cgreenberg

Hi Folks:

The time has come for me to sell me well loved LS. I know what KBB says, wondering how accurate that is?

I have a 98 LS400. Nice cosmetic shape. Good / newish tires. Excellently maintained with records. 138k miles. I'm in Albuquerque, NM.

Appreciate your input!

Chip

Kansas

Check local advertising for private sales to see what they are going for. Craigslist seems to be the main way older cars change hands where I live. I would expect in a private party sale for your car to bring between $3,000 and $6,000 here in the Kansas City area.

If I sell my 2000 LS400 this Spring after it has a full 180K maintenance costing about $1,500, I am thinking of $5,500 for "friends and family" or a bit more for others. Several people have told me they want it but if they don't I may just donate it and get a tax write-off like a friend did last year with his Mercedes.

KBB values don't mean much from my experience.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As Kansas mentions, KBB can be a rough estimate so looking up comparables in your area gives better results.

Gene01

I agree with the above. Also, you might check AutoTrader. I have found it to be a good source of pricing in addition to Craig's List.

cgreenberg

Thanks for the input !!!

xxmariolxx

i agree. kbb doesnt mean anything unless its a newer car.

Largefarva

A guy in my area bought one two years ago with 160km (100k miles?) for $5500 and thought it was the deal of the century.....I'd say it was a decent deal, especially since they're rare here. If you rally want an accurate estimate, post better details and pics.

sayow

Not to hijack... but Kansas... when that time comes I am local and definitely in the market. Would love some specifics.

As for value cgreenberg, the values are all over the map. I find edmunds.com to be more realistic on what you can actually "expect" to get from a sale.

Best of luck!

Legender

I generally use nadaguides as a guide and look at average trade in... rarely cars that old are in excellent shape. Though Lexus vehicles have a greater chance based on who can usually afford to buy them in the first place.

I put your car into both nadaguides and KBB and it has a $500 delta between them, with KBB stating lower at $4600 and nada showing $5100...
But those are only estimates... check the used car sources in your area and see what people are listing/selling for. You actual mileage may vary...

aptoslexus

I just bought a 98. Beautiful interior, very good exterior with some minor paint imperfections. Everything works. Drives like it was new. Nearly new tires. Complete records since new. 108k miles. I paid $5500. Frankly, I'm thrilled with the purchase. It's an amazing amount of car for the money. Only downside is the timing belt is due.

Legender

Not a bad price aptos... if you're happy, we're happy.
Congrats and welcome to the forum... introduce yourself and don't forget to bring pics...

dveneman

You guys seem right on the money.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/4380655011.html


Also, I recently paid about the same for my excellent white and tan '98 with 123k.
I'm with you Aptos. I do not find the seats comfortable, or the handling pleasant, but I am amazed at the value and quality every time I drive.

Amskeptic

What's up with these increasing values? Did the recent 1.4 billion dollar fine against Toyota suddenly make the market nostalgic for the good ol' days when they were really trying to make a decent car?
Colin

Lexus LS 400
NADA........MSRP......low........ave........high

03/2014...$42,200....$4,950....$7,525....$11,050 appreciating!!

12/2013...$42,200....$4,725....$6,975....$10,050

myway

I had a gold series in 1990 as a company car. In december, 2013, searching online, I found a 1998 in pearl white with gray interior to match the one I had before. It was loaded except for the guidance system. After looking at comparables, this one was out the door with tax and registration for $8500. Mileage was 118k and it was immaculate inside and out. No one believes the age of the car because it looks new. Even the mechanic/body man I took the car to for a checkup was surprised at the condition. So what I am saying is you have to understand what the car is worth to you.

Amskeptic

There are those who cannot be bothered to clean the sticky spills or fish out the old french fries stuck between the seat and the console or vacuum out or even wash the windows of their car before they list it for sale. They deserve a lousy sale price. They display contempt.

Then there are those who have always maintained and then detail the car and put the owners manual in the glovebox. They deservedly get the upper price.

The first example is always confused by the latter's closing the deal.