turbono9

Hello Everyone,
My name is Casey and as noted in the subject line, I am a new member and possible a new Lexus owner. My aunt's neighbor is selling his '97 LS400 Lexus. It is Coach Edition with about 184k miles. It is in excellent condition, he has taken very good care of it. There are just a few paint chips on the hood of the car, but other than...that is it! The asking price is rather nice as well! He changed the timing belt at 122k miles. I have never owned a Lexus before, so I do not know the first thing about them. I'm trying to do some research before I make a decision.

My first question is in regards to the 184k miles on the car. That seems a bit high, but is it for a Lexus, and is that something I really need to reconsider? As I had mentioned earlier, the timing belt was changed at 122k. With the mileage getting "up there", what type of repairs would I be looking at. Again, the present owner has taken very good care of the car. Also, out of curiousity, what type problems have any of you had; and how much life have been able to get out of your Lexus?

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this.

Thanks,
Casey

19psi

i bougth my first LS with 184k on it a few years ago, sold it with close to 200k when i decided i wanted a sports car. no problems at all though.
my current has 148k on it, runs and shifts perfectly.
if it's been maintained well and drives well, don't worry about the mileage. that's half of the regular life on a well maintained LS.
I used to be a Lexus mechanic and i'd regularly see them with over 300k, original engine, and trans.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

since its a 95+ (interference motor) it will need a timing belt/wp/idler every 90k mi, roughly $1000-1500, which you would be due for in ~28k mi.

turbono9

Okay, thanks for the information! So, overall the LS400...a good investment?

turbono9

Or actually, all you LS400 owners...are you happy with your LS400?

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

No car is an investment. Very happy with my LS400

lexie

yup, very happy with my LS. Best used car money can buy. Period.
U should have mentioned the price.

BTW, Why we always hear " car is an investment" ? investment is something that may have a chance to increase in value over time and I don't see 99.99% car is an investment at all.

I expect my LS last very very long time.

gqr1c3boi

i'm definately happy with my LS400. The ride is so smooth and the engine definately has some go. The only downside I would say there is about owning an LS, or any Lexus for that matter, is the cost of major repairs. They're a bit steep. As for the 184k miles, that shouldn't be a problem. Continue to take good care of it, and it'll last you a long time.

19psi

i'm very happy with my LS. i'd rather have it than any other car of it's vintage and mileage. they are the best cars in the world in certain aspects.

turbono9

Oh, the price...he is asking for $6800. He is my aunt's next door neighbor and my cousin babysitts for him and his wife. He quoted me $6500.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

ehh, idk about tennessee, but thats a high price for SoCal given the mileage, not too bad, but i'd buy for around 5800-6200 TOPS.

sik96ls400

dats a lil pricey IMO...I paid 4000 for a 96 with 126k miles...im actually at the dealer right now and tryna see how much work and maintenance is needed...but like stated before, no car is an investment, unless you're a dealer and buy cars at auctions to make profits......but the LS is one of the best cars in the world..so its a good choice

JBrewster

Agreed.

You got a deal dude.

cpcc

Sounds like a great deal, these cars are awesome. Couple things to look for is possible oil leaks at the valve cover gasket, leaking powersteering pump. These being checked out, it is will be a bulletproof car.
There is another great deal listed in the classified section of the forum
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=365542

turbono9

Thank you everyone for your input...I really appreciate the help!