1995 Lexus LS400 205k. Worth looking at closely?
#16
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know I already said this to you, but I'd wait and go for the 2000. I was excited to get my first lexus, and bought one too soon, which I ended up selling after a couple of months because I found the one i REALLY wanted. Wasted some money in the process too, which I wouldn't have if I had waited. Its only 7 days wait man! Go for the 2000!
#17
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well update. The guy with the 205k LS now has it listed for $3200.
Now I also found a 90 LS with 97k miles for $3,300. This guy has only owned it for a couple months but when asked said he needs to sell "to get something bigger." Wish I could run the VIN for the Carfax but I have no more VIN searches. Shoulda gotten AutoCheck instead.
What do u guys think? I was looking more at 95+ but this 90 looks clean and those are some LOW miles.
If the interior and exterior, engine and tranny are all good on the 95, it could be worth it just driving it is long as it will go and even putting a new engine and/or good used tranny in. Might be able to get it for less than $3k. Same price basically on both. I'm thrown for a loop because I wasn't considering a gen1.
Now I also found a 90 LS with 97k miles for $3,300. This guy has only owned it for a couple months but when asked said he needs to sell "to get something bigger." Wish I could run the VIN for the Carfax but I have no more VIN searches. Shoulda gotten AutoCheck instead.
What do u guys think? I was looking more at 95+ but this 90 looks clean and those are some LOW miles.
If the interior and exterior, engine and tranny are all good on the 95, it could be worth it just driving it is long as it will go and even putting a new engine and/or good used tranny in. Might be able to get it for less than $3k. Same price basically on both. I'm thrown for a loop because I wasn't considering a gen1.
Last edited by OU303; 07-13-12 at 09:26 PM.
#19
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#20
BahHumBug
iTrader: (10)
you need to read.
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
if the tb/wp were done within the last 20-30k miles it's worth 3k, if not, it's worth 2300ish.
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
if the tb/wp were done within the last 20-30k miles it's worth 3k, if not, it's worth 2300ish.
#21
Well update. The guy with the 205k LS now has it listed for $3200.
Now I also found a 90 LS with 97k miles for $3,300. This guy has only owned it for a couple months but when asked said he needs to sell "to get something bigger." Wish I could run the VIN for the Carfax but I have no more VIN searches. Shoulda gotten AutoCheck instead.
What do u guys think? I was looking more at 95+ but this 90 looks clean and those are some LOW miles.
If the interior and exterior, engine and tranny are all good on the 95, it could be worth it just driving it is long as it will go and even putting a new engine and/or good used tranny in. Might be able to get it for less than $3k. Same price basically on both. I'm thrown for a loop because I wasn't considering a gen1.
Now I also found a 90 LS with 97k miles for $3,300. This guy has only owned it for a couple months but when asked said he needs to sell "to get something bigger." Wish I could run the VIN for the Carfax but I have no more VIN searches. Shoulda gotten AutoCheck instead.
What do u guys think? I was looking more at 95+ but this 90 looks clean and those are some LOW miles.
If the interior and exterior, engine and tranny are all good on the 95, it could be worth it just driving it is long as it will go and even putting a new engine and/or good used tranny in. Might be able to get it for less than $3k. Same price basically on both. I'm thrown for a loop because I wasn't considering a gen1.
#22
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you need to read.
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
if the tb/wp were done within the last 20-30k miles it's worth 3k, if not, it's worth 2300ish.
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
if the tb/wp were done within the last 20-30k miles it's worth 3k, if not, it's worth 2300ish.
It is still in play but the guy acts like he is too busy to get things together to sell it. He is a real good Duse and has answered all kinds of questions for me but he seems like he has about ten other priorities ahead of selling the car.
#23
Pole Position
Stay FAR away from that '90, for a couple reasons. Price is too high and he's only had it for a couple months. He says he needs something "bigger"? How much bigger can ya get? There must be something big wrong with it that he just found after driving it which he didn't notice when he bought it. Even though I like the gen1 b/c of the NON interference engine, the '95 seems the way to go. He seems very motivated to sell if he dropped the price $800 in a week. I'd offer him $2800. Even if you put another grand into repairs which it MIGHT need it would be well worth it. The guy with the 2000 doesn't seem like he wants to sell it if he keeps putting you off.
