westopill

Hi all. I looking into buying an LS model and found a few on craigslist in my area that i will leave links for you to check out. Im wondering what you guys think they are worth. I'll leave info that i got from the sellers on them.

For the first one, its a 1998 LS. Heres the link: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...107370330.html
The main issues with it are that the A/C has a leak somewhere, and it has Minnesota rust. Otherwise, it runs great. The owner said he is willing to negotiate on price given the rust and what not. He also said he has the timing belt and a tune up done at 202000 miles.

The second one is a 1994 LS. Heres the link: https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...143323495.html
I havent seen this one in person yet, but telling by the pics it looks pretty immaculate. On the ad it says the heater core may need replacing, which would not be cheap, or an easy DIY.

Based on the ads, what do you guys think they are worth? I used to own an ES300 and sold it not long ago, and I already miss it. So to compromise I want to get an LS model for preferably under 2500. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

python

iTrader: (4)

rust bucket...steer clear

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

A/C system is usually pretty solid on 95-00 cars, so to hear that the car has problems is a concern. also make sure there is proof that the timing belt was indeed replaced as that is usually a good bargaining chip.

the 94 is the better option between the two but I would keep looking myself. there are better used ones (I hope bc I am unsure of the Minnesota market, as it looks like winters out there are brutal to cars).

westopill

Yeah, I kind of figured the 1998 was a no go. The guy said his mechanic put some brake fluid in the power steering because it was acting up. Very interesting. I'll probably keep looking unless i can get the 1994 for a cheaper price, maybe 1800 or so? It's very hard to find cars without rust around the Minnesota area. Looks like I might be driving out of state to find a good one.

Losiracer2

My 97 w/282k still has its AC working perfectly fine and it was an AZ car all its life, so it's been through hell, literally, and still works. For the AC on a Minnesota car to not be working means one of the fender benders affected it somehow. I would stay away from the first car, not to mention rusty as hell...it would cost too much to fix.

I would search for clean rust free examples like mine in the southwest, fly out one way and drive it back. I just drove from AZ to MI for a job relocation, 2000miles and I only had to fill up 5 times, averaged 26mpg, total cost for premium fuel was $250.

westopill

I would like to go out of state to find a good one, but it'd be expensive. Plus I would have to know that the car is how it is in the pictures and that everything the owner says is true. I'll have to check plane ticket costs though.

deanshark

The 94 is totally a better buy out of those two. I just understand why he would say the heater core might need changing if he also says the heat works great. If it needs to be changed, it is an intense job. It took me 4 days tearing out the whole dash. Try to get him down on the price and check out the suspension b/c he doesn't mention any of that has been changed.

westopill

I talked to the guy today and the front struts have been replaced, he showed me the documents for it. As for the heater core he said it just blows regular air, so hopefully a flush would do the trick. But the body is in near perfect shape. Interior is also in good shape. I told him the most I would spend on it is 2000. He told me that someone else is coming to look at the car today and if he isn't interested he would agree at 2000.

westopill

Update: Its official, I'm a proud owner of the 1994 LS400. I talked him down to $2000. Not a bad deal at all, especially with the condition its in for a MN car. The car comes with the original stock chrome wheels, as well as the newer Lexus wheels that are on it. I'm so pumped! Unfortunately I don't currently have a garage to put it in, but I'm going to be waxing it at least once every two weeks to hopefully prevent any sun damage and what not. As for the heater core, I think I'll try and flush it out, and if that doesn't work, I'll start looking into it as a DIY project. I'm also going to be changing out some rear suspension parts as needed this summer as well. Should be a fun project!

westopill

Here are some of the CR photos incase you haven't seen them. Not the greatest, but I can upload more once it's in my possession.

deanshark

A coolant flush is always a good idea but also change the cabin air filter located in the (heater) blower assembly under the dash. (passenger side) When I bought my 94 the guy said the blower needed to be replaced b/c no air was coming out. I pulled the filter out and it was completely clogged, not a bit of air was getting through it. Most people don't even know it's there so it doesn't get changed. Now the A/C isn't cold b/c of 2 servo motors not opening and closing the correct doors in the heater assembly. (happened with my 93 and 94) Oh well.
Congrats on the purchase, enjoy it.

lextout

94's are the cream of the crops, very robust cars, this is the modle they put a billion dollars into and this was in 85 when research first begun!

Legender

Nice find and congrats on the new ride. I too, would recommend looking at the servo motors and the heater control valve for the coolant flow to the core to make sure that is opening. Should be located behind the engine on the firewall.
Welcome to the club.