scottlx470

good day...

just a quick question to those LX owners with some experiences with the mechanicals of these rigs. in general, for about the same money, would you sooner buy:

-an older LX470, circa 98 or 99, with 45,000 - 55,000 miles on the clock
-a newer LX470, circa 2001, with 71,000 miles on the clock; assuming it was well maintained by a lexus dealership

just wondering... thanks for any inputs.
scott

ozlx470

Newer.

AKoch

this was the only year that had locking rear differential.

Otherwise - just you preference, really. I'd vote for less miles if the difference in mileage you're looking at is x2.

scottlx470

reading my post again, maybe i was a bit too succinct. this is a question of the reliability of these trucks - if they are truly 'built like tanks', over the course of 5 years
or so, does 20,000 miles really make a difference? what are some compelling arguments for opting for the truck with lower miles, if they'll run for 200,000 when
properly maintained?

thanks for all the insight,
scott

AKoch

Statistically 20k more miles just gives you one more year of 'trouble-free' service, so only you have to decide if the added cost is worth it.

Otherwise either one will serve you well. Mine is on the 6th year starting recently and still no one single break down or anything. I have to mention that I'm taking it off-road... not too often, but anyway.

Alex

GatorGreg

That is a tough question. The answer would depend of course on how much you value the features that Lexus added over the years (e.g. stability control, wood steering wheel, etc.) that were not offered on the early years. Also, I would want to know if the older model is "certified". A few months ago I bought my '98 w/ 47k miles on it and I've been extremely pleased with it thus far. Since it was certified my warranty is for 3 years or 100,000 miles whichever comes first, so I've got 53k miles of warranty left. I already had to use it when the driver's window failed. AFAIK, most of the engine and powertrain components are identical, I think the 4.7 engine and 4 spd tranny are the same.

If in doubt, go with your gut

RPH74

Definitely go for the newer one, better engine, features, and much nicer looking. Since it is the same style as the current '04 model, it will not look obsolete for some time. The mileage difference in my opinion is negligible with cars of this caliber. I own a 99 Landcruiser (same car as LX470), with 104K on it, and it still runs like new. All I've had to do was change all of the fluids on the car. The key will be which car was maintained better.

tmy727

I agree with GatorGreg -

Tough decision for sure... and as far as I know, there are not too many changes. Other than a few interior additions [ex. wood steering and shifter] and exterior [lighted step bar].... not much [if any] were done to the engine and suspension. Check popular sites for more details: http://autos.msn.com/vip/description...d=9719&src=vip

I guess you have to decide if the change is worth it to you. You can drive the 98 with a 100,000 warranty for 2 yrs and be where the 2001 is at.... or drive the 2001 and in 2 yrs, you'll be close to 100,000 miles. One way to look at it is which will have more value in 2 years. A 1998 LX470 with 75,000s OR a 2001 with 100,000?

It also depends on what you like about each vehicle. Ex: if the 2001 is a color that I don't care for or a 2nd choice to the 98 color... then, I'll go with the 1998 that I'll be happier driving.

Good Luck

Jayson

If the older LX is a CPO model I would choose that simply because you are protected for a short time AND it means that a Lexus technician has ripped out any parts that were garbage, worn, or torn, and replaced with new. Plus, items such as a worn back tire, an odd back tire, or worn brakes will be taken care of during certification.

IF the older model is not CPO, then definitely choose the newer model.

In 2001 lots of mechanical parts and TSBs were taken care of in this year. For example, there is a TSB on the computer in the 1998-2000 models that controls your power mirrors and memory functions. If you purchase the older model and it is CPO'd then the computer will be replaced under warranty if it should go out. This replacement will NOT be free if it should go out and you purchased the LX without being a CPO vehicle. By purchasing the 2001 model, even with the high miles, you are getting that new upgraded computer module from the factory when the LX was being built as well as the other TSB's that came out for the previous years. Does that make any sense?

The LX is not a cheap vehicle by any means and I wish you well in your decision.

Francis K

96-97 LX450's have it....it's not really all that great seeing how dropping it into low4x4 does the same thing. If you need to lock your differentials you'll probably have it in 4x4 low anyway.........