Buying a '98 some issues
07-15-13, 06:55 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Buying a '98 some issues
LScowboyLS,
I am currently looking to buy a 98 LS with 180k miles. I was told that it was serviced at Lexus and that the current (2nd) owner is still friends with the former (1st) owner, so at least in theory this car has a known history. I am told by the current owner that per the dealer the catalytic converter needs to be replaced at a cost of approx $800. Also, that even though the battery is brand new, the car does not start except if it is jumped and let to charge for at least 15 minutes. After starting though it will stay running until it is turned off and then it does not start again. Also, the driver window does not go up. After reading this truly incredible thread (my sincere thanks, even though I don't own one yet), I am left wondering how can I tell if the problems and solutions you are describing are what is ailing this LS as well? How can I check before committing? is the trick with the multimeter that Yamae described a good enough method? Any other pointers, caveats or gotchas you care to share?
Please know that I am grateful for the knowledge you have already shared along with Yamae. It is a great gift to see crowd sourcing at such admirable level.
I am currently looking to buy a 98 LS with 180k miles. I was told that it was serviced at Lexus and that the current (2nd) owner is still friends with the former (1st) owner, so at least in theory this car has a known history. I am told by the current owner that per the dealer the catalytic converter needs to be replaced at a cost of approx $800. Also, that even though the battery is brand new, the car does not start except if it is jumped and let to charge for at least 15 minutes. After starting though it will stay running until it is turned off and then it does not start again. Also, the driver window does not go up. After reading this truly incredible thread (my sincere thanks, even though I don't own one yet), I am left wondering how can I tell if the problems and solutions you are describing are what is ailing this LS as well? How can I check before committing? is the trick with the multimeter that Yamae described a good enough method? Any other pointers, caveats or gotchas you care to share?
Please know that I am grateful for the knowledge you have already shared along with Yamae. It is a great gift to see crowd sourcing at such admirable level.
07-15-13, 07:39 PM
#2
Lexus Champion
none of these issues are ECU related
those typically do NOT go bad with only 180k
likely needs both another battery and an alternator and fixing the power steering leaks that killed the alternator
also not a typical problem for this model at this mileage
I think I would find a 98-2000 in better shape, this one has had a hard life, I would find a different one unless the cosmetic condition is incredible and it is at the silly price ($4000 or less)
per the dealer the catalytic converter needs to be replaced at a cost of approx $800
Also, that even though the battery is brand new, the car does not start except if it is jumped and let to charge for at least 15 minutes. After starting though it will stay running until it is turned off and then it does not start again
Also, the driver window does not go up.
I think I would find a 98-2000 in better shape, this one has had a hard life, I would find a different one unless the cosmetic condition is incredible and it is at the silly price ($4000 or less)
07-15-13, 07:58 PM
#3
As far as cats go, I had to replace mine with only 68k. Not sure if they were defective or other circumstances led to their failure. Running low octane fuel and letting the car idle for long periods of time can lead to premature cat failure. No need to replace with OEM cat's as they are insanely expensive. You can get aftermarket for much cheaper. Just make sure they have the correct rated loads for your LS400. You can't buy just any cat but if you get the right ones then you will be fine. it is recommended to replace both at the same time.
07-16-13, 08:11 AM
#5
Check RockAuto and Google Shopping. And see my thread below.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...r-lessons.html
http://www.magnaflow.com/02converters.asp
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...r-lessons.html
http://www.magnaflow.com/02converters.asp
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 07-16-13 at 08:22 AM.
07-16-13, 04:07 PM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
update
So here is an update after driving the 98 LS:
It seems that it needs: brakes, tires, cat converters, battery, alternator, power steering pump (the alt dies bc power steering pump must be leaking -- thx LScowboyLS) . Also, the drvr side headlight is foggy & the fog light is missing, meaning the car had an accident in the front drivers side. Also, after I drove it a bit hard, it was steaming coolant from the front right side under the hood. However the transmission was running well and the motor made no weird clicking or hissing sounds. The frame felt solid as well. It did not track perfectly though: there is a very VERY slight pull to the left (same side as the possible accident) that is consistent, not changing with acceleration or breaking. Do the resident experts think its worth getting and at what price? How much do you estimate these repairs to run up to?
