Joshcar

Hi this is somewhat of an introduction but also some questions(mostly just need reassurance).
I've been looking for a UCF10 or 20, mostly 10 for quite a while now but not only are they very hard to come by in Montreal but some are in not as good condition as I would like them to be. I found one that is extremely clean. The engine bay is immaculate no rust what so ever and very clean. There is some slight surface rust on the body(3 or 4 spots), it's very minimal and I can easily remove it myself then get it painted professionally. Besides that the pain is very clean, the black leather interior is like new, so basically everything is in top condition with little easy to fix things. My biggest concern is the engine. It has ~286,000 KM (approx. 177,712 Miles), for a car with that high mileage it really doesn't look it. I took it for a test drive and it rides ridiculously well, the handling, the suspension, such a comfortable ride and the engine was purring beautifully. All the electronics work, sun roof, ac, you name it, has the upgraded sound system as well. So I basically just want to know if it's worth the buy, the guy is selling for $2,500 but my only concern is I don't want the engine to die on me after a month or two...

TLDR:
I'm hesitant to but a car with 286,000km(177,712miles) because of the high mileage, besides that everything is amazing, engine runs amazing, only slight cosmetic things to worry about and thats it.
The guy is asking $2,500, is it worth it?

I would provide pics but I don't know how to embed them (Noob)

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

sounds like a great deal if you are a do it yourself type guy, because at 200k miles, it will need a timing belt and water pump job that cost around a 1000$ here.... but 3500$ is not too much to pay for a clean 93

Joshcar

I think they may have been changed in the past couple years if not last year, it was a 75 year old man who had it and kept to date with all the maintenance, I'm going to go back and make sure it was done and ask some extra questions. The water pump slipped my mind lol, thanks for reminding me

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yes def check if the timing belt and water pump were replaced. it should have been done twice at this point, usually it's second interval at 180,000 miles. if that was done already, and the rest of the car is in order, you can see another 90,000 miles to the next major service. i'm a huge believer in these cars' longevity and reliability.

StevieA

the engine would be my last concern. I have a '93 with same mileage & think it's great. It did nead some tlc but Lexus builds them good just like you've noticed. It's worth the $2,500

awdandrwd

iTrader: (1)

Check the oil (make sure there is enough of it), transmission fluid (should be red and not low) and coolant (should be red/purple if it's the Lexus stuff). If those are all reasonable and the car runs smooth and shifts fine, you should be good to go on drivetrain. Gotta love these cars, cheap now but sooo nice. They are built very solid and if the fluids are changed properly and often, should last well.

1UZ-FE is a non-interference engine so don't loose too much sleep over the timing belt. One great reason to buy a UCF10 IMO (that, and they are cheaper). Also, the 4-speed tranny is lighter than the later 5-speeds and works pretty damn well with this engine IMO.

Stan

Do.Man

mine is almost the same mileage. still runs great! for a clean interior and exterior, that price is pretty good. i say you pull the trigger!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

quote: 1UZ-FE is a non-interference engine so don't loose too much sleep over the timing belt. One great reason to buy a UCF10 IMO (that, and they are cheaper). Also, the 4-speed tranny is lighter than the later 5-speeds and works pretty damn well with this engine IMO.

This is true, so dont worry. I bought a 94 with a busted timing belt, put on a new one with water pump & seals and drove it a year before selling it.

bauceLS400

iTrader: (2)

2500 sounds like a good deal. 170k isnt too bad, just make sure you keep up with the maintenance and the engine should last for another 100k miles.

StevieA

The motor would be the last thing to go if the timing belt water pump is mantained. The thing will go forever. at 260,000km mine hardly burns a L of oil between 12,500km oil changes and the oil still looks as clean as whne I changed it last

Bill Dowd

I have 281,000 miles on my 91 LS400 had to spend some money for different things starter, front end componets all of them and alternator still have the orignal radiator hoses air cond, power steering ect. the
LS400 can go 500,000 miles plus I have seen 569,000 miles on a 90 LS 400 and some guy in San Diego supposed to have a million plus on a 90 LS. From what I have heard the motor is orignal and 1 trans replaced. I burn a half quart of oil in 10,000 miles running synthetic oil since 40k

curepunx

iTrader: (3)

The price seems very reasonable but give it a quick lookover as suggested. My 90 now has 275,000 miles and just got it's third timing belt service done. The mechanic didn't even nudge at the high mileage either. I'm hoping to drive the car until the utmost beyond 400,000 miles. You're at a good start. Cheers!

denverdog

there simply is no better way to get a true luxury cruiser for that kind of money. i have over 260k miles on my '93 and the quiet and smoothness are still astonishing. it gets cold in montreal. synthetic oil will greatly reduce the strain on the ignition system and starter in cold weather. the starter is notoriously difficult, i.e., expensive to replace.

Joshcar

Well I lost my opportunity, I didn't have all the money yet so I couldn't buy it, was going to buy it actually this week but it was sold last night just my luck. I found another 93, black on black, has rust on the quarters. Gonna go check it out and hope for the best !! The guy told me the engine has 250 000km but the body 500 000km... which makes me worry, it's a bit cheaper so if it doesn't cost me to much to fix I think i'll go for it since it's basically the second decent one i've found. So bummed though.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the rust will drop the value considerably... esp. in the quarters.