urban

Thanks Urban. I've been thinking a lot about what you said in your post. I looked at an LX470 last week that had just had its steering column motor replaced ($1500).

I've read about the manifolds and the catayltic converter shield on this form. Are there any other "know problems" on the LX470 I should know about before I buy?

Also, I checked AAA to see their used car program. The only cars they offer in my area are from Hertz (I've never seen Lexus products at Hertz locations.) Am I not looking in the right place?

In addition to these two, I also had all the rotors done and got them to cover it because they should have been replaced upon the initial CPO inspection. I've seen on this and other boards that the rotors wear down very quickly (i guess it also depends on how you drive) so I would make sure that they aren't warped or glazed.

Fortunately, in the LA area there are a lot of Lexus dealers to choose from that have the AAA rate and saves a ton of $$$.

_urban

I purchased my 1998 LX (44k mi) through a Lexus dealer, but with AAA rate, so I got it for mid-way between wholesale and mid-blue (30.7k) with CPO warranty. I wouldn't buy one without CPO, as the LXs have well documented issues with the steering column grinding, exhaust manifold, etc. These are all covered by warranty -- and would cost your 5k otherwise.

Sorry to hear you paid 1800. Theres a thread that indicated if you brought to a Toyota dealer and had the LC service it runs about 600$.

My 98 LX470 seems to be vibrating more than normal when stopped. Purrs like a kitten when in PARK, but as soon as i put it into drive, the car vibrates. Dealer said it was normal, but it wasn't happening last month. Any ideas?

urban

I recently purchased a 1998 LX 470 with 44k miles (with CPO warranty). Had to bring it in for the steering column motor grinding issue that was covered by warranty. While checking the car they also fixed the exhaust manifold issue that was covered by the drivetrain warranty. Unfortunately, they didn't tighten the steering column enough so it wiggle a little bit and I have to bring it in again. And now it also idles at a little higher RPM than before so the car vibrates a little when stopped. Hopefully that can be fixed as well.

-Urban