'95---best bet.
'95---best bet.
#24
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stay FAR away from that '90, for a couple reasons. Price is too high and he's only had it for a couple months. He says he needs something "bigger"? How much bigger can ya get? There must be something big wrong with it that he just found after driving it which he didn't notice when he bought it. Even though I like the gen1 b/c of the NON interference engine, the '95 seems the way to go. He seems very motivated to sell if he dropped the price $800 in a week. I'd offer him $2800. Even if you put another grand into repairs which it MIGHT need it would be well worth it. The guy with the 2000 doesn't seem like he wants to sell it if he keeps putting you off.
'95---best bet.
'95---best bet.
Haha you just hit the nail on the head with the 2000! He just emailed me and said his wife has decided she wants to keep the car. What the hell. Got me all messed up in my car search organization.
Also found a good thread in reference to buying from out-of-state. Also includes one CL member in the seller area helping out another CL from out of town:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...in-person.html
Getting some help could also be useful not only for buying without inspecting in person but also for those of us less mechanically inclined if buying without getting inspected by a mechanic. Getting lined up to get cars inspected by my mechanic has been a pain to schedule and it hasn't been on his end. What happens is I live 40 miles from Denver. My mechanic is even further than that from me because he is on the opposite edge of Denver. He is great and reasonable, that is why I use him. The distance being on the far far side of town and the fact that he only works weekdays is putting a cramp in me buying a car. Some sellers are willing to take the car to him. Other sellers are willing to get the car checked out but if they are on one end of town they don't want to drive 45 minutes or up to an hour to another end of town to my mechanic. Some sellers have A LOT of interest and they don't want to and/or have time with all the interest to take the car 45 minutes away, get it looked at for a half hour, and then back 45 minutes - all during 9-5 M-F type business hours.
#25
Pole Position
Also found a good thread in reference to buying from out-of-state. Also includes one CL member in the seller area helping out another CL from out of town:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...in-person.html
Getting some help could also be useful not only for buying without inspecting in person but also for those of us less mechanically inclined if buying without getting inspected by a mechanic. Getting lined up to get cars inspected by my mechanic has been a pain to schedule and it hasn't been on his end. What happens is I live 40 miles from Denver. My mechanic is even further than that from me because he is on the opposite edge of Denver. He is great and reasonable, that is why I use him. The distance being on the far far side of town and the fact that he only works weekdays is putting a cramp in me buying a car. Some sellers are willing to take the car to him. Other sellers are willing to get the car checked out but if they are on one end of town they don't want to drive 45 minutes or up to an hour to another end of town to my mechanic. Some sellers have A LOT of interest and they don't want to and/or have time with all the interest to take the car 45 minutes away, get it looked at for a half hour, and then back 45 minutes - all during 9-5 M-F type business hours.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...in-person.html
Getting some help could also be useful not only for buying without inspecting in person but also for those of us less mechanically inclined if buying without getting inspected by a mechanic. Getting lined up to get cars inspected by my mechanic has been a pain to schedule and it hasn't been on his end. What happens is I live 40 miles from Denver. My mechanic is even further than that from me because he is on the opposite edge of Denver. He is great and reasonable, that is why I use him. The distance being on the far far side of town and the fact that he only works weekdays is putting a cramp in me buying a car. Some sellers are willing to take the car to him. Other sellers are willing to get the car checked out but if they are on one end of town they don't want to drive 45 minutes or up to an hour to another end of town to my mechanic. Some sellers have A LOT of interest and they don't want to and/or have time with all the interest to take the car 45 minutes away, get it looked at for a half hour, and then back 45 minutes - all during 9-5 M-F type business hours.
About your mechanic, no offense but, the seller shouldn't have to worry about him. It's your responsibility to get him to the car. Maybe you can offer him some cash to take a drive and look at it on the weekend, or after work. Everyone is looking for extra cash nowadays.
