bobcrane

Test drove a 1996 Black/tan Lexus LS 400 last night. I'd appreciate feedback on whether or not I should consider the car.

Added: Price is $3700

The good:

• Not too much rust (a little surface at top of windshield, minor nick on the trunk lid)
• 140K miles
• Interior in decent condition, seats still in good shape
• Drives nice
• Newer tires
• most everything still works - radio, heated seats, gauges, etc, etc.

The bad:

• FLOOD - It was in water up to the center of the hubs.
• The A/C does not blow cold (don't know if that's freon or major repair). And I need my cold air in the winter! LoL
• Will need brakes soon
• No record on when/if timing belt has been replaced
• 4 owners

I wouldn't consider it except the price is decent. Not so decent if I'm suddenly sinking several grand in or if the thing turns to a pile of dust on me.

steveski

Welcome Bob. Unless price is really low (curious what it is) I personally would steer clear. The idea it was flooded makes me wonder if previous owner had to replace transmission, main ECU, etc. If seller says it was up to middle of wheels it may have been to top of the door

Also, there are so many great buys out there especially on second gen LS 400's (95 - 97). I would keep looking. I mean, if you have to spend double to get a pristine car I would just to have piece of mind. Just my two cents.

bobcrane

Forgot to post that - it is $3700 firm.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

http://www.pindelski.com/Cars/Lexus_...400_buying.pdf

Check out Thomas Pindelski's LS4 buyers guide.
And I would personally walk away. Plenty more cars out there in the sea. I spent $4000 for my '96 LS three years ago. These cars have depreciated a lot since then, you can spend a couple more grand and actually find a '98 which is that much better.

slvrboolet

i wont buy from someone with a "firm" price unless its some insane good deal. Most firm prices are more than its worth because they think their pos is actually worth something. I would steer away from that one sounds like a heap.

BLKonBLK98

too many questions, not enough answers. stay away.

TexFinn

Just the thought of a car being in water up to half of the tire, or more, would be enough for me to turn away from any car. Not to mention a vehicle with as much electrical stuff as these things have.

For 3700 you can easily find a non-flooded 93-95 LS400, so my suggestion is to pass up on this one. Unless you have time and/or money to spend on chasing possible electrical gremlins caused by the water.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

For reference, a 2001 LS430 local to here sold last week for $8200. It had the Mark Levinson stereo and everything - just needed a new headlight and a dent pulled. Deals are out there.

GKLCPA

I wouldn't mess around with a Flood car for two reasons---electrical problems are difficult to solve and if the car has a "flood" title, you won't be able to sell it later yourself. Like the others said, there are better deals, so walk, unless you can get a major price concession (i.e. he's willing to sell it for 1000)

omarg

no way. 3700 can buy a more than decent 93-94, or a higher mileage but well cared for 95+. miles don't matter on a lexus. Just service records.