Shaffer

Hello all. I have found a local 1990 LS400 for $3900. that I am considering. The car is dark maroon. I am going to look at it tomorrow or Sunday. Can anyone tell me the trouble spots (if any) I should look at closely on this car? I am unsure of the mileage or running condition. The body is good, despite a few stratches and dings. Interior is on good condition. If this car runs good, is $3900 a fair price for a 90 LS400, with a few scratches? It is not my favorite color, but I am just wanting a good, affordable reliable Lexus. I was also considering to buy a 87 Mercedes 560SEL for $5000 until I seen the Lexus. Thanks for any information and / or advice.

Tony

1998 Ford Taurus LX 4dr - 245,770 miles (FOR SALE)
1992 Buick Park Avenue 4dr - 150,850 miles (FOR SALE)
1989 Pontiac Safari wagon - 164,900 miles
1993 Toyota Camry LE V6 4dr - 212,150 miles (recently sold)

thailegend

The milage would be nice to know.. Id personally go with 93+

Strida

If dark maroon is not your fav color, then you will just get annoyed with the color in the long run. Do a ,CARFAX first, cheap insurance to get some info on the car. Now if you were considering 87 Mercedes 560SEL for $5000, why not get a LS400 for $5000 with the color you want. 1990 Ls400 is not bad, but I bet you can get a 1993 for $5000-$6000. 93 Ls400 has bigger brakes, wider tires and other things that was imporved from the previous model heres a link http://www.cureline.net/lex/review.htm. Now if your are still set on buying that car then check if the timing belt has been change, see if it has air suspension, if it does check if those were replaced too because if not it will run you $2000+, ask for service records, even though its only $3900 you dont want to own a car thats was not taken care off right. Good luck too you. Oh yeah offer him $3000

Shaffer

Thanks for the replies. I have heard from others that the 93+ is better. 93 also added passenger side airbag if I recall. I called about the car today and it has quite a few miles. It has 225K. He said it runs very good. I think they only sell Carfax quality cars, so it should be OK in that area. If they did not have, I would have one run before I bought it. I will check on the timing belt. I do not think it has the air suspension, but I will check. Now that I know the mileage- should I be concerned paying $3900. for it? I think they may go as low as $3500., but I doubt $3000. I was not going to pay $5000. for the 87 Mercedes. They acted like they wanted about $3000 for it according to the ad, but when called they said $5000. Thanks again for the information.

thailegend

I might hold off a bit. I bought my lexus for 8500.

Lvangundy

If you're looking at anything older than 1993 get a 1991 at the minimum.

The first year (90) has underpowered brakes. 1991 had minor interior changes, things I bet most people don't notice.

Shaffer

Thanks for the replies. So the 90 LS400 is not worth considering? My uncle in NC bought my aunt a black 1990 LS400 a few years ago. She still has it. I think it had about 65K when she bought it and it has been totally reliable, aside from a power steering pump leak, which is common. I took a closer look at the 90 LS400 I am considering. The interior is in very good condition. The car has no rust (which is normal for a southern car). It does have a few dings on the rear door, as well as some scratches. The color is a dark brown/rose color, with brown interior. I have no idea what that exterior color is called, but it is not all that attractive. Someone here said wait, but the older LS400s are a little rare around here. Most people here that have the older premium expensive luxury cars have Mercedes. This is the first older LS I have seen for sale in a very long time. There is a Lexus dealership about 20 miles from me, but they never seem to have older LS's on the lot. Thanks to Strida for the link on the LS400s. It seems like the 93 is a much better car, with the larger brakes & tires, outside temperature display and passenger airbag, but seems like they are a lot more expensive and I can live without those features I guess. I would just be happy with a good, reliable 90-91 LS. One of my other uncles in Richmond used has owned a carlot for years (now owns a different business) and he said I should stay away from this car @ this price, but I think I can offer them $3000-$3500 and they may take it. I was seriously considering a 2003 Corolla w/11K, with minor body damage for $6500, but my uncle seen photos of it and said the damage may be more severe than it looks, so I am going to pass on it. Thanks again for any information.

Shaffer

I went earlier today and test drove the car. It is very smooth and quiet, transmission is silky smooth, but it has an occasional "miss" at idle, in drive, while at a stop light. It had just left the shop for a tune up, but it still had the miss. Could this be minor or major? I am going to post about this on a seperate topic, so I may get more information. Also- they are pretty firm at $3995. Thanks again for any information.