Jbthompson

Hi, I am looking for my first Lexus! I found a 94 LS400 with 230k miles. It's mint, single owner and meticulously maintained. They are asking 4500 for it. Is this a good deal? Thanks!

johnnyg66

I think its on the high end. Closer to 4k or upper 3's. Because of milage. Would be nice if they are the only owners.

Jbthompson

Yeah it's one owner. All the big items done ( power steering, suspension, starter) which is good. Timing belt has a good 30k miles left until needing to be changed.

uuuuu

Did you take it for a test drive yet? That might make your decision a lot easier.

bsjones35

I say go for it if you like it.. I have a 99 with 178k and its in solid shape. These cars last forever and if I keep it, I know it could go another 120k pretty easily. Runs like a champ. Miles on these cars really don't matter if the owner does all the service and takes care of it. I say you can get it for about $3500-$4000. But $4500 ain't bad if you really want it,

Jbthompson

Thanks all. I haven't driven it yet, trying to figure all of this out!!

tenchu

Price seems a bit high due to mileage, but the car should be strong if they've been taking care of it. My 90 has ~260k on the clock, and I don't think its been taken the best care of (timing belt was WAY old, everything dirty, etc) but it runs strong as an ox.

Jbthompson

I think I am gonna pass on the 94. But, I found a 98 with 230k that has been very well maintained. Suspension, timing belt, etc have all been done. It has xenons, nakamichi and the wood steering wheel. Trying to get it for under 6k. Thoughts?

Goofaroo

I think that if you aren't in too much of a hurry you should wait for a lower mileage car. If you are willing to spend as much as $6000 there is a good chance that you can find one quickly with almost half as many miles. Of course you still need to make sure it hasn't been wrecked and the service history from Lexus is always a big plus if it shows that the expensive things have been done.

StevieA

IMO if you get one of these not rusty and meticulously maintained one owner with the major items looked after the price and year become much less of an issue. Dickering with the last $1-2K is much less of an issue than buying one not maintained for a steal because you'll quickly add up by repairing the major items. Like I did $2,500 for a 230km '93 damage repaired and not driven for a year. 1 year later I'm into it for $10k

If you get one well looked after as I explained you'll be making a great investment with years of reliable rewarding driving. Again dickering on the price is less of an issue than finding a good one.

Good luck I'd buy either car myself

Jbthompson

That's the dilemma. There are a couple 98s within about 500 miles that have lower miles but no service records. The mileage scares me a bit bit having the majority of service done for a car this old makes me feel better. I would prefer a 98 or newer and at 6k or below in my area these are very rare.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

You'll be taking chances with many of these now. A one owner with good records has you ahead of game. If there is peace of mind, then even this high price is worth it. Nothing like buying a car to have it begin eating you $100 here and there and before you know it, you are committed because you have so much $$ into it.

That was how I felt with a BMW 5 series many years back. I just had to say no and let it go. Lost about $3K and the next owner wound up putting another $1.5K into it. Just a gamble.

Jbthompson

Thanks. I know it's all a roll of the dice, I just want to get the right car! If anyone knows of any good 98+ LS400s for sale let me know!

Dtwillis5

Ill go with the 94 but the most ill pay is 3500 that's a lot of miles.

Jbthompson

I am so conflicted! The 98 is in really good shape, the maintenance on it is unreal, but the mileage is concerning me. The 94 is perfect, but it's older, has the 250hp engine and the legroom in the back is 2 inches shorter. I feel like the 98 is a more modern looking and feeling car though. ANY MORE THOUGHTS?