So; I've found a good dealership, they have three different lexuses, and I was hoping to get you guys' opinion on the choice I have before me.

1999 LS400, 90k miles, $9k
2002 LS430, 150k miles, $9k
1998 GS400, 180k miles, $6k

All have good maintenance records.

I realize the GS is a different kind of car; I'm more into the luxury models, but it'll be easier to park, and I've heard (is it true?) that the GS is cheaper to fix because it shares more toyota parts.

What's really important to me is a v8, and a black interior. (Unfortunately, the LS400 doesn't have a black interior, but the low mileage is attractive to me.) I'm used to american cars, so six-digit mileage scares me. Whatever I get, I'd like to get 3 years/75k miles out of it, relatively trouble-free.

 

me personally...I'd never buy a Lexus with close to 200K.

For that reason only I'd get the 99 LS.

 

I'd say they are all a bit on the risky side with the mileage and age. I'd lean toward the lowest miles unit, the '99. Bare in mind though things can rot out on a car from age just as much as they can from being driven. If these three cars are from a Lexus dealer, I'd inquire about some sort of additional warranty or guarantee.
You probably have your mind or heart set on a Lexus or the V8. If not, have you considered a newer Honda or Toyota product?

 

Heart set on v8 moreso than lexus, but old lexus seems like the best deal for price & reliability.

Does it make sense to go for the cheaper one, even though it's older, just so there's less on the line if it craps out?

 

It may be cheaper by $3K, but it has double the mileage (180K vs. 90K) of the 99 LS.... Decisions, decisions....

 

The LS430, IMO, was arguably the nicest-driving car Lexus ever produced, but with 60,000 more miles on it than the 99 LS400, this particular one is somewhat more of a risk. I wouldn't even consider the GS and its 180K miles.

 

there's more to a vehicle than an engine, even though the lexus v8 is one of the best engines ever made.

not to me, a car with 180k mi. could have any manner of things be wrong or go wrong like AC, suspension, plus the seats might be worn out at that point, hell even paint condition. that's a lotta miles.

without more details, of those 3 i'd get the 99 ls400.

 

I would take the 99 LS400.

 

If the body and interior wear check out fine for its age, I'd get the 99 LS for the lowest risk of issues.

 

They did, as did the maintenance records, that's what I ended up getting.

 

Dude lives in California. Assuming all 3 cars have lived their life in California, they will not rust.

I'd go for the 1999 LS400, assuming its really clean/never been hit, etc.

 

LS430, same amount as LS400 and it's as reliable as it comes.

Btw, I owned both LS and giving me a choice I would choose LS430 over LS400 even with the mileage difference.