i need A/C help
11-05-04, 11:56 AM
#1
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i need A/C help
i'm lookin to buy a LS400 and found a '90 with low mileage BUT it needs a little work. The A/C needs to be completely redone. does anyone know how much thats gonna cost me?
Also there is a small oil leak...how much is that to fix?? the engine was rebuilt (has 108k miles on it) and other than that the car is in perfect shape. i'll admit, i'm a girl and i'm scared to buy a car w/o a guys advice but i dont have anyone here to help me. so guys...HELP ME!!
what else is known to go out on this year? and is the fact it has a rebuilt engine a good thing?...i assume so.
Also there is a small oil leak...how much is that to fix?? the engine was rebuilt (has 108k miles on it) and other than that the car is in perfect shape. i'll admit, i'm a girl and i'm scared to buy a car w/o a guys advice but i dont have anyone here to help me. so guys...HELP ME!!
what else is known to go out on this year? and is the fact it has a rebuilt engine a good thing?...i assume so.
Last edited by delicate1; 11-05-04 at 12:38 PM.
11-06-04, 11:16 AM
#2
Run Away!
Delicate1,
You are obviously looking at vehicles in a certain price range.
If you know what pitfalls to keep an eye out for an LS400 is an excellent choice.
Having said that, I would run like the wind away from this "opportunity".
Very odd that an engine as reliable as that of a 90LS would need a rebuild , especially at 108,000. LS400 engines have little value because of the fact that nobody needs them!! There are many on the forum with 250,000 plus miles on non rebuilt engines. I own one over 160,000 & one 90 with 200,000 plus.
The AC issue is most likely why this car is for sale & seemingly reasonable. AC parts & service are expensive!!! If you are in the DFW area I can stear you towards a reasonable place. At a dealer, this is likely a $2000.00 plus problem
You would do better to find a slightly newer 93-94 LS , with all systems working & preferably a recently changed timing belt ( 120,000 mile service). In Texas you should be able to find many excellent candidates at reasonable prices.
This car represents value only in terms of acquisition cost , you would soon be very disappointed in my opinion.
Best wishes, damon
You are obviously looking at vehicles in a certain price range.
If you know what pitfalls to keep an eye out for an LS400 is an excellent choice.
Having said that, I would run like the wind away from this "opportunity".
Very odd that an engine as reliable as that of a 90LS would need a rebuild , especially at 108,000. LS400 engines have little value because of the fact that nobody needs them!! There are many on the forum with 250,000 plus miles on non rebuilt engines. I own one over 160,000 & one 90 with 200,000 plus.
The AC issue is most likely why this car is for sale & seemingly reasonable. AC parts & service are expensive!!! If you are in the DFW area I can stear you towards a reasonable place. At a dealer, this is likely a $2000.00 plus problem
You would do better to find a slightly newer 93-94 LS , with all systems working & preferably a recently changed timing belt ( 120,000 mile service). In Texas you should be able to find many excellent candidates at reasonable prices.
This car represents value only in terms of acquisition cost , you would soon be very disappointed in my opinion.
Best wishes, damon
Last edited by damon; 11-07-04 at 12:38 AM.
11-06-04, 01:00 PM
#3
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ES vs. LS
thank you so much damon!! i figured as much...the 108k miles are on the rebuilt engine so theres no tellin how many miles are on the transmission. when i asked him he never replied...so i'm not even gonna mess with it. i only have about $3500 to spend on a car though. and may end up having to go with an ES300. All i know is i dont trust any other car...i want a lex! are there any disadvantages of a '90-'93 ES300...anything i should know about...like what all goes wrong in those? and are they nearly as reliable as the LS?
thanks again!
thanks again!
11-07-04, 12:33 AM
#4
Excellent questions:
I am by no means an expert , but what little I do know pertains only to LS 400 models.
These are all 8 cylinder rear wheel driven vehicles.
ES 300 's are 6 cylinder front wheel drives.
I would highly recommend that you get a Consumer Reports book that evaluates incidents of repairs for used cars for the years you are interested in. The ES 300 Forum here is also likely to be a good source of info.
