will quote you over the phone as they know this PHH well.

But!!!!!

Research the aftermarket silicone PHH and better clamps to make this problem go away forever!

Take the superior part with you to the mech if you don't want to wrench yourself.

yes there is a pesky heater hose replacement with silicone and better clamps (I think if you search Google it will come up). Should be less than an hour of labor....but unless you have small hands and very long arms, it's worth paying someone else.