jyep

I haven't kept track of used LS400 prices since I have relocated to Hong Kong 7 years ago. Have been offered a 1996 LS400 with options- moonroof & premium nakamichi system. Car has only 56k miles. Inspection reveals excellent exterior/interior/engine condition...asking price approx USD $8,500. Owner relocating out of Hong Kong and wants a quick sale.

Following are my concerns- HKG gas prices are approx USD $1.25 per litre, annual car registration fees are based on engine size so 4.0 V8 Engine will command higher fee. Mostly city driving in Hong Kong equals low gas mileage.

Will the Lexus LS400 owners plz advise if I should purchase this car based on previous experience with their own Lexus ownership vrs offered price and inherent values vrs the negative operating costs listed above. Worried about age of car (1996), do Lexus models age well?

Any problems associated with the 1996 models; any tell tales signs I should be looking for.

Appreciate any feedback as I'm ready to purchase by end of this month; it's a beautiful car!!!

Much appreciate/John

Strida

What the $1.25 a liter thats $5 a gallon

Im in the same boat as you right now. Found a 1996 LS400 for $11000 USD with 72k miles. If I find a 1996 with 56k miles for $8500 I'll buy it in a heartbeat. But the question you should ask yourself is do you really need this car. The LS400 is very reliable no matter what year but if you just going to use the car for city driving and seems that your very concern with the price of gas and registration fees, then look for another car. You wont get good mileage if you will use the car for everyday city driving. But I agree with you it is a beautiful car.

jyep

Yep, gas is expensive in Hong Kong, in fact, highest in Asian region; taxes are more than the price of fuel; I guess it's the government's way of discouraging people from driving; it's not working though.

I will be using the car mostly on weekends as it's too much of a hassle driving to/from work during the weekday.

I just like the freedom/option of driving during the weekend if I choose to instead of taking public transporation with the rest of the population; my own private time.

As they say, you only live once and if I'm going to drive a car I might as well drive in luxury, although operating costs will be high, I'm willing to take the sacrifice. Just want to be sure that the 1996 model won't be giving me headaches in the future, again, this car is in mint condition, I just can't get it out of my mind.

Any other comments out there from LS400 owners?

SharpLS-96

96 Ls400 with 56k miles in mint condition for $8,500, do I need to say more?

jyep

I've had a chance to read a majority of the comments within this forum and it appears to me that the overall conclusion is that the Lexus LS400 is a very dependable & trouble free car.

Will make my purchase at the end of this month and can't wait to see what after market products I can purchase to further enhance the car's appearance.

acf

That price is an absolute steal in the US. Good luck.