1997 LX450...What do you guys think??

[Thai]

Hey all,

I ran across a nice couple today who is driving a 1997 Lexus LX450. They were thinking of trading it in for a car-based SUV. Anyway, i talked with them and they showed me their LX. My knees wobble when i opened the driver's door...there it is...............a dial to the left of the steering wheel to activate the FRONT and REAR lockers!!! Tears of happiness ran down my face! Anyway, the couple does not even know how to use this contraption.

Just to remind the youngsters...the previous generation Land Cruiser was a mighty off-road vehicle. It has a torquey engine. SOLID AXLES FRONT AND REAR...and they are BIG axles! Of course, they also came with optional front and rear lockers. It's a rare find to see one with these lockers. Ground clearance = 10.8"!!

Today, ONLY 2 vehicles in the US that comes from factory with front and rear lockers...Jeep Rubicon and Mercedes G500.

The LX has about 100K miles. Fully loaded with all options. They are the only owners. The couple apparently has been taking it to Lexus for their services. Car is well-maintained from the looks of things. There's a small dent on the rear bumper due to their daughter's mishap with the trailer. Leather looks worn, but appropriate for a 100K mile car.

The trade-in price that they were offered is $14,500.

What do you guys think?? I gave the couple my phone number...hopefully, they will call me soon.

 

[Thai]

Here's some reading on the LX450

LX 450 Combines Luxury Car Convenience With Superior On/Off-Road Performance

With the unique combination of a rugged, quality-engineered powertrain and a sumptuous luxury-car interior, the LX 450 has earned the title of "Lexus of Sport Utility Vehicles." The LX 450 sport utility vehicle (SUV) combines excellent on-road performance and comfort with superb off-road capabilities. A high-torque engine, highly capable on/offroad powertrain and rugged, yet refined suspension system makes the LX 450 equally suited to an evening dinner outing or an extended camping trip in the mountains.

The quality and level of its luxury and convenience features sets the LX 450 apart from other SUV's. With many amenities shared with its luxury car family members, the LX 450 is the Lexus definition of a high-quality luxury/prestige SUV.

Powertrain

The LX 450 is powered by a rugged 4.5-liter 24-valve in-line 6-cylinder engine that produces 212-horsepower at 4600 RPM and a generous 275 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 RPM. Ninety percent of LX 450's considerable torque output is available from as low as 1400 RPM all the way up to 4600 RPM, which promotes excellent pulling capability.

The 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (ECT) features a 2nd-gear-start switch for starting off under road surfaces with low traction. Full-time four wheel drive (4WD) is permanently engaged in any type of weather or road conditions. A viscous-coupling limited-slip center differential helps eliminate lost torque between the front and rear wheels, improving traction capability when high range is engaged. An optional front and rear differential locking system provides maximum traction in very severe conditions or offroad driving.

Chassis

The LX 450 combines many suspension features resulting in a luxury smooth ride and exceptional offroad capabilities.

Equipped with solid axles for ruggedness and coil springs for suppleness, Lexus engineers refined the suspension by use of coaxially-mounted progressive rate springs. Other refinements include revised control-arm bushings, a thinner rear stabilizer bar and special "rebound springs" in the front shock absorber (similar to those of the LS 400), to limit body roll while maintaining ride comfort.

Design

With its elevated height and broad physique, the LX 450 dominates the road with a muscular and rugged look. Its wide and tall stature gives passengers a high seating position for a commanding outward view in all directions and provides impressive ground clearance for serious offroad ability. Flared fenders and large tires gives the LX 450 a muscular and rugged look. A horizontally chrome-lined grille, stone resistant lower-body cladding, unique alloy wheels and dual beamed headlights with integrated clear-lens parking lights are just a few distinguishing traits signaling the LX 450 as part of the Lexus family.

LX 450 is available in five colors, with two different cladding shades. Color selections are Black Onyx, Champagne Pearl, Cashmere Beige Metallic, Dark Emerald Pearl and White.

