ZULU789

To all the Lexus gurus out there:
First things first , Thanks for all the useful info i found in your posts.
In the recent Autotrader i found this beauty 1997 Lexus LS 400, listed as 4 Dr Coach Sedan, will it be one of the Coach edition? Exterior Color: GRAY Mileage: 40,354 ivory interior.
VIN: JT8BH28F3V0068241
Asking price $17.490.

Questions#1. Is the price OK? can i go lower?
Question#2. What kind of problems (failures) an old LS400 (97) will have as a natural aging of parts?
i don't see mileage as a great factor in parts failures (only 40K)..
Any Info will be appreciated , included is the VIN if somebody has carfax.
Hope the image comes OK

Thanks
Pretty soon a Lexus LS Owner

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

Welcome buddy


I think that it’s a bit too much.... I honestly wouldn’t pay more that 15,000 and that’s if the car is immaculate... and I understand that you might like the exclusivity of a coach edition or what have you but with that kind of money you could get the 98-00 bodies. In my opinion those years were the nicest LS's made... the back lights will look similar but still better to the 97 your looking at, but the front lights are a night and day difference..... For 17 grand around here you could buy a 2000 LS millennium (platinum) edition... I personally think that’s a better deal....


Tommy

ZULU789

sorry there is no picture in autotrader, just the ad
here is the linkLexus 97 with 40K miles
the picture from the dealer

ZULU789

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

wayyyy too much. Unless miles is something you take to heart, you're better off with a 98-00 w/70K.

For 17K, you can find a real nice 99-00 LS400.

ZULU789

Guys, what can I say?
Thanks A lot. Your comments made a lot of sense. I think a year 2000 will be more in this price range. not that many available.... tough
there is one (2000) with 57k on the clock for an asking of 17k seems by owner.......
I guess the search will continue......

quedawg

I just bought a white/grey extremely clean 1998 LS 400 with the grey interior with108000 with all service records for 12800 I bought it from Palm Beach Lexus of the internet. It was an extremely smooth process and the car was definitely as advertised or better. There are good deals out there just be patient. I absolutely LOVE the car . I think 17000 is a a bit much and mileage is nothing in these cars if they have been serviced properly. The 98 Lexus runs better than my 2002 Pathfinder LE on the interstate. Good Luck and get you one!!!!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

This car would have to be near show room purrfect to get that price...as others have said, you can get a 98+ for that listed price. BUT, you'd have to look at the car and determine if this '97 is worth that premium. A '98-'00 with a bit more miles and updated VVTi motor might be more worthwhile. (I'd pick the '98+ VVTi.)

The wheels on that pic were on the '95-'96's. The Coach edition wheels were five spoke that were carried over to the '98 model year. At least that is how I recall the Lexus press release. My '97Coach edition, build date 6/97 had 5 spoke wheels.

liquid2

whats different about the coach editions from the normal ls400s?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

The little emblem on the back trunk that has "Coach", "Coach" embossed into the leather on the center console arm rest and the biggest difference, the perforated leather seats. The five spoke wheels were also the difference.

Price wise, nada. Though mine had chrome wheels which added an additional premium which I forget the actual amount.

An old pic: These were not the right center caps as the factory ones had a channel around the outside. There has been some discussion but it's a minor detail. Luckily these did have the correct "L" emblem in them.

sphereman

in my opinion, that is way too much. even if the car is in flawless condition, it is still too much..

i would definitely go with 98 or later model. it looks much better and it has all the nice features that a 97 lacks. such as HID, optional navigation an etc.

i recently put 05 sport 18" wheels on my 98 and could not be happier!!
will post some pics later

good luck

ZULU789

Guys : Again thanks a lot . You saved me a lot aggravation and my hard earned money .Your opinions reflected a lot of common sense , even considering the fact that Lexus fanatics may have a biased opinion about their "object of desire" and prices paid to obtain them.
Again Thank You.Will keep you posted about my "relentless pursuit of perfection".......