thedivisio

Hello,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

What do you guys think about this..

1994 LS400
186k mi
Body in nice condition
Leather very nice
Needs a little work on right fender (a little scuffed)
$3300

Would you go for it?

I'm kind of discouraged by the high mileage (although I know the car can take it) and the scuff.

Thanks

denverdog

this isjn't high mileage. it's just middle age.

have the compression checked out.

have an independent mechanic check out the car. if he finds the engine and tranny to ba alright, you're halfway home. did current owner use mobil 1?

do the electronics work? audio system? a/c? lcd displays?
is power steering leeking? if so it will kill the alternator.

is suspension good? air suspension is expensive to replace, though
it can be switched to standard suspension.

if these things check out, the car is probably worth it.
i would not let the mileagfe scare me away. i have 200k on my '93
and the drive train is still silky.

go back through this forum for a while and you'll see most of the posts you need to consider.

you can probably find a used fender of the same color on the internet,
fairly cheap. get a local paint shop to put it on.

NEVER GO TO A DEALERSHIP UNLESS SOMEONE IS HOLDING A KNIFE TO YOUR THROAT. if you went to a dealer right now for an evaluation, you'll be told it needs $17,826.00 worth of work. don't go down that road. use an independent, who understands you don't want everything int eh car to check out to new spec, unless that is real what you want to apy for.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i wouldnt be afraid of the mileage but the price is still high, should be more like 2300-2500 for that car in that condition with those miles.

thedivisio

I'm going to check out the car tomorrow. I had a '91 before, so the mileage doesn't scare me... it's the resale value that worries me.

I'm located in Canada, BTW. I converted the KM to MILES and CAD to USD. It has 299km and is $3800 CAD.

I was told all the electronics work fine. I forgot to mention.. it has the Nakamichi system. No air suspension as Canadian versions didn't come with it.

As for the fender, the car is navy blue. Pretty rare, so I doubt it.

Thanks

dinh626

Canadian wise that's a fair price. But condition is really the key I'd say regardless of price. I'd probably check out the major things powersteering, alternator etc., those usually go. Also the timing belt perhaps, almost at 300,000 kms. Where in canada are you located?

thedivisio

I'm in Toronto. The car looks as though it's in pretty good condition. The fender has som surface rust due to the paint being scratched off. But aside from that, it looks good.

Would you guys say it's worth $3800 CAD (~$3300 USD) if it is mechanically sound?

thedivisio

Back from seeing the car.

Car was in okay condition. At cold start there was thick white smoke coming out of the exhaust, what does this mean (the car had probably been sitting for a couple of weeks). The scuff at the front extended to the rear quarter panel (scratches). There were light scratches here and there on the body. It made a light whining noise when turning the streering wheel.. power steering pump about to go? The owner was convinced that his car was in perfect condition. However, he made me an offer of $3500 CAD, $3050 USD.

Now what do you guys think?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

2800usd if it checks out by a local toyota dealership (ask for a basic prebuy inspection)

thedivisio

Do you think it's worth it, though? Engine is a little noisy (compared to my old one), whines when I turn, scratches on paint, dent on fender that carries on to rear quarter, 300km.

Options: TRAC, sunroof, heated seats, Nakamichi.

LXotic

worth it if there is no mechanical problems and wont be until it reaches at least 250k.Well does it start right away when you turn the key? You can also use it as a project car you know..

thedivisio

Thermactor, exactly! It sounds like there is a hole in the exhaust in the area under the driver. I figured it was an easy fix. I opened the hood and listened to the engine itself though... I don't know, seemed a bit noisy for a Lexus to me. Are we talking about the same thing?

Oh and the leather is really nice. No rips or cracks.

omarg

my 94 is loud and burbly too! I have the same symptoms... I was wondering why the 94 was so much throatier than the 93.

in my opinion... the car is worth it. With nice leather and good tires, along with a newish timing belt i think you found a good car.

thedivisio

Car started right away but had thick white smoke come out from the exhaust.. bad?

No idea on the timing belt. I didn't think it was worth what they wanted for it so I didn't go into details.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

white smoke could be IAC going out (pushing steering fluid into intake)

thedivisio

The seller said he was going to bring the car closer to my area after christmas. Even if I'm going to consider the car, there's no way I'm making another 300 mile trip again.