Features and Convenience

The LX 450 offers a high level of comfort and convenience features that embodies typical Lexus attention to detail. Standard three-row seating for seven, unusual in the luxury SUV segment, offers fold-down features for flexible seating and cargo-carrying. The third row seating can also be removed entirely for additional cargo space. Seating is fully leather trimmed with the same leather grade as used in the LS 400. Wood-grain on the center console and door trim adds to the rich interior look.

Automatic climate control with solar sensor, separate rear seat heating system, full function power driver and passenger seats, power door locks, windows and outside rear view mirrors are all standard. Power windows feature retained accessory power and can be activated after the key is removed for 60 seconds or until a door is opened, Power door locks feature anti-lockout, overriding any attempts to lock the doors if the key is left in the ignition. A power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade is optional.

Audio and Electronics

The LX 450 is equipped with a Lexus premium sound system as standard equipment, including AM/FM electronically tuned cassette and optional in-cabin six-disc CD auto-changer. The CD changer is built into the center console for convenient access to front and middle seat occupants.

Total maximum audio system power is 195 watts, delivered through seven loudspeakers tuned for the vehicle's interior acoustics. A center console-mounted woofer is contained in its own tuned enclosure and powered by a dedicated amplifier producing 55 watts maximum power. The antenna height can be regulated by an instrument panel switch or retracted to avoid damage from overhanging trees or brush.

LX 450 is pre-wired for two different Lexus mobile phone systems, allowing hands-free operation. The Lexus portable plus phone system features a removable flip-type phone which is housed in the center console for recharging and full function operation.

Safety and Security

The LX 450 includes numerous safety features to complement the security of full-time all-wheel drive. Dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, adjustable driver and front passenger shoulder belt height, heavy tube-type side door beams and a first aid kit are all standard equipment.

A standard remote entry system uses a key-fob type transmitter to lock/unlock doors, set an anti-theft system and activate a panic alarm. The LX 450 anti-theft system defeats the starter, flashes the lights, sounds an alarm and locks all doors if activated. An anti-theft system also is built into the standard premium audio system.

 

[Thai]

1997 LEXUS LX 450 SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE

4.5-liter, DOHC 24-valve, in-line 6-cylinder,
cast iron block with aluminum alloy head
Bore & stroke 3.94 x 3.74 in
Displacement 4.5L/4,477 cc
Compression ratio 9.0:1
Valvetrain Chain driven scissor gear
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
HP (SAE Net) 212 hp @ 4600 RPM
Torque 275 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
Ignition system Electronic
Fuel system EFI, Sequential port
Recommended fuel unleaded

POWERTRAIN
Drive system type Full time, all-wheel drive
Locking center differential
with viscous coupling
4-SPEED ECT AUTOMATIC
Ratios 1st.........2.804
2nd.........1.531
3rd.........1.000
4th.........0.753
Reverse.....2.393
Final drive ratio 4.100:1
Front and rear differential locks - optional

SUSPENSION
Front Leading arm type with coil springs,
lateral rod, stabilizer bar and
solid live axle with rebound springs,
shock absorbers
Rear Four-link coiled spring type
with stabilizer bar and
solid live rear axle with lateral link
Stabilizer bar diameter
Front: 1.1 in
Rear: .98 in

BRAKES
Power-assisted with rear LSPV
(load sensing proportioning valve)
Anti-lock brakes 4-wheel
Front Ventilated disc/12.3 in
Front swept area 262.7 sq in
Rear Ventilated disc/13.2 in
Rear swept area 214.8 sq in
Total swept area 477.6 sq in
Parking Center mounted, hand operated

STEERING
Type Power-assisted recirculating ball
Ratio 18.61
Turns (lock to lock) 3.4
Turning circle (curb to curb) 42.0 ft

TIRES & WHEELS
Wheel size 16 x 8 in
Type & material Aluminum alloy
Tire Size P275/70R16
Spare tire Full size

