GX4704ME

I am contemplating on pulling the trigger on a 2000 LS400 and would like to solicit all of your opinions. The maintenance history shows that the vehicle was well maintained up until 2009 and that's where the history drops off. I test drove last night and besides a warning in the console stating "break wear" the vehicle was buttery smooth even up to 80 mph.

All opinions welcome and if someone lives in the area decides to take this one off my hands, go for it! My wife would be relieved!

http://woodhouselincoln.net/Omaha/Fo...-Car/27310384/

Thanks in advance for your knowledgeable feedback!

Legender

Brake wear is the brake sensor that needs attention...nothing major. New brake pads, rotors turned and new sensor.
Checked a link and looks like a dealer, thus the high price... way too high if you ask me...should be paying closer if not less than $7k...
It has some low miles... was the timing belt done on it? That's a big expense if not already done.
Generally these are kept by people who take care of them ... so good chance it might be ok.

GX4704ME

Thanks for a quick response! When should the timing belt be changed. Maintenance stopped in 2009 at 77K miles. What price should I target?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

The console, just like in all the euro stuff will spit out messages like "brake wear" because the sensor on the pads is activated.

No manufacturer is going to put that sensor way below a safe pad level, so you still have time with those brakes.

To be fair, its nothing a brake kit from Rockauto can't fix for under 250$ all around.

Oh yeah, super pricey, but then again, I've seen countless FL examples of the same year or older asking in the 10k range... do they sell? I don't ever pay attention, but a 14 year old car with 100k no matter what it is, for 10k is too much.

Edr

You could use the timing belt as a bargaining tool. It should have been done at 90k. At the same time the water pump and cam seals are changed. You could get a retail price for that job at a Lexus dealer. I paid a relatively high price for my 98 at a Lexus dealer last year, 11,250. It had 55k and was spotless. The NADA at the time was 11,550. I immediately had the timing belt kit done as well as changed the differential, brake fluid, coolant, coolant hoses, brake pads, trans service, materials were around $550 and the labor $250 by a local mechanic. This group was very helpful in identifying the best vendors. Later on I had to change the front struts and tie rod ends so it would track straight on the highway.

Legender

Exactly... no matter what you pay, count on putting more $$s into it to get it up to speed on the maintenance and wearable items. Because chances are...it's not been done. So a much lower price is in order. There may be a sticker in the engine compartment that says when the timing belt was changed...

GX4704ME

Should I be concern about the service history dropping off in 2009 at 77k miles?

BTW - Thanks everyone for weighing in.

Kingsoup

I wouldn't be concerned, might not have been driven much, they are often owned by seniors so thats pretty normal.

Looks really good, just not a deal, but with a bit of negotiation (they aren't exactly hot selling cars) you can get a fair price.

GX4704ME

Well I offered $7k and they wouldn't budge so I pass!

Sc0pe

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't give up so easily. With my car ('99 LS w/ 88k miles), the dealer was originally asking $14k, and my father whittled them down to $9k over the course of a month. Finally he drove down to the dealer, and left, having paid only $7k + dealer fees. Also, this was in November 2012.

Moral of the story? Set that particular car a little lower on the priority list, but check in every now and then to see if they will acknowledge your offer.

GX4704ME

Excellent advice that I will certainly take! I told the dealership to call if they would like to reconsider my offer. However, I will also do as you suggested and periodically follow-up.