Looking at buying '95 LS400 - what would you do?
06-20-12, 04:51 PM
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Looking at buying '95 LS400 - what would you do?
Hello there,
In the process of looking at a Lexus LS400 with a build date of July of 1995.
$4900 asking price, 139,500 miles. The car seems to be in good mechanical and cosmetic shape. Everything works.
The braking seemed to require a slightly higher level of effort than what I am accustomed to with my own personal car as well as a variety of rental cars I drive every week for work. Is this typical? There is no shuddering or brake squealing, it seems to stop well.
The engine bay looked immaculate and there were no leaking fluids. Tires are fresh.
The car just seemed very, very heavy. The Ford Fusion rental I am driving now seemed like a Miata in comparison. Do I need to be concerned about replacing shocks and struts? Or, again, is this normal LS400?
One last question - can I call Lexus up and get service records with the VIN? He says it has been regularly serviced but didn't have any records to prove it.
In the process of looking at a Lexus LS400 with a build date of July of 1995.
$4900 asking price, 139,500 miles. The car seems to be in good mechanical and cosmetic shape. Everything works.
The braking seemed to require a slightly higher level of effort than what I am accustomed to with my own personal car as well as a variety of rental cars I drive every week for work. Is this typical? There is no shuddering or brake squealing, it seems to stop well.
The engine bay looked immaculate and there were no leaking fluids. Tires are fresh.
The car just seemed very, very heavy. The Ford Fusion rental I am driving now seemed like a Miata in comparison. Do I need to be concerned about replacing shocks and struts? Or, again, is this normal LS400?
One last question - can I call Lexus up and get service records with the VIN? He says it has been regularly serviced but didn't have any records to prove it.
06-20-12, 05:08 PM
#2
95+ got bigger brakes than previous ls models
so big in fact they are referered to this day as the lexus big brake and is an upgrade for almost all lexus vehicles. You should have no problem stopping even with the heavy ls400.
The ls400 does not have struts but if the shocks and accompanied parts are original, yes you most likely should think about replacement.
More Important to check is the timing belt and water pump. She is right around that mileage and if it hasnt been done expext a $1000-1200 bill in the near future.
Lexus will have records if it was serviced at lexus. But since the owner doesnt have any records, I doubt that is the case.
I would not pay over 4000 even if the car was perfect. And an 18 Year old car is never perfect.
so big in fact they are referered to this day as the lexus big brake and is an upgrade for almost all lexus vehicles. You should have no problem stopping even with the heavy ls400.
The ls400 does not have struts but if the shocks and accompanied parts are original, yes you most likely should think about replacement.
More Important to check is the timing belt and water pump. She is right around that mileage and if it hasnt been done expext a $1000-1200 bill in the near future.
Lexus will have records if it was serviced at lexus. But since the owner doesnt have any records, I doubt that is the case.
I would not pay over 4000 even if the car was perfect. And an 18 Year old car is never perfect.
Last edited by SpencerT; 06-20-12 at 05:16 PM.
06-20-12, 05:49 PM
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Spencer, thanks for your response.
I did notice some belt whine although I am not sure if that is typically the timing belt or what.
It's really hard to find a LS400 of this vintage for under $6000, but if you think $4900 is too much then maybe I just need to do a little negotiating.
I did notice some belt whine although I am not sure if that is typically the timing belt or what.
It's really hard to find a LS400 of this vintage for under $6000, but if you think $4900 is too much then maybe I just need to do a little negotiating.
06-21-12, 05:18 AM
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For such an older car is it reasonable that I ask for some sort of service history? I keep finding cars where the person who owns it has only had it for 6 months and knows nothing about the car really. Very sucky!
06-21-12, 03:21 PM
#7
I guess price just depends on your area.
I keep hearing about people in california finding 95-97 ls400s for under 1000
Here in virginia its more like 1.5-4K
Montana... I dont have a clue
I keep hearing about people in california finding 95-97 ls400s for under 1000
Here in virginia its more like 1.5-4K
Montana... I dont have a clue
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06-21-12, 04:51 PM
#8
Just got mine
97 with 109,500... Its really clean... not rips in the leather... a couple dings that can be knocked out.. paid 4750 for it... You really have to look... there out there. Found it in South Jersey!!
09-04-12, 05:20 PM
#12
take your time. took me a few months to find just the right car, white/grey instead of white/tan. when i did find it, i paid more than KBB due to the rarity and the overall cleanliness. the car did need a timing belt job, which is always a good $1k-$2k negotiating point.
09-05-12, 05:11 AM
#13
For a piece of mind take it and get it inspected at the dealer for a couple of hundred bucks, they see things that we dont(they have a lift) and also they check for rust too,Remember a Lexus driven is better then a Lexus sittin,.
09-06-12, 12:45 AM
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Now, I did pound away on the computer for a few weeks searching, but here in cali, I dunno, the LS400s jus dont command the high dollars I guess. Definitely a lot of beaters, but definitely a lot of quality one for under 2k.
Last edited by PureDrifter; 09-06-12 at 01:19 AM. Reason: censor bypass...
09-06-12, 04:17 AM
#15
True story right there. No fairytale I picked up my 1995 LS400 with 141k, timing belt/water pump already done, perfect interior, and only $250 in reg back fees. Honest truth, I paid $1300 for the car.
Now, I did pound away on the computer for a few weeks searching, but here in cali, I dunno, the LS400s jus dont command the high dollars I guess. Definitely a lot of beaters, but definitely a lot of quality one for under 2k.
Now, I did pound away on the computer for a few weeks searching, but here in cali, I dunno, the LS400s jus dont command the high dollars I guess. Definitely a lot of beaters, but definitely a lot of quality one for under 2k.
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