Choosing a used SUV is always a matter of compromise between budget and the condition of the vehicle. In our case, the subject of the article settled on a 2010 Lexus LX570 after considering Toyota Land Cruiser 200 series options and realizing that for 2.5–3 million rubles, a "200" in decent condition was almost unattainable. The LX570, although more expensive at the outset (3.5 million rubles), turned out to be white, with a gasoline engine, no rust, and a relatively "alive" engine. Its previous use in the north and the following years in a regional center left room for investment, but did not make the vehicle hopeless.
The first step was to assess the condition of the frame and underbody: at the time of inspection, rust was noticeable, associated with parking in grass on the shore of Lake Baikal. Over several months with the new owner, most of the corrosion was sandblasted away, and the remaining traces do not require a complete body disassembly. The body as a whole was preserved well: the sills, arches, and tailgate joints are free of corrosion, and the running board brackets are intact. Despite the specialist's warnings about one repainted fender, small dents, and rust, the purchase was made, including thanks to the genuine mileage of 154,000 km and the seller's discount of 200,000 rubles for fixing minor issues.
On the technical side, work was carried out on the 3UR-FE engine: flushing, replacing the oil with 0W-20, installing missing clips, replacing spark plugs (NGK and Denso, 14,000 rubles), cleaning the injectors and throttle body, replacing antifreeze, valve cover gaskets (8,000 rubles), repairing the cooling system fan (11,000 rubles), cleaning and repairing the SAI system, and updating the ECU firmware with a power increase to 400 hp. Generator repair cost 17,000 rubles, the ATF was replaced in the automatic transmission, and the differentials and transfer case were serviced, as were the driveshaft U-joints. About 25,000 rubles were spent on all this.
The suspension required separate investment: front Dixcel discs (15,000 rubles), rear caliper rebuild kit (2,500 rubles), replacement of hydraulic fluid (11,000 rubles), rear left shock absorber (7,600 rubles), trailing arm joints (700 rubles each), tie rod ends and lower control arm bushings (15,000 rubles), and the power steering hose (8,000 rubles). In total, the technical work cost about 170,000 rubles, which fits within the 200,000 rubles allocated by the seller.
Cosmetics and tuning also required investment: a set of 285/50 R20 tires for 20-inch wheels — 86,000 rubles, an AJS exhaust — 50,000 rubles, front and rear bumpers with a Khann body kit — 82,000 rubles, removal of eight dents — 10,000 rubles, replacement of the headlight washer — 2,500 rubles, new headlights — 54,000 rubles. The interior was restored partially: repainting the handles, reupholstering the armrest box lids, with replacement of the pillar trim and possibly the rear sections of the second-row seats planned.
The electronics and multimedia function fully: the 8-inch screen, multimedia, additional settings, and buttons all work properly, with no "black screens." The design and materials of the Luxury Sport interior emphasize the vehicle's status, while the spaciousness of the cabin and cargo compartment has remained well balanced.
The dynamics and handling match its off-road character: the 3UR-FE provides acceleration to "hundred" in 7.5 seconds, fuel consumption in the city reaches 30 l/100 km, and on the highway it is about 13.5 l/100 km. The full-time four-wheel-drive system allows traction to be distributed effectively, and there is an option for forced center lock. The TR-60SN gearbox works smoothly, especially after the ATF replacement.
The LX570's suspension is comfortable on Russian roads, and the shock absorbers can be pumped up to increase ground clearance. The 250,000 rubles invested in just the technical side and tires over four months ensured the SUV's ideal operational readiness. Only fuel expenses remained — almost 150,000 rubles over the period — but the vehicle is now fully ready for further use.