taiman

About Me (You may skip) Straight to the Point
1998 Lexus LS 400
Pictures- https://imageshack.com/a/gkvM/1
1 Owner
120k Miles
Been in 1 Accident
Last Service Seen via Lexus Driver Site is some issue with the battery (battery was replaced and checked) and a power steering leak but the previous owner declined the service. It is noted that there was leaks On the CarFax it states the car has been Serviced Again by Lexus in March 2016. I don't know if dealers would sell me a bad car but because of the reviews I've seen I'm very cautious.


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Drive Belts Replaced 2 Years Ago at 103k miles
Hood Shocks Replaced 2 Years Ago at 103k miles
Lower Ball Joint(s) Replaced 2 Years Ago at 102k Miles
Battery Replaced and Checked 120k miles in January of this Year.
Fog Light Bulb(s) Replaced at 120k miles in January of this Year
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Questions
1. What should I look for when buying an LS 400?
2. What should I do after I purchase an LS 400?
3. Installing Aftermarket Radio in 1998 LS 400 with Navigation System?
-Since it has the NAV I heard I can use the "Beat-Sonic AOK-03AD" to install an aftermarket radio and still use the amp.
a. With using this Beat-Sonic AOK-03AD will all my speakers in the car work and is there like a dash or bracket I need to buy for the after market radio to fit under the Navigation System? (I don't mind replacing the Navigation System entirely either but I'm looking for the cheapest but effective method.)

Last Service on CarFax-
03/02/2016 - 121,326
Maintenance Inspection Completed
Fluids Checked
Washed/Detailed

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Power Steering Issue -
120796 MILES DATE: 01/05/2016
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Steering Rack/Pump Issue
119838 MILES DATE: 09/30/2015
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CarFax
http://docdro.id/UW10TJS

Lexus Driver Service Record
http://docdro.id/qKJirS4

Pictures
https://imageshack.com/a/gkvM/1

dicer

I would not want a former wrecked car. Unless the price is around 300 or so.

Kris9884

iTrader: (7)

Meh, depends on the accident. My first SC was a rebuilt title and it drove like new for the 3 years I had it.

taiman

You think it was wrecked?
The CarFax just states one accident.

I mean the car looks in good condition. I just don't wanna buy something that needs to be repaired right away.

Does anyone have any more tips?

I appreciate the replies

pmarr

Good looking car. If the price is right why not? You are a new driver and these are top of the line automobiles that are very reliable. Drive belts may just be serpentine belt and not the timing belt. I would run the VIN through Lexus and see what has been done at a dealer. Also usually there is a stamp somewhere in the engine bay if the TB has been done. TB and water pump should have been replaced at this point. The power steering leak has been rumored to kill alternators so that will be an issue. Look for any documented maintenance that has been done to the car. With paper. Test drive it. Should be butter smooth at 80 and above. Curious if the repair work was pro or not. No alignment issues or drivability issues. My guess is dealer price is looking for $5-7,000 for this car. Overpriced.
​​​​​​​ I have bought all my LS's from Craigslist. Buy from higher end people who have taken care of their cars, not low end chumps who offer a "deal". For $3-4000 you can still get a lot of car that has documentation of repairs. Dealers.....not sure about that. Best of luck. I recommend the 98-00 models. Faster and safer. Great cars. Noticed the Carfax said failed emissions inspection? Odd for a low mileage LS.

Fro98686

I will share my experience. I just bought a 98 ls400 for $2300 with 152 on the clock.

Now I am it to it for $5400 total with everything fixed:
power steering pump
front hub and bearing
LF lower ball joint
thermostat
water pump
timing belt
front strut bars
struts and springs all around that I will install from a car with 40K on it where someone lowered it I get the struts and springs
air filter
leather patch on side bolster area of driver seat
had to pull a shallow fender dent with a $3.99 harbor freight suction cup. Body is completely straight now. My Carfax had no accidents and 3 owners.

The car will be dialed now but if I had it to do over again I would have done a pre-purchase inspection and ate the $200 and not bought the car. I am happy with it now but it is what it is.

My power steering pump was also puking fluid and that was $700 and I opted to not replace the alternator also and it still works(knock on wood).

How much do they want for the one you want to buy?

Fro

taiman

Alright thanks for the information it is noted. Happy to hear that you recommend it and that it is reliable.
Hmm you think if I call that specific Lexus that they could specify better what was done since they serviced the car a lot?
Sad to hear about the Power Steering rumor, I gotta read up on that.
Yeah your right on the dot and I know it is overpriced but its alright. I'm gonna get a Pre Purchase Inspection so, hopefully all will be alright.
Yeah I don't really know what an emissions inspection entitles but could that be due to the leak? cause on the Lexus Driver Site it sounded very severe.
I was gonna have the PPI guy do the test drive, because I don't have anything to really compare the driving to be picky. I read good reviews so I expect I like how the car drives.

I mean that doesn't seem like a bad buy, but yeah I'm definitely getting a pre-purchase inspection for any car purchase, but I hope to be able to just do it myself, what the guy did seemed pretty simple once you get the hang of it. You just have to know what to look for.

lextout

the big service fog light replacement was a big one.

taiman

I thought that would be a cheap fix or something not even required but Thanks : )