When you see a vehicle you own appear for sale at a strong asking price – but it’s been listed for more than a few days – how does it make you feel? Personally, I think this clean 1996 Lexus LX450 is a handsome survivor worthy of its lofty asking price, but the length of time it’s been listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace may suggest not everyone else agrees. With just 117,000 miles on the clock, it holds value as both a collector’s item and as a daily driver.
While this may not seem like particularly low mileage, you have to understand the reputation that Toyota Land Cruisers have (yes, this is a Land Cruiser with a Lexus badge and some other minor cosmetic differences:) these trucks are known to go 300,000 miles with the engines never being cracked open. Now, as I’ve mentioned before, my truck has experienced an unfortunate headgasket issue, so they’re also not immune to needing rebuilds after a certain point – but it’s unlikely.
The leather seating surfaces are in excellent shape, and this is a major win for the next owner. The leather seats are typically a weak spot in these trucks and refurbishment kits are scattered everywhere online. I had my seats redone not too long ago and it makes the driving experience far more pleasant. The seller doesn’t share whether this is original leather or if it’s been redone, but it looks great either way.
The other issue with these 80-Series trucks is rust. Underneath is a bigger issue than up above, and fortunately, the body panels of this rig appear to be in very good condition. The smaller details, like taillight lenses and badges, are also in good order. The asking price is high but most of these trucks have racked up massive mileage, so it certainly deserves a strong number given how few are left in this kind of condition.
What is that high asking price? And does this have the rare locking diff option? (there would be a switch left of the steering column)
Seller cops to a combined 13mpg. Where in the ownership experience is the satisfaction found?
Id say probably having a luxury land yacht that rides nicely, almost bulletproof, and understated confidence owning such a vehicle grants the owner. Gas mileage is a mere petty concern.
Agreed, Victor. Brand new this was a gem for a management guy with a monthly car allowance and a gas card. Now, almost 30 years down the road? I can’t help but think you can do better for the money.
Seems like a nice vehicle. No pics of the underneath. It seems a tad high on price.
Wow- KBB says private party price is $8500.
A…no. It may have been the ultimate 30 years ago but even with that mileage and it lives in the Salt belt. A soon to be ho hum money pit.
That’s triple-locked money.
Yea that’s the I don’t wanna to sell it price but just to appease the wife I’ll put it up for sale lol 😂
While I’m not one to complain( cough), but I’d rather see a classic battleship than a used Lexus. I’m reminded of the movie “Anaylize That”, where DeNiro is the car salesman, and grills a couple that has a Lexus, “Lexus, pfft, what is that, a fuxxxxx Toyota”,,more Autocars, please!
This is a “Barnfind”?? Who’s kidding who?
Alas, that vehicle demands 91 octane, so it’s not cheap to operate. Might be worth $17k, but not $25k.
Full time 4wd always sucks down a lot of gas.
A heavy car with low running boards and leather seats has no business in any 4wd conditions except ice and snow on a paved road — so why does it need to be in 4wd in the summer?
Automatic transmissions are thirsty too.
I’m not convinced that you actually get 91 octane at any pump. The folks who own and run gas stations don’t seem above filling all their tanks with the cheaper grade, and no-one carries a chemistry set in their car to check if they are getting 91 octane. It seems likely that it’s all the same gas.
These things were “soccer mom” cars when new. They don’t really deserve the offroad rep that has rubbed off on them. They are very heavy. They have an automatic transmission. They don’t have diff locks or much ground clearance or particularly great suspension travel. They have running boards and fancy paint and leather seats. They are good for going shopping or taking clean, well-behaved kids to school. Add to that the huge fuel bill and they stop looking interesting — to me at least. I’ve never really understood the fuss.
Maybe you should do a little more research. These are rebadged 80 Series Land Cruisers and even without the optional center diff lock, they can go places most of today’s SUVs never could. Oh, and it will last forever too. This is not your typical soccer Mom car.
Jesse is 100% correct
A 80 with only 100k miles on it is basically brand new
Maybe you have to own one of these to understand. There seems to be an idealizing narrative around the Land Cruiser badge that transcends common sense. It’s almost like Land Cruisers have become a deity to be worshiped. My father in law had a 1988 FJ60 with an automatic, and the thing was absolutely gutless and got maybe 10mpg on a good day. You almost couldn’t drive it on the freeway it was so slow up hills, constantly downshifting to laboriously find its way. Heavy, slow, long, low, limited suspension travel, not a stellar off road vehicle. Your modern Subaru Crosstrek would outperform it on the trail. He generously wanted to give it to me and my wife, but we decided to pass it was so miserable and expensive to drive. And this is coming from someone who has owned probably 8 or 9 Jeep CJ’s, a few International Scouts and some 1st gen Broncos. I know this Lexus featured here is a step up from those rigs in terms of driveability, engineering and safety, but $25k? Really? I know some Land Cruiser enthusiast will happily pay that, but it seems strange.
Yeah I agree.