elibutton

Hi,

I'm a '01 GS430 Ltuned owner, love my GS, my brother has gotten the Lexus bug now and wants to buy, however, he's somewhat financially strapped right now.

He is real giddy on this 1992 LS400 and I'm not too sure about it. The pics look good (they all do), however, here's the lowdown:

- 170K miles
- $2695 asking price (talked him down to $2400)
- For sale by small car dealer - - they say they do not have any records of service history
- He replaced the driver's seat since the previous owner weighed over 350lbs and wore down the seat.

I'm a bit leary - - no service records (although can't you ask Lexus Dealer to check their database?), and if you had to replace the seat then there's likely other issues such as suspension / ball joints / shocks / struts.

What do you guys think? Would appreciate any insight you have. I gave my brother a slew of questions to ask (90K mile service, gaskets replaced? suspension work done?) but when he spoke to the salesman about maintenance all the guy could say is that the car is clean and runs great, passes emissions test, and it's only $2400.

Thanks!!

7schulz

Find one with records, they are expensive to maintain. Don't get antsy, dealers are bad.

aristo2369

iTrader: (2)

dealers suck big time.... but back to the subject... Starter motor is a pain in the butt to replace.... so i dont know how you can check if its going or not but maybe try to start the car when its been sitting for a while... check for oil drip where the car was aprked...check the timing belt by removing the timing belt cover... check the oil...radiator fluid and tranny fluid... If you go and look at it... start it and let it sit for a while or drive it till is really warm....besides that is a great car.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

golden rule of the LS series, especially the aging 1st gens, is to HAVE MAINT. RECORDS!!!

if not, you'll be nickle and dimed to death.

JimsGX

elibutton,

If he's financially strapped right now, a 92 LS might not be the best vehicle for him to be looking at. They are great cars, but they can be expensive to repair. That being said, if he truly wants to consider the car, it would be worth the hours labor that your local Lexus dealer will charge him to put it up on a lift and check it out for him prior to buying it.

trukn1

As a 92 LS owner,, second the 2 previous statements above ^.

elibutton

Wow - thanks for your feedback! I really do appreciate it! I will pass this along - - I pretty much agree on the maintenance records, he's going to be more specific and ask for them. If it's a no-go then he'll try passing the VIN# to a local dealer to see if anything comes up.

19psi

weird, i think they're cheap and easy to maintain. the only things to really look out for are the climate control screens, front suspension bushings, water control valve for the heater, and thats about it. if it runs and shift well and doesnt' rattle when you hit bumps you're good to go. even if the t belt breaks, it won't bend any valves, so that's not a huge deal. check the t belt when you get it home, but you'll have to realize that just looking at the top of it by removing a cover isn't going to tell you much. just tear it down and replace it if it freaks you out not knowing.

GABE_LS400

i AGREE with ^^^^^ Only things to worry about is I would say power steering, starter, and if it bothers you the climate control screen. Mine is bad but i dosent boter me cause the rest of my car is clean. I love the car and it runs smooth. Signs of a bad starter is when you start it it makes a grinding noise. That means bad starter.....

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

If you want to go with a first gen LS, I would look for a 93-94 WITH maintenance records.

I own a 92 that did not come with maintenance records but I knew how to diagnosis the problems that were posed with it when I purchased it. I got mine for $2500 nearly 4 years ago.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

whats better about the 93 and 94s? I was just wondering because I got a 90 for 600 bucks that needs a starter and is rough on the inside......... sanded down and primered waiting for paint

JimsGX

http://www.lexls.com/info/