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The Lexus LX470, based on the 100 Series Land Cruiser, produced from 1998 - 2007, has all you might need from a luxury SUV.

If you are looking for a used luxury SUV, chances are high that you might have stumbled across a few examples of the Lexus LX470 100 Series. This Toyota Land Cruiser-based luxury off-roader is quite popular in the second-hand car market. As a result, you can find a suitable model with decent mileage between the price range of $15,000 to $25,000, depending on its condition. However, a few examples in good shape and low mileage have an asking price touching the $40,000 mark. The Lexus LX470 100 Series falls in the category of second-hand automobiles that are cheap to buy and, in the long run, offer the benefit of being relatively inexpensive to own.

Below are a few reasons why we believe the LX470 might be among the best choice and hence a genuine bargain if you are looking to buy a used luxury SUV in 2022.

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In 1998, Lexus' LX brand underwent a significant overhaul, and the LX470 100 Series was born. Based on the same underpinnings as the 100 Series Land Cruiser, the LX470 featured a new exterior design, better quality interiors, and, most importantly, the legendary 4.7-liter, 2UZ-FE V8 engine. Originally tuned to produce 230 horsepower, this engine was updated several times along the life cycle of this SUV. When it went out of production in 2007, its power figures stood at 268 horsepower and 328 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to a new engine, other mechanical components of the LX470 were also updated relative to the previous generation 80 series. Among these, one of the most significant was the implementation of full-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case and the introduction of independent suspension components for the front wheels. In addition, the front and the rear electronically locking differentials were dropped, and a single locking central differential was introduced. Unfortunately, these changes somewhat reduced this SUV's off-road capability compared to the older model. However, still, in no way was the 100 Series LX470 a slouch.

Over the years, several electronic aids were also added to the arsenal of the Lexus LX470. These not only helped this SUV to have better on-road dynamics but also improved its performance off-road. In 2000, Vehicle Skid Control and A-Trac (Active Traction Control) were introduced in this SUV. These systems were further enhanced in 2006. Initially, the Lexus LX470 was equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. It served from 1998 till 2003 when a new 5-speed automatic unit was paired to the V8 engine.

The models of the 100 Series LX470 and even the Land Cruiser, which are in more demand in the used car market, are mainly from 2006 onwards. The primary reason for this is the introduction of the Variable Valve Timing and Air Injection system to the 2UZ-FE engine. This not only allowed the engine to have higher performance levels but also helped reduce exhaust emissions. In addition, this SUV received Active Hight Control as a standard fitment since 1998, a feature only introduced in the Land Cruiser in 2006 as an optional extra.

Another reason you would want to pick the LX470 over other SUVs in the used car market is its luxurious interior built to Lexus standards. Several owners of this vehicle have commended it for its quality and the amount of insulation it offers from exterior elements even after several years of use. In addition, despite being a vehicle introduced in the previous decade, the LX470 had most of the basic features you find in modern-day luxury SUVs.

Since 2001, the LX470 was available with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offered in-built navigation which could be controlled through voice commands. Furthermore, rear seat entertainment screens were also available as an optional extra. The major mid-cycle refresh in 2003 saw this SUV come with a new steering wheel with controls on its center pad. The following year saw the infotainment system being added with Bluetooth connectivity and the availability of a rear backup camera as an optional extra.

Other creature comforts which were standard in the LX470 since its debut in 1998 were electronic tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering column and an automatic climate control system for the front and rear seats. Furthermore, it even had the feature of remotely opening the windows and the moon roof through the remote key fob.

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All of these features and the capable powertrain will not be of much use if your LX470 keeps breaking down as you start to put on the extra miles on it. But, being a Toyota product, it benefits from the brand's fantastic reliability, which includes its mechanical components and extended to its electrical systems. Even if something goes wrong, this Lexus is so famous that most common issues are well documented. Not only this, but the easy availability of spare parts and modification kits makes owning this vehicle a breeze, even for the owners who purchase it second-hand.

Ayush's love for all things automotive started with his grandfather's old Suzuki. This early initiation has transformed into a passion for cars that he now chooses to express through his words.