This 2003 Lexus LX with 583 miles appears to be in showroom condition, but the Carfax report reveals an alternate narrative. | Carscoops
A low-mileage LX with pristine showroom condition, gifted to a school, is increasing in value despite ongoing doubts about its actual mileage at the auction.
7 hours ago
by Brad Anderson
The donated 2003 Lexus LX 470 displays only 583 miles on the odometer.
Carfax indicates a “Not Actual Mileage” title, raising some concerns.
This older LX features a 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces 230 hp.
If you're looking to purchase a brand-new Lexus LX in the United States, you'll need to spend over $100,000. However, if your budget is tighter and you're open to an older model that may have more history than it suggests, this 2003 version might be worth considering.
Originally contributed by Lexus to a trade school, this LX 470 has just 583 miles on the odometer. This number would rank it among the lowest-mileage examples in the nation, if not the very lowest.
However, a Carfax report related to the listing mentions that a “Not Actual Mileage” title was issued at some point, and the ensuing discussions in the Cars & Bids comments indicate that the actual mileage might be greater than what the odometer shows.
Currently available on Cars & Bids, the SUV has undergone a comprehensive mechanical inspection recently. Last month, it received a new timing belt, tensioner assembly, brake fluid, suspension fluid, and drive belt. Both the front and rear differentials were serviced, along with the transfer case.
While long-term storage can negatively affect any vehicle, this recent maintenance should be sufficient to prepare the LX for safe driving.
The Lexus donation features a Mark Levinson audio system, 18-inch wheels, a locking center differential, and a power sunroof. Additionally, it boasts a high-quality Nappa leather interior, and generally, both the exterior and interior appear nearly new.
The listing doesn’t provide much information regarding how the trade school utilized the SUV. However, a pre-purchase inspection by Lemon Squad offers some insights. The report states that the center cross-member was recently replaced, and various areas of the underbody exhibit fresh paint.
Despite its long period of inactivity, the inspection describes the LX as “exceptionally smooth,” with no issues reported in the drivetrain.
Nonetheless, the note from Carfax introduces some ambiguity, and prospective buyers seem to be contemplating that against the vehicle’s condition. Still, bidding has surpassed $64,000 at the time of this publication. For those interested in its story and willing to accept a few uncertainties, there's still an opportunity to participate in the auction.
You can view the listing (and the ongoing discussion in the comments) here.
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This 2003 Lexus LX with 583 miles appears to be in showroom condition, but the Carfax report reveals an alternate narrative. | Carscoops
A low-mileage LX that appears brand new and was donated to a school is increasing in value, despite ongoing doubts regarding its actual mileage during the auction.
