BradFL

Guy didn't turn down the offer, my banks system was down today so I wasn't able to get the money out to buy the car but I made the offer for what I was willing to pay for it. I told him if he could find the receipt for having the timing belt done I'd give him an extra $200

Justin2JZ

Power steering problems are common for first gen 400's. That should be at the top of your priorities. Congrats. Post pics asap.

BradFL

Also, is it common to hear the lifters tapping in these cars? I know it was normal for my jeep when I had it, not sure about the LS, its not too terribly bad but maybe it just needs to be fixed up some?

Justin2JZ

Oh I have no idea.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

valve tick is common, can be fixed through a reasonably annoying valve lash procedure.

deanshark

Yeah everything you mentioned on it are all common problems, especially with that amount of mileage. You have some work ahead of you but for what you're paying it's all worth it. These cars are awesome when in good shape. Adjusting the valves, I hear, isn't too bad (with special tool) but time consuming. I don't think there's any dash covers but the dash pad, gauge cluster, door, window switches, and pretty much anything else, can be gotten from the junkyard. The blower motor making noise sounds like there might be something in the fins, or it might just need to be relubricated. The motor can be removed without taking the whole blower unit out. You're lucky, I had mine out to get to the heater core in the heater assembly. What a PITA. Here's a couple threads to look through. The first is my heater core and second has a pic of the dash off. Hope they help ya out.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ater-core.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...d-removal.html

BradFL

Well, after running some numbers i decided that $1100 would have cost me more in the long run than just buying a $3500 one. Anyways, I have a guy buying my car today and tomorrow I'm going to check out a 97 Coach edition LS400 black/gray with a tan interior. Looks to be pretty mint. Hes asking $5000 for it but I'm going to offer $4500 if it checks out. Wish me luck!!

Justin2JZ

Good luck man

BradFL

Well I bought it, car is clean and even came with a 6 month warranty on the engine! (engine was replaced Don't think I did bad for $4700. Has all of its maintenance records since February 2007 totaling $9072.41 in repairs!!! (including motor replacement)

Here is the only picture I have of the car right now. 1997 LS400 Coach Edition


I will be detailing the car tomorrow and get more pictures before and after!

vaughn37

congrats Brad looks like a beauty love the black with tan interior where did you get it from?

BradFL

Here is some pre-detail pictures for you guys!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

but do you still somehow have the elusive coach bag/luggage that came with it when new?

BradFL

Unfortunately not.... lol