Kamoss

Hi

I am from New Zealand and today I looked at this LS400. With just under 300,000 kilometres. It has been owned by an older gentlemen since 2003 and he is selling it for $3,995 NZD. It has been regularly serviced at a Lexus Dealership, but the main issue I have is that the timing belt was replaced just under 8 years ago. After reading through the forums, it seems that it is recommended that the belt is to be done every 6 years or 140,000 km. What do you recommend doing about this situation? I am going to ring up the Lexus mechanic who serviced the vehicle to get his word on the car, as it is in excellent condition for his age.
Here is the link!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/1026407904
Thanks in advance

KJG92

Nothing really to think about. If you want it try to negotiate that service in the price if the car. If they won't do it then take you savings, bite the bullet and have it done and drive worry free of that for the next 6 years or however many 90k miles are in kilometers.

dicer

I'd also price the stock wheels, and either ask for the original ones to be installed or also take that cost off the price as well. Seems a bit high price for the high miles. What is the blue book price in that country?

alien1974

the internal temp and time displays are shot

philmstar

Japanese Sat-Nav, aftermarket or the car an import?

sndlight

kinda odd to me that the motor has a toyota badge on it - mine has a lexus badge
that navigation system is ancient, and will probably not get you anywhere you want to go. the power steering system is a big concern on these cars. make certain it is not leaking.

other than that - looks great - budget for a timing belt & waterpump job within a year. we recently had a member have his waterpump die on him from old age.

the price is a little high for my taste - a car like that would go for about $2500 USD around here. but cars may be priced a little differently there. edit: 4000 nzd is 2638 usd - price is right haha

oldskewel

iTrader: (1)

Before worrying too much about the timing belt service, which might cost 1/3-1/2 the price of the car, you might want to do a search on this forum for all the times that T-belts actually broke. Let us know if you find any.

That '97 does have an interference engine so a T-belt failure is a major problem. The 90-94's are non-interference, so it is less of a problem.

dicer

Here is one you don't have to search for. My brother inlaws LS broke its belt at 144K on a long out of state trip. That was many years ago. I now have that car.

Yamae

Judging from the engine and the navi, the car must be a JDM with LS400 badges. You need to investigate some more.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yes these cars need the timing belt changed at the right interval, so plan on doing that IF you buy the car. you can use it for a bargaining chip to lower the price.

the car looks good, but i'm not too familiar with non-USDM cars. NZ cars could be badged lexus from the factory. these cars never came with black leather, nav, AND a TV option in north america. i also see a headlight adjustment? and a lack of an motorized antenna!