tftimm

I posted in the LS400 forum and got some good feedback from LS owners and I would like opinions of a used 96-97 LX450. It would probably have 150K miles or so due to my price range.

If maintained, what additional areas should I pay attention to? Are they any more to maintain than a Land Cruiser? Can many of the parts be found at a local parts store such as O'Reily's, Autozone?

FYI, I am considering the following and would like any comments you may have:

1) Lexus LS400
2) Lexus LX450
3) Acura RL
4) Toyota 4Runner

As you can see, I'm split between an SUV and a large car. Whatever we get has to fit 4 people comfortably. A highway cruiser would be of an advantage for the road trips we take here in Texas, while an SUV would be nice to have when we have to get off the road into the sand and caliche roads. My thought is the LX is quiet, smooth, reliable, and and SUV. Gas mileage seems to be about 13-17 which isn't great, but the versatility makes up for it.

Should I take the LX450 off the list if it has 150K+ miles?

2003lx470

Oh come on......SUV if you are in TX. I used to live in TX (austin and houston). also try Toyota Land cruisers.

Ask if they have the service records ( I like to buy from "older ladies" (lol) b/c of good service history). if they dont have the history, check the "carfax".

playa3uhh

I have experience with both cars.

I have a 94 LS400 which is great and runs pretty smoothly. I have to change the shocks, but that's a comfort issue. Overall, the engine is amazing and the body styling is still up to par with the modern cars. I think the only serious mechanical problems were belts and the steering's rack and pinion had to be replaced. The car currently has 140K miles.

On my 97 LX450, I did a rather mediocre job of maintaining it. I ran it up to 130K miles and then the ABS had to be replaced. Instead of replacing it, I bought my SC430. Haha. Talk about two extremes. It was a great car; I'm sure with great care it can last a lifetime. The nice thing about LX450s is that they are uncommon which gives it a sense of exclusivity. If I could now though, I would get an LX470. For your budget, I am almost sure you could find a 98 LX470.

Just my two cents

tftimm

Oh come on......SUV if you are in TX. I used to live in TX (austin and houston). also try Toyota Land cruisers

I don't need the SUV for driving in Texas. My wife is from Mexico and so we travel down to her town to visit frequently and I'd rather have something a little higher off the ground and capable of the dirt/caliche roads. The drive is a couple of hours of pure highway and the road is pretty nice. Occasionally we get invited to a ranch and I'd like to be able to go with confidence and with a car i'd be tough.

We also make trips to San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley so if I got an LS or RL we could use it instead of our Acura TSX. The gas mileage in a LX or Land Cruiser would kill us. If I got one of those, I couldn't do the off-road driving. It can also get interesting after a good rain with the streets, etc.

Thanks for your comments and experiences and I hope to hear more.

tromly

+1 on the SUV, plenty out there on EBAY, good advice on also looking at the Land Cruiser. If you purchase a Lexus, get the service history from the dealer Good Luck

tigmd99

The LX450 is not all that smooth on the highway...certainly not as good as the later gen LX's...so, you definitely need to testdrive one!

4runner is a good choice. Another choice for your needs: Subaru vehicles.

2003lx470

what is your budget?

there is a 2001 lx 470 with 87k miles, for 17k here in MA craigs list.

check ebay, craigslist, carmax, autotrader.

tftimm

I hadn't thought about it, but I will keep an eye on Subaru vehicles. I assume they are fairly reliable?

AItalian

I'm on my second LX450, this one is a '97. The first truck was a '96, both are great vehicles. If you are buying an early gen. LX, be sure to look out for the two achilles heels of the vehicle. The first is the brakes, let's just say they aren't the best (too many emergency stops and you will be replacing or resurfacing them). The second is the rear main seal, after many miles they are prone to leaking. This is my experience with the LX450s and it's confirmed by other Lexus mechanics I know. All in all the LX450 is problem free, and you probably won't find a more stout motor and drivetrain set-up in any other SUV from that decade, besides a military H1.

AKoch

I have exerience with the following:

LX450, LS400 and 4Runner

If would get an LX470 98, and that would be it. It would do both cruising and off-roading in a heartbeat. If you do a really heavy off-roading and that's you focus - second choice would be the LX450. It is a truly excellent vehicle. On-road only - LS400, but as a second choice. All imho.