PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

*CAMRY.......
and regardless of teh maint. work, 4500 IS too much by a good 1500 at least.

but that refers to market values, what matters in the end is that you're happy with the car regardless of the purchase price.

Iansaltes

In most every state... the title takes on exempt status if the car is over 10 years old, dealer-to-dealer trades on only new vehicles, and vehicles over 16,000lbs, and vehicles (trailers) that are not self-propelled.

The only other cars that are "exempt" from giving a correct reading over 100,000 are vehicles with a 5 digit odo, in which cause its "not actual miles", not exempt.

I could be wrong....

jcrome04

Maybe it is cause it's +10 years old. I just remember hearing somewhere that +100k miles gets exempt status, even with nothing being wrong with the odo.

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Thank you Ken. My sentiments exactly, I couldn't have worded it better.

I try to be modest, I honestly think I got the better end of the deal here,.. but not everyone thinks the same. Though the majority of the people I know and meet in RL agree with this. For those I don't know, the price is something that just doesn't have to come up.

Thanks again. Yes, I do love it. I'm finally in a 'nice' car again. Its been a long time.

My first car was a 1991 300ZX with 48k. That was a 'nice' car. I loved it, ended up selling it for 8k with 88,000 (to a ford dealership) because I got into the Muscle car, specifically Mustang scene. I bought a 1994 SN95 5.0 Red mustang. My next car was an even older mustang, but 'faster', a 1991 'trunk' as we call them, Fox body with a bit of modification. (I loved working on the stangs).

I eventually had an accident with that one, and had to sell it totalled and got the 240sx as a 'temp' car until I saved up to get something else. I hate car payments, so I always try to buy my cars outright.. so far so good. Anyhow, the 240 just never died, but I absolutely *hated* the car. I hated driving it, was almost embarassed to be seen in it.. (although some love its looks). As such I didn't take care of it, (body wise, I maintained it fine).

Anyhow the point I"m getting at is after the 300ZX sale I dropped all luxury. So I'm just now back into not only a quick car, but one that is Luxurious. This beats any car I've ever owned, and beats half or more of the cars on the road in terms of comfort and 'options'/'luxuries'.

I'm driving just to drive. Any little reason to go somewhere I don't mind now.. I'm loving it. I just spent nearly 100$ at Walmart replenishing all my car detail/wash/wax/claybar/fuel inj cleaner/some misc things -- Since I haven't used anything to wash a car in years. Now I'm looking forward to slaving away washing , then claybaring spots, then buffing that, then waxing, then buffing... and moving inside with the leather and so on so forth. The lady at the check out was like,.. boy your doing too much work. I just smiled.

That is what is so great about a clean car. If you ever get it really nice and detailed.. I mean every little nook and cranny.. In the door frames, stripping, between cracks in woodgrain/console and on and on.. Then wax it really well. "maintaining" the good look is easy. From there it is a simple wash and some basic detail spots here and there once a month, and your car stays in pristine condition.

Yup,.. I have been getting that. It is something I will just have to get used to. People think you have tons of money driving a clean lexus,.. it works for good, and for bad. When, as you say, in reality I spent $4500 on this car, a third or fifth etc of what the other person spent on their 'new' somewhat lesser quality car. --No this isn't snob nosing anyone,.. I'm not like that, just the best way I could phrase that. --

Thanks for that reply,

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Puredrifter: I disagree with the car really only being worth $3000. Heck I sold my 240sx for 2/3rds of that and it is not an ounce the car this lexus is. If you went by 'book' value on the 240, it would have been worth about 350-400$.. it is really all relative. Most cars with this mileage and age are considered 'fair' at best.. and *should* look pretty beat up on the outside and inside. The engine should run a little rough, some power gone, some leaks , so on and so forth. This is one of the rare, '5 percent' of mint -- If you read the disclaimers when pricing out used cars it says 'only 5percent of used cars fall in this category, and I believe that is the 'good' category'.

But absolutely, it boils down to you get what you pay for, if you are pleased with what you paid, it wouldn't really matter if I paid 8500 for it.. If it was what I wanted, and I was pleased. I've seen people spend more money (many times) on a used car and they regret ever buying it a day or two after they get it. I have a friend who just bought an Acura LS ? Anyhow it has 90k or so on the odometer, and he has had it for 3months sitting in the driveway (he is driving his del sol to the ground before he drives his 'newer' car) -- Well the Acura won't even run now. It needs to be towed to the shop before his Del sol with 400,000 miles on it is dead. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Jchrome, Ian :: -- I went to the DMV today and registered the car,.. got the tag transferred, paid taxes, and transferred the title into my name. I asked about how the title would come back and the law.

