blumonster

Issues... First thing in the morning I was at the place, the car clicked/zzd a few times but did not start, they jump started it, the battery was new Toyota 1/14 dated battery. Car is 98 with 102k miles

and is sold as is. After driving for an hr I turned it off and it started when I tried right away.
What could be the reason for a fast discharge? Also the car did. Not seem to be agile compared to a 2.4 lt lighter Hyundai.

YoshiMan

Battery Terminals are probably dirty. common problem as most people don't maintain them.

blumonster

The terminals looked clean, dyed red too with brand new battery.

blumonster

Legender

If that is the only LS400 you've driven then you need to try another one. Won't compare to a lighter 2.4 Hyundai... at all.
It is strange that the battery was drained... possible electrical draw. Any indication of accidents? Sounds like a dealer and you may not have access to full history. Get the VIN number and run it through the lexus site to check maintenance and dealer work. May give you some clues. I prefer to buy from individuals where I can learn / know the history of the car.
Good luck in your search.

blumonster

That is the only one I have driven.

I checked history on Lexus website, it has 8 pages long service history, one with checking for electrical draw on battery, not starting at around 35k miles, then ECU replaced at around 50k miles.


Service History for VIN: JT8BH28F4W0118775

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SERVICE TYPE DATE SERVICE PROVIDER MILEAGE REPAIR # DESCRIPTION
Dealer Reported 03/04/2014 101258 0094499 REPAIR
Dealer Reported 02/18/2014 101258 0091431 REPAIR
Dealer Reported 02/10/2014 101258 0089790 REPAIR
Dealer Reported 01/15/2014 101258 0084098 REPAIR
Dealer Reported 01/09/2014 101258 0083298 USED CAR SAFETY INSP
Dealer Reported 01/09/2014 101258 0083298 REPAIR
Dealer Reported 01/09/2014 101258 0083298 RETAIL PORTER
Dealer Reported 04/25/2007 Lexus North Shore 76750 0048912 FRONT AXLE
Dealer Reported 04/04/2007 Lexus North Shore 76018 0048118 ROTATE TIRES
Dealer Reported 04/04/2007 Lexus North Shore 76018 0048118 LOF V-8
Dealer Reported 04/04/2007 Lexus North Shore 76018 0048118 REPLACE AIR FILTER
Dealer Reported 04/04/2007 Lexus North Shore 76018 0048118 AC CABIN FILTER
Dealer Reported 04/04/2007 Lexus North Shore 76018 0048118 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 12/13/2006 Lexus North Shore 73442 0044063 MISC
Dealer Reported 12/13/2006 Lexus North Shore 73442 0044063 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 11/08/2006 Lexus North Shore 72719 0042940 FRONT AXLE
Dealer Reported 08/15/2006 Lexus North Shore 69860 0039981 LOF V-8
Dealer Reported 08/15/2006 Lexus North Shore 69860 0039981 BALANCE 4 WHEELS
Dealer Reported 01/02/2006 Lexus North Shore 64510 0032683 ENGINE OIL
Dealer Reported 03/22/2005 Lexus North Shore 57353 0024086 60000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY
Dealer Reported 03/22/2005 Lexus North Shore 57353 0024086 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 01/31/2005 Lexus North Shore 56817 0022810 MISC
Dealer Reported 01/21/2005 Lexus North Shore 56714 0022309 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 01/04/2005 Lexus North Shore 56589 0022028 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 04/07/2004 Lexus North Shore 54605 0014229 55000 MILE SERVICE NON WARRANTY-NON OEM
Dealer Reported 04/07/2004 Lexus North Shore 54605 0014229 OTHERS
Dealer Reported 04/07/2004 Lexus North Shore 54605 0014229 NON WARRANTABLE OPERATION CODE
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 45,000 MILE SERVICE LS
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *INSPECT AIR FILTER FOR DEBRIS
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *REPLACE TRANSMISSION FLUID
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS AND CLAMPS, TORQUE FLANGE BOLTS.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *ROTATE TIRES, CHECK AND ADJUST PRESSURES, CHECK FOR LEAKS.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *VISUALLY INPECT BRAKE PAD WEAR AND ROTOR CONDITION/RUNOUT.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *VISUALLY INSPECT BRAKE LINES, PIPES AND HOSES.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *CHECK STEERING LINKAGE FOR FREE
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *CHECK RACK AND PINION FOR LEAKS
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS FOR DAMAGE OR FREEPLAY.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *CHECK TIGHTNESS OF BOLTS FOR SUSPENSION MEMBERS AND SEATS.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *VISUALLY INSPECT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR DETERIORATION.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *ROAD TEST FOR PROPER OPERATION.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 LEXUS DAILY RENTAL VEHICLE
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 *REPLACE WIPER RUBBER INSERTS.
Dealer Reported 10/01/2003 Lexus North Shore 49993 1015988 AUTO TRANS OIL PAN GASKET R&R
Dealer Reported 05/23/2002 Lexus North Shore 39641 1005128 BATTERY R&R
Dealer Reported 05/23/2002 Lexus North Shore 39641 1005128 COMB: BATTERY, CHARGING SYSTEM & DRAW TEST.
Dealer Reported 05/23/2002 Lexus North Shore 39641 1005128 40,000 MILE SERVICE *REPLACE ENGI
Dealer Reported 05/23/2002 Lexus North Shore 39641 1005128 REPLACE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURN ROTORS
Dealer Reported 05/23/2002 Lexus North Shore 39641 1005128 TECH 010 RECOMMENS A 45000 MILE M
Dealer Reported 03/11/2002 Lexus North Shore 37804 1003768 C/S THAT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START
Dealer Reported 03/11/2002 Lexus North Shore 37804 1003768 LEXUS DAILY RENTAL VEHICLE ******
Dealer Reported 03/11/2002 Lexus North Shore 37804 1003768 C/S VSC LIGHT CAME ON. **********
Dealer Reported 03/11/2002 Lexus North Shore 37804 1003768 C/S THAT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRAC
