Looking to buy '98 LS400, should I be worried about it's high mileage?
07-31-09, 07:02 AM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Looking to buy '98 LS400, should I be worried about it's high mileage?
I am totally in love with this car, it's everything I'm looking for minus navigation but I can live without that. I can't really check it out since I'm about 1,800 miles away from it, but the asking price is under $5,000 and I can't figure out it that's because of the miles or if there's something else I should know about the car...
What do you guys think? I know these cars/motors can handle the mileage but when people mention that, are they just speaking of the anomalies? 222,XXX on a '98 is a lot of miles no matter how you cut it, right?
I just found it last night, I'll be calling the seller today to ask (PLEASE feel free to add to my list, that's kind of the point of the thread...)
Why the high miles?
Have the timing belt/water pump been changed recently?
What kind of MPG are you seeing (since I'm assuming those are highway miles...)?
How much tread left on the tires?
What do you guys think? I know these cars/motors can handle the mileage but when people mention that, are they just speaking of the anomalies? 222,XXX on a '98 is a lot of miles no matter how you cut it, right?
I just found it last night, I'll be calling the seller today to ask (PLEASE feel free to add to my list, that's kind of the point of the thread...)
Why the high miles?
Have the timing belt/water pump been changed recently?
What kind of MPG are you seeing (since I'm assuming those are highway miles...)?
How much tread left on the tires?
IN GREAT CONDITION 1998 LEXUS LS 400 WITH 220K MILES COMES WITH POWER EVRYTHING POWER WINDOW POWER DOOR LOCKS POWER MIRROR ALLOY WHEELS SUNROOF ICE COLD A/C LEATHER WITH POWER SEATS CRUISE CONTROL AND MUCH MORE THE CAR LOOKS AND DRIVES VERY GOOD. THANK YOU 
Last edited by I'mStock; 07-31-09 at 07:28 AM.
07-31-09, 07:27 AM
#2
I like the car it would be perfect except the miles, I love the blk on blk and they already mono color the car so its ready for wheels and suspension. again the only thing about that car is the miles, if you can handle that then and the drive to Florida then its a go.
07-31-09, 07:30 AM
#3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
As long as the service on the car has been kept up, the miles aren't a big deal, right?
07-31-09, 07:33 AM
#4
Well it depends, it could be great then you get it and it will need things. I can tell you just by looking at the pics you need hood struts and on a car like this if mine hood struts were bad its only $150 to fix and if they could fix that then what else to they not fix?
07-31-09, 07:35 AM
#5
Pole Position
Thread Starter
07-31-09, 07:46 AM
#7
I picked mine up in Orlando with 128K but when I got it back it needed a wheel bearing and a O2 Sensor a brake job and the hood struts but im very picky so I did everything needed now I took apart the interior and Sueded all the grey pieces black
Trending Topics
07-31-09, 07:53 AM
#9
I would also take note that this particular car has the air suspension. If you look closely at the under hood picture you will see the top of the air struts as well as the button to inside the car next to the shift lever.
You'll want to make sure that they have either been replaced or don't leak.
Also, at 220k miles you are probably looking at replacement of oxygen sensors, plugs, and fuel filter. See if that has already been done.
Then again, it may be a perfect car and the price is right.
You'll want to make sure that they have either been replaced or don't leak.
Also, at 220k miles you are probably looking at replacement of oxygen sensors, plugs, and fuel filter. See if that has already been done.
Then again, it may be a perfect car and the price is right.
07-31-09, 08:06 AM
#11
Pole Position
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: IL
Posts: 2,667
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you mant navigation you would have to get a newer model because i dont think they had navi for the '98 LS400's. that LS looks what ive been looking for.. but to many miles to buy the car. look for something to buy for less money.
07-31-09, 08:11 AM
#12
Pole Position
Thread Starter
I can only assume you're telling me to look for a more affordable car, like I can't afford an LS.
07-31-09, 08:31 AM
#13
Don't let the mileage deter you from purchase. But do ensure things have been maintained. Ask to see service record showing timing belt replacement, and so on. If the owner doesn't have them.. it is going to be a tough call.
These cars can go 350-450k without batting an eye IF maintained. If they aren't, then of course like anything else they will turn into a piece of junk.
I have 240,xxxx on my 1994 LS400 and it runs fantastic. Though I went through a month inspection with the master mechanic who sold it to me, and actually showed me the work he had done. (He had the car on the rack doing various things to it before he sold it to me) -- He was a bit obsessive about getting all the small details fixed before I could buy it.
I ended up paying 4k'ish for it, and it couldn't have been a better value.
The car looks sharp, Black on black is a favorite, and you do have the 'year' of the car in your favor price wise.
Look up the blue book (www.kbb.com) And use that to negotiate a little if need be.
Again, this is all going to depend on true maintenance. If it is up to date and has been taken care of (which likely is the truth due to the great care of the rest of the care) then I would say go for it.
These cars can go 350-450k without batting an eye IF maintained. If they aren't, then of course like anything else they will turn into a piece of junk.
I have 240,xxxx on my 1994 LS400 and it runs fantastic. Though I went through a month inspection with the master mechanic who sold it to me, and actually showed me the work he had done. (He had the car on the rack doing various things to it before he sold it to me) -- He was a bit obsessive about getting all the small details fixed before I could buy it.
I ended up paying 4k'ish for it, and it couldn't have been a better value.
The car looks sharp, Black on black is a favorite, and you do have the 'year' of the car in your favor price wise.
Look up the blue book (www.kbb.com) And use that to negotiate a little if need be.
Again, this is all going to depend on true maintenance. If it is up to date and has been taken care of (which likely is the truth due to the great care of the rest of the care) then I would say go for it.
07-31-09, 08:40 AM
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Don't let the mileage deter you from purchase. But do ensure things have been maintained. Ask to see service record showing timing belt replacement, and so on. If the owner doesn't have them.. it is going to be a tough call.
These cars can go 350-450k without batting an eye IF maintained. If they aren't, then of course like anything else they will turn into a piece of junk.
I have 240,xxxx on my 1994 LS400 and it runs fantastic. Though I went through a month inspection with the master mechanic who sold it to me, and actually showed me the work he had done. (He had the car on the rack doing various things to it before he sold it to me) -- He was a bit obsessive about getting all the small details fixed before I could buy it.
I ended up paying 4k'ish for it, and it couldn't have been a better value.
The car looks sharp, Black on black is a favorite, and you do have the 'year' of the car in your favor price wise.
Look up the blue book (www.kbb.com) And use that to negotiate a little if need be.
Again, this is all going to depend on true maintenance. If it is up to date and has been taken care of (which likely is the truth due to the great care of the rest of the care) then I would say go for it.
These cars can go 350-450k without batting an eye IF maintained. If they aren't, then of course like anything else they will turn into a piece of junk.
I have 240,xxxx on my 1994 LS400 and it runs fantastic. Though I went through a month inspection with the master mechanic who sold it to me, and actually showed me the work he had done. (He had the car on the rack doing various things to it before he sold it to me) -- He was a bit obsessive about getting all the small details fixed before I could buy it.
I ended up paying 4k'ish for it, and it couldn't have been a better value.
The car looks sharp, Black on black is a favorite, and you do have the 'year' of the car in your favor price wise.
Look up the blue book (www.kbb.com) And use that to negotiate a little if need be.
Again, this is all going to depend on true maintenance. If it is up to date and has been taken care of (which likely is the truth due to the great care of the rest of the care) then I would say go for it.
I already KBB'd it and even with 220,000 entered in, it booked at around 6k, I believe. Kinda surprised me.
