user 6972619

Greetings, I just purchased a '93 LS400 for $2,500. Had to make a decision quickly and didn't have to time for a good mechanic to check it out. I know that is always a wise move, that I didn't take. So feel free to call me out on that.

For that price I wasn't expecting perfect condition.
* dark green
* body in very good condition; couple of minor paint issues, to be expected for its age
* interior in good shape; front sears showing some wear, but no cracking on dash
* tinted windows
* 18 inch tires and custom wheels

What i knew before purchase --
dash lights work when they want to and flicker other times (seems to be about 50-50)
gas gauge does not work
tires will need to replaced before long

here's what I found out today from an asian import specialist:
* upper and lower ball joint need replacing
* left outer tie rod needs replacing
* front sway bar needs replacing
* recommend changing brake fluid
* recommend transmission service
* power steering rack needs replacing
* rear axle boots leaking
* valve cover gaskets leaking
* leak at power steering pump

I'm pretty sure I could sell it for $3500 or so quickly w/out putting anything into. Just wondering if I should "flip it" or put some money into and keep it. Your thoughts and suggestions please.
Thanks! James

FireEMT978

If you can flip it for a quick grand profit, I would go for it. Just be honest with potential buyers IE: Let them inspect it if they want, and don't misrepresent it. From the items that need repair, you are looking at thousands in repairs/maintenance if you can't do it yourself.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

How many miles?

user 6972619

207k miles

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

congrats for the pickup but sorry but in that condition it's not worth over $2k.

and you're looking at over $1500 in parts to get the suspension right according to that laundry list. though im pretty suspicious of the mechanic who gave you that assessment as the sway bar isnt a wear item. the only reason you would ever replace it is if you got into an accident/hit something and bent the hell out of it....

in perfect shape that car comes close to ~$3500, but anything over $4k is pushing it as you get into the '95-97 range.

LScowboyLS

agree with drifter on the appraisal - if you are gonna do all of that kind of work on a car, it needs to be a beauty in the first place, to make it worthwhile (i.e. looks almost like a new car, your favorite color, body style, etc.)

Luxurexus

I can tell you that more than what your mechanic listed will need to be fixed and it will cost more than you think. I can also tell you that this car will be more reliable than any other car regardless of how many repairs it needs. If you keep it or not is up to how much you like the car.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Well I will throw my 2 cents worth in: but I will let you be the judge,

In the photo below, is a 96 LS400. a repo, I paid 2600 for it, last year, and it drove off the lot.
I had it detailed with a new windshield installed, put on new wheels and tires, replaced the battery, both o2 sensors to turn off the CEL. for 600$, so I have 3200$ in a fine running car, with no "known" problems. Interior is very clean & undamaged.
is yours a bargain??

DonCorleone

iTrader: (6)

Too late to worry if you got a fair deal or not. If you felt it was fair and the car was a good buy, then it was. Prices vary from region to region and even from season to season. No use in worrying about the price now, it's already paid for. Now, do you like it enough to put a little bit of money and time into it and then enjoy it for years to come or sell it for a profit, that's your call.