Considering this LX450. Let me know what you guys think.

[98LtdT4R]

FS: Clean 1997 LX450

Long story short, I've always wanted an 80 series LC or an LX450, and this one seems almost too good to pass up. The only thing holding me back is that carfax reported it has had 10 previous owners...no accidents/damage reported nor any issues with the title, but the amount of PO just didn't sit right with me. No one seems to keep it for more than a year, except for one owner in Colorado who had it for 5 years and 100k miles. I have gotten him to drop the price to 13k even rather than 13.5k, but I just don't know if I should make the jump or not. Any advice would be appreciated from you knowledgeable folks here.

Thanks,

Sean

 

[twitchee2]

He said it burns 1/2 a quart every 800 miles. it may need a motor sooner than later but from the pics it sure is clean. I have had a soft spot for those as well.

Good luck.

 

[Ol'Blue]

That is the truck I was wanting so bad when I started my search for a SUV. I was all about the LC but they were just out of my price range and still is right now. I just don't have 10-15k to pay one out right cash. Anyhow, it is a very nice truck. Even if it needs a little work it will take care of you and has pretty much everything you can want in a nice trail rig/family camping truck.

Good Luck with what ever you choose.

Blue

 

[JBurt]

I've had my 4runner for 3 years and I'm the longest of the 8 owners since the first guy bought it new in 97, plus it has a salvage title; and I've been perfectly happy with it. No major problems. If you just take your time and look at it and make sure it's in the condition you want it in then you should be ok.

It's hard though as from the thread on mud it sounds like you are a ways away so you only get one shot to look at it. Good luck either way. It looks like an awesome rig.

 

[white_n_slow]

Can't go wrong with an 80-series as long as you don't mind 12-16mpg. I considered one and looked at a few to replace my rolled 4runner, but ultimately decided the truck wasn't for me because:

1) can't get a manual (in the US)
2) not as nimble to drive, larger turn radius

But still a great truck all around. Those solid axles are basically 3/4 ton rated. FZ engine is stout and will keep running as long as you keep putting oil in it.

:edit: a lot of times, a carfax will show multiple PO's if it goes to a dealership and they transfer it to another dealership in their network, so that might account for some of the PO's

 

[JWaldz]

I saw that when it first posted on mud.. Very very clean cruiser and not a bad price considering it's condition. Only negatives I can think of are the 211k and using oil more than normal. Didn't know about the number of owners. That's pretty crazy.

 

[audiness]

I owned an LX450 before my 4runner, believe me they are AWESOME trucks. Very capable offroad (even stock) I sold mine to downsize a bit, and get better gas mileage. the only drawback to the 80 series trucks is 13-15 MPG. Other than that they are totally bulletproof. I have seen many with 400k miles on them. I would not think twice about one with 200k , as long as it has been well maintained.

 

[audiness]

This was mine on the day I sold it. I miss it

 

[sawguy]

You might want to look at Autotrader.com and see what they have to offer. They have some one owners with alot fewer miles.

 

[mud dawg]

I just went from a third gen to an 80. Here are my thoughts:

1. I had to have a third-row seat and that's why I did it. 80 is the perfect size for that.

2. Gas mileage is a huge factor. I spend a lot more on dead dinasours now.

3. Mine is a 97 with lockers. It had 125,000 miles, OME lift, sliders, 33 inch KM2s. It set me back $10,000 even.

4. The truck you are looking at has a lot more stuff than mine did and is in better shape. The new leather interior is HUGE and just the leather and install would be worth quite a bit. The bumper and winch on this truck would be over $1,500. I think it is a great deal at $13,000.

5. My truck burns about a quart of oil every 1500 miles.

6. My check engine light is always on. I'm slowly working through that with the stealership, but i dont really plan on it ever going off...

If you have any questions about making the leap, PM me.

 

[Brian757]

A good buddy of mine has a 1996 Acura Intergra that had 14 previous owners. He turboed and built the motor, and that thing runs like a dream. But he named her Francesa, and always says that she used to be a whore.

Numerous owners don't always mean much. I will bet 50% of the owners
got rid of it due to its MPGs. If you like it, you should get it. They aren't too common and clean like that anymore.

 

[98LtdT4R]

Wow thanks a lot everyone for your quick and informative replies. I am glad you all see it to be as appealing as I do, and I feel somewhat reassured that many owners doesn't always mean it has issues. I forgot to mention the alternative to buying this....which would be keeping my 3rd gen (I am the 3rd owner and knew the first 2 owners personally). 235k miles, supercharged, factory rear locker...and continue build it. I've had no issues thus far other than normal wear and tear. It's such a tough choice to make, but you guys are helping and I appreciate it. Keep up the responses!

 

[mud dawg]

I will say this: If I did not ABSOLUTELY have to have a third row, I would NEVER have swapped for the 80. 80s and LX450s are extremely cool, but for all-around greatness, the 3rd gen is awesome. Better gas mileage, much better steering/handling, smaller and more maneuverable. Definitely not the beast that the 80 is, but fits many needs very well. Perfect expo rig. I would think long and hard on this one.

Wow thanks a lot everyone for your quick and informative replies. I am glad you all see it to be as appealing as I do, and I feel somewhat reassured that many owners doesn't always mean it has issues. I forgot to mention the alternative to buying this....which would be keeping my 3rd gen (I am the 3rd owner and knew the first 2 owners personally). 235k miles, supercharged, factory rear locker...and continue build it. I've had no issues thus far other than normal wear and tear. It's such a tough choice to make, but you guys are helping and I appreciate it. Keep up the responses!

