Push

Short and simple, an old co-worker is junking her 93' LS 400 with 375,000 Miles. It was running fine besides, loud exhaust leak, radio no longer working, and typical wear and tear.

Last week, she parked the car and now it no longer starts. The battery is strong, and even when trying to jump start all the car does is click and the lights fade out (gauge cluster and headlights).

I am inclined to believe it is the starter since I seen the LS400 drove fine and didn't have any engine issues. Junkyard offered her $400 and she offered it to me for the same price. Or is it something I shouldn't bother with and just look for another LS 400?

Thanks!

tenchu

How mechanically inclined are you? If you can do the starter yourself (I assume you know how difficult that is on an LS) then its a good deal IMO for only $400. You can get an OEM starter for around $250, or an aftermarket one for around $100. Either way, if the car is in pretty good shape...

tenchu

Or maybe part-out? If the interior is in good shape, you may be able to make some money off me

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if the lights are fading out then the battery isn't strong.

check the grounds and recharge the battery.

Push

I work at Toyota, and have good relationship with the service managers here. I am going to have one of the Toyota Techs do it here, I think I might just roll the dice and get this LS400 this Friday. It's a decent car, body is nice and interior isn't too bad.

The mileage just bothers me, thinking it will need more maintenance and parts from me in the near future.

tenchu

Unless the starter is seized, which will cause a HUGE drain on the battery, which will in turn dim the lights

tenchu

It probably will, but hell, you could easily throw a starter in it (if thats indeed the issue) and sell it for a quick $1500 and make a few bucks

Push

picked it up, so far I'm happy... Putting the starter in hopefully later this week

Push

bumping an old thread... I purchased the starter, car started right up no issues. Drove it around, broke a ball-joint/front control arm. Replaced it, and sold it to a buddy, he drove it then sold it to someone else. It was a great car apart from the 2 issues. To anyone thinking of buying an older LS 400, do it!! Great cars!

stock545i

I had a 91 LS400 with almost 270K miles and it never skipped a beat.... great car, just like any car make sure you keep up with the basic maintenance...

DertyDOH

I'd get it for $400. You aren't out much if you tear it apart trying to replace the starter. But with those miles I wouldn't pay the $1k+ for a shop to do the work

lilSCsteve

iTrader: (71)

Great dice roll, glad you picked it up! $400 bucks, good steal!

steve