She said , yes, after 10 years in the state of Alabama the odometer will read 'Exempt' on the title regardless of whether it is accurate or not.

I find little logic in that,.. I'm sure there is a good reason, but with technology and cars lasting longer and longer these days -- I think that law should be revised. It doesn't make alot of difference, but the mileage should be kept up with the car and its owners legally imho. Why not? If the digital odometer keeps up with it, etc,.. What good is it doing to 'exempt' it as if the mileage is no longer valid.

Unless after 10 years mileage isn't the same factor as it is in the first 10 years. Which is absolutely true. Which is why we get some conflicting opinions of price value here. Post 10yrs car are either Dead, (most in 'fair' shape).. 5% in good, and 1% in mint condition. The further past 10yrs you go the worse the statistics get.

These LS 400's are hands down through all of the data, awards, reports, current owners on the road, etc .. The most reliable cars , arguably, ever made.

I think they really are neck and neck with the best model year for the Honda Accord (I'm not even sure what year that would be).

That part isn't really opinion, it is fact. Which is very, very comforting. So we should all just be proud and glad we own such fine pieces of luxurious machinery.

Iansaltes

Neofate,

It seems like we have the exact same taste in cars! I had a 1996 TT300zx with 32k original miles on it, sold it with around 70k ( LOVED the car )... then bought a 1990 Mustang notchback, 5.0l bored it out to a 306, e303 cam, headers, O/R X, 10 series muffs ( http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z8QVU5hz8Qc )... loved the car, but ended up selling it to my cousin this past summer, and I bought my current 1992 LS, and love it.

I still have a thing for mustangs though, I was given this mustang from my dad:



....and turned it into this (I did all the work -- paint, sanding, body, interior):




being a past mustang man yourself, I'm sure you can appreciate that!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CYy2_SvQIzE <--- as you can tell, it has an exhaust leak and whining PS pump.

I think I will someday return to the 300zx and Mustang world, but for now, the Lex does great!

tcbted

Good luck with the car.

Incidentally, I've read every one of your posts on this topic, and I for one appreciate the detailed explanations. Its a nice change from the typical threads ... kind of makes me feel like I'm part of your journey, so to speak.

I don't feel like you overpaid whatsoever, considering the history and maintenance of your LS. Let me give you two examples of similar situations.
My neighbour is an Audi nut. He takes his cars to a Audi specialist 3 hrs away for service. He has always fawned over his mechanic's pride and joy ... a 1997 A6 Quattro.
2 yrs ago, the specialist gave him 1st dibs on purchasing his personal car. With 160k on her, it would've fetched $8k tops in the Toronto Autotrader.
My neighbour knew that every nut on this car has been beefed up with performance parts ...from brakes,suspension, motor, tires ... you name it, its been rebuilt with the best of the best.He paid $17k for it.
I've driven the car ... it drives better than new, and has been rock solid for him. His dad has a 2004 A6, and that car has been more problematic than the 1997. The secret is, this car is driven purely for pleasure, and he'll hang on to it for many years to come.
When I bought my 2000 LS400, I paid a premium to get a one owner car with low miles ... 59k, and 1 owner history. They were asking $20k, I paid about $17k aafter a few credits. I traded in my 2001 STS for $10k, with 82k on her.
That's right, I went back a year yet paid $7k difference.
My STS still sits on the dealer's lot ... it's advertised every week with a 25 pic link, and the price has gone from $13k to just over $10k. It has now sat their for 6 months, while I've been driving an incredible machine with zero issues.
I drive very little, and these cars age very slowly ... it could last me 10 years.
I have no doubt that my STS will have blown its tranny and 4.6 Northstar motor long before my LS400 has any hiccups.

I look in my current auto trader, and their are very few LS400's for sale ... most 93-95's have about 120-180k, and go for around $4-6 k. Virtually all of these cars are a crapshoot mechanically, with brief or no service history.
If you want to flip your car in 6 months, you will lose money.
If you drive your Lexus for even two years, then you made a great purchase.
I suspect you've made a great purchase.
Here's how I justified spending $17k on a 7.5yr old car ... it was the lowest mileage example of the last production year of the greatest generation Lexus ever built. Others think I'm nuts, but they are not enthusiasts.

