ScaldedApe

Hello everyone, my name is Jonathan and I'm currently in the market for a used Lexus. I've spent years with only domestics (save a brief time of Nissan ownership), but have recently decided to get into a used luxury vehicle for long distance driving. Admittedly, American luxury vehicles are mostly junk.

I'm on a tight budget, so Lexus seems to fit the bill quite nicely (reliability being chief among them). I'm really drawn to the LS series and a fellow parishioner is a used car salesman in the Dallas area. He pointed out a a one-owner 99 LS400 (two accidents reported) that they have on the lot. Their shop did a full inspection and came back with the following repair needs:

Alternator
Wiper Blades
Seepage on oil and transmission pan

Link to ad: http://crestpreowned.com/used/Lexus/...a074d0c3bc.htm

My research has shown that the alternator could be because of the PS pump, so it could need replacement as well. Are these common problems for any used LS400 or is this a potential money trap? Is it a headache to do these fixes DIY or is it best to let a shop do it?

I need something road worthy ASAP, so I don't want to be tied up in repairs.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

do NOT buy this car unless they fix the oil leaks (oil pan is a monster)
and replace water pump and timing belt (necessary at 100k) $1000 & up

ScaldedApe

That's the advice I was looking for, thank you so much!

dicer

And unless they are selling it DIRT cheap I would not want it with an accident record, that's as bad as a salvage title. If they are selling it for around 2500 or less maybe, depending on how it looks.

djamps

those 'oil' leaks could be the PS pump and valve covers (as was mine) or it could be that + much worse -- but either way - they are asking a premium price - and it better be 100% good to go. In my opinion given the history and current issues you should pass this one up and keep looking.

ScaldedApe

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5309303452.html

Here's a '95 with 179k miles for a much more reasonable price. Problem is, I e-mailed the seller and they claim not to have any service records or knowledge of when any major repairs were done. I still might pop by and take a look...anything to target on the '95? Did it suffer from leaky PS as well?

9000revs

Get a 99/00 with lowest mileage and good service records you can find. They are 15+ years old now and lots of good deals to be found.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

all LS400s suffer from leaking PS reservoir though it's an easy fix ($3 o-ring). as stated next, i would try and find a 99-00 model, unless it's understanably out of your budget.

dicer

And especially with that new of car, I would not accept anything that has had any body panel repainted in any form or fashion.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

YES, if your budget fits go for 98-2000,, much improved Lexus... watch 1000$ every 100k miles TB&WP or DIY.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/5283987493.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/5286583722.html
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/5311055473.html
good buys..