UniqueCopy

I've been looking for a dependable car to use as a daily driver, until I find the right CTS-V, and I'm only looking to spend $5k, at most. A while back I saw an ad for a 1998 LS400 with 244k on it for $4400. Initially, I wrote off the mileage as being too high. After considering that my 1996 Land Cruiser runs and drives great after clocking a rough 248k miles, I figured I'd email and ask about it. The lady wrote back and said that she's the original owner, bought it new in 1998. Clean title, very good condition, regularly maintained, has a new alternator, battery, and tires, and needs nothing but a replacement key fob. Photos look very clean.

If this really is in good shape and everything checks out, what should I expect my ownership experience to be like? Do these go well above 300k, like the Land Cruisers and other Toyota vehicles? Any serious failures that start to pop up around this time? Would you buy this, if you were I, or opt for a newer Accord or Camry? What would you offer her, dollar-wise?

Thanks guys!

Imolas4

Yes Yes YES and nooooooooo on the price. Does that make sense? I hope it did. The price the lady is asking is a bit high IMO, but then again if it's up to date with maintenance and doesn't leak oil..etc.. it might be a solid buy.

In any case, these motors are bullet proof. The car will run forever. From what I have read so far, the the LS4 have a quirk or two, but they are definitely known issues. The main thing you'd want to make sure that was done is the timing belt and supporting components. (as with any car really)

I just bought a 97 LS400 for $1200, 228K miles for a daily driver. Not worried one bit to take it across country after I change the tires and timing belt. It's beat up cosmetically, but it runs really well.

Imolas4

Also, it really pains me to say this but the LS400 is probably one of the most reliable cars ever made, that's a fact... especially for an S class type of a vehicle.

RugbyDad

With all maintenance records and previous tb/wp maintenance done? 3500 is fair. Hell even the 4400 she's asking for is.. Known issues for the 2.5 gens is just the timing belt having to be done every 80-90k without fail. If the tb breaks your engine will go kaput.. Other than that, normal maintenance (fluid changes and part replacement, usually suspension) will let the car run well past 500k with relative ease.

Do the things in the faq as soon as u get it and you'll more than likely give up your search for a ctsv. You can go look at the faq now and find out what to look for. Go take it for a test drive and guaranteed you'll fall in love before u get out of the car.

Imolas4

He's right. It's a strange phenomenon.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

And I will give you a little more room.... my 99 got the FIRST TB/WP at Sewell with 130k on it, and I have run it up to 242k without the second one... but I am planning a change at 250k.. 130 on first and 120 on second and I dont baby it along.. I run 70 & 80 most of the time.
I bought my first 94 with a broken belt at 235k, replaced it and drove another 50k before selling..they are tough as nails...

cgawelko

Yes get the car, but no on that price. The lady needs to understand something. She got MORE than her moneys worth from the car, and 4400 is just unreasonable. Tell her 3500, and see what happens. 3500 would be fair. MAYBE 3800 if you REALLY want it.

omarg

i think its worth it if its all up to date on maintenance and good cosmetic shape. tires are worth 600, alternator is worth at least 300 and battery is 100. key fob can be replaced for about $45 shipped from lexus pembroke pines. start at 3000 and go up to whatever you feel is fair. its a world class car. she wont sell it quick because its an old luxury car with too many miles... to people who don't know about lexus legendary reliability.

also, what other car in this price range will have stability control and xenon headlights?? or go 0-60 in 6 ish seconds? I won't ever buy another car without stability control. (my 95 is grandfathered ) it wasn't standard on all cars until 2012!

dont accept any rust!!!!! it will make suspension replacement( at 244k and 17 years its expected ) and alignments much more difficult

save up for the starter unless its already been replaced thats about 1k

UniqueCopy

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I never ended up looking at the 1998 with 244k, but tonight I'm going to look at a 99 with 174k, which I like much better. 3 owner car, this owner for the past 7 years, well maintained (supposedly), and it seems to be in decent condition. The couple is driving it from out of town to pick up their new car, so hopefully it works out for both of us. They said it needs nothing, but didn't know the last time the timing belt and water pump were replaced. They actually said it had never been done, but I can't imagine that being possible. Either way, I'm going into this expecting it will need the job done very soon. They're asking $4500/obo.

Anything else you guys can think of that I should look at, other than the standard stuff? Any LS400 specific things?

Those starters are spendy! Can they be rebuilt?

mappo

If they think the timing belt has never been changed in 175K miles, yet they tell you "it needs nothing", then you know their interpretation of "needs nothing" is worth nothing.

RugbyDad

Make sure all the dash lights work including hvac unit and radio backlights. check the speedo for stickiness when you test drive it if at all possible. Mine is a 2000, speedo sticks when I take off slowly sometimes. Check for throttle response.. Should be full of pep. Check for gas smell in trunk area. Go over some speed bumps at around 20-30mph. If the car keeps bouncing afterwards, you got some worn suspension items. Most likely bushings and shocks. On the 2.5 gens I believe everything under the hood has a separate cover. Make sure those are there. Nothing else I can think off the top of my head.

big lar

But not identical.
My 1997 LX450 was purchased ~10 years ago with 99k miles...now it has 284k miles, running like a champ! (A 13 mpg guzzling champ, but a champ nonetheless.)

My brother gave up his slightly dinged up (and by slightly I mean the hood was accordioned) 1996 LS400 for $500, 245k miles on it. Still playing with it...the hood won't lock, but the secondary latch works. Bungee keeps it fairly taut. Has a bit of a gasoline odor wafting through the interior during off-throttle coasting...thinking fuel or vapor return line. Starts and runs nicely...just needs a little TLC. Been cleaning, rinsing, etc. Need to fix the IAF...don't have the correct wrench to get in there. But I have a backyard solution to keep the p/s pump from leaking, or pushing fluid into the intake, so that's a start. If I can get the clunking noise eliminated (probably strut rod bushings), work on brakes a bit...we should be OK. Need a headlight and a taillight, but otherwise, all chassis electrical works like a charm. Thinking this is a good city car for my high school aged son.

OR!!

I can drop it off at the local yard, and they'll give me $450+ for it.

But right now, low cost repairs to clean up and make it a bit more hospitable.

Stay tuned.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

If the maintenance has been well documented, it helps. Even better if it is the original owner selling it. Depends what you want and how long you anticipate driving the car.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

agreed! bought my 97 at 130k and the PO said the same thing. popped off the belt cover and sure enough the original belt was there (and cracked, though i'm certain it could have reached 175k). that is a huge bargaining chip to try and knock down $1000.

and yes starters can be rebuilt, but still requires removal which is the difficult part of the job.