LSandLX

I am considering buying an 02 with 220,000 miles. Any high mileage ones out there? Major expenses after 200k? Any advice? Seems to be priced right for those miles, one owner, maintained, and in decent shape. Second timing belt and water pump service was done. Newer tires, no accidents.
I see some owners change suspension from LX to Land Cruiser suspension, what does that cost?
I have owned a 99 and 2003 in the past (Cruisers), took them both to about 180k. I am impressed at my completely trouble-free experiences with both. My curiosity is peaked on how long these things can go without needing significant rebuild efforts and expenses. I daily drive a 05 LS, but this LX would be used a couple days a week for commuting, LIGHT towing, and snow days.
First Post, Thanks.

biggus

winterturb

Other than typical wear and tear, the suspension is the one to watch. It can get expensive fast. I have two high mileage ones and am changing the suspension to LC suspension. 250K and yet to do a wheel alignment. Great great great cars.

CloudCity

249,000 here and so far only had one really major failure, the brake assembly, but this was likely caused by a Toyota dealer doing a flush and not bleeding air out properly according to Lexus dealer who had to do the final repair. I also replaced my throttle assembly myself because it was no longer sliding smoothly bit a bit notchy. I've done lots of small things too but most were just because I wanted to. Re-foaming the stock ML speakers made my system like new again, no need for an aftermarket system like I originally quoted out at several thousand dollars.

TriC

I second the warning about rust. Was interested in a low mileage '03 in Alabama last week until running the Lexus service history. It had spent most its life in NE Ohio (snow/salt country) and the most recent record noted that the "vehicle was full of rust."

CloudCity

Good point on rust, most of the rigs I inspected during my search for an LX ended up not being local cars but cars bought at auction from out East and the Midwest. Undersides were either rusted out or covered in POR15 to hide it but I could still see flaking, so you do want to know the background and where the vehicle spent it's life. Tracing registration also helps avoid flood damaged cars if they came from Hurricane-prone areas.

hankinid

How often was "the one to watch" AHC fluid changed?

As I've posted often, you may want to consider broadening your area. Focus on areas not using salt on the roads in winter. With probably less than 3000 series 100's sent to the north American market, seems like the good ones are gone in a day or 3, rust queens tend to linger. Get your financing cleared and be ready to pounce, including quick reaction airline ticket, etc. Good luck and post pics when you score.