scuba_dood

I'm considering purchasing a used LEXUS LS400 (95-98).
I'm curious about the typical things I should be aware of.
My main concern would be the bigger money items that are prone to general wear that people have experienced.

When do things start breaking down basically?
Transmission, Starter, etc.

Is 90k miles ok? If so, what should I look at be replace within the next 30k miles ?

I'm not extremely mechanically adept, so any helpful hints and tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

vj604

90k is fine if its like 95 or 96...eitherway its high mile, you can cut a deal and teh car should run fine for a long while..if its near 90..+-10k and the timing belt hassnt been changed, get that done..or take off money for it. its a big expensive job...theres nothing else but regular maintenance every 15 k and 30k..they are pricey services in my opinion but necessary..if you have a trusted private mechanic..that might work.

check the paint, check leather...it might be worn and or dried out..if it cracks..not muc hyou can do..details are usually costly...not much else i can think of...check service history with the dealer..run the vin. run the vin at carfax also...

Gs400TRD

careful about buying one from houston!!! In the recent Flodd I think there were at least 20,000 cars that were flooded and another 20k-30k with flood damage.

scuba_dood

Thanks.

So, I really shouldn't be concerned with the transmittion that much ?

I was looking at the 97 LS400 Coach edt, but it has 134k miles on it. I looks great, but I can't swallow the miles that easiliy.

http://autos.recycler.com/asp/AdDeta...sBAC=818&bSQ=0

<cut/paste the above into a browser and let me know what you think>

I've seen some nice 95's as well.

I wanted to say above 95 for the added features, such as the engine, MPG, etc.

Thoughts?

emus1

I would look at the 99. Many improvements over 97.

Gs400TRD

the guy drove it around the world!!! I would keep looking.

scuba_dood

Thanks for the comments.

Yeah, I saw the 99+ differences and I must admit they look and perform better, but I wanted to stay under 20k at the moment so I can pay it off and not have any payments. Just my preferrence. This may change if and when I see a sweet deal on one.

Thanks again for the your insights...

911_to_sc300

Recently purchased a 92 sc300 five speek with 96k and new next to nothing about the car. I had few illusions regarding the service expense inherent in owning this car and expected it to be right up there with the cars serviced by Fritz and Otto. Anyway, this car has 96k on it and required a clutch, wheel bearing, serpentine belt, and serpentine tensioner immediately; I also had all oils changed out to Mobil 1/engine and redline in rear end/gearbox. The car cost me 10k and the service 1700; so, I've11,700 into the car with a new clutch, wheel bearing, and serpentine tensioner belt. Did I still think I got a decent deal? Yes. Could I have been more informed (bought the car on the spot with no inspection; I figured the clutch was shot and heard the wheel bearing noise and said a hail mary) prior to purchase? Probably not since there were two buyers after me wanting to pay the asking price; they wanted the car. It has a couple of dings but from a short distance looks new.

I suppose the last major thing to worry about at this vintage with no evidence of them being changed is the water pump and timing belt. That will come at 100k.

Is this something I can perform myself with a decent set of tools?

Carl

New Owner

According to the local news media the number of cars damaged in the June 9th flood has been reported to be as high as 60,000 with over 20,000 deemed a total loss. Saleable units have been found on lots in Indiana.

I would say that any car from a Lexus dealership that the dealer wishes to "cerify" should be a safe buy. The miles do seem high. 90k miles is about what you should expect on a 93-95 model. That many on a 98 would suggest to me that the prior owner almost had to live in it. The miles would almost have to be mostly highway miles, which normally are the best miles you can accrue.

Check with a Lexus dealership, they should be able to produce maintenance records for all service that was done at any Lexus dealership.

Check also carfax. Best $15 you can spend.