Hello I am looking at a 2008 Lexus LX with only 78,000 miles. I have owned many Lexus (mostly) RX's and I presently own a 2017 RX 450h and really do like it. We now have a trailer and now I am considering trading for an LX and by accident have found this one. It looks new but comes from Ohio so I have to worry about the salt issue but it is a beautiful car but I'm just unsure about going from an RX to a LX especially one that is that old. Should I even cosider the 2008 or should I look for one a little newer? I am not a fan of the new grills and of course the price. I have read about the stellar reliability of the LX's but I have had nothing but great luck with my RX"s in the past. I would really like to hear about anyone's experience with an older LX and opinions about the issues they have had. Thanks so much! Tim

 

Depends on what has already been done to it maintenance wise.
If not done it will need at some point soon:
New radiator (good time to replace other related items: belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat etc)
Valley Plate resealed
New starter
New brakes and rotors

There are other issues to watch for like cam tower leaks and such but the above items are almost a certainty to need to be replaced in the next 20-30K. Also be sure the AHC has been serviced. Check the fuid level and color.

I would also look to baseline all fluids. Change out the oil, flush the power steering and clean the reservoir, change out the front, rear and center diff fluids, change the transmission fluid, flush and bleed the brake fluid and lube the propeller shafts.

Keep up on the maintenance and you should get 3-500K out of it if it has been properly maintained.

I bought an 09 with 83K on it a little over 3 years ago (traded in a less than 2 year old GS with 11K on it). Now at 116K it is still the smoothest running engine of any car I have had (including my previous RX450, ES350 and GS350)

 

Thanks so much for all of that incredible and detailed information. I think I will have to read it again and take some notes so as to check everything you mentioned. Thanks again!

 

I bought an 08 in 2021 and it has 134,000 miles on it. I love it! It’s a keeper!