Hi,

After purchasing a 1997 LS400 for my mother, I have been searching for a deal on a nice 2nd generation LS400. I found a one-owner, garage kept one for sale, with window tint, 20 inch Chrome wheels (not crazy about), also has stock wheels, and a JVC touchscreen head unit.

He says he has all service records, Recently serviced - new alternator, timing chain, spark plugs, wires, and computer. No damage history. Has 117K miles. Car looks really clean from the photos, and interior looks like new.

What options were available that year? My mom's car had CD changer, Pioneer head unit, heated seats, memory seats, sunroof, and traction control. Were there any other options?

If the car is clean as advertised, and drives well, is there anything else I should check? What is a fair price?

My preference is a 1998-2000 model, but this thing looks really sweet. I may miss 30HP, VVT, and a 5 speed automatic, but low mile, garage kept, one owner cars are hard to find.

 

If you have a trust worthy shop that works on these types of cars, I would pay for an inspection prior to purchasing a car that has been modified by a younger person. The suspension is a must see along with all moving parts underneath the car itself. You say that he has the original rims, probably with old tires that need to be replaced. That means that you have an investment to make along with any other issues that may come up.

 

Tints and 20 inch chrome rims on a one owner car? Does not compute. Whether or not the title is technically still in the original owner's name, there is no way the original owner is the current driver/caretaker of that car.