sayow

So I am a very proud owner of a (previous to me) one owner high mileage 96 LS 400 that needed some TLC, along with a 93 that is still a project.

All this time I have been searching for just the right 98-2000 LS 400 to come along and I think I might have found it. But with prices all over the map, I would love to get some opinions on the asking price (seems high to me and according to edmunds.com)

Anyway it is a black on black 2000 LS with 79k on the clock. Two owner, every option except air ride including chrome wheels and what is probably now a worthless navigation system.

Paint is almost perfect, new tires, leather a solid 8/10 and no real defects to speak of. The car has NOT had a timing belt/water pump replacement but I have done that twice now so not scared.

Dealer just took it in and is listing for 9800 and says they will not go under 9k.

So assuming it was your desired spec and you were in the market would you pay 9k for a near mint low mile LS? I keep thinking for a few grand more I can get a 430!

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

well you are buying from a dealer so markup is to be expected. if you truly want a black/black car in that condition you will have to pay the premium regardless of where it is found. in the end will you be happy with it, or a 430? we cannot tell you that.

hirosada

I'd offer 7800 then watch them scoff, call them back in a week and offer it again. Their list price is already in LS430 territory, use that with the "ticking time bomb" without the timing belt service they have on their hands for leverage. After all it is a 14 year old car over due on a very important service.

Legender

It is high... I would not pay over $8k, knowing it needs a TB job immediately... Dealer is hoping to sell to uninformed buyer who does not have a clue... Around 10k you can find LS430 models close to that... a few more miles, but that is that on a Lexus... Personally I'm liking the ride in the 98 better than my 04 version. Can't decide which one to get rid of... lol
I like hirosada's advice.. but then price/value is has always been important to me.

Shmee

iTrader: (3)

Is it at a Lexus Dealership or some used car lot dealer?

If you have the funds available in cash, $8k in cash on the table in front of them, will do wonders for making them go below that $9k floor.
Have another $500 distributed into other pockets and make them fight to get your price up. If they took it on trade they probably paid $6-7 for it, if that. If they are a used car lot, the could have got it wholesale from a non-lexus specific dealer for peanuts.

I wouldn't pay over $8500 unless the car is flawless.
The car is 17k away from needing the TB &WP, so that isn't really a bargaining chip you can use effectively.

I would however take it to get inspected somewhere else to check the general condition, along with doing a full history check if it is not provided!

LScowboyLS

here is a fun piece of info you can use at your local "tote the note" used car dealer (I have buddies who do this for a living)

whatever is the amount "down" they require on a car, that is the price they PAID for the car! (this way, if you disappear, they haven't lost any money)

xxmariolxx

wow that makes good sense acually. nver though of that. of course it depends on the down payment. it can be 2k on a 10k car. i doubt they really only paid 2k