1997 Lexus LX450 for $7,500, the luxury twin of the FZJ80 Land Cruiser

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: the LX450 is a Land Cruiser FZJ80 underneath, with the 4.5-liter 1FZ-FE inline-six, full-time 4WD and solid axles front and rear. McoolCar in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania lists this beige 1997 at $7,500 with 290,000 miles, which is the lowest price we have seen on one in months.

The ad gives almost no detail on condition, and it has been listed since late May, so treat it as a project until you see it in person. Even so, worn LX450s with similar mileage have been selling for $9,300 to $16,450, which leaves room for head-gasket and suspension work.

The value check

The seller is asking $7,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $9,300–$16,450, so the middle of the market is about $12,875. That put this car 42% under.

LX450s with 247k to 267k miles sold for $9,300 to $16,450 on Bring a Trailer between July and September 2026. Cleaner trucks bring $24,000 to $36,000, so we use only the high-mile results.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1997 LX450, 267k mi, BaT, $9,300
• 1997 LX450, 247k mi, BaT, $16,250
• 1996 LX450, 266k mi, BaT, $16,450
• Same truck on classic.com

What to check

• The listing has no condition, rust or title details; confirm a clean title and get a pre-purchase inspection
• 1FZ-FE head gasket seepage is common at this mileage; check coolant and oil for mixing
• Inspect the frame, rear quarter panels and the lower tailgate area for rust (East Coast truck)
• Look for leaks at the front axle knuckles (birfield service) and the rear main seal
• Height-control suspension on the LX450 is often failed or removed; check what is fitted

Making it drive like new

Do the knuckle rebuild, head gasket and timing chain checks first, then convert the suspension to a quality 2 to 3 inch coil kit with new shocks. Upgrade the brakes with fresh calipers and lines, add modern LED lighting and seats with better side support, and fit a rear locker if the truck lacks the factory ones.