Finally purchased my first Lexus
#1
Finally purchased my first Lexus
Hey guys,
This is my second thread and I just wanted to share the exciting news that I finally finalized my deal for a 99 LS400 with HID, moon-roof, and that upgraded stereo (never can remember the name). I believe I got a hell of a deal. It has 67,108 miles with full service records and I paid $8,000.00 even.
The leather is in very good condition but their is some slight body damage. No major dents just a couple of little dings and some areas that need some paint touch-up.
The only disappointing news is I was wrong about the major service being done. The service records are in Spanglish and I was looking at the price and it made logical sense that a service for $2,400.00+ was the major one but it turns out after studying the document very closely it was not. I guess it only makes sense in that the car has only 67,000 miles but there has been a lot of suspension work done over the cars lifetime. The roads here in Puerto Rico are much rougher then the states.
It looks like the suspension has taken a hell of beating over this cars life. So my questions is what should I be looking at now that I am 67K? Am I good to hold off on the timing belt service till 90k? Honestly, it is insane what this company who owned the vehicle was paying Lexus of San Juan to work on the car ($8,054.99). Below you will see a general description of what has been done.
2004 - 30,000 miles for $2,004.40
30,000 mile service plus a couple of minor repairs.
2005 36,683 miles for $1,155.00
Oil
Brake quiet
Tire Balance
Alignment
Bush, Stabilizer
Joint Assy, Lwr B
2006 for $2,447.83
Both Joint Assy, lwr ball
Both Bush, Stabilizer
Replaced both Valve cover Gaskets
Both Strut Bar Assy
Support Assy, Hood
2009 55,790 miles for $2,447.76
Transmission Flush
Bumper, FR Spring
Bar, Assy Strut
Bar, Assy Strut
Oil Change
Insulter Engine (X2)
Gasket Kit, Power
Service records end.
This is my second thread and I just wanted to share the exciting news that I finally finalized my deal for a 99 LS400 with HID, moon-roof, and that upgraded stereo (never can remember the name). I believe I got a hell of a deal. It has 67,108 miles with full service records and I paid $8,000.00 even.
The leather is in very good condition but their is some slight body damage. No major dents just a couple of little dings and some areas that need some paint touch-up.
The only disappointing news is I was wrong about the major service being done. The service records are in Spanglish and I was looking at the price and it made logical sense that a service for $2,400.00+ was the major one but it turns out after studying the document very closely it was not. I guess it only makes sense in that the car has only 67,000 miles but there has been a lot of suspension work done over the cars lifetime. The roads here in Puerto Rico are much rougher then the states.
It looks like the suspension has taken a hell of beating over this cars life. So my questions is what should I be looking at now that I am 67K? Am I good to hold off on the timing belt service till 90k? Honestly, it is insane what this company who owned the vehicle was paying Lexus of San Juan to work on the car ($8,054.99). Below you will see a general description of what has been done.
2004 - 30,000 miles for $2,004.40
30,000 mile service plus a couple of minor repairs.
2005 36,683 miles for $1,155.00
Oil
Brake quiet
Tire Balance
Alignment
Bush, Stabilizer
Joint Assy, Lwr B
2006 for $2,447.83
Both Joint Assy, lwr ball
Both Bush, Stabilizer
Replaced both Valve cover Gaskets
Both Strut Bar Assy
Support Assy, Hood
2009 55,790 miles for $2,447.76
Transmission Flush
Bumper, FR Spring
Bar, Assy Strut
Bar, Assy Strut
Oil Change
Insulter Engine (X2)
Gasket Kit, Power
Service records end.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 01-31-12 at 01:47 AM.
#6
So I called Lexus of San Juan to check to make sure the service was not done and I was correct that it was not. Funny thing is they recommend doing the service at 60,000 miles because they say the climate in Puerto Rico deteriorates the belts faster than United States. Dealer quoted me $1450 for timing belt service with waterpump, serpentine, and full tune up. Is that about the right price for a dealer? I really need to find a good independent Lexus mechanic.
The only other little surprise that came on today was a check engine light and I went by pep boys to check it and it turns out the code is P0420 the notorious exhaust leak code. I'm going to go to an exhaust shop to get that verified I just hope it's not the catalytic converters. I'm sure the previous owner turned the code off to sell it. But hey, there is always something...
The only other little surprise that came on today was a check engine light and I went by pep boys to check it and it turns out the code is P0420 the notorious exhaust leak code. I'm going to go to an exhaust shop to get that verified I just hope it's not the catalytic converters. I'm sure the previous owner turned the code off to sell it. But hey, there is always something...
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 01-31-12 at 08:30 AM.
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#9
That is a good average price for the timing belt service. Congrats on a low mileage LS and welcome to CL!!
#12
welcome! i would wait as well on the timing belt service. i've heard of belts lasting to 150k and not breaking (though why would you risk that). at your mileage there shouldn't be an issue. welcome, and glad to hear someone out of country who shares a passion for the LS!
Thanks for the welcome by the way!
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 01-31-12 at 12:37 PM.
#15
Here are a few pics guys. They are not the greatest but I did not get home till late. Yesterday I washed the carpet and attempted to clean the inside up as much as I could. It actually still has original floor mats that are in good shape till I can order some new ones... lol. Washed the hell out of those as well.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 01-31-12 at 09:24 PM.