#26
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know there are companies out there that will inspect cars for people who can't get to them to inspect themselves then send results and pics for a fee. (Not sure how much) There's so many vehicles being sold on ebay, whoever started that business had some brains in their head.
About your mechanic, no offense but, the seller shouldn't have to worry about him. It's your responsibility to get him to the car. Maybe you can offer him some cash to take a drive and look at it on the weekend, or after work. Everyone is looking for extra cash nowadays.
About your mechanic, no offense but, the seller shouldn't have to worry about him. It's your responsibility to get him to the car. Maybe you can offer him some cash to take a drive and look at it on the weekend, or after work. Everyone is looking for extra cash nowadays.
Not saying you but just to proactively address a possible argument...Some will argue that if I want the white glove treatment to go to a dealership. I am not looking for a white glove treatment, just something in between. These cars aren't super hit sellers, either. I have had more than one that the person couldn't be bothered or were outright rude and the car is still available several weeks later. Sure there is a small segment that can go and accuratelyvsnd completely diagnose mechanical issues on the spot. Good for them. Seems like it would behoove a seller to work with one serious buyer, though, instead of having to answer countless emails and/or take numerous calls on the same car over a month or more. Sure lots or people go buy these cars on the spot but I am incredibly skeptical and I doubt if even a large portion of them know wth they are doing. I have seen several people pay way too much for cars that clearly weren't worth it and I have even been specifically told by sellers that the car sold and people paid asking price (that clearly wasn't worth it even with my level of knowledge).
I am going to start moving a little faster on good cars when they come up but primarily I am going to continue to be patient and stick to my standards - including knowing what is wrong - or if it is unclear at least the range of possibilities of what it could be wrong. Having a company inspect the car or even using a broker would be worth considering but the price is cost prohibitive on a $3k or $5k car. It is a rough spot to be in needing to be very sure and clear about the mechanical condition being on a budget but I am not going to compromise my standards.
Sent from Yahoo! Mail on Android
Last edited by OU303; 07-14-12 at 03:27 PM.
#27
Pole Position
It sounds like you want the seller to waist his time and gas bringing the car to your mechanic, which not too many people will do b/c they know, eventually, the car will sell. Most people dont want to be bothered with that, or just dont have time. Also, you want someone to look at a "used" car and say "it's worth your money" and then you hold them responsible if something goes wrong with it. It's a used car and ya NEVER know when something is going to break.
I'm not trying to start an arguement or anything but I think you should buy from a dealer so you have a warranty so if,...I mean WHEN, something happens you'll be covered. Buying a "used" car is the same as life,....... it's "like a box of chocolates, you NEVER know what you're gonna get."
Good luck with your car search and I really hope ya find a good one.
I'm not trying to start an arguement or anything but I think you should buy from a dealer so you have a warranty so if,...I mean WHEN, something happens you'll be covered. Buying a "used" car is the same as life,....... it's "like a box of chocolates, you NEVER know what you're gonna get."
Good luck with your car search and I really hope ya find a good one.
#28
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It sounds like you want the seller to waist his time and gas bringing the car to your mechanic, which not too many people will do b/c they know, eventually, the car will sell. Most people dont want to be bothered with that, or just dont have time. Also, you want someone to look at a "used" car and say "it's worth your money" and then you hold them responsible if something goes wrong with it. It's a used car and ya NEVER know when something is going to break.
I'm not trying to start an arguement or anything but I think you should buy from a dealer so you have a warranty so if,...I mean WHEN, something happens you'll be covered. Buying a "used" car is the same as life,....... it's "like a box of chocolates, you NEVER know what you're gonna get."
Good luck with your car search and I really hope ya find a good one.
I'm not trying to start an arguement or anything but I think you should buy from a dealer so you have a warranty so if,...I mean WHEN, something happens you'll be covered. Buying a "used" car is the same as life,....... it's "like a box of chocolates, you NEVER know what you're gonna get."
