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I am looking to purchase an LS 400. In my search (mostly through craigslist), I have come across a 1993 JDM Toyota Celsior with approximately 67K miles (after KM conversion). It is in mint condition. However, it is, obviously, right-hand-drive and that would be something to become accustomed to. Also, It isn't OBDII (pre-1996). It is from a local import shop that just brought it over. The price is about $500-$1000 more than the common LS 400's that I have seen for sale, albeit those typically have well over 120k.
I was just wondering if it would be worth it to buy and daily drive because of the low-mileage and mint condition, despite it being RHD and OBD1?
5 grand is fair if the condition is right.Used car prices are rising.The experts will answer the questions you have,Im a newbie.They will tell you what you need to check.A pre-purchase inspection by Lexus seems to be a frequent piece of wise advice they recommend.
Good luck,looks very nice cosmetically.Love those carpets!
One thing to look out for. I bought a Celsior with 60k miles. Because the miles are so low, there may be services that were not done. I had to replace a lot of stuff that just perished with age, not mileage. Even transmission seals can leak if its not been driven regularly.
However I only paid 1500 aud for mine and it had reupholstered interior and coilovers. It only needed a new fuel pump and afm. GOt it cheap as it wasnt running.
Dont regret it at all, my kids love the reclining and massaging rear seats.
We cant even get them imported into AUS any more so Ill be keeping mine for the long term. HOWEVER next year we can import the 2nd Gen ARISTO!!! Super excited. Ill have one of the first in the country.
One thing to look out for. I bought a Celsior with 60k miles. Because the miles are so low, there may be services that were not done. I had to replace a lot of stuff that just perished with age, not mileage. Even transmission seals can leak if its not been driven regularly.
However I only paid 1500 aud for mine and it had reupholstered interior and coilovers. It only needed a new fuel pump and afm. GOt it cheap as it wasnt running.
Dont regret it at all, my kids love the reclining and massaging rear seats.
as in the hard-rubber seals may be ruined from just sitting?
And yeah, I know it's cheap in japan, otherwise they wouldn't be able to afford importing it and still selling it for 5k. They are still making good money on it.
$5k is steep bc there is a RHD tax for its rarity, but I see the appeal in having a lower mileage car.
if you really don't care for owning a JDM car, find a regular LS400 but of course condition will vary on the other end of the spectrum.
why not look for a 95-up at your budget? you may even score a 99-00 model which has all the improvements over the rest.
I believe you might be facing the vehicles shelf life due to age. Things like wiring insulation becoming brittle. Old hoses and seals. Capacitors in the ECU have a limited life. In all honesty, I love my 98 LS400 but have accepted the fact that 20 years of reliability does not equate to 10 more years worth.
$5k is steep bc there is a RHD tax for its rarity, but I see the appeal in having a lower mileage car.
if you really don't care for owning a JDM car, find a regular LS400 but of course condition will vary on the other end of the spectrum.
why not look for a 95-up at your budget? you may even score a 99-00 model which has all the improvements over the rest.
what kind of mileage would be acceptable in those vehicles to make it worth not looking into this one?
I believe you might be facing the vehicles shelf life due to age. Things like wiring insulation becoming brittle. Old hoses and seals. Capacitors in the ECU have a limited life. In all honesty, I love my 98 LS400 but have accepted the fact that 20 years of reliability does not equate to 10 more years worth.
would a mechanic or someone who knows these vehicles well be able to tell if all of those kinds of things are worn out/old?
would a mechanic or someone who knows these vehicles well be able to tell if all of those kinds of things are worn out/old?
Sure they would be able to tell you. History plays a big part. If the car was climate control garage kept, no harsh winters, meticulous owner caring under the hood; all those things can increase shelf life to a point. Eventually, a 30 year old hose or wiring is not going to hold up though. If you saw a new hose on the shelf next to a 30 year old hose at the auto parts store, you would grab the new one.
what kind of mileage would be acceptable in those vehicles to make it worth not looking into this one?
mileage is not the only determining factor in a car's worth. I would gladly take a car with 180,000 worth of freeway miles and a great history, over a car with 120,000 miles all done in city driving which will have more wear on the motor.
you have to consider history of the car, previous ownership, and maintenance among others.
if I find a creampuff of a 99 model at 200k with stellar records, I'd take that over this vehicle any day (and I'm a huge RHD fan who wants to own one eventually).
07-07-18, 06:30 PM
1993 Toyota Celsior (Lexus LS 400)
