Hey Scotty, I've wanted a 2008/9 Lexus GX470 for a long time. I'm debating if I should buy a creampuff with 44,000 miles for $25K or get one with 150,000 miles for $17K. I'm solely searching for a southwest truck to avoid rust. BTW, the last SUV I bought was in 2003, so this is a vehicle I'll keep for a long time. I only drive 5,000-8,000 miles per year. Besides timing belt and water pump what else should I keep an eye out for? Also, do you recommend any remote car inspector companies?
THANK YOU!
The moderators have some links to a trusted mechanics list. I myself do car inspections around the Hampton Roads/Tidewater area of a Virginia. Far as an 08 GX470 I believe there was a redesign/recall of the rear driveshaft. Clunking noise occasionally when stopping. Do the timing belt at 100k. On the one with 150k you really don’t know if it was done or not. Even if they have a receipt showing it was done you still can’t be 100% certain. I flipped a car recently with 134k, and I told the buyer, it was supposedly done, I have know way to know for sure, showed him how to loosen the inspection cover, it looked new and was tight. Recommended he check it every 10,000 miles just to be on safe side.
Far as which one to buy, at 150,000 miles it’s really just gettin broken in good. If you really plan on keeping it for a long time, I would see if I could get them to come down a little on the lower mileage one. 8k is really a big difference for 110k miles. That is something to cinsider though because if I was buying the cheaper higher mileage one, just to be safe I would go ahead and do the belt and pump now right after purchase.
On side note , mileage isn’t the only factor to consider on timing belts. Just age takes its toll on them. At 13 years old you’re fine. But if you get the one with 44k, I would plan on replacing the belt and pump in 4-5 years anyway, even if you do only put 5k miles a year on it.
Thumpy, Thank you so much for such a detailed explanation. Given the inflated prices in the last 12 months, I'm going to forego buying until the other economic shoe drops. There are several out there that have 105K miles and just got the timing belt replaced. I'll keep searching Craigslist and try to find a Grandma one. Thanks again!