Thanks
It seems that it needs: brakes, tires, cat converters, battery, alternator, power steering pump (the alt dies bc power steering pump must be leaking -- thx LScowboyLS) . Also, the drvr side headlight is foggy & the fog light is missing, meaning the car had an accident in the front drivers side. Also, after I drove it a bit hard, it was steaming coolant from the front right side under the hood. However the transmission was running well and the motor made no weird clicking or hissing sounds. The frame felt solid as well. It did not track perfectly though: there is a very VERY slight pull to the left (same side as the possible accident) that is consistent, not changing with acceleration or breaking. Do the resident experts think its worth getting and at what price? How much do you estimate these repairs to run up to?
Thanks
07-16-13, 04:38 PM
#7
That sounds like you would just buy a giant headache and money pit. These are very reliable, however the repairs and parts are not exactly cheap. With all those issues I would really question how much maintenance was actually performed on that car. Once you buy the car you may also discover other problems the car has that you didn't notice on the drive. I would guess you already have stated well over $1,000 worth of problems if you fix it yourself and much much more if you pay somebody. Who knows how much time it will take to correct all of these issues as well. Just my opinion though.
I would keep searching and spend a little more money up front on a car with less issues.
I would keep searching and spend a little more money up front on a car with less issues.
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07-16-13, 04:44 PM
#9
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I am relatively new to the LS400 market but from the host of problems I would recommend passing on this one.
98-00 usually run between $8-10k in my area but typically have around 90-130k mi. It is already high mileage for a 98 so the price would be on the lower end of the spectrum to start. My guess? $6k
With the list of repairs though you would really need to get it for less.
Alternator + PSPump - $600 + installation
Cat - $250 (non OEM)
Battery - $90
Brakes - $100 for pads + installation and other hardware
keep in mind i priced some of these online and they will be more expensive at a dealer.
98-00 usually run between $8-10k in my area but typically have around 90-130k mi. It is already high mileage for a 98 so the price would be on the lower end of the spectrum to start. My guess? $6k
With the list of repairs though you would really need to get it for less.
Alternator + PSPump - $600 + installation
Cat - $250 (non OEM)
Battery - $90
Brakes - $100 for pads + installation and other hardware
keep in mind i priced some of these online and they will be more expensive at a dealer.
Last edited by door331; 07-16-13 at 04:49 PM.
07-16-13, 04:55 PM
#10
I am relatively new to the LS400 market but from the host of problems I would recommend passing on this one.
98-00 usually run between $8-10k in my area but typically have around 90-130k mi. It is already high mileage for a 98 so the price would be on the lower end of the spectrum to start. My guess? $6k
With the list of repairs though you would really need to get it for less.
Alternator + PSPump - $600 + installation
Cat - $250 (non OEM)
Battery - $90
Brakes - $100 for pads + installation and other hardware
keep in mind i priced some of these online and they will be more expensive at a dealer.
98-00 usually run between $8-10k in my area but typically have around 90-130k mi. It is already high mileage for a 98 so the price would be on the lower end of the spectrum to start. My guess? $6k
With the list of repairs though you would really need to get it for less.
Alternator + PSPump - $600 + installation
Cat - $250 (non OEM)
Battery - $90
Brakes - $100 for pads + installation and other hardware
keep in mind i priced some of these online and they will be more expensive at a dealer.
I would run from that deal, run as far away as possible. Unless of course you want a major project to work on with enough funds to do it.
07-16-13, 05:09 PM
#12
That's how you should be thinking about this car. You should add up all the things that you know are wrong with it. I would definitely say that you would find several more problems with this car after the purchase. I would say this is a very neglected car, it should not have anything close to this many problems.
07-16-13, 05:38 PM
#13
Lexus Champion
I would keep searching and spend a little more money up front on a car with less issues
You should add up all the things that you know are wrong with it.
07-17-13, 06:20 AM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Sincere Thanks to all the members who read, commented and shared their opinion. It is great to feel so welcome so quickly.
I do agree with all of you and my gut feeling as well is that this is a poorly maintained car. However, at what price this becomes a good deal? I believe I can get this car for $1,000. After that it is either
A. spend 1-2k to get it fixed and enjoy, OR
B. get a $1000 money pit with no bottom
Based on what I have read so far about the experiences and raving comments of all Lexus owners regarding reliability and build quality, A seems quite likely. Does anyone agree? Or am I beating a dead horse at this point?
Thx
I do agree with all of you and my gut feeling as well is that this is a poorly maintained car. However, at what price this becomes a good deal? I believe I can get this car for $1,000. After that it is either
A. spend 1-2k to get it fixed and enjoy, OR
B. get a $1000 money pit with no bottom
Based on what I have read so far about the experiences and raving comments of all Lexus owners regarding reliability and build quality, A seems quite likely. Does anyone agree? Or am I beating a dead horse at this point?
Thx
