LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Is this a good price/should I purchase?

Old 07-14-14, 11:02 AM
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Kingsoup
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Its a good deal for sure, but do you need or want a big Lexus LS instead of essentially the most reliable and cost effective car ever build? (honda civic)
Do you drive a lot? will buying this really extend you financially? The LS is a bit of a floaty boaty, a fast luxurious floaty boaty, but Civic parts are cheaper, they are somewhat easier to fix, and this car is gold, do you want a gold car?
That being said it has WAY lower mileage then your civic, but your civic is a way way cheaper car to drive.

Are you a student? if you answer yes, then Civic is your car. Also much better in winter!
Old 07-14-14, 12:52 PM
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anesthesia
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I would low ball him, say $2500
All kidding aside, dude jump on it.
Old 07-15-14, 06:54 PM
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53063
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Thanks to all for your advice. I think kingsoup brought up a lot of good points to consider.

I love that the civic just runs and runs needing very little maintenance and uses very little gas. Female - so I could probably get away with a gold car, but is it really ugly? My husband is an excellent mechanic and his sister works at a lexus dealer in another state, so cheap parts and free labor I guess my main fear in making the trade is the big increase in fuel costs and the risk of constant problems with taking on a now 15 almost 16 yr old car. I drive about 70 miles a day. I can afford it, but is the ride so much better that it's worth it? Does this model and yr look very 'dated' now or is it still attractive?

Thanks
Old 07-15-14, 07:16 PM
  #19  
GH5T
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That price is more than reasonable. Is it still attractive yes very but we're biased. ; )
Old 07-15-14, 09:40 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by 53063
Thanks to all for your advice. I think kingsoup brought up a lot of good points to consider.

I love that the civic just runs and runs needing very little maintenance and uses very little gas. Female - so I could probably get away with a gold car, but is it really ugly? My husband is an excellent mechanic and his sister works at a lexus dealer in another state, so cheap parts and free labor I guess my main fear in making the trade is the big increase in fuel costs and the risk of constant problems with taking on a now 15 almost 16 yr old car. I drive about 70 miles a day. I can afford it, but is the ride so much better that it's worth it? Does this model and yr look very 'dated' now or is it still attractive?

Thanks
Dated? Compared to a Honda civic? I don't think so. Driving the Lexus is going to be better in every respect except when it comes to filling the tank or getting repairs. If you can afford to fill the tank, buy the Lexus. It will probably be more reliable than your Honda, considering the mileage you've racked up on the Honda.
Old 07-15-14, 10:36 PM
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mccrimmon
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Low mileage, well maintained LS for sale at a good price... it's like blood in the water. I think that it would be a nice upgrade for you in every sense except gas mileage of course. Go for it.
Old 07-16-14, 03:29 AM
  #22  
RugbyDad
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In ny, costs about $90 to fill the tank from empty. I think it's about 17 or 18 gallons.. I seriously can't recall right now.. But @ 70 miles a day, that's 350 a week.. @ the worst gas mileage that our cars can possibly get (around 15 or 16 mpg), you'll be filling up every week almost.

So worst case scenario, you'll be spending 90 a week on gas. Of course premium up here is 4.29/gallon.

I would hesitate no longer unless the gas issue was REALLY an issue. When you feel how smooth she rides, all doubts will fly with haste out of the window.
Old 07-16-14, 05:45 AM
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Sc0pe
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Honestly, the deal your getting is a complete steal. You could EASILY sell that car for double the price. I say go for it, and if not, send me his contact info, because I'm in FL and I know some people who would LOVE to make the jump to a '99.

To put things into perspective, here is another LS for sale in similar condition to the one your grandfather is offering.

Last edited by Sc0pe; 07-16-14 at 05:51 AM.
Old 07-16-14, 06:56 AM
  #24  
sha4000
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I would jump on that. Check back in with us when you pick it up.
Old 07-16-14, 07:28 AM
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mappo
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Originally Posted by 53063
My husband is an excellent mechanic and his sister works at a lexus dealer in another state, so cheap parts and free labor
So let me get this straight - you have access to an insanely low mileage, well maintained, one-owner 99 LS at an exceptionally good price, have a family connection to get OEM parts at dealer cost, have a husband that can easily do any wrenching that might be required, and you're not sure whether you should just keep your beater Civic instead?!

Congratulations on your new Lexus! You're gonna love it. If the gas hit really is that much of a problem, get yourself a Costco membership and always fill her up there. Premium at Costco usually costs what 87 octane does at a regular station.
Old 07-16-14, 08:33 AM
  #26  
53063
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Ok, you all have talked me in to it! I appreciate all the responses. I'll check back after I have the car, and its good to know that if it doesn't suit that it won't be an issue to resell.

Thanks again
Old 07-16-14, 08:39 AM
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blumonster
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If you do not buy it, I am interested too.
Old 07-16-14, 06:50 PM
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Shmee
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The cost of parts between the LS and your civic actually won't be that different. Sure, some stuff from the dealer will blow your socks off at how much it costs but most parts can be found in the aftermarket from OEM suppliers.
A full timing belt and water pump kit isn't that much more expensive on the LS; quality pads and rotors aren't that much more expensive on the LS; oil and filter won't be any different in cost or labour, plugs, wires and caps will be ~2x the price simply because you have 2x the parts needed... Same with anything else in the same vane...

With the mileage it has, I cannot see you needing to put more than maybe $1-2k total into it over the next 2-4years

Only down sides are the fuel economy difference and that it's gold... But I could live with a granny-gold car if it was in the condition you are reporting!
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