Shmee

iTrader: (3)

So i'm toying around with getting a new car(new to me) and loving the 06 GS430 my dad has i thought it might be time to get my own Lexus...

So i've had my eye on the older cars namely the GS and LS 400s but am leaning more towards the LS simply because of it's size and comfort, i've done and have the little hothatch and sports car thing and at 30 with a bad back, it might be time to baby myself.


So what are nice low Mile LS400s going for these days?
Results on Autotrader, ebay, etc all have a pretty wild range of prices with even more wild range of mileage, hard to get an idea of value when there is a 10,000-15,000 swing on cars that don't appear very different!

Looking for something 100% stock, low miles, 98/99 body/headlight style preferably with black or dark gray interior, body color i'm fairly easy on and am flexable assuming i get either interior color i'm after.

I saw some video and Pics from the recent HellaFlush event in Socal and this car really caught my eye:


anyone know the owner? i'd love to ask him a few questions about what he has done!

Thanks
Mitch

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

that's Big Steve's car.

Aimgain Cygnus kit i believe, SSR Professor MS1s, AirRunner suspension, and i forgot which grill and exhaust he has.

he's a friend of mine so i'll point him to this thread.

prices vary depending on region quite a lot, but just make sure you get one that's straight, has a full maint. history (timing belts/wp/etc... every 90k mi.....IMPORTANT!!), and not worn out.

Big Steve

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for answering PD! I've had the car since Jan 06 and have loved every minute with it...

jgc

steve you on 19s or 20s? I've had my LS since 2007 and enjoy it very much.

Big Steve

iTrader: (1)

JGC aka Jeebus - 19s..

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

very VERY nice LS, even the old man likes it..... sharp

2000 ls400

be patient and check out a lot of 400's. i got a 2000 with 110k about a year and a half ago for $7500. all records from lexus dealership timing belt done at 90k. it looks and drives like new. i found it on craigslist.

KJLegend

98 ls400 all options 70k for $6500

That was a crazy find though, IMO..

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

see that's what is driving me nuts, i have been finding some great deals but they are usually the cream or champagne body with the light tan or what looks a dirty cream interior....

dealers around here tend not to touch anything older than 6 years unless it's got super low mileage and they all want big big bucks for them. found one 99 with 40,000KMs on it but the dealer wanted damn near 35k for it!!

My searches on Autotrader and such always seem to yeild ugly cars under 70k and nice cars over 130k....

Another thing i seem to be having trouble finding is what are the main areas of concern on these cars and at what mileage? i know the engine itself is rock solid but what about other areas? how do these tranys hold up? Water pump every timing belt? balljoints and tierods 80-100k replacement items like German cars? how about oil/tranny/coolant leaks?


word of mouth is often more detailed than what you read in reviews, any things to watch out for when buying would be much appreciated!

Thanks guys!

whit3b0y

I just bought mine about 2months ago. While looking average was 7-9k depending on condition. GL with the hunt. Their not as common as a Honda civic so more or less up to the seller.

mcat

i paid 10500 a year ago w/ the stipulation the dealer include new tires, hood struts, windshield, and tilt motor. probably paid too much but the car was what i wanted and had 110k and was a 1 owner w/ all lexus service records.

j three

I paid $11,250 in Aug 2008 and mine had 90,025 miles on it. Major service done at 87k, so I think I got a good deal at the time, all the other ones I was looking at were over $13k. I also scored with the black pearl emblem pkg.

Schnitz

iTrader: (5)

From my research and limited experience all you need to concern yourself with is if it was properly and regularly maintained.
There's a local guy with over 500k miles on his '92 with no major repairs. He just follows the maintenance schedule. Now bushings are going to need replacing here and there due to age but that's not a big deal. Good luck!

Schnitz

iTrader: (5)

I did a quick search around Seattle and found quite a few good candidates for you. Give it a try. And to bring it across the border is simple - http://www.importcartocanada.info/

MicahBerry

Bought mine in April for just under $9k and 113k miles. 90k service completed. Mine is black with a tan interior.

Micah