gobears

Hi All...

What to look for when I go look for used LS400? Is there FAQ on this site about what to look for? I can't find it. Sorry. I will def ask for timing belt, and water pump.

I am going to check out a few LS tomorrow. Wish me luck...

jasonm

iTrader: (5)

Ask for all service records. If they don't have any, that wouldn't be a good sign. Test A/C. Check Power Steering pump and hoses. Check instrument panels for lighting defects as well as temp control lcd to see if it's blacked out. Those both can cost a lot to fix. Check shocks and see if the car leans on one side. Make sure all windows work well. Check tires for uneven wear for alignment issue, shock issue or bushing defects. That's all I can remember right now. Good luck.

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Check the stickies (Sticky = posts that are the first and foremost on the forum list), it usually pertains to a few of the most important issues that LS owners will encounter with their vehicles.

There are also some really good related sites put together by members:

http://www.lexls.com/

http://www.cureline.net/lex/

And some, I believe not totally affiliated, but you get members going back and forth:

http://www.lextreme.com/

If you have question on a specific topic, please use the SEARCH this forum function. Just one or two complete words will bring up LOTS of history. And if it has not been discussed, please do post it and I'm sure you'll get a response.

This forum has saved my bum and $$$ so many times...

...if you're shopping for one, another thing to look for, the oil cap. Take it off and look underneath. Smell it. You can get a quick idea of how someone took care of their vehicle and what is wrong with it. Smells sweet? Leaking antifreeze. Smells burnt? Probably not enough oil or did not do the oil changes. Lots of crud stuck on it? See former. Check for fresh leaks as well. I looked at 20 LS400s before settling on mine, and I got mine for a VERY GOOD PRICE ($2500). The interior is intact, it only needs minor painting on the bumpers to freshen the car up and the carpets scrubbed a little. Other than that, it's pretty much immaculate now.

gobears

Thanks guys! $2500?

Should I worry about high mileage? What do you think of 155K for 1996?

I have heard many different stories on what is the best year for LS. People say buy before 95, and others swear by after 95. :P

BiGLeX 400

I would say just go for the newest and nicest one you can afford. You can't go wrong with either generation but the 2nd gen was definitely a step forward.

steveski

If the car has in excess of 100k miles then they should have changed the timing belt. If the dealer serviced it they should have records and perhaps they changed all front end parts including water pump, pulleys, bearing, etc.

Mine has 175k now and it is as solid as when it was new.

Also you can check under the hood (fenders, bumpers, hood, etc.) for a bar code to see if it has ever been repaired, painted, etc.