kino1161OLD

I need any opinions/suggestions from anyone that can help me out here. I am about to purchase a 1991 LS 400, 1 owner, 105000 miles, silver/grey (2 tone), nakamichi system, cd changer, grey leather interior. Timing belt has been changed. They are asking $9995. Anything I should look for? Are there any pros/cons to this make and model? Please help I don't want to buy a car that I would have to put money back into. Thanks, in advance.

{-.-}

If you can afford a newer model.......... the newer the model the nicer they get. The older models look sweet too. good luck

kino1161OLD

Anyone??

GA400

I have a 91 LS also. Mine has 215,000 + miles and still runs excellent. Some things to look for; check for power steering pump leak - usually from underneath, a/c compressor leak (it will look oily on the outside), and if it has air suspension check the struts for leaks and that all four side are at the same level.

Also, the 91 has R12 freon, not the R134a stuff you can buy over the counter.

Marx

I agree, power steering should definately be checked. Also have someone look at the suspension. When I bought my 92 LS, one of my front upper A-arms was ver badly worn. Check this when the car is on a lift. You should not be able to shake or jiggle any of the wheels. Not replacing it would have been a serious safety issue. I bought mine with 124K on it, and now have 142k. The only other things I've had done is regular maint.

Bradster

But that price seems a bit high for a 91-anyone else concur?

Lextreme

The price is too high. I would suggest getting a 93-94 LS400 instead of 90-92. New model have better brake system and larger tires. This is my advice as follow:

1. Dont get the LS with Air Suspension. Why? Each shock is about $1,000 to replace. That is about $4,000.
2. Check for Power Steering, Timing Belt, Water pump and radiator history. They all should be new or replaced by now. Why? Those repair will run about $2,000.
3. Do a complete compression test on the engine. The compression or leak down test runs about $85 and its worth every penny. Why? This will tell the integrity of the pistons, rings, gasket and valves.
4. Dont get 90-92 model year. Why? As mentioned, brake system.

Remembering you are buying an aging car and problem will arise a time goes.

Par72

I did an online check through Edmunds on that car, which seems like the most accurate up-to-date data based on region & got the following. Assuming avg condition, which nobody ever goes better than, with nak, leather, trac control, am/fm cass cd changer, heated memory seats, power moonroof, 105k miles, prices came up as follows: Trade-in value=$5023....Private party value=$5954....Dealer retail=$7612....Realistically, you should be able to pick that car up for $6000, and shouldn't pay more than that, otherwise look elsewhere for a better deal.

kino1161OLD

Thanks, Guys! Your opinions/suggestions truly helped! The guy doesn't want to budge on the price. I will still be looking elsewhere. A good deal will come to me if I am not in a rush! Thanks, again!

GA400

Kino,

I think you are doing the smart thing by waiting. Many people price used Lexus too high since they paid so much more them only a few years ago. A lot of people don't realize how soft the used car market is. Most cars are depreciating much deeper and much faster due to the large number of trade ins in the past few years. The right deal will come along if you don't rush. Have you tried autotrader and ebay? There is often something close enough to go look at or have a friend look at for you.

Good Luck!

spxChrome

The price is a tad high, even with the timing belt. I bought my car off eBay and wouldn't recommended it. I got a descent deal but the car needed tons of work. Tires, Power Steering Pump, Timing Belt, Water Pump, LCD/TEMP display repaired, courtesy switches, battery, front rotors and brakes and back rotors(to thin to trun) wiil need to be replaced when pads go. Also the dash display is begging to go out (like all 1st gen lex).

You just want to make sure you buy one that you can check out. And make sure to check the service history with the Lexus Dealership. All you need is the VIN.

DavidinCT

I totaly agree with checking a car out. but, don't turn someone away from ebay. I am sure there are people who will stiff you with a lemon, so when you look at a car, and they have less then 10 positives, I will be very, very careful and really check out the car. There are some dealers on there that are great. Chances are if your buying on ebay, it's like buying from a private party unless it's a dealer. So, your chances are the same of getting a good car than in your local trader ads but, if you look at prices on ebay, you might just get the deal your looking for.

If your looking at cars on ebay.
1. Make sure they are local, within driving distance.
2. Don't look at auctions with less then a few days left, unless you can get a unbeatable deal, and you might end up paying for it (in repairs).
3. visit the seller and take a look at the car and take it for a ride...

In time, you'll find the deal your looking for. I found my 96 LS after 2 other cars because I could not afford the prices when I wanted it. I found a wholesaler who got it from a one owner trade in at Lexus, had 75k on it (all records were in the car) and I got it for $10K less than blue book value. After driving this car, I don't think I would want any other type of car again, my next car will be an LS

A good price comes to one who can wait and shop wisely

kino1161OLD

Thanks, guys!