Threxx

'99 LS400

It has all the standard options plus heated seats with lumbar, Xenon headlights, Nakamichi stereo, moonroof, factory chromed wheels, and maybe a few other things. I saw the sticker and it was 58k-59k

It has around 66k miles and is dark green with a tan interior.
Great condition as far as I can tell.

The price I've gotten them down to is 22.5k

So is this a steal? Or just an 'average' deal? Or a ripoff? Or what?

I'm just wondering if I should pounce on this deal right away or not?

I plan on buying a used LS400, but I'm not quite in the financial position I want to be in to buy one (want to pay all cash) yet. Not to mention I think if I waited and saved just one more year, the tail end of the LS430s might be in my price range.

I checked KBB, NADA, and edmund's TMV... they all say it's worth 2-5k more private party value. But I've found that 'real-world' value vs 'book' value can be two VERY different things.

So is this a great deal on a LS400, or nothing out of the ordinary?

Thanks!

oac3

Just for reference, I bought a '99 with 59K miles and loaded just like this one, except that mine came with Nav, and no chrome wheels. Paid $30,9K for it. So if you can get this deal down to the low 20's, that should be a great deal indeed !!!

Check on all service records with the Lexus dealership for whatever has been done, including if the 60K mile service has been performed. If it hasn't, that is another $600+ cost which you need to factor into the purchase price.

Good luck on your purchase. If you do buy the car, you will no doubt enjoy it....

GA400

Since it is the last day of the year, and the supply of used cars is at an all-time high on dealer lots due to the insane deals on new cars, I would lowball them with a very low price and tell them you are a real buyer, looking to sign today. I think you may be amazed what a dealer would do to book a deal this year rather than next. You should be able to get great deals on financing, too.

Good luck,

GA400


Just FYI
KBB retail $32,265
KBB trade-in $21,085 (GA zip code) Maybe throw an offer of $18K at them and you would consider their financing options and an extended warranty? (you can always finance elsewhere later and turn down the extended warranty in the finance manager's office if you want)

SWEETSOUND2001

They probably took that car in $4000 or more below wholesale (trade-in) value. They may be in it a little more due to reconditioning. Keep that in mind.

Anton

VVT-i

Second that. Make sure the car had never been in the major accident. The price is too cheap for the 99, IMO. Get it check out before you buy it.

Chairmnofthbord

sounds good if its NOT a salvage title, but still if you have cash in hand, show them 20k, they'll let it go, if not walk out and go back the next day with 21k

95ls400

I think this will be average deal assume that the car never in accidence and have clean title. I saw a deal last week for 98 LS with 65K miles go for $18K

mikhailw

Where did you see 1998 for $18K?

I live in NM, and a local Lexus dealership wants $24000 for 1996.
I will travel to TX, if you tell me where I can buy 98 for $18K.

95ls400

It is small dealer in Arlington TX, they list the car on Ebay and I drive over and check out the car. I bid in $ 17K max and I lose the bid to another bidder.

blange400

Like Mikhail I live in NM also. The local Lexus dealer had the 96 he mentioned and a sweet 99 LS400. Problem was they wanted...now get this...$35K for it. Man. when the dealer is such a rip its hard to stay with the marque.

lexusls96tl

I see your guy very interesting to have a 98 or 99 Ls,so this is my "opinion".( can be right or wrong).I see in Ebay there are some 98 w/ good mileage 'bout 16-18k. Thing is you must add sale tax if your state ask for it.I always prefer 98, great power w/ a lot of stuffs.99 I think lt's the same except have some xtra i.e.wood steering wheel... and when you put to reverse ,the mirror will flip down in order to give a better view to the curb ....Couple of my friends already have problem w/ this feature....
Now I drove a 96 less safety feature than 97 (side air bag ). If I want to upgrade , I will buy a 98 and add some xtra features later if i want or a 430, not 97 or 99,2000.Just only my opinion, so forget it if I'm wrong.
thanks

bluestar

$16-18K for a '98 LS sounds ridiculously cheap to me, except if the car has gobs of miles..... How can a Lex depreciate so quickly from a 55K car to <20K in 4 years ??? Doesn't sound right to me. I will expect '98's with 50K miles or thereabouts to price in the mid-20's, at least. Otherwise the car must be a salvage or something worse.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is !

lexusls96tl

you're correct, the price I guessed is for over 100k and in the auction.Can not see, touch it and test drive, plus a lot of additionnal fees ( shipping, tax........) Forget it.
Per description above if he got that 99 w/ that price.it's a steal.
But keep bargain.try to ask for a NAV system.

lexusls96tl

You're correct, the price I mentioned is for +100k w/ additional fees( tax, shipping.......) and in auction only, can't see, touch and drive it. So forget it.
If friend up there keep bargain to get the 99 a little bit less than 22K, it's a steal.Try for a NAV system.
Just an opinion only, Is it late now? this deal of the year end is still good or over??Post the result .

Sanjman

fortunate for us buyers and unfortunate for us owners lol lexus's do depreciate a lot... the only lexus's i saw that had great depreciation rates were the lx450's... they ALWAYS kept a value close to the sticker price...