SAFETY SPECIFICS
Dual airbags
Second-gear start feature
Headrests and three-point seat belts
- on all outboard positions
(middle row center lap belt)
Adjustable front seat belt shoulder anchors
4-wheel anti-lock brakes
Rear center high mount stoplight
ALR/ELR seat belt retractors (outboard seats only)
Side door beams
Full time four wheel drive

CAPACITIES
Engine oil 7.3 qts
Cooling system 14.2 qts
Fuel tank 25.1 gal

BASIC WARRANTY COVERAGE
1 yr/12,500 mi. service adjustments
4 yr/50,000 mi. comprehensive
4 yr roadside assistance
6 yr/70,000 powertrain
6 yr corrosion perforation

BODY DESIGN & MATERIALS
Steel full box section ladder type frame
with steel body

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (in inches)
Wheelbase 112.2
Overall length 189.8
Overall width 76.0
Overall height (unloaded)73.6
Front track 62.8
Rear track 63.0
Min. running ground clearance 10.8

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Headroom:
Front 40.3
Middle 39.7
Rear 36.7

Legroom:
Front 41.7
Middle 32.8
Rear 28.5

Shoulder room:
Front 58.7
Middle 58.7
Rear 59.5

Hip room:
Front 59.5
Middle 59.5
Rear 59.4
(includes optional third seat)

Interior cargo volume with third 90.9 cu ft
seat removed and with middle bench seat folded

Interior cargo volume with third 75.1 cu ft
seat folded and middle bench seat folded

VEHICLE MASS
Curb weight 4,971 lbs
Max. Trailer Weight 5,000 lbs

EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY
City Hwy
13 15

 

[Thai]

Lexus LS 400, LX 450 Top Latest Initial Quality Rankings
05/01/1997 Torrance, CA

Two Lexus models were ranked highest in their segments in initial quality by the marketing information firm J.D. Power and Associates in its 1997 Initial Quality Study (IQS). The LS 400 sedan is the best premium luxury car and the LX 450 is the best full-size sport utility vehicle in initial quality according to results announced today. In addition, the LS 400 improved on last year's excellent result by 31 percent and tallied the best score of any vehicle in the survey, which reports problems encountered by owners in the first 90 days of ownership.

The latest findings mark the seventh year a Lexus has been top-ranked in J.D. Power and Associates' widely recognized quality study. These results closely follow last month's announcement of J.D. Power and Associate's Vehicle Dependability Study, in which Lexus was named the number-one nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership.

"Lexus engineers, our manufacturing plants and our dealers remain dedicated to delivering vehicles that are trouble-free from the start and stay that way for the life of the car. And while the perfect car hasn't been built, these latest results from customers tell us our relentless pursuit is paying off, year after year," commented Jim Press, Lexus senior vice president and general manager.

Including these two latest awards, Lexus has captured 72 percent, or 28 of the 39 J.D. Power and Associates automotive consumer awards for which the make has been eligible. In addition to being named best premium luxury car for initial quality, the Lexus LS 400 was ranked the most appealing luxury car in J.D. Power and Associates' APEAL study, which measures customer satisfaction with an automobile's design, performance, function, handling and other factors of importance in determining a vehicle's overall desirability.

 

[jharris2]

So would you give up the M3 or the 4Runner?

 

[Thai]

Probably the 4runner....

 

[peter78]

Actually I have given some thought to what I would buy if my 4Runner was gone. My answer would be a new 4runner with a V8 or a 1997 Landcrusier inline 6, (or Lexus LX 450).

I would be very tempted to buy it, the last of the great Landcrusiers. I would also be tempted to keep that vehicle for ever. Of course I keep vehicles forever anyway.

Don't forget about us 4Runner owners if you should take the plunge. :

 

[Thai]

Well, i was thinking of turning this forum into a Lexus LX450 forum only. Sorry guys.









































J/k...

 

[GatorGreg]

Today, ONLY 2 vehicles in the US that comes from factory with front and rear lockers...Jeep Rubicon and Mercedes G500.

