1996 Lexus LX450

Location: Fairhope, Alabama

Why It's Curated: This 1996 Lexus LX450 is for sale in Fairhope, AL. This well-maintained example showcases the legendary reliability of Toyota's 1FZ inline-six engine with comprehensive recent maintenance including exhaust rebuild, new radiator, fresh calipers, and suspension components. The champagne-over-tan leather combination represents a desirable color pairing for these increasingly collectible SUVs. With locking differentials and proper 16-inch wheels, it retains its serious off-road capability while offering the luxury appointments that distinguished the LX450 from its Land Cruiser sibling. Recent preventive maintenance demonstrates proper care of this robust platform.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1996
Make: Lexus
Model: LX450
Drive: 4X4
Miles: 228,000
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Number of Forward Gears: 4
Engine: 4.5L Inline-6 (1FZ)
Exterior Color: champaign
Interior Color: tan
State of Registration: Alabama
Vehicle Location: Fairhope, al
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
Engine Modifications: No
Transmission Modifications: No

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:
Modifications: Yes
Wheel Size and Offset: 12.4x16 +0

Exterior & Interior:
Previous owner over-sprayed lower quarter

Interior Material: Leather 
Modifications: No
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
Regular service for the last 4 years at least, I won't be sad if it does not sell 

Recent Maintenance:
Oil change, belts, exhaust rebuild in 2024, new radiator in 2023, front caliper replacements in 2025, new panhard bars and front bushings in 2025

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
Two minor known rust spots one on the tailgate - surface only, the second on the driver side rear door where the fender flare screws in - it is rusted in a half dollar size area that is rusted through at the screw. The engine intermittently throws a P0402 that gets tracked to an O2 sensor - that has been replaced twice in the last four years. It self resolves if I put ethanol free fuel in for a couple of tanks. Driver side seat gears are stripped, so it will not slide forward or back. I have the replacement gears, have not gotten to it yet. Front two speakers are not working. 

Model History: The Lexus LX450, launched in 1996, represented Toyota's ambitious entry into the American luxury SUV market, essentially rebadging the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80 with premium appointments. This strategic move capitalized on the growing demand for upscale utility vehicles while leveraging Toyota's proven off-road engineering heritage. The LX450 featured the robust 1FZ-FE 4.5-liter inline-six engine producing 212 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive system that had been refined through decades of global expedition use. What distinguished the LX450 from its Toyota sibling was the comprehensive luxury treatment: leather-appointed interior, premium sound system, and refined ride quality that didn't compromise the Land Cruiser's legendary durability. Against contemporaries like the Range Rover and Mercedes G-Class, the LX450 offered superior reliability and lower maintenance costs while matching their on-road comfort. Production lasted only through 1997 before the larger LX470 replaced it, making the LX450 a brief but significant bridge between utilitarian and luxury SUV segments that established Lexus's credibility in the premium truck market.