xdubber

Hi,

I'm new here and new to Lexus' although not new to Toyotas (I currently have a 98 4.7V8 Landcruiser).

Anyhow, I'm pretty excited to check out this 1997 LS400 Coach Edition which is listed as 9900 with 150k miles on it.

I've checked KBB and in excellent condition (which this car is - still need to check it out and verify service records), this car is worth 8,750 with 150k miles.

What I'd like to know from experienced owners of older LS's is - is it worth it if all checks out and I can talk the price down?

Even with 150K miles on it (and I know.. it's basically a toyota), will it last very long/go even longer with few problems if cared for correctly?

If there's a FAQ on the forums that will answer my questions, please point me in that direction.

Thanks in advance!

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

It will last a long time, provided it has been maintained and cared for. Then again, you could run it into the ground if you jack rabbit the car a lot. Really depends on what the last person did, and what you do to care for the vehicle. I drive mine like a grandpa now.

I would find out why the owner is asking for so much more over KBB. Maybe there are some upgrades that were done to the vehicle (wheels, new leather, stereo, massive maintenance, etc). I wouldn't sink an extra $1200 over it being a Coach Edition though. I would just save the difference and get a 99-00.

TexFinn

Definately overpriced! But if it checks out okay mechanically, the 150K is nothing much. A lot depends on the care it has received.

xdubber

Thanks guys.

Well, I got the car . It's in pristine condition inside and out, not as much as a scratch on the car and all paperwork shows no evidence of accidents, water damage, etc. It also runs/drives great and very luxurious feeling. It had 2 previous owners over the years and has been well cared for. Every button and function inside works great, and there aren't any leaks in the sun/moon roof. The windows still roll up and down with no delay like my Landcruiser.

Anyhow, I was able to get 1500 knocked off of the asking price. They really tried to use the Coach name as a selling point, which wasn't going to happen.

While I'm not looking to mod the hell out of the car, or create a show car, I'm hoping to enjoy it for many, many years. Alright - I lied... I'm hoping to get some tasty things done, but real minimal.

Looking forward to learning all about this new love.

91LS400LEX

Yes, thats way overpriced and imo, I would be just as happy with a base model, which is still a loaded model.

My main concerns would be the mechanical conditions and up to date maintainence. I have learned from previous mistakes by overpaying for a Lexus (ended up with $4000 in my 1991 with 198K after the car, shipping and registration)... now my car is needing minor, but costly little repairs. Biggest mistake of my life. I have bought two LS400s... a 1990 and 1991, overpaid for both. Sold one at a huge loss.... paid $4400 for the 1990 in 2003 and sold for $2900 and this one for $4000 two years ago and would be lucky to get $2500 for it in its present shape, despite being a shiney, well maintained and nice looking car, unless I could find a Lexus fan that knows how to do their own repairs like power steering issues, valve cover gaskets, motor mounts, etc. Never again will I overpay for a Lexus.

Just dont make any hasty decisions for the sake of your bank account/wallet.

TexFinn

Congrats on the purchase! As long as you are happy with the price, that's all that matters.

NO1ZX6R

Congratulations on the new ride! I'm picking up a '94 myself on Sat. As far as the price these cars seem to hold their value better than most. If you take care of it and keep it for even a medium amount of time you should do pretty good on the resale. As you probably know these cars will run almost forever with proper maintenance.

mcat

if you like it as much as you write, great deal

seanl

I just bought a very clean 1997 LS400 Coach Edition (pearl white/ivory) with 100,300 miles for $7200. It was a CPO car with documented service history as well. It had crap aftermarket chrome wheels and needed tires, so I bought a set of 16" 2002 LS430 wheels w/good Michelins for $400 on Craigs List. Proper lug nuts $40.

So I'm into the car for ~$7700. I still think I paid too much. I'll post some pics soon.

xdubber

Really? KBB says not to pay more than 8750 after all the dealer's crap on top of it for 150k in excellent condition. I would have been even happier if I paid what you paid.

For mine, I called the local Lexus dealership to see if they had the VIN on record and found out that Timing belt was done when it was supposed to be done, and it had recently been in for maintenance a couple of months ago. Everything checked out while it was in. I noticed that the dealer I bought from has their own detail and service shop who changed the oil when they sold it and didn't replace the crush washer, so naturally, I found dripping from the drain plug. I'm glad that's all they did to it, looks like I'll be changing the oil a bit sooner than the scheduled window, just to get a new crush washer to stop that dripping. Other than that, I am in love.

seanl

OK, here's a pic of my $7700 creampuff with the newly installed 2002 LS430 wheels...yes, those wheels are very boring but they are functional. And the Michelins will last me at least another year.

seanl

Yeah, really. I know these cars fairly well as I owned a similar '97 LS4 Coach Edition from 2001-2008. The car I bought was well maintained by the dealer, including timing belt service at 90K sharp and a new starter at 95K. The only thing that hasn't been addressed is the power steering pump. Yes, it's leaking a bit and I need to get it changed ASAP before it kills the alternator. That's a $791 repair as I had it done on my previous LS. The car also needs lower ball joints and strut rod bushings ($900) but that can wait a few months.

I should have paid around $6500 for this car, but I overpaid a bit based on the private party (2nd owner), clean condition,and well documented service history. Also, in this economy, there are not many clean moderate mileage LS400s for sale, people are hanging on to them. I tried to buy a '98-00 for the past 3+ months but couldn't find a good one at a reasonable price. So I gave up and bought another '97.

Congrats on your '97 Coach Ed. and post pics when you can!

xdubber

Here are the pics of the new buy!

seanl

wow, great color!

Asia-H.T.

iTrader: (9)

Looks terific