Hmmm...if I were Thai I'd trade in the '02 4Runner for a fully loaded '04 Limited V8 4X4 with optional rear air suspension, XREAS, moonroof, navigation - this would give him excellent off-roading capability and close to Lexus GX470 luxury for his daily driver. Then I'd trade in the M3 for the Rubicon - giving him his triple locking diffs to cry for in a drop top with virtually unstoppable off-roading capability for weekend fun JM2C

 

[Thai]

Here's the magical dial for the lockers:

And what TLC 80 can do:

 

[jharris2]

That's really a tempting offer. Knowing you, Edmunds or KBB were the first places you went to make sure $14,500 was a reasonable price. You also make it sound like this was exceptionally well taken care of (see if they have the maintenance records -- that will verify).

If you sold the 4Runner (would take a little time), you'd have enough to pay for the Lexus and be out of a car payment. That's always good. And insurance on the Lexus will probably bne the same or lower than on teh 4Runner. Another plus.

After reading the posts, it sounds like a good deal.

One thought -- when I look to change vehicles, I make it a cold, unemotional financial decision. I look at the costs to keep what I have versus the costs to change. If you do that and the benefits are on the Lexus side, then it's a very easy decision to make.

Let us know what you decide.

 

[hiluxsurfnz]

I really like the TLC 80s that's why I'm considering it when I upgrade my runner.We have lots 80s here imported from Japan. They sell for about US$10-15000 depending on the year and mileage. We have mostly 4.2 diesel engines that go with with the cruisers (torquey and economical!)

 

[toybox]

I love those trucks!!

There are soooo many mods for those trucks you could go broke fast and still have only half the stuff you want. And you HAVE to mod it if you get it.

 

[Thai]

I love those trucks!!

There are soooo many mods for those trucks you could go broke fast and still have only half the stuff you want. And you HAVE to mod it if you get it.

I know...don't remind me...i don't think my bank account is gonna appreciate me buying this truck!!

 

[Brewster]

That's what I was looking for before I bought my 4Runner. I wanted that big solid front axle. I only found a couple to look at (in both Lexus and Land Cruiser incarnations), but they had questionable maintenance histories. It seems like when I look for a used vehicle I can never find one even close to the condition of the ones I sell or trade in.

I finally gave up and bought a 4Runner.

It sounds like you've found a good one. If you get it, though, please stay on this site. You've been a great deal of help to many people.

 

[Thai]

If you get it, though, please stay on this site. You've been a great deal of help to many people.

I am not planning on leaving this forum anytime soon. I am here to stay!

 

[jharris2]

my bank account ...

what's a bank account? :

 

[peter78]

Well it is about 2 months later & I am assuming you were unable to get the LX 470. So Thai, any news???

 

[Thai]

Nope, still looking. I won't be getting the LX450. Now, i am having second thoughts about upgrading. IF i were to upgrade, then only two SUVs will be considered (in order of perference):
1. LX470
2. Range Rover

Actually, the Range Rover is a distant second. I have ruled out G-wagon because of this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=23722#post23722

Still thinking....

 

[Kanab]

Nope, still looking. I won't be getting the LX450. Now, i am having second thoughts about upgrading. IF i were to upgrade, then only two SUVs will be considered (in order of perference):
1. LX470
2. Range Rover

Actually, the Range Rover is a distant second. I have ruled out G-wagon because of this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=23722#post23722

Still thinking....

Thai, I just traded my 1995 Toyota Landcruiser in on my new 2004 4runner V8 sport 4x4. It was very well taken care of and had 136K miles on it. Always ran synthetics, throughout the drivetrain and nothing ever broke. I am sure it would of lasted for another 136K miles with just regular care. I just decided I wanted a new ride and I was looking at 2000 LX470's and then discovered that the new V8 4runners were the closest vehicles to the spirit of the FZJ80 with all of the latest and greatest features at a good price. JMHO