Dealer Reported 12/12/2001 Lexus North Shore 36047 1002344 FRONT SEAT BELT LEFT SIDE R&R
Dealer Reported 12/12/2001 Lexus North Shore 36047 1002344 C/S THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT MAY
Dealer Reported 12/12/2001 Lexus North Shore 36047 1002344 TECH 014 INSPECTED SEAT BELT OPER
Dealer Reported 12/12/2001 Lexus North Shore 36047 1002344 LEXUS DAILY RENTAL VEHICLE ******
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 ********************************
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *REPLACE AIR FILTER
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM, REFILL WIT
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *VISUALLY INSPECT DRIVE BELTS FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR OR OILINESS.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *CHECK FUEL LINES AND CONNECTION
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *TEST GAS CAP GASKET
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *REPLACE TRANSMISSION FLUID
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS AND CLAMPS, TORQUE FLANGE BOLTS.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *ROTATE TIRES, CHECK AND ADJUST PRESSURES, CHECK FOR LEAKS.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *FLUSH AND REPLACE BRAKE FLUID
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *VISUALLY INPECT BRAKE PAD WEAR AND ROTOR CONDITION/RUNOUT.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *VISUALLY INSPECT BRAKE LINES, PIPES AND HOSES.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *CHECK STEERING LINKAGE FOR FREE
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *CHECK RACK AND PINION FOR LEAKS
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS FOR DAMAGE OR FREEPLAY.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *VISUALLY INSPECT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR DETERIORATION.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *CHECK TIGHTNESS OF BOLTS FOR SUSPENSION MEMBERS AND SEATS.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 *ROAD TEST FOR PROPER OPERATION.
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 C/S THE ENGINE SEEMS THE ACCELERA
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 TECH 014 ROAD TESTED & CHECKED FO
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 C/S THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT KEEPS G
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 IT WAS NECESSARY TO ORDER PARTS T
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 LEXUS DAILY RENTAL VEHICLE ******
Dealer Reported 11/19/2001 Lexus North Shore 35315 1001986 MOUNT AND BALANCE SNOW TIRES SUPPLIED BY CLIENT.
Dealer Reported 05/29/2001 Lexus of Brookfield 29868 1086165 TAILLIGHT INDICATOR IS ON *******
Dealer Reported 05/29/2001 Lexus of Brookfield 29868 1086165 REAR COMB LIGHT BULB, L-SIDE R&R
Dealer Reported 11/07/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 24129 1079367 MINOR OIL CHANGE PACKAGE *CHANGE
Dealer Reported 11/07/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 24129 1079367 TECH #002 REPLACED THE DRAIN PLUG GASKET FOR THE TRANSMISSION
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 15,000 MILE SERVICE LS
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *REPLACE ENGINE OIL AND FILTER
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *INSPECT AIR FILTER FOR DEBRIS
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *REPLACE AIR CONDITIONING FILTER
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *REPLACE TRANSMISSION FLUID
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *REPLACE DIFFERENTIAL FLUID
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *INSPECT DRIVE SHAFT BOOTS AND CLAMPS, TORQUE FLANGE BOLTS.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *ROTATE TIRES, CHECK AND ADJUST PRESSURES, CHECK FOR LEAKS.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *VISUALLY INPECT BRAKE PAD WEAR AND ROTOR CONDITION/RUNOUT.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *VISUALLY INSPECT BRAKE LINES, PIPES AND HOSES.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *CHECK STEERING LINKAGE FOR FREE
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *CHECK RACK AND PINION FOR LEAKS
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND DUST COVERS FOR DAMAGE OR FREEPLAY.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *CHECK TIGHTNESS OF BOLTS FOR SUSPENSION MEMBERS AND SEATS.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *VISUALLY INSPECT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR DETERIORATION.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 *ROAD TEST FOR PROPER OPERATION.
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 1ST FREE NAV UPGRADE INS
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 DRIVER SIDE DOOR CHECK MAKES NOIS
Dealer Reported 02/14/2000 Lexus of Brookfield 16152 1070766 DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT STICKS ****
Dealer Reported 07/09/1999 Lexus of Brookfield 9970 1064283 F. DR WTHERSTRIP ASSY, CLIP R&R
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 1000 MILE SERVICE
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *VISUALLY INPECT BRAKE PAD WEAR AND ROTOR CONDITION/RUNOUT.
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *VISUALLY INSPECT BALL JOINTS AND
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *CHECK TRANSMISSION AND DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS FOR PROPER LEVEL AND CONDITION.
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *RETIGHTEN SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AN
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *TOP OFF REMANING FLUID LEVELS.
Dealer Reported 06/19/1998 Lexus of Brookfield 2294 1053636 *ROAD TEST CHECKING FOR PROPER OPERATION AND PROPER FEEL.
Dealer Reported 02/10/1998 Jim White Lexus of Toledo 10 0016294 PRE-DELIVERY

