New owner of LX450

[de Bubster]

I am a Newbie to the forum and I just acquired a FREE 1996 LX450. The owner said it had 390,000 on it when the speedometer quit 9 years ago. I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and I have done all my own maintenance and my own modifications since the 60's. I am very much aware of the Land Cruiser history and reputation. I know that the LX450 is a Lexus in name only and mine is actually an FJ80 Land Cruiser with the optional 3 point differential lock. (with a gold "L" in the grill"). I consider the 1996 and 1997 Land Cruiser 80 series to be the last TRUE Land Cruisers. I believe that the Land Cruiser was the result of reverse engineering of the original Willys Overland Jeep and that the pinnacle of that engineering evolution was reached with the last of the 80 series. When the front suspension went from solid axle to independent and the engine went from diesel or inline 6 cylinder to V8 then, for me, that was the end of a chapter and then the page turns and it was a start of a new chapter. I am posting here because the vehicle I acquired actually was sold and badged as Lexus.

My car has nearly 500,000 miles. No rust, no accidents and is mechanically sound. There certainly is NO reason why it should not be road worthy for another 500,000 miles. My largest criticism is that leather seats will not last as long as the rest of the vehicle but even fabric would be well worn by now. I am upgrading the interior to fabric realizing that it will take away from the resale value. To an old man like myself there is a distinct difference in "value" and "worth". 

Lexus diverged from the standard Toyota product line with a very successful product line that is grounded in high quality, as well as, being luxury orientated. The Land Cruiser was a product line of Toyota that was a truck and a utility vehicle product line built on a 4x4 design platform. The Lexus LX450 was a combination of the two product lines merging to meet a niche market that developed at that time. While most Lexus vehicles are unique and independent in design from Toyota, the LX450 is a Land Cruiser...A great Land Cruiser but it is a Land Cruiser in every since of the word.

I welcome your questions but I am not posting here to debate haters. If you are negative and full of vinegar then get a job on TV or run for Congress. I am presently rebuilding the front axle and replacing the stock seals with Marlin Crawler axle seals. I installed spindle bearing/bushings in the place of the original bushings, as well.

[RX400h]

Hello, Robert. I've noticed that throughout the history of Lexus, many vehicles were based upon Toyota drivetrains and hardware. The main differences were interior materials and features. Obviously, the Lexus name brings with it, status. But other auto manufacturers have been doing the same thing. The Acura Integra should've been a Honda, in my opinion. 

[de Bubster]

Yes, You are exactly right. When the first Lexus SUV came out, people were quick to criticize that it was just an overpriced country club, glorified Land Cruiser yet some of the originals are now fetching close to $50,000.00 or more. They continue to go up in value every year. Lexus has earned its place in the market even though it still is thought of as a glorified Toyota. Toyota set the bar high and has been the Gold Standard all over the world for decades and Lexus is their Crown Jewel.

I get a chuckle when I raise the hood on my "Land Cruiser" and it has a "L" on the valve cover. LOL It is like she is wearing a tiara.  

[RX400h]

Yes, indeed. A few years ago I had asked a girl at work what kind of vehicle she was going to get and she told me she was looking at Mercedes SUVs. This same girl had told me previously that she was going to look at Lexus SUVs. When I asked her why she was leaning toward the MB, she told me that the MB salesman told her that Lexus vehicles have Toyota engines. (....as if that was a bad thing!) 
 If I were there I would've whipped out the Consumer Reports magazine showing that Lexus is the most reliable brand sold in the US, and that Mercedes came in 23rd out of 28. 😏

[de Bubster]

He probably could convince her 4 inches is almost a foot.    Tell her it is Mardi Gras and see if she wants a necklaces.