I'mStock

Well, I called and talked to the seller. Car was purchased at an auction and they know nothing of the history.

The search continues. Thanks guys!

mpatrizio

Just giving you an idea that different parts can be had for less, and most of the problem areas on the LS seem to be pretty simple to address.

I've already replaced the transmission shift indicator in the center console with a new OEM. The original was all bubbled up. The steering wheel in my car is pretty worn and I picked up a wood one on Ebay for $200. Also picked up a new/used chrome grill on Ebay for $50. I'll be installing both this weekend.

Bottom line, the LS really is probably one of the best used car values in the marketplace. If you want to spend a little bit more and search a little bit, you can find a decent LS430 for less than $20k.

I wanted a 98-00 and was searching for 6 months.

Also, word of caution RE: Kelly Blue Book....

The Gen2 LS400's are selling for more than the KBB values at auction right now. Lots of folks are downgrading from new cars into great used car as a result of the economy. That's what I did.

Neofate

iTrader: (1)

Hmm.. that is iffy of course. Taking a gamble.

I know on lexus.com you can look up service history (I assume if done by any lexus dealership).. so might be worth getting the VIN and checking that along with a car fax.

The car looks nice,.. but you might just have to pass it up due to uncertainty. Maybe you can work out a 'warranty' period because of zero knowledge of history.

You see they are selling you the car at the price it should be at with PROPER maintenance. They need to realize this.. the maintenance history (or the ability to check the car out thoroughly themselves and vouch for it) it important.

You can't exactly just rip open the engine to check for a 'new' timing belt -- Just isn't practical.. so that is really the only piece of the puzzle that is dire. The rest can be inspected by a qualified mechanic well enough.

Kansas

I don't think this 98 LS400 is worth giving any thought at all and especially since it is 1,500 miles away. I wonder how many bottles of ArmorAll he used before he took the photos.

Heck, my 2000 LS400 has 112,000 miles on it, is better equipped (and doesn't have the dreaded air suspension), in far nicer condition, with full maintenance history -- if I was selling it today in a private party sale, I would hope to get a little more than $8,000 for it and even that might be a stretch. IMO, KBB doesn't have much to do with reality.

"I'mStock", I see you are in New Mexico. How far are you away from Phoenix/Scottsdale? I've spent a bit of time there where I've seen an exceptional number of low mileage, excellent condition, geezer/snowbird driven 98-00 LS400's for sale at decent prices.

I'mStock

Well, I've been looking for one with factory air suspension... I'd like to be able to lower it at will and still drive near stock height/comfort. I can't imagine buying a car like the LS and throwing coilovers on it, it just seems wrong.

Do I have the wrong train of thought? Is factory air suspension a bad idea?

Kansas

Yes. There have been many threads on this forum about the issues with OEM air suspension -- especially as cars age.

For being such an inexpensive option on a 98-00 LS400 - about $1,900 retail - the air suspension on a 98-00 or any other year LS400 can be horrendously expensive to fix. That's why there is such a thriving business in providing parts to convert LS400 air suspension to springs.

If you are looking to use your new 98 LS400 as a weekend toy and not as a daily driver and if you have deep pockets, then go for it.

When I went looking for a used 2000 LS400 in 2003, I gave the person who searched for me only four requirements -- exterior color white, less than 36,000 miles, no navigation, no air suspension. It took him about three hours to find and deliver the car to me.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

sell it in cali, your car is worth ~$10-12k out here....

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

nice car but like mentioned i think the seller is not telling you something . It looks like it just got its first real cleaning the center caps look yellow from years of brake dust.
If so then it is neglected and will cost 3-4000 in suspension and engine maintenance to get a perfect car.

I'mStock

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lamar411

Well heres what I mean 222k miles is alot of miles when your thinking of purchasing it. If you keep looking you'll find something with less miles then that. When your thinking of selling the car if your gonna sell it to a private party nobody is gonna buy a car with more then 250k miles. Find something for less miles maybe a bit more money so you can make more money when you sell it.

jwr1942

The radio looks like its faded and gone black like so many other lexus's before it have. I would want to see photos of the car when it is on and the dash and radio lights are illuminated. If you're like me it'd drive you crazy to look at a dimmed out dash or radio/ac panel. Also, ask if the title is clean, sometimes they won't tell you that over the phone because they want to get you there before they break the news to you. That being said there are some nice salvage vehicles out there, but they generally are looked upon with disfavor.

whysub

Keep looking chap, and don't let high mileage put you off.I'd rather have a car with high mileage than low (especailly in a colder climate like here in the UK). Short journies do not get the car hot enough to boil the water condensation off in the oil, exhaust system etc. Regular long journies ensure this happens.

My own 400 I purchased with 220,000 miles on it for less that £1,000 and it is immaculate. Run's fantastically, and with a fullLexus history, I'm happy.

And, just as my confirmation that high mileage doesn't mean knackered, my 1995 Honda Fireblade is coming up to 100,000 and I use it to commute to work 2000 miles per month. It out performs many newer bikes on track days, and I'm only an average rider. And my GSX-R 750 had 180,000 miles on it before it was killed in a crash. My target was to get it over 200,000 which i'm sure it would have done.

Good luck in your search

rob22

I used to ride a Blackbird until not too long ago. I think it uses the 'Blade's motor. Great bike.

To the OP, definitely run carfax on this one if you're still interested. I've looked at a few cars in FL over the years and find that many come from the Northeast where rust can be a problem.

I have 2 LS400s, bought my 94 with 225K on the clock and my 97 with 170K. Both are fine, but both came with maintenance records. The 94 had the climate control LCD issue, EGR pipe crack, needs new motor and tranny mounts. The 97 had the cracked EGR as well as new mounts. Apart from that no other significant issues.

Good luck with your search.