Best of luck, and keep up the lengthy posts.

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

No doubt! Great job. I am mucho impressed. I was never big in to rag tops, but that ones looks sharp. You made it look better than factory, you realize that right? -- Engine strong otherwise?

I don't know about returning,.. I think instead of running a 'single' ride I'll get a weekend warrior, and a daliy driver. I guarantee you drive your Lexus more than your stang

Somethings in life are just fun , but that fun loses to comfort really quick

But why not have both?

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. Hang on while we spiral through the...

Obviously I don't either -- I'm about to get out and detail my baby... I like washing/waxing during dusk and nighttime hours -- I don't know why but I always end up doing it in the evening. I might just do a good interior job and do the outside tommorow.. But I have so much stuff to work with I think its a 'couple day job' --With the scratch remover to clay bar and all in between.

I'm not very familiar with Audi's -- In fact I would put that down as one of the cars I am "least" familiar with. But the *nut* part of maintenance and care, I am familiar with.. I admire people who do things like that, and it is great he (I reread, I assume this mechanic sold it to your friend) had someone who could buy the car for 'somewhat' what it was worth, instead of putting X tens of thousands of dollars into it, and getting under 10k for the whole thing. (That is the price anyone pays for extensive modification, you are never going to get your money back out of it.. so you better be doing it for yourself and your own pleasure)

There are cadillac nuts just like us Lexus nuts -- It needs to be seen by the right person, but the STS used to be a HUGE status symbol, and wanted car. Depending on area, it seems like that has changed a bit.

I've always been a bit hesitant with cadillac, because they just seem to be prone to problems. Though I suppose no more than any other american car.

Bottom line you made the right choice, and don't you like the lexus better?

I haven't looked lately,.. but it isn't easy to keep a car in demand in supply. That mileage and range sounds about right. 6k for the lower mileage, or better conditioned LS's.. and 4k for the higher mileage and worse conditioned LS's.

Coincidently I have gone about and taken a look at some other 90-94 LS 4000's for 4-6k around my area. I saw nothing in as good of physical condition, and I got to drive 2 of them. Neither were close in mechanical condition. They weren't about to break down, but they did leak oil from the rear main, both of them. Both PS were leaking (no biggy).. and they had a very loud ticcing at all speeds, idle or not.

I went around to newer lexus's and listened for this 'ticcing' and there seems to be a general 'Valve, or some kind of TIC on almost all lexus's" Even new ones. Makes it sound like there could be an underlying problem with lifters or something, but no, they just slighly tick, tick, tick. (Just standing with hood down on most of them you don't notice it, open the hood and listen you will).


On the 'no service history/crapshoot' -- Yep, Pretty much 90% of all 10+ yr old vehicle are going to be a crapshoot on that. I know I will keep my records from this point onward. But that won't cover the other 220k -- It will help when I sell it.. (Long time from now).. but any work I do myself, it isn't documented, sure I could type something out -- But it isn't official, no receipt. That is sort of like what that mechanic did,.. He had no documentation on his work,.. He did it himself, no one charged him. He didn't keep his receipts from the parts. Even the new parts he put on, were quite obvious from taking a look at the engine or under the car. (A shiney new rack and pinion, well looks obviously new) and so on.


Thanks.. Hopefully I won't need it, and I can't help but post lengthy posts.. So you don't have to tell me to.

Thanks, and take care,

Emster

Well for what its worth I think you did good. Shoot I paid $6000.00 for my 1990 Ls 400 but its only got 62000 miles and is perfect inside, looks like new. The outside is in great shape too but it is 18 years old! I paid $6000 for it because thats what the blue book said it was worth and I bought it off my parents who took care of it. IMO this car drives better then their new one (not a Lexus)and its 18 years old, to me this is incredible, almost hard to believe. I love this car and I'm sure you will love yours.

I have been reading some of your posts, thanks for helping us out on here. I should spend more time on this site but don't seem to get over here that often. Keep up the good work!

heyhowyado

hey, contrats on the car! Looks nice....and you seem like the type of guy who will have that thing perfect.......as far as the price, it's all what it's worth to you....if you're happy, that's all that matters!

