Newbie Purchase Question

[mudluscious]

Hello.....long time reader, first time poster.

Anyway, I have a line on a 97 Lexus Lx 450 with 108k on the clock.....it leaks some oil, but the guy says it's nothing to severe.....no lockers, but in overall fair shape.....

The big question is.....is it worth buying with a little leak? I'm pretty sure it's not a blown gasket, but.....

This is going to be a fam adventure rig with a full buildup eventually....I know the big question is how much? maybe get him to 7k for purchase???

Any thoughts, comments, or concerns?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[Clem]

My $0.02...You would be crazy not to buy that for $7K.

HTH,

Clem

 

[Dan4self]

I'm an east coaster, Maryland to be specific md anything with 4wd here gets a 5k purchase price. Regardless of miles or condition. Weather it's the high cost of living or odd winters. I would take the deal you are describing all day.

 

[redthies]

Any service history? The price vs mileage is good, but if it hasn't had fairly regular services performed, it might cost more in the long run.

 

[mudluscious]

Thanks for the input....I will keep you posted (pics).

 

[CreeperSleeper]

7k seems cheap for whats for sale in my area.

 

[Townsend]

That would be over $10k in Colorado if it's in decent condition aesthetically. $10k At least. Must be nice...

 

[MannMade]

Seems like a good deal to me, are you sure it doesn't have lockers? Most of the LX's I've seen have been loaded up with factory options. I just picked up a 96 & during the initial phone conversation I asked about lockers and was told " it's got the high/ low stick beside the shifter, that's it" When I showed up to check it out, there was that magical dial in the dash just to the left of the steering column. I'm pretty sure I was the first person to put it low range & turn the lockers on since it left the dealership in '96.

 

[Box Rocket]

When I was shopping for mine recently I found it almost impossible to find any of these without a leak or two. Depending on what's leaking I wouldn't worry about that at all and the price you mentioned is fantastic for a truck with that mileage assuming it's in good condition otherwise. Lack of lockers would never be a deal breaker IMO. My first 80 I bought didn't have lockers but I bought it anyway because the truck was in great shape otherwise. I wheeled that truck for 8 years before finally throwing an Aussie locker in the rear diff. For most typical "overland" type travel an 80 series with open diffs will still be extremely capable and if you find yourself in terrain that demands a locker, a rear locker can be done cheaply and will be all you need in 90% of the situations you find yourself.

 

[pmccumber]

Not all leaks are created equal. When I got mine 8 years ago it had a couple. Oil pump (pretty much a pain), valve cover (easy), and the front diff (pretty easy). Since then the disti leaked as well as the speedo down at the transfer. They're old and the o-rings and gaskets get brittle. Thankfully no rear main or that would just suck.

That's a good price if it has lived its life in the west.

 

[mudluscious]

Thanks for the input!



Here is a picture of the new rig! Thank you all for your input. Final purchase price $5,500.

 

[MannMade]

Sounds like you got a heck of a deal!!!! Congratulations !