Is it hard to find a mint LS400?
03-01-12, 01:41 PM
#1
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Is it hard to find a mint LS400?
In your opinion, is it very hard to find a mint condition LS400?
I went to look at a 98 with 145k miles. Front windowshield molding was peeling, black paint on the door window trim is scratched off in some places, carpet was dirty, leather also dirty, speakers sound beat up, driver door speaker not working but advertised as outstanding
I know I'm very picky but here's an example of what I was able to find 6 years ago:
1993 Toyota MR2 with 90k miles, original paint and custom leather interior installed by previous owner. After 40 hours of my time detailing:
Still drive my MR2 daily to work. It's loud and harsh with upgraded suspension but that's why I need an LS to haul the baby around
p.s. I paid $7000 for it
I went to look at a 98 with 145k miles. Front windowshield molding was peeling, black paint on the door window trim is scratched off in some places, carpet was dirty, leather also dirty, speakers sound beat up, driver door speaker not working but advertised as outstanding
I know I'm very picky but here's an example of what I was able to find 6 years ago:
1993 Toyota MR2 with 90k miles, original paint and custom leather interior installed by previous owner. After 40 hours of my time detailing:
Still drive my MR2 daily to work. It's loud and harsh with upgraded suspension but that's why I need an LS to haul the baby around
p.s. I paid $7000 for it
Last edited by xinkid; 03-01-12 at 02:00 PM.
03-01-12, 02:35 PM
#2
Around here most of them I see are from Philadelphia or Allentown. And most of them are very city beaten and make me think the owners like to pretend they're driving like they stole it.
From what I can tell, be VERY careful buying one in or near a city. Even if it looks immaculate inside and out.
From what I can tell, be VERY careful buying one in or near a city. Even if it looks immaculate inside and out.
03-01-12, 02:39 PM
#3
I will venture to say it is easier to find a mint LS400 than it is to find a mint MR2, but the same rules apply. Take your time, look further from home (retirement areas like florida or the beach areas of socal 
) and etc, and keeping an eye out.
and be willing to pay more than the avg. price.
good luck!
) and etc, and keeping an eye out.and be willing to pay more than the avg. price.
good luck!
03-01-12, 03:06 PM
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In your opinion, is it very hard to find a mint condition LS400?
I went to look at a 98 with 145k miles. Front windowshield molding was peeling, black paint on the door window trim is scratched off in some places, carpet was dirty, leather also dirty, speakers sound beat up, driver door speaker not working but advertised as outstanding
I know I'm very picky but here's an example of what I was able to find 6 years ago:
1993 Toyota MR2 with 90k miles, original paint and custom leather interior installed by previous owner. After 40 hours of my time detailing:
Still drive my MR2 daily to work. It's loud and harsh with upgraded suspension but that's why I need an LS to haul the baby around
p.s. I paid $7000 for it
I went to look at a 98 with 145k miles. Front windowshield molding was peeling, black paint on the door window trim is scratched off in some places, carpet was dirty, leather also dirty, speakers sound beat up, driver door speaker not working but advertised as outstanding
I know I'm very picky but here's an example of what I was able to find 6 years ago:
1993 Toyota MR2 with 90k miles, original paint and custom leather interior installed by previous owner. After 40 hours of my time detailing:
Still drive my MR2 daily to work. It's loud and harsh with upgraded suspension but that's why I need an LS to haul the baby around
p.s. I paid $7000 for it
03-01-12, 04:09 PM
#5
with all cars, you'll need to be patient and shop around. expect to pay more for a cleaner, well kept car. i got my 97 at the higher end of what kbb said, but it is in great shape (even better now ). they are out there, you just need to look and have more money handy.
). they are out there, you just need to look and have more money handy.
03-01-12, 04:46 PM
#6
In 2011 I bought 3 1999 LS400's and all of them looked great, after a month or so, 2 of them were not THE one I was looking for, so I sold them.... the one I kept is SILENT, rides perfect, has no flaws.... it is a keeper.
So keep looking, they are out there.
this is the one I kept:
So keep looking, they are out there.
this is the one I kept:
03-01-12, 05:36 PM
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I lucked out and found a Florida-garage-kept car, it had 120k on it, but to this day after a clay bar and wax, the paint looks brand new. The leather is a bit dry, but no rips! It's all luck (and how far you're willing to travel :P )
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03-01-12, 06:03 PM
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In 2011 I bought 3 1999 LS400's and all of them looked great, after a month or so, 2 of them were not THE one I was looking for, so I sold them.... the one I kept is SILENT, rides perfect, has no flaws.... it is a keeper.
So keep looking, they are out there.
this is the one I kept:
So keep looking, they are out there.
this is the one I kept:
hi billydpowe..nice clean car..will those rims fit on a 1990 ls400?
03-01-12, 07:06 PM
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03-01-12, 08:11 PM
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I found this one a bit further from me. Super clean, high mileage. How much would you pay for one like this? What other maintenance or wear items would you check for?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
Also, how much importance do you place on knowing ALL fluids are changed at scheduled intervals? (coolant, transmission, differential, power steering, oil) TIA
Last edited by xinkid; 03-01-12 at 08:29 PM.
03-01-12, 08:40 PM
#15
I will say that it depends a lot on where you live. Closer to major metropolitan areas, particularly in areas with tough winters where a lot of abrasives are put on the roads, there is a lot of construction traffic, and tight parking conditions exist, the worse the chances. No absolutes, of course.
One owner, garage kept, and a clean CARFAX are a good litmus test.
One owner, garage kept, and a clean CARFAX are a good litmus test.