 

[Kurtis]

Wow thanks a lot everyone for your quick and informative replies. I am glad you all see it to be as appealing as I do, and I feel somewhat reassured that many owners doesn't always mean it has issues. I forgot to mention the alternative to buying this....which would be keeping my 3rd gen (I am the 3rd owner and knew the first 2 owners personally). 235k miles, supercharged, factory rear locker...and continue build it. I've had no issues thus far other than normal wear and tear. It's such a tough choice to make, but you guys are helping and I appreciate it. Keep up the responses!

If you are still on the fence about trading your 4Runner, try this: Go get a full detail on it. It might refresh the staleness of your rig. If you get the detail and you still want to trade it in, then you still did yourself a favor because you will get more for the trade-in.

 

[IanB]

A much bigger deal than the # of previous owners with an 80 is the maintenance records, and this one has a decent history. It's very clean, front axle rebuild looks to be done, the only thing I'd be wary of is the CEL (O2 sensors aren't a big deal, but if it needs cats that can get expensive), and the head gasket, which I didn't see mentioned in the ad.

It's a beautiful truck, great shape, lots of very nice add-ons, diff locks, if you are prepared to put the work in to fix it up, and the potential for a head gasket replacement down the road, it would give you many smiles/gallon for years to come.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I saw one in the local Arlington classifieds back in Aug. 125k miles, both lockers, 2 owners, $11,000. It was stock, which made it that more interesting, but I did not pursue it further.

I'd look for another one to mod on my own. But if you need that Supercharged feel, this may be the ticket.

 

[cj80cruiser]

I didn't read his entire thread but has he replaced the headgasket? Its a known issue with the 1FZFE.

Also I cant see the pics but are the front axles weeping gear oil at the knuckles? Could be some price negotiation leverage if these things aren't done.

Edit...I see IanB made mention already about these issues. Those slee items are pricey.

 

[98LtdT4R]

Gas mileage isn't much of a concern, I already get 14mpg in the 4runner on an 18 gallon tank, so 12-14mpg with the LX and a 25 gallon tank, I'll gain range which will be nice. Maybe [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] can chime in with his experience going from a 3rd to an 80, and thoughts on this particular one?

 

[98LtdT4R]

If I do purchase, the head gasket will be in the top of my maintenance list for sure. I'm not too concerned over the O2 sensors either because the 4runner has a CEL for the same reason the whole time I've owned it, with no ill effects.

 

[JWaldz]

I'll post this on behalf of [MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] and I. We had a discussion last month on IH8MUD about going from a T4R to LX450/LC80 when I became interested in trading for one. Here's our convo.

For those interested you can follow Rick's LX450 build HERE

Hey buddy.. From one 3rd gen T4R owner to another, what's the transition expectation going from your 3rd gen to the LX450. I've had some mighty temptations lately and have been wanting one. However, as built as my 3rd gen is I'm having problems letting go. Especially cus I've dumped way too much money in it to just have to start all over again. I just don't want to have any remorse or regrets if I were to make the switch. With that said, are you happy about the switch? I'm sure you miss the 4Runner at times, but what do you miss more/less and what parts make you feel like you did the right thing?

Thanks

Hey man, good to hear from you over here!

First off, I'll admit, my seat time in the Cruiser is minimal at best, in comparison to how much I wheeled the 4Runner.

That being said:

CONS
- It sucks starting over. I was ready/planning 35's and a crawl box on the 4Runner if I was going to keep it. It was pretty much "done" when I sold it and it was so nice just being able to enjoy the vehicle and go explore. Don't get me wrong, i LOVE building vehicles but sometime I forget actually how much labor/time/money went into creating the 4Runner. Now I'm given a reality check with the LX.
- Solid Axle is terrible on washboards: this might be because I have absolutely sh** shocks, but I could instantly see the difference in regular drivability when going to the LX. Not that I'm a baja racer but even running logging or forestry access roads in the LX are way more painful than the 4Runner ever was. I mean I expected it not to be as good as the IFS but I won't even tempt such roads now in the LX unless my tires are below 25psi
- It's gutless, more so than my 4Runner... lol:bang:
- I might be the only one, but I think it "feels" like an old vehicle compared to my 4Runner, despite it being only a year in age difference. The LX feels more like my old 94' Yota pickup. However some of that might go back to the suspension differences

PROS
- it's a tank. And it's awesome. LOL It's just a bigger and more solid feeling rig. With the drawbacks of the SA as you drive on the pavement, come the advantages offroad. I find it way more comfortable in really off-camber situations and front wheel travel is improved. Although I dont have any travel numbers to confirm that.
- Even in my LX's half-built form, without bumpers, it turns heads all the time. They are more rare than 4Runners and I am constantly catching people pointing and gawking. I guess it's just cool seeing people appreciate the Cruiser, cause like I said, it's awesome!
- Interior space: this was one of my biggest draws to this platform. I just wanted more room especially headroom. The rear quarters are way taller and are going to be so much less cramped when my sleeping platform is done.
- Ability to run 37" Tires without that much work.... 35's are easy.
- Rear sliding windows are super cool if you plan on sleeping inside and the rear tail gate vs. hatch is a god-send.

I think as far as reliability is concerned they would be on par. Although the 4Runner definitely requires less baby-sitting of small maintenance items. PHH, head gasket issues, bad wiper seals are always something in the back of my head. Gas mileage is slightly worse in the LX but not by much. One of the big movers for me was the fact that my LX is an Arizona vehicle and completely rust free and it had lower miles. I've always wanted an 80 and the timing was perfect. The truck fell into my lap and I wasn't even looking.... My circumstances have also changed, having a DD and the LX as my "play" vehicle is awesome. I think if I didnt have the dedicated DD I honestly would have been happier in the 4Runner. I think you also have a DD?? Hope something within that ramble helps...