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Emster: 62k, 6grand, and from your parents (you know exactly how it was cared for) -- You can't beat that, not by a long shot. Hang on to that car, even if you want a sports car a few years from now. Keep the lexus in the garage or something. They aren't worth selling .. you never get what they really are worth , if you know what I mean. Unless you have a family member or good friend in the future who needs a great car and you are upgrading. And thanks ..

heyhowyado: Thanks for the compliment, and I try. I am picky, and I tend to go all the way with something or not at all. With my 240sx I did the 'not at all' --Just enough to keep it rolling. With this car It is all the way. I spent 4 weeks dealing with the mechanic on the phone about details, mostly minor. Then Thursday called him and immediately hurried over to pick it up. I made it to the bank with to get a Certified check 2 mins before they closed that day. I had two Bill of Sales ready, typed, and break down of the pricing for the car. (Stuff the seller usually does, but I like to bring my own legal stuff 'just in case',.. and sure enough he had nothing prepared).

That was at night, so Friday between school and work I stopped by State Farm and got the insurance transferred and paid. Then managed to make it to the DMV to get a tag, pay taxes, and also send my title off for ownership transfer. So by Friday afternoon all paper work/money had been taken care of.

Saturday I posted alot on here (I've been doing alot of that in that past 2-3 weeks.. heh) -- To get some ideas on products and what not. Then I went out and picked up 100$ worth of detailing supplies. Sat. evening I spent 5 hours washing/clay baring/scratch removing/and waxing the car. Then armor-all'ed the tires, (had no wheel cleaner, doh! Picking that up today). Then I windexed the windows and mirrors inside and out. Finally, I went ahead and rain-x 'ed every window aside from the Sunroof.

Now its Sunday: I intend on doing a bang up job on the interior today. If you've looked over the pictures, its pretty clean as is. But I guarantee I'll turn it into a 2-4 hour job. There is one spot on the passenger side carpet.. that alone is enough for me to shampoo the entire carpeting in the car. Why not? I bet it has never been done. Along with that I will clean the leather seats, and condition them.

Then it is on to the 'detail' part of the car -- I have always used Armor-all on the dash and plastic parts.. but I think I read somewhere not to do that.. so I'll have to do some reading as to what products will make it shine but not do whatever damage armorall does to the dash? (Anyone know?) -- Then clean the woodgrain -- (I've wiped it down, but it going to need something better than a damp rag.. I guess I'll search, but if you know a good wood grain product to use let me know. -- Also any scratches in wood grain what do you use to get them out?

Lastly, the plastic cover over the HUD instrument cluster: -- What is a good product to use on that? Anything to remove any swirls on that? (nothing major, but would be nice to smooth it out) If not, I assume just a damp towel?

Bottom line..

I will have the car as good as it is going to look.. Then I will grab some touch up paint and go over the little specs where rocks have hit it and such, and do what I can with the somewhat dull part of the rear bumper (not so bad since I waxed it).

Plan on tinting the windows this week, and Tuesday I believe my Pioneer headunit will arrive and I'll be wiring that sucker up.

Funds start to get a little low by then, so I will tighten up.

Ultimately I think mechanically I will get the mechanic to go ahead and replace the PS pump, and look at my valves and adjust them if need be. Other than that there isn't anything else to do to the vehicle aside from a new shift **** and new exhaust tips to make it as perfect as feasibly possible.

All in good time, all in good time.

Be well,

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

FINALLY!!!!!! the man with the super long posts has finally gotten his car jk lol but its real clean, youll really enjoy it and make sure to stay friends with the guy who sold it to you. if he knows his way around the car., you will save a hell of a lot more money fixing it at his place over a dealership

BipCelsior

agree normally people switch cluster to keep the mileages low not change it up to high. You can run carfarx and it will tell you if this car has mileages adjustment or not since it a used car. Overall the car is really clean

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

I know there is alot to read in this thread, so you probably missed it.

There never was a question of if the mileage was accurate in my car. But, just being on the safe side I ran a car fax report before I purchased it. It came back clean and had 1 owner before him who had it the same years as he explained with the 97,xxxx miles on it in well, 1997

Speaking of Carfax's if anyone wants one for any used vehicle, just give me a VIN and I'll send you the report. My 30 day 'unlimited' still has some time on it.