Hmmm...interesting observation. Actually, Lexus and Mercedes have the highest resale of all automobiles. That's why you can find a 1992 Cadillac STS that sold for over $40k new and can now purchase for about $2500. On the other hand, a 1992 LS400 that sold for about $45k new will go in the range of about $8k now, more than double a Cadillac. A 1992 Mercedes S420 that sold for over $60k new can be picked up for under $12k now. I purchased my first Lexus, a 1991 LS400 with 65k miles in March, 1995 from a Lexus dealer for $21k. I traded it in 2 years later with over 100k miles and got $14.5k on trade. Not bad at all in my opinion. I'd say Lexus holds it's value extremely well. If you're purchasing a car like a 92 LS400, it's safe to say that you can keep it for 5 yrs and put over 100k miles on it & will only depreciate no more than $3-4k in that time. Other than the upkeep, not a bad investment in a fine automobile.

 

I have a '97 LS400 Coach Edition now w/ 81K miles.....I bought it used from a major auto auction, it was a lease turn-in.

That was about 26 months ago, almost 30K miles of trouble-free driving. No problems to report other than the Stereo LCD is bad, which I didn't notice when I was buying it. The radio works fine but the display doesn't work. It's a common problem.

Other than than, there's been no problems. I changed all 4 brake pads myself including fluid for around $110. Didn't need the rotors turned and I used genuine Lexus pads. They're quiet as a churchmouse.

I had a friend's auto repair shop do the 60K service, it's mostly fluid/filter changes, cost a few hundred bucks. the Lexus Stealership wanted $1000 to do this. I do all my oil changes at home and use Mobil 1 5W30. Costs around $30 w/ a Toyota (Lexus) filter. I have read some of these horror stories and am a bit surprised, I thought the LS400 was generally more reliable.

It's a great car for the money, and I plan on hanging on to it for several more years.

As others have said, the int. and ext. of the LS400 ages well. When my car is freshly washed it looks nearly new!

 

I have a question that maybe can be answered as well. I recently purchases a 1990 LS 400 had 149,895 miles on it for $3,200. I had the radiator flushed, oil changed as well. I took it to a professional mechanic shop and was told that the oil pan has some minor leaking and the valve cover gaskets are seeping as will. None of which are leaving spills on the ground but I don't know anything about cars let along a lexus. I was also told that the front brake pads need fixing.
Now the person that sold the car said that he is going to fix the oil pan leak and it's in written.
Now minor things are also defective on teh car.........none of the door speakers work but the tweeters and sub works (Pioneer Premium Sound System), what is the possible problem with that and also the moonroof motor seems to not function but it's partially tilted the roof but not retracting it.
I have purchased this vehicle but wanted to know did I get RIPPED OFF?

 

You bought an 18 year old car for 3 grand and you're worried you got ripped off? You should have either paid a mechanic to check out the car BEFORE you bought it or checked the electronics etc yourself.

My '97 LS400 now has 146K miles and everything works. The antenna mast broke a few years ago and I replaced it myself for around $60 or $70.

As always, Caveat emptor