Porsche505

The car in question is the 1995-1997 model.

Anyways, this car would be replacing a 1993 Honda Accord SE with 192k miles. It's clean, runs well, great body/tires, and just had a complete brake job. It's never ever let us down. In other words, I'm in no rush to purchase another vehicle.

The LS in question is a 95-97, with about 120k miles on it. I talked the owner down to $3,500. Here's the quick breakdown:

good:
-same owner for the last 5 years, and previous to that, owned by his dad who had it since new
-engine/trans/interior are in good shape
-every gadget works

bad:
-has air shocks, and they seemed a bit soft - I'm a bit worried this will be a mess trying to fix
-needs a timing belt/h20 pump. If it goes, so does the top end of the engine - are we sure on this or is there still debate on the 95-97 LS400?
-needs brakes (they're not bad, but not as good as they should be)
-I'll probably change the tires
-has a few small cosmetic/paint issues due to spending time in the south, as well as small areas of dry leather - nothing serious, but with it being a Lexus I'll want to sort it out

I estimate all of the "bad" can be taken care of for $1,500-$2,000.

I did some negotiating, so for now $3,500 is the lowest he'll go, but I have a slight feeling there's a little more wiggle room.

Given the issues noted, do you guys/gals recommend I go for it? I realize I can get a 90-94 LS400 in better condition for $5k, and they have a non-interference engine, which I prefer, but I really like the styling of the 95-97 models, and clean "needs nothing" examples of these usually go for $7k.

Thanks for reading.

BLKonBLK98

imo, for what you'll spend on the car + repairs you could hold tight and wait for a deal on something with less issues.

acidfire52

I don't know, $3500 for a UFC20 is a pretty good deal.
They are fantastic cars, sure the 98+ are really nice, but cost a lot more.
The only big thing is the Timing Belt. That will cost you a couple if you pay someone to do it. Can save money and do it yourself with out too much trouble.
120k miles is almost brand new on these cars. You get it up to spec and it will last you a long time.

I bought my '97 with $3000 with 215k miles, runs like the day it was made. Mine was fully up on maintenance though.

BLKonBLK98

the last 2 cars i have bought (90 q45 and 92 ls400) were bought as projects with issues. after a recent scare i have come to the conclusion that there is no "pretty good deal" on a car that in less than perfect condition.

it might have something to do with how i go about maintenance though. i thought i was going to have to do my fan bracket recently (just the alt luckily) and that quickly turned into belts, water pump, bracket, pulleys, plugs, wires, etc. i just don't see the point in not tackling everything while you're in there, but it adds up quick. on the other hand, with no issues everything can be left alone.

120k might be low in regards to life expectancy but it's right at the corner for major maintenance costs from what i've gathered so far.

Porsche505

Thank you acid and BLK - just what I suspested, I'm torn in between both of your responses!

The air suspension is scaring me - is it a legitimate fear?

One point - if I did all the work (tires/brakes/re-conditioning/maintenance) I'd be starting at zero again, I'd know where I'm at with the car, everything would be fresh.

Still, as mentioned, I don't want a project...

steveski

Personally I would pass - the guy never changed the timing belt and it is way overdue from the normal interval. What else has the owner neglected? The engine is an interference model - meaing a broken timing belt will damage valves, etc.

BLKonBLK98

definitely a valid point. at a "greater than a good condition buying price" you get a "greater than a good condition car". it's all about how much you are willing to put into it.

my q is a good example. you can buy the cream of the crop for that generation for $5k or so. after doing my research i found out there were a lot of common issues for the car (and some i didn't find out about until later) and then the things i was going to do regardless of which specific car i bought. i opted for a low miles, one owner, poor running, $900 car because the things wrong with it were the common issues or things that would be replaced anyway. 1 year and $15k+ (repairs, mods, and labor included) later i'm still tackling repairs.

my point is: what seems like a "good deal" will quickly turn into a project if you go about it thoroughly. all said and done, you will most likely end up with something that cost you more than what you would have spent on something in better initial condition. what you will come away with though, as you stated, is a car with a clean slate. how bad do you want it and how far you are willing to go?

Porsche505

Thank you BLK, great point. The urge for this LS is fading, and I'll continue my search for another - better example.

Porsche505

This is true steveski - there were some subpar tires on the car that had me scratching my head. The Lexus will keep going with some neglect, but often times neglect is more than just "tire deep".

damon

You are correct to be weary of the air suspension if it already seemingly has problems.

Seems to me that he has priced in the fact that he never did the timing belt?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

vehicle cost: $3,500
timing belt: $1,200
Susp. Rebuild: $1,600 (arnott air susp.) (no labor)
total $6,300

or
vehicle cost: $3,500
timing belt: $1,200
Susp. Rebuild: $650 (coil spring conversion) (no labor)
Total $5,350

or
vehicle cost: $3,500
timing belt: $1,200
Susp. Rebuild: $1000 (Megan Coilovers)
total $5,700

that's assuming there isnt ANYTHING else wrong with this car, other than needing a timing belt and new airstruts.......which is doubtful.

Kingsoup

Air suspension costs a lot to fix. Wait on a better car.

Also have you drive lots of LS? you might find it pretty boring even compared to an Accord, its a nice people mover, super reliable but shes dull thats for sure!