Note: Before I found this forum I was wholey dependent upon the maintenance miscues of my father to guide me as what not to do. He never had a problem pulling up to a dealership & paying full fair , I cringe at the thought.
damon
Also: Not sure where in TX you are but consult the region portion of this forum. In many cases , you may find secondary Lexus Maintenace providers ( Non-dealership ) that may have knowledge of well cared for Lexus vehicles that are for sale.
In Dallas , that would be Jason at JP Importz and the fine folks at Davenport Motor Company.
I am by no means an expert , but what little I do know pertains only to LS 400 models.
These are all 8 cylinder rear wheel driven vehicles.
ES 300 's are 6 cylinder front wheel drives.
I would highly recommend that you get a Consumer Reports book that evaluates incidents of repairs for used cars for the years you are interested in. The ES 300 Forum here is also likely to be a good source of info.
Note: Before I found this forum I was wholey dependent upon the maintenance miscues of my father to guide me as what not to do. He never had a problem pulling up to a dealership & paying full fair , I cringe at the thought.
damon
Also: Not sure where in TX you are but consult the region portion of this forum. In many cases , you may find secondary Lexus Maintenace providers ( Non-dealership ) that may have knowledge of well cared for Lexus vehicles that are for sale.
In Dallas , that would be Jason at JP Importz and the fine folks at Davenport Motor Company.
Last edited by damon; 11-07-04 at 12:35 AM.
11-07-04, 04:58 AM
#5
Delicate Darling,
I purchased a 92 LS400 with 170k miles, broken A/C (still broken, who cares) but otherwise in excellent shape for $3400, almost 2 years ago. Since then I have added 40k miles with ONLY oil changes, and regular maintenance, so I got my money's worth. But then there are several hidden costs that I was aware of, that you should know of if you don't.
Engine oil flush 2-3 times (old LS models are notorious for sludge), several doses of fuel system cleaner, new tyres, front end alignment, tranny oil change, rear differential oil change, new wipers, serpentine belt, timing belt, coolant flush, new air filter, new spark plugs, fuel filter, brighter (newer) headlamps. Consider another $2-3k for all this at a mechanic, but I did all the work myself except for alignment and tyres, for less than $1000. This is just to get it back into shape, and is probably required for ANY year LS that you buy.
Other issues with older LS models are leaking PS pump, worn shocks and springs, steering rack, ball joints, burnt instrument cluster, burnt climate control LCD, new battery, new alternator. This can add another quick $3-4K.
Then you'll get bitten by the modification bug, that is a bottomless money pit.
Rebuilt LS engines are a rarity, most likely abused. STAY away, as you don't know what else is wrong.
93 and 94 models have bigger wheels than 90-92, so acceleration is slower, but gas mileage is better. Steering mechanics are stronger, and headlamps are brighter. Overall 93-94 are a better buy than 90-92.
Given a choice between LS and ES, I'd go for LS any day just for the RWD. The Gen 2 is infinitely superior, but is out of your price range. The bottom line is if you can't afford the maintenance on an LS then consider another machine, not a Lexus. ALL Lexuses are going to be expensive to fix (when they break) regardless of model or year.
I see you were also considering an RX300!!!! That is way out of your price range of $3,500. I don't get it!!!!
I purchased a 92 LS400 with 170k miles, broken A/C (still broken, who cares) but otherwise in excellent shape for $3400, almost 2 years ago. Since then I have added 40k miles with ONLY oil changes, and regular maintenance, so I got my money's worth. But then there are several hidden costs that I was aware of, that you should know of if you don't.
Engine oil flush 2-3 times (old LS models are notorious for sludge), several doses of fuel system cleaner, new tyres, front end alignment, tranny oil change, rear differential oil change, new wipers, serpentine belt, timing belt, coolant flush, new air filter, new spark plugs, fuel filter, brighter (newer) headlamps. Consider another $2-3k for all this at a mechanic, but I did all the work myself except for alignment and tyres, for less than $1000. This is just to get it back into shape, and is probably required for ANY year LS that you buy.
Other issues with older LS models are leaking PS pump, worn shocks and springs, steering rack, ball joints, burnt instrument cluster, burnt climate control LCD, new battery, new alternator. This can add another quick $3-4K.
Then you'll get bitten by the modification bug, that is a bottomless money pit.
Rebuilt LS engines are a rarity, most likely abused. STAY away, as you don't know what else is wrong.
