Opinions Needed: '97 Lx 450 W/ 233K Miles

[erea77]

I am new to the forum, although I've been lurking for quite a while.

I am looking at buying a '97 LX 450 w/ the following:

-233k miles
-A/C needs to be repaired
-tan leather upholstery(front seats torn up slightly)
-towing package
-black onyx exterior
-power sunroof
-running boards
-roof rack

I am taking it into my mechanic today to get it checked out.

Is there anything in particular I should have him check out?
Any other advice about these vehicles would be greatly appreciated.

I could get it for around $2-2.5k.

[1990LS400]

My advice is "Run, run away as fast as you can." The LX470 was a huge improvement over the LX450.

[erea77]

My advice is "Run, run away as fast as you can." The LX470 was a huge improvement over the LX450.

Do you say this because of any mechanical issues that the 450 had, or just interior and power improvements?

[pj8708]

My advice is "Run, run away as fast as you can." The LX470 was a huge improvement over the LX450.

Do you say this because of any mechanical issues that the 450 had, or just interior and power improvements?

Hi you two,

I can't speak for Jim, but IMO, just the fact that this is a 1997 and has 233,000 miles on it would make me move on and not look back. Unless, you have someone who can look it over and the seller has all service records.

Paul

[1990LS400]

It's because most of the LX450's I've seen have let a very hard life (re: the torn seats) and there were few sold. You could easily spend more that the purchase price on having the A/C repair if it needs a compressor - I've replace three A/C compressors on Lexus V8 cars and they are not cheap with all the other parts you also should replace.