robmypro

I'm moving to the foothills in Colorado (elevation 8,000 ft.) and need to make a decision on a vehicle. Right now I have a 1996 LS400 and it has been REALLY good to me. But it's RWD and we get snow in the foothills measured in feet, not inches. So for a couple weeks I've been doing some research, trying to figure out what I really need. I initially started leaning towards a Subaru, since they are pretty well known for winter climates. But it's really hard to drive anything else once you've owned a Lexus. So I started looking at the Lexus lineup. The 3 that qualified were the RX, GX and LX. I went to the dealer to drive the RX and GX models, and they were nice. But I took one look at the LX470 and said OH BABY!

My main concern with the LX470 is power. How is this thing going to do at 8,000 feet? I can get a very clean 2005 with 34000 miles, and it rides really nice. But the 2006 has more horsepower. I just can't find any low mileage 2006 in my area.

As far as what we are going to be doing with it, mostly a grocery getter, but we will also do some off-roading (nothing hard core). The wife (cringe) will also be driving it.

So I guess my questions are:

1. Will the 2005 LX470 be underpowered at 8,000ft.?
2. Are there any significant maintenance problems between the 2005 and 2006 models?
3. Am I going overboard getting a LX470 in the first place? Maybe the RX350 or GX470 makes more sense?

Thanks for all the feedback. I've been reading this forum all morning and have learned a lot already! You guys know your stuff!

Rob

airdzi

It has sufficient power for Colorado, used mine on several ski trips (2001) , Eisenhower tunnel, Vail Pass etc, I was always in the fast lane. Mine has Extra Power push switch by the hight adjustment controls, gives stronger RPM curve and you can always go overdrive. Switch transfer case to LOW and you got perfect offroading machine, just do not flip it upside down. you are talking about one of the most capable vehicles in the world, go to Africa, hire a private mountain guide and most likely you will end up in the Land Cruiser.

Not much to worry about but maintenace until car gets over 100K miles. Change plugs and timing belt at 120K only to note belt still has a plenty of life left in it.

Check brakes, tires, change fluids, test AC.

Oil needs to be dark brown but not sludgy black in color, Toyota engines are well built and sealed, the first sign of poor maintenance is exhaust gas entering the crankcase thru leaky rings, also known as blowby.

Little bit of black dry sot at the exhaust tip is OK for engine of that size but wet sludgy deposits are bad sign.

Stay away from chrome wheels, go paint over aluminum, Lexus chrome wheels have a tendency to blister and peel and you WILL develop air leaks.

Early models were prone to exhaust manifold cracks, google this issue and search groups for more info, not sure of model years.

robmypro

Thanks for the feedback. What year do you have?

pearlLx

the biggest concern with my LX is the AHC accumulators. reported to start to wear out around 70K miles. i have 100,000 miles on my 99 and nothin has happened yet, either that or the previous owner fixed em, hope thats the case because its a $3k job

airdzi

2001 with over 150K miles

airdzi

Acutators can be purchased for $1200 on line 4 in the set. I tow with mine and at 150K still on original suspension

robmypro

After reading your replies, and talking to a friend with a LC, I decided to pull the trigger last night. Here's what I bought...

2005 LX470
38k miles
CPO
Completely mint in and out. Not a scratch on it.
Fully loaded
All service records (very well maintained)

The dealer wanted $44k but it was the end of the month. I paid $38k.

The thing is a beast! We test-drove the RX350 and GX470, but the LX was just in another league. We also opted for the extended warranty. By default the vehicle comes with a 3 year, 100k total mile warranty. But we don't drive that much (8-10k miles per year) so in 3 years we would still have 30k miles left before we get to 100k. So we opted for the 5 year warranty. I read the exclusions, and it looks like anything major is covered. We paid $2k for the warranty.

Good deal? Too late if not, but curious what you guys think. I rarely go for warranties, but with this one I don't have to worry about major repairs until 2014.

I'm happy.

AKoch

I had an LX470 98 for 8 years, and then replaced it with the 2006. The 5-speed transmission vs a 4-speed was a very noticeable difference. I do not perceive any difference in engine power whatsoever. The 98 engine was a bit smoother and quiter if anything. I live at 1500 feet elevation though, but in the mountainous terrain. Never had a situation when the power was not enough traveling through the ridges.

airdzi

Robmypro - you bought a great car, forget what you paid for it, consider money well spent, ENJOY. Warranty maybe a plus - when your DVD stops playing.