93 and 94 models have bigger wheels than 90-92, so acceleration is slower, but gas mileage is better. Steering mechanics are stronger, and headlamps are brighter. Overall 93-94 are a better buy than 90-92.
Given a choice between LS and ES, I'd go for LS any day just for the RWD. The Gen 2 is infinitely superior, but is out of your price range. The bottom line is if you can't afford the maintenance on an LS then consider another machine, not a Lexus. ALL Lexuses are going to be expensive to fix (when they break) regardless of model or year.
I see you were also considering an RX300!!!! That is way out of your price range of $3,500. I don't get it!!!!
Last edited by ychachad; 11-07-04 at 05:07 AM.
11-07-04, 10:07 AM
#6
Delicate1,
It may be insightful to take a look at my maintenance records. You will see many of the issues Ychachad mentioned. I have been lucky in that I have not had AC or power steering pump issues.
We are talking about Texas , so no AC is not an option!!!
Please also notice that the most cost effective solution was to avoid the dealer for maintenance & parts whenever possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My 94 LS 400 Records:
Going to have to Ballpark some cost but will be very close:
Purchase date: 11/15/2001 Mileage: 117,815
Vin # : JT8UF11EORO199***
JP Importz: Jason Phan 214-221-3135
Davenport contact # 972-612-3377
11/23/2001 Repair Drivers Side Brake Light: $00.00 ( me soldering)
05/15/2002 Leaking Heater Control Valve replaced . $40.00 in parts installed by me.
07/30/2002
Brake Rotors & Pads changed . Bradi Rotors , Rotex pads from
Ricambi Sport
Front & Rear: Mileage 130,345 $300 parts and shipping, $100.00 install
12/06/02 Air Filter Replaced. me $28.00 part
05/02/03 Power Steering Fluid complete flush: Mileage 139,004 : $65.00
06/05/03 Transmission Fluid complete flush Toyota T-IV fluid : Mileage 140,312: $85.00
08/08/03 Cabin Air Filter Replaced: Mileage 143,216: me $25.00 part
08/14/03 Front & Rear Struts replaced. Front upper Strut Assembly replaced.
143,322: $320.00 Parts , $300.00 labor
08/18/03 4 New Kumho Ecsta HP4 716 Tires. Mileage 143,546 at Costco
$250.00 total installed
10/19/03 Bosch Windshield wipers: $15.00
12/10/03 BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner added. Mileage 148,423
BG MOA Oil Treatment added with oil change. Toyota oem filter
used.
BG Cooling System Flush added.
Complete flush of radiator and cooling system / Add 1.3
Gallons Toyota long-life coolant. Fluids $45.00 , I did the labor.
02/17/04 Brake Fluid Flushed by JP Importz:Replaced with Ate Super Blue
Fluid.
Coolant level checked and made 50/50. 149,318
JP Importz: $60.00
03/18/04 EGR Pipe assembly replaced at Tines Automotive. $120.00 parts, I did the labor.
03/21/04
New motor mounts &
transmission mount
installed by A-1 United Transmission. 149,566: $280.00 parts , $175.00 labor
03/27/04 Fuel Gauge Capacitor C-142 replaced on Circuit Board. Work done
Jeff Tregre 972-296-3421
JeffTregre@comcast.net
http://www.circuit-technology.com/h...ff__tregre.html
152,151: $75.00 in soldering , I re-installed the cluster.
04/01/04 State Inspection / Registration sticker applied. Oil Change 153,875: $50.00
06/04/04 AC system checked for leaks / none found. 4 oz. of refrigerant
added at Blendair.
www.blendair.net Owners name: Mark
156,729: $40.00
Totals: $2253.00 or $73.00 a month rounded up.
My maintenance Cost per 100 miles: $5.63
Update: Currently at 163,000 with no new maintenace cost.
Started with ouch!! , due to 350Z's post.
That comes to an astonishing $213.00 per 100 miles. Yikes
It may be insightful to take a look at my maintenance records. You will see many of the issues Ychachad mentioned. I have been lucky in that I have not had AC or power steering pump issues.
We are talking about Texas , so no AC is not an option!!!
