415ua5

i have around 10 grand for a lexus400. im wondering what most people here would do, because i hear alot of people talking about how much they want to move into a newer generation ls400.

at first, i wanted a 93-94 and an extremely clean one. but after seeing a 95-97, with its much nicer interior, etc i really wanted one of those. then, i fell in love the 98-01 bodystyle, those front headlights are just too boss. keep in mind the 10k i just my car budget, i have enough money in other accounts for mods, repairs, bills, insurance, etc.

so here are the options, tell me what you would decide

1) find an extremely clean 93-94 with low miles in the 5-7k price range.

2) find a good condition 95-97 in the 8-10k price range. in my area they average pretty high prices.

3) put the ten grand down and finance another 3 or 4 so i can hope into a 98-01 style sedan. ive seen some nice ones with around 80-140k from 12-15 grand.

4) skip out on the lexus, for 10 grand i can probably find a cheaper car like a sentra, altima, accord, civic, etc. but to be honest i hate economy cars, i want luxury. i had a 2000 acura TL that i loved, but those cars have transmission problems. im also thinking about a newer crown victoria or towncar, a altima or maxima, infiniti i30 or q45.

Aristo300

Your year models are all screwed up.

90-94
95-97
98-00


The 01+ is the newer body style LS430.

Patrick622

I was in your same situation and I went with a 96' LS400 with 90k miles and paid $10,000 for it. I personally don't like to owe people money so being able to pay cash for it was a big plus. But just look around and see what you can get a good deal on. If you're set on a certain car then you tend to get screwed on the deal because you really don't care what it takes as long as you get the car. But if you keep your eyes pealed and are open to different cars, then you can usually find a good deal on what ever pops up. But if you find a good deal on a newer car and have to finance some of it, it wouldn't be a big deal as long as the car was worth it.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

ur in CA, socal i hope () so if you keep your eyes open you should be able to find a CLEAN 95-97 for under 9grand (lowish mileage) OR a decent mileage'd 98-00 for under 13

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Honestly, you probably don't need to finance that $2-3K. Just tell them you're paying cash, and screw them down good. I used to have a dealers license, they get those cars for CHEAP.

415ua5

^^ haah maybe ill try that! never know what an envelope full of hundreds and a lowball offer could get you!

im located in san francisco bay area. anyone selling a lexus ls400 in a few months let me know.


im starting to think just go for the 98+ models, i just love the look better. i like the 95 front end the least. i love the body on the 93s as well, but the interiors are kind of aged and they have more problems.

do 95+ ls400s have the digital gauge problem? what about power steering?

415ua5

i also noticed there isnt any major difference in insurance between a 93 or a 98, which is plus because my rates are through the roof.

chubby

no problems

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

dash does sometimes go out, but MUCH MUCH rarer than 1st gen, ive heard of maybe 1-2 people ever having problems with it.

PS is MUCH improved but 98-00 has the most improvement. 95-97 stilll had issues with pump and PS hose.

19psi

i also love the 98 style. if you can find one for the price you wnat to pay, get it. otherwise, get an older clean one. there are a surprising amount of really clean straight older cars out there because most of them are owned by old people!
don't waste your money on a commuter car, buy a quality lexus no matter what.

Blavatsky

I got a 99 LS for around 11k....keep looking, I've seen them in the 9k-10k range if you really scope them out. I had to drive 5 hours to get mine, but it's an amazing car. Don't forget about the HP and TQ increase in the 98-00 models, and the slightly better mileage due to VVTi.

kwikrnu

I bought a 1990 ls400 monday. I can tell you it is a pretty nice car. Excellent condition, one owner, serviced at lexus with 154k miles. Sure there are a couple problems like the driver seat belt spring is weak and the antenna doesn't work. Unless you need a newer car or want the extra HP I'd get the older car and leave the extra money in the bank.

fatboyq

I would look for a 97 they had side air bags and extra oulet for power up your cell phone etc.. and they made the cowl area stronger which made the car more quiter and I believe they also added more sound insulation.

if you have the mean a 98-00 it top notch.

I would pass on the 93-94 the 95-97 made allot of nice improvement and the cost of a 94 vs 95 is not that much. I personally dont like the dash layout of the 90-94 models. to each it's own.

for 10k you can also get a high milage 98+ GS300..

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

If I were you, id invest in a 98-00 LS400 or GS400. Incredible looks, and power from both models. And they are solid as a rock. I wouldnt go for a 1st gen LS, just because they are harder to come by in good condition

lexodude

dude go 98+....awesome ride, classy look, pretty quick.....just make sure you get a CLEAN one...