rabbits

Hi guys,

I'm a little bummed, missed out on BT's 1994 LS on ebay, I put in the same bid as the winner but was the later bidder so lost on a tie breaker ;-( So I move on with my search. I am looking to pick up my first lexus as a second car. I have owned a 93 Camry, a 98 Volvo s70, an 01 Volvo V70XC and now my 06 Hyundai Azera (All great cars bTW, but volvo reliability went to crap!)

Anyways, I've noticed that a few people that I have sent emails to about their cars haven't responded. I wonder if people are afraid to sell to Canadians? We don't live in igloos and drive sleds! I bought my Azera from a dealer in the US and imported it. It really isn't a big deal. The seller needs to get a recall letter, obtain a temporary permit for me to drive the car in their state and notify US Customs of the sale and that the car is being exported.

So, moving on to the reason for the thread. I found a 96 LS400 in Canada for $3900 (I think I can bring that down a little). I have a few concerns.

First the milage is about 280,000 Miles (450,000km) Should I be worried? The guy says he has good records, but isn't that getting up there for milage?

Second, he says the car needs a front end shocks job and a new starter. When I asked for details he said:

"it needs brushes at 65$ and 6 hrs to put in shocks I didn't price. But probably $400"

Anyone know what brushes are and what they have to do with shocks? Is this a job that I can do myself (I'm average at car stuff, have done brakes and small jobs like that ok). How about the starter, is that expensive?

What do you guys think about the price? Considering the work it needs? I ran a carfax, it shows two accidents back in 2001 which were before this owner, he says he has no problems, I plan on running another check to see the amount of damage from the accidents back then. He bought it from a dealer in 2004.

Thanks for the advice.

uuuuu

High mileage and 2 accidents? I think you could do better for around $4000.

For example, in my area I see a '97 and '98 with around 150k miles going for $4500 to $5500.

I think he is trying to refer to the starter brushes here. But I'd be concerned about how he knows for sure that it is the starter. Plus, from stories of members here, the starter is a big pain to get to.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Welcome.

Starter brushes...read the threads on start replacement to get an idea.
With 280K miles...no. 98+ or simply move up into the LS430's, your odds will be far better.

The 91-97's are EOL at this stage.

rabbits

Thanks Guys. I think you're right I will keep looking. Just have to be patient, that's all. Off the top, do you guys know how expensive a timing belt change is? I may have another car I'm watching but I think it will need one soon. Anyone try doing that yourself?

deanshark

I would deffinately pass on that one, especially with those miles and accidents. Timing belt isn't too bad as long as you're mechanically inclined. This tutorial is pretty darn good. It'll give you an idea on what's involved. It is easier than it looks, in my opinion. http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/engine/timingbelt.html
But you didn't mention the other car you're looking at.

lexuslspro

You'd be one of the most miserable people on this forum (Lexus wise)if you bought that LS400.

Cars with that mileage are totally unpredictable and going to possibly give you as much hell as your Volvo(or more).

Why am I comparing it to a Volvo?..

I've owned 2 T5 850s.

Beautiful when they run..ugly when they don't.

Which part of Ontario are you in?

rabbits

Thanks again guys. I am in Brampton ON. You are right, it helps to listen to some sane voices out there.

I found a nice specimen on craigslist so it will take some additional legwork. It is a 99 LS 400 with 263000 miles. That is pretty high for that year but it sounds like the guy had a long commute. He is the second owner, says he has full records and it was serviced at the dealer. Timing belt was done at 190,000. He is the second owner, bought it at 36000. It is a good deal but I have yet to find out if he is willing to sell to a Canadian and do the little extra paperwork. I would fly in to inspect and pick up the car.

Do you guys know how and if I could find someone here on the boards that might by able to check the car out for me to see if it is legit? How can I tell where boardmembers live? It is located in Merrillville, Indiana. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks again.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Generally, I would suggest a pass on anything above 150K miles. It becomes a gamble what when something major will break on a car with that much on it.

If you want reliable, LS430 is in the peak for pre-owned. There are still 400's to be found but it will be a hunt for a car that is that old.

sdls

That 96 LS is a $1500 car, not a $4000 car.

sik96ls400

I second that. I bought a 95 last year with 200K on it for $1200....so a car with 280k, yea....$1500 is all i'd pay for it or less..unless it was a one owner car, with PERFECT history, running smooth.

rabbits

Thanks guys. Looks like I have narrowed it to a 99 ls 400 with 263000. I know it is high miles but it is only the second owner, he bought it with 32000 in 96 and has done all highway driving on his commute. He says he has full service records at lexus. I figured based on the boards here that milage should not be an issue. It is selling for $4500 which sounds like a good deal to me (especially compared to Canada, which would cost over $10K easily).

lexuslspro

Canada is too expensive!