Please also notice that the most cost effective solution was to avoid the dealer for maintenance & parts whenever possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My 94 LS 400 Records:
Going to have to Ballpark some cost but will be very close:
Purchase date: 11/15/2001 Mileage: 117,815
Vin # : JT8UF11EORO199***
JP Importz: Jason Phan 214-221-3135
Davenport contact # 972-612-3377
11/23/2001 Repair Drivers Side Brake Light: $00.00 ( me soldering)
05/15/2002 Leaking Heater Control Valve replaced . $40.00 in parts installed by me.
07/30/2002
Brake Rotors & Pads changed . Bradi Rotors , Rotex pads from
Ricambi Sport
Front & Rear: Mileage 130,345 $300 parts and shipping, $100.00 install
12/06/02 Air Filter Replaced. me $28.00 part
05/02/03 Power Steering Fluid complete flush: Mileage 139,004 : $65.00
06/05/03 Transmission Fluid complete flush Toyota T-IV fluid : Mileage 140,312: $85.00
08/08/03 Cabin Air Filter Replaced: Mileage 143,216: me $25.00 part
08/14/03 Front & Rear Struts replaced. Front upper Strut Assembly replaced.
143,322: $320.00 Parts , $300.00 labor
08/18/03 4 New Kumho Ecsta HP4 716 Tires. Mileage 143,546 at Costco
$250.00 total installed
10/19/03 Bosch Windshield wipers: $15.00
12/10/03 BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner added. Mileage 148,423
BG MOA Oil Treatment added with oil change. Toyota oem filter
used.
BG Cooling System Flush added.
Complete flush of radiator and cooling system / Add 1.3
Gallons Toyota long-life coolant. Fluids $45.00 , I did the labor.
02/17/04 Brake Fluid Flushed by JP Importz:Replaced with Ate Super Blue
Fluid.
Coolant level checked and made 50/50. 149,318
JP Importz: $60.00
03/18/04 EGR Pipe assembly replaced at Tines Automotive. $120.00 parts, I did the labor.
03/21/04
New motor mounts &
transmission mount
installed by A-1 United Transmission. 149,566: $280.00 parts , $175.00 labor
03/27/04 Fuel Gauge Capacitor C-142 replaced on Circuit Board. Work done
Jeff Tregre 972-296-3421
JeffTregre@comcast.net
http://www.circuit-technology.com/h...ff__tregre.html
152,151: $75.00 in soldering , I re-installed the cluster.
04/01/04 State Inspection / Registration sticker applied. Oil Change 153,875: $50.00
06/04/04 AC system checked for leaks / none found. 4 oz. of refrigerant
added at Blendair.
www.blendair.net Owners name: Mark
156,729: $40.00
Totals: $2253.00 or $73.00 a month rounded up.
My maintenance Cost per 100 miles: $5.63
Update: Currently at 163,000 with no new maintenace cost.
Started with ouch!! , due to 350Z's post.
That comes to an astonishing $213.00 per 100 miles. Yikes
11-07-04, 01:20 PM
#7
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i really appreciate all the help. i do live in the dallas area and your right damon, no a/c is not an option. plus i just had a baby (why i'm needing a reliable car) so a/c and heat are a MUST!! i'm thinkin i may have to just go with an ES for less money so i have plenty left over for maintenance. i was considering making payment on an RX300 a while back, but i'm not working at the moment so thats no longer an option. so for now an ES will do. once i start working and get stable my goal is to get an LS430...my dream car! well, again, i appreciate all of your help and time!
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11-07-04, 03:15 PM
#8
Glad to help.
Keep in mind that maintenance & parts are not going to be much if any cheaper on an ES.
Acquisition cost will be lower , but it is not as likely going to rack up as many miles as a well maintained LS.
Whatever you do, in your situation you cannot afford a mistake! Whatever car you choose you should have an independent pre-buy inspection done. JP Importz or Davenport would be good places for this.
Saw some promising ads in todays Morning News for LS models. Good luck!!
Keep in mind that maintenance & parts are not going to be much if any cheaper on an ES.
Acquisition cost will be lower , but it is not as likely going to rack up as many miles as a well maintained LS.
Whatever you do, in your situation you cannot afford a mistake! Whatever car you choose you should have an independent pre-buy inspection done. JP Importz or Davenport would be good places for this.
Saw some promising ads in todays Morning News for LS models. Good luck!!
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