Heath

Okay, for those of you not following my other thread, I'm going to be shopping for a new (new to us) LS400 hopefully in either December or January... I'm looking to spend 7-10K... I'd prefer a 95+ because of the dual zone climate control... But minimum requirement is a 93+... I know I'll be looking for them around 100K most likely and I need to keep in mind buying parts for the 100K service that I'll most likely do myself...

What I really need to know is what should I look for... All cars out there have their commmon problems... What are the ones I should look for on these cars... Like I said, it will be at least a 1993, but if I can find a good 1995-1997 I'll take it... My only real riquirements are Sunroof, Traction Control and heated seats... The first is for me the latter two are for my wife...

Thanks in advance all... I can't wait to be part of the family!!!

Heath

RA40

iTrader: (6)

I don't know what prices are for the 95-97's. Like other cars, it is typical and it is a whole list of things to go through. This is where a Certified vehilce is nice becuse they come with warranty and have been inspected by a qualified technician. I think in another thread a bit back, the cost for an inspection was like $257.

When you get to the 100K mark hopefully you find an owner with extensive records. Also, you can take the VIN to a Lexus dealer and they can print out a service history.

Some items I'm aware of:

Strut rod arm bushings.
Gauge display for proper illumination...the first gen has problems with this.
Air suspension problems. (This has been with Toyota as far back as the mid '80 sedans and their electronic modulated suspension systems. When they wear, it is expensive to repair.)

Beyond that, reading in the LS and maintenance sections will give you an idea what requires repairs in the higher mileage vehicles.

Happy shopping!

VQT

A 93 with all the options you want with over 100K miles might be under $10K if youlook real hard. I have been looking all over southern CA and have't found a decent 95+ LS400 at your price... You are looking at $13K + for those year.

Heath

Ahh, but you're looking in SoCal... I'm seeing lots of 93-94's in my range on ebay and in other parts of the country...

VQT

Like I said, 93-94 are under $10K but you have to actually look at the car to determine if the car worth the price... we bought a White 99 LS400 with 92K miles, navigation, heat seats, traction control for $21.6K last month...

GA400

check the power steering pump, they will leak in some cases, if not fixed, it will take out the alternator. A rebuild kit is available which replaces the seals. Some early LS's have problem with rack and pinion steering rack. As I stated in your other thread, do not be scared off by high mileage, just have it checked by someone who is not only a good mechanic, but has a long history with these cars. Not sure about prices there, but I have seen a large number of mid-90 and up LS's in the Atlanta area for under 10K.

gs400998

I did a quick search on autotrader for LS4 between 95-97 and under $10K and the ones with the lowest mileage are over 90K miles. Try to find one with clean title, 90K Lexus service done with new water pump and timing belt and maintenance records. My first Lexus was a 93 pre-owned LS4 with 54K miles and I traded it around 95K miles without a single problem.