Good luck with your car search and I really hope ya find a good one.
So don't waste an hour and a half of your time because eventually the car will sell? What about if it doesn't sell and they have it for a month and a half and they spend 2 or 3x times that answering emails, texts, or phone calls about the car? Is it still not worth their time? Because at that point they have spent more team dealing with random folks of questionable seriousness than one highly likely serious buyer. I have seen plenty of cars that I looked with uncooperative owners sit for over month.
Yes I do want my mechanic to look at the car and tell me it's worth my money. Every mechanic I know has a pre-purchase inspection process, so it was their idea in the first place to even offer such a service. When saying I would hold someone responsible when something breaks...Are you talking about holding my mechanic responsible? In that case to reasonably follow your logic - no mechanic should offer such a service because someone could hold them responsible at a later date. If we took that logic further no one should be in the business of repairing anything for fear of being held responsible later (for an inaccurate analysis of what is wrong) if something breaks, and no one should sell anything that might need some repairs. That would just be ludicrous.
If you are talking about me holding the seller responsible - unless a seller knowingly misrepresents a car and lies about what is wrong with it, it is very unlikely you could successfully sue (based on my semi knowledgeable non lawyer legal knowledge). There isn't much cause for a seller to worry about being held responsible later for....I don't know what exactly... unless they knowingly misrepresent a vehicle's condition...so don't see any validity with that argument for any seller unless they plan on outright lying.
So why should I buy a used car from a dealer when they don't usually offer anything more than a 30,60,or 90 day warranty? Are you saying I should buy from a dealer because I can purchase an extended warranty from a dealer? Because I can buy from a private party and still purchase an extended warranty. Simply because I buy from a dealer doesn't mean the car comes with a warranty. That was your point on buying from a dealer, that I should buy from a dealer to get a warranty.
So is your logic that everyone that buys a used car and is not mechanically inclined enough to make an accurate analysis should just completely just put all of their money into a slot machine and take their chances? That would be what they would be doing without having an accurate idea of what condition the car they are getting is in.
So if you were not knowledgeable about cars and had bought that '95 LS 400 that needed $2,500 in repairs it would have been a fair deal had by all parties involved since you knew you were simply taking your chances when you bought it? I don't think I am twisting your words at all by coming to that conclusion since you said:
Last edited by OU303; 07-15-12 at 10:31 AM.
#29
Pole Position
Like I said, I'm not trying to argue. But, it's not the sellers responsibility to get the car checked out. If I'm selling a car, for any amount, I wouldn't waist my time bringing it to someone elses mechanic. You want someone to check it out, you bring them to the car. The best mechanics in the world can tell you a car is good and then have parts break the next day. That's just a chance ya take by buying a "used" car. Personally, if I had 7,000 to spend, I would buy a car for around 4500 and keep the other 2500 for things that WILL need to be done to it, such as changing ALL the fluids and a full tune up, etc. Afterall, it is used.
Plus, the car you're looking at is 17 years old and has over 200k on it. And even you were talking about just driving it until the engine goes and putting another one in.
Plus, the car you're looking at is 17 years old and has over 200k on it. And even you were talking about just driving it until the engine goes and putting another one in.
#30
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Like I said, I'm not trying to argue. But, it's not the sellers responsibility to get the car checked out. If I'm selling a car, for any amount, I wouldn't waist my time bringing it to someone elses mechanic. You want someone to check it out, you bring them to the car. The best mechanics in the world can tell you a car is good and then have parts break the next day. That's just a chance ya take by buying a "used" car. Personally, if I had 7,000 to spend, I would buy a car for around 4500 and keep the other 2500 for things that WILL need to be done to it, such as changing ALL the fluids and a full tune up, etc. Afterall, it is used.
Plus, the car you're looking at is 17 years old and has over 200k on it. And even you were talking about just driving it until the engine goes and putting another one in.
Plus, the car you're looking at is 17 years old and has over 200k on it. And even you were talking about just driving it until the engine goes and putting another one in.
Last edited by OU303; 07-16-12 at 05:35 PM.