tybeeroad

Hi all.

Am picking up a 91 LS 400 tomorrow night from the original owner. It's a deep burgandy and only has 65,000 miles on it. The guy kept it garaged and covered for the past 14 years and it looks brand new. All keys, documentation and service records are coming with the car and I think it has all options.

I know I need to keep an eye on the instrument panel, but is there anything else? When do I need to do the timing chain/belt?


thanks,
Sean

ebruce2

iTrader: (1)

first off, welcome to Club Lexus!! You'll find a great bunch of folks here who are always willing to help each other out.

Secondly, congrats on the LS. Generally, my Lexus service writer suggests changing the timing belt at around 90-100K or so. However, due to the age of the car you may just want to go ahead and get it done anyway. I probably would. Doesn't hurt to double up and do the water pump at the same time for most vehicles. Good luck.

hyperopt

Low mileage would be the first thing I would look at...too low for 14 yrs old car.

hlovepenn

I hope this car is as good as it sounds. I just sold a '91 Carmine Red LS400 and miss it now, even though I bought a second gen LS400 to replace it. I would not rush the timing belt--they are good for 110,000 miles or so and if it breaks, nothing is harmed due to the engine design. Do have the waterpump replaced, but if it's not leaking, wait to do everything together. I replaced the Nakamichi door speakers with good 4 1/2" speakers when they went out and saved about $1600. If you have questions, use this forum to post questions--a bunch of us have had Gen I's and still love them. Good luck and welcome to the Lexus bunch!

POS

Bull. I bought my 90 LS last year with 76,000 miles on it. I went to Lexus and verified it's history, and you could see the low mileage use in their computers. If the guy has all the records, and Lexus can verify, then buy it. Sounds great.

How much $, by the way? I'm curious.

sonbum1

iTrader: (3)

Check the AC!!!! You might over look it since its cold.

tybeeroad

I ended up paying a little more than I wanted to, $8900, but here's why.

The car was purchased and spent the first 3 years of it's life in St. Louis and has been in So Cal ever since. Everything is in perfect working condition. No accidents, all original body panels and all Lexus dealer service receipts from day one. All of this was verified by Carfax and a call to a friend that runs the service dept. at my local Lexus Dealer.

Here are pictures of the exterior and interior after I detials with Zaino Bros. I didn't take any engine shots, but it's just as clean.

I am really happy with the car!

silversprucesc3

Very clean and sharp looking ride

50loser

Hot car, be sure to take care of the leather it is very hard to get a nice fix for it. looks sweet man, have fun with it.

kreativ

From the pics, the leather looks to be in very nice condition, especially for an '01. Did it take much cleaning?

As for changing the timing belt, the '91 owner's manual only calls for an inspection at 120,000 miles. These belts last for quite some time.

krippled

wow, that's a nice car man. even if the engine if broken i will still buy it. I have 268,000 on mine as of today. I'm the 2nd owner , i have the jade with grey 2 tone lining. yes take care of that leather mine starts to break now. Awesome car u got a really good one. I'll say give it a one shot maintainance. Plugs,caps,rotors,plugwires, fan belt,water pump,timing belt and that should make your car feels better. I'll say treat the fuel for a month or two and flush the cooling system. I'm never stingy when it comes to my car. It takes me to work to make money therefore deserves some of the money I make. Steering wheel will have some discoloration and the shifter leather..Be nice to the driver side power window switch. If your going to flush the tranny fluid...buy the oem tranny oil in the lexus dealer, vacuum the converter its worth it. tranny is expensive. If your going to replace your wheels don't go more than 19", I went down to 18 because its better for the car over all. Body kit will make your wheel look bigger and use a higher series like a 50 or 45 or even 55 instead of going 19" or 20". It's an optical illusion my friend. I don't like to give up my ride too much just too look good. Good luck!!!