myLexRX

Guys,

I need your advice to decide if I should buy this car. It is a 98 LS400 with 95K miles. The seller purchased it 3 years ago with 60K miles and has done only oil changes and nothing else. Also, he does not know about service history before him.
My question is - what kind of problems It might have down the road (almost 100K miles) or what are typical problems these cars have? And also, what services would I need to do at this point?

Thank you in advance.

Greddy

You can call Lexus and give them a VIN number. They will be able to print out the service history of the first owner if it was serviced at Lexus. I just recently purchased a 1991 LS400 with 150,000 miles on it. I love the car and will be looking to buy another Lexus when this one is due for retirement. As far as common problems go, I would look at some of these forums, they are some common problems and fixes for them. Good Luck...

Kansas

Mainly you would need to be getting the car in for the pricey 90,000 miles service which includes replacing the timing belt and water pump. With fluid changes (engine oil, diff, tran, brake, coolant) the total bill will likely be $1,500 or more. Hopefully the spark plugs were changed on time at 60K and the fluids had been changed on schedule in the past. If in doubt, pass this car up.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Exactly, I would either use this as a bargaining chip, or look elsewhere. Buying one with 100K with the 90K service preformed is much better then one with 95K without the 90K service if they were roughly the same cost.

You need to change the timing belt, water pump, Breaks (most likely) cabin filter, tranny flush, drive belt, coolant flush, break fluid flush, power steering flush.... etc.

If the price is VERY cheap say about… 13K, then it’s not bad, but if its anymore, I would look for another one with the services preformed. Having the services performed is VERY crucial to the well beings of this car.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Agreed with Greddy about a VIN service check from the dealer.

Your 90K service is a big expense so it is something to consider. Shop around and ask for shop recco's here or in the regional sections.

The strut bars in these may also be an issue at this stage...may be worn or can last a bit more. I think enough of us encounter the problem somewhere between 70K and 120K miles. As well, possibly the struts may be in need. Both these vary on road conditions the car has seen.

Then the usual stuff to check when buying a pre-owned car.

myLexRX

thanks a lot guys. I kinda knew that I'll have to do all these services. The price is $12K is the only factor that makes me be interested in this car.

On the other hand, I am not sure if it is a wise idea to buy an 8 cyl car when gas prices are so high.

Thanks again.

ychachad

In addition to timing belt and water pump, when you throw in the cost of oil change, tranny flush, coolant flush, spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve, new tires, new headlamps (unless you have HID), new tail lamps (as old ones get dim), wiper blades, wheel alignment, serpentine belt, P/S flush, new brake pads/rotors, brake bleeding, new battery, new shocks, etc, the cost can cross $4-5k very quickly unless you do a lot of the work yourself. Also look out for O2 sensors and ball joints.

PS: oops, GRANDLS4 mentioned quite a few of them, and I forgot to read his post.
$12 k is a very attractive price, but it may be so because it has a lot of these hidden problems. The high cost of gas is not much of a consideration for me when you consider the level of luxury, safety and reliability, and joy you get from this machine, and at 27-28 mpg cruising at 70mph, it can beat many V6s in fuel economy!!!

BrickHead

You can price shop for the 90K service. My local Lexus dealer was going to charge me $1200. I went to a Lexus dealer in a neighboring state for the same service at $850 when I visited a friend there. The gas milage is not bad at all, IMO. I average mid to low 20's. Don't forget to check with www.carfax.com to make sure the car has not been in an accident. My 98 LS has close to 110K on it and I had the struts replaced 3 years ago under warranty. You could also ask your local Lexus dealer to perform a checkup on the car before u buy it.

hyperopt

$12K is a great price. Look at other factors your determination to buy the car since maintenance records lapsed. How does the car look and function interiorly and exteriorly? Any sign of accident or body work? Engine & drive train mechanically sound? Suspension and alignment good? Any non-OEM parts? Previous owner background? ect...
Expect to pay good $$$ to get to car back to maintenance schedule and to fix common problems, but 95K is young for LS. If everything else is fine, I wouldn't have problem buying that LS, but then I am a DIY.