Lexus LX 450 Quickly Becoming Pricey Collectible

On the Rise

As most are well aware, prices of pretty much every used vehicle have skyrocketed in recent months due to the semiconductor chip shortage's impact on new vehicle production. Couple this with the fact that vintage SUV values were already on the rise, and it's no surprise that even more recent ones, like the Lexus LX 450, are quickly becoming quite pricey and collectible.

Photos: Lexus

First of Many

The first-gen Lexus LX 450 is of course based on the J80 Toyota Land Cruiser and was only offered across two model years - 1996 and 1997. With a trusty and reliable 4.5-liter V8 under the hood, paired to a five-speed automatic transmission, the original LX sold for around $50k, which was good money at the time.

Photos: Lexus

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Didn't Last Long

Though it was largely considered a success and it obviously spawned a long-lasting model in Lexus' lineup, the first-gen LX only recorded around 14,000 units of sales in the U.S. and Canada in total. It also didn't last long thanks to the fact that the new J100 Land Cruiser was right around the corner, which meant a new LX as well.

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Trickling Down

The LX 470 represented a newer and more distinguished model, but the somewhat rare LX 450 is commanding big money at auction, particularly for nice low-mile examples. It's worth wondering, however - is this a byproduct of exploding J80 prices, which are trickling down to its more luxury-oriented brother, or is the LX 450 just that good on its own?

Photos: Lexus

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Symbol of Wealth

The rise of the J80 has certainly played a part in the heavy demand and rising prices related to the original LX, but there are many other factors at play here, too. One is the nostalgia many feel for the 1990s, and the LX 450 is one of those vehicles that many grew up admiring as a symbol of wealth at the time.

Photos: Lexus

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Nicely Kept

Luckily, most LX 450s were owned by folks who had them as second or third vehicles, so most of what's left are pretty nice. The problem, however, is that there just aren't many of these first-gen SUVs around in general, thanks to its scant production numbers. Regardless, they're also very reliable, so at least prospect. As far as pricing goes, we've seen some very nice LX 450 examples crest the $40k mark recently, which means those looking to relieve a little 90s nostalgia are going to have to shell out some cash to do so.

Photos: Lexus

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