blumonster

Would you buy this car with the history above?

dveneman

The above history would encourage me to proceed with a deal. But would not be my only basis for the decision. In other words, the service history looks good, but would only be a part of the buying process.
Condition, price, color, seller interaction, how badly you need a car are also factors.
But it sounds like you don't do alot of your own repairs. Let the above list be a reminder of the money you may spend at a shop. Granted, much of the work was busy work or possibly just BS.
But depending on your budget, you may also want to consider a Camry or something more modern and economical. Or just figure on spending a couple grand to get things sorted out and buy it if you like it.
For example, try to find out if the timing belt, belt pulleys and water water pump has been done. Has starter been replaced? How about the motor and transmission mounts? Strut bushings? Tire condition? Driver seat condition? Post some photos. You will get much more feedback from forum members.

Legender

More importantly, the history shows a 7 year gap from 2007 to 2014... and no report of timing belt done. That's a major service that should have already been done...and only 25k miles driven in 7 years? That's pretty low miles.
I'd check for possible accidents... look for VIN stickers on all panels and doors. Some thing seems a little fishy here... just does not quite add up.
If you're really serious I'd take it to a mechanic and have him check it out... especially if you're not that familiar with automotive issues.
But expect to put additional funds into the vehicle, any vehicle, after you purchase it 'used' to get it up to speed and to your standards.

blumonster

Here is the carfax report that shows a minor accident that led to the replacement of the hood in 2007 : http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...BH28F4W0118775

Pictures with some details: http://wildetoyota.calls.net/used/Le...973b97074d.htm

The previous owner's 2000 registration renewal paper was in the car, till 2014 the car seems to be owned by that lady only although a few times the vehicle was 'sold' as shown within the same report.

Drivebelts replaced, I do not see timing belt or waterpump or starter replacement.

I already have a midsize car. Maybe I should stick with it?

I took some pictures of the underbody:

blumonster

LScowboyLS

Carfax got busted last year by ABC News 20/20 when they discovered lots of cars that had been in really bad accidents that Carfax said were clean - it appears that used car dealer big bucks has caused Carfax to become crooked - use Autocheck.com instead

just because a battery is time-wise "new" - doesn't always mean it is a good battery - I would bring my meter when checking out cars to buy - also, this could be indicative of a failing alternator (due to power steering fluid leaking on it) - a meter will tell you that as well

I like to see 12.6V or higher with car off and 13.8V or higher with car on and headlights on

blumonster

I see that you are an authority figure around here, LCcowboyLS, good to see your reply, thanks.
Is power steering leak problem common to 1998 models too?
ı wish I had the meter.

The door was not fully shut on Monday morning. The place is closed on Sunday. Could this have caused the drain, in one day only?

Honestly I liked how it felt driving the car. I love Japan made Toyotas. One reason why I considered this car. Only a handful models are made in Japan nowadays.

LScowboyLS

oh, I think you are definitely on the best car model - the question is whether this particular example is the one to get.

personally, I like to be in no hurry and have the patience to spend about 6 months and find the garage-kept creampuff from Arizona or some other dry, never-salted area.

I would run the Autocheck and also ask yourself if this is your favorite LS400 color, and also what is the price, is this a steal, making you want to act on this particular LS400? - there would be a big difference in my interest in this car, depending on whether it was $4000 or $9000

I sure do not pay much money for cars with gaps in the service record, and I don't like buying from auto dealerships, I like to buy right out of someone's garage in a nice neighborhood, a car that was their pride and joy. - without a dealers worthless mark-up.

but definitely stick with 1998 and up, there were too many improvements, and don't be afraid to fly to another part of the country to pick up and drive home the right car! - you will know it because the condition will be exceptional, as will the service history, and it will likely be the original owner you are dealing with.

blumonster

I will wait then
This was 6700$ .