anks106

A friend found a 95 LS400 with 84 thou on the clock, the last service was at 56k. Oil has been changed, that is it since then. The seller is willing to take it to an independent mechanic and get everything needed done, and then sell the car for 8,000 to the friend. He asked me what he needs to get checked by the mechanic and how much it iwll cost the seller (if it is too much, he said he might not be able to cover all of it himself). Any ideas?

usermel

Your friend would be better of trying to get an offcial Lexus or Toyota dealer to do the check on the car. Also, does your friend know if the independant mechanic has a deal worked out with the guy trying to sell him the car. Even if the guy trying to sell him the car is someone your friend knows, this is business not personal. I never trust anyone when it comes to business. Tell your friend not to be to passive and protect his best interest. 28,000 miles with no service is alot on any car not to have scheduled maintenance done. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Not even Oil changes for those 28K?

anks106

oil and air filters is all that was changed. They agreed on a mechanic my friend chose, so i am pretty sure there is no under the table deal... unless it is my friend who made the deal. Also, if my friend feels the job wasnt good enough, he is not obligated to buy the car (they already both signed off on this agreement). We feel we have the business side down, we just need the mechanical part now.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If the 60K serives wasn't done...Check the tranny and power steering fluid but they are dark and burnt...know that these possibly will be a problem sooner than most cared for ones. Both are $$$ repairs.

Beyond that, plugs, differential, fuel filter in the recco'd list are not as critical but all contrubute. The brakes may be worn and possibly tires. $8K isn't a bad price and if you have the $$ to make up the required service, that brings you about even. Presuming it hasn't had major body work.

anks106

no documented body work, and the seller is gonna pay for the required service as long as it isnt too expensive, which brings me to my next question.. how much do you think it will cost?

VQT

Pay $20 for carfax to check on the mileage and accident. Check the car yourself, Make sure the car has been sit overnight (Hood open and engien is cold). Start it up, running smooth, no noise from the engine, buy a mirror from pepboy to check under neath the seats if there are any rust walk away (flooded car). Jack the car up check the condition of hte oil drain plug and trans drain plug any wetness. Look on the side of the car to see if everything is smooth (body damage will show on the paint no matter how good the paint job was). Checl alignment of the hood with the fender, trunk with the rear fender. Not line up! walk away. Check the bolts on top og the fenders under the hood, any paint scratch on the bolts the fender has been change or tampered with. CHeck the Vin on the Hood, Fender (front and rear) does it match with the door and windshield VIN. If all good, jumb on it. Price is very good. Anything wrong WALK AWAY.

Besides that check the usual problem that Lexus have. Intrument panel, A/C control, CD changers, Radio, seat condition, tire wears...

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Have him flush the tranny and change the sparkplugs breaks and the filters. Other then double checking it on carfax, it sounds like a great deal.

Tell your friend to be ready for the timing belt work in less then 8K, use that are a bargaining tool.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Most the fluid changes through the dealer will hover $125 per. At an independent...with new plugs, tranny fluid flush, differential flush, brake fluid bleed, air filter, oil change...maybe about $400 or so.

New later Toyota's/Lexus have body panel serial numbers. On the doors, these are placed by the door latch catches. The hood serial number may be on the edge by the windshield or underneath the hood padding. On the trunk, it is under the trunk lid liner. Front fenders in front of the shock towers midway toward headlights. If the stickers are in place good sign.

Before all this work is performed, drive the car and see how it is. If the tranny is showing problems, a fluid change may not cure it. A flush does work wonders but extended intervals and symptoms are indicators of things possibly to come. Tranny rebuilds might be about $1,800.

Yes, the timing belt is close at recco'd 90K miles. That ranges form $600-$1000 typically. Replacing idlers, water pump...

Hope this car works out for ya.