Hi Everyone, New member here. I'm being offered a 1995 LS 400 with more than 200K miles on the original engine, for $7000. Is it unusual for this model to be driven that far? If so, how many more miles could I expect to get before putting some major work in? Is there anything else I should watch out for?

 

Hi, chefdav. Personally, I wouldn't buy that car with those miles for that price. Maybe if it was offered at a bit cheaper price. I know Lexus cars can easily do 200K-plus miles, but still.... after you are taxed for tag, title and financing rates, you will be in debt about $10,000 or so. If you buy the car today, tomorrow something major could still possibly go wrong and you could stand the chance of spending even more money. Not saying the car isn't worth $7,000... but I would look for one with fewer miles. Like maybe 100K or so.

 

I got my 95 in mint condition with 122k miles 2 years ago for $8k. Your deal is not a deal.

 

i think thats too much also

 

If the miles up are long country miles these are much better than short city miles. On another side, the car is probably due for new front and rear bushes and ball joints and could be expensive to fix. The motor trans and diff if looked after will probably be faultless even at high mileage.

 

I have a similar question. I have always owned hondas or Nissans. I currently have a 1997 Honda Accord and a 1998 Nissan Maxima. Both have some problems. I really love the Maxima but it needs a lot of body work rom an accident last year. I have a friend that is selling a 1991 LS400 with 140,000 miles for $4800. I can sell the two cars, buy the lexus and pcket a few grand. Or I can sell the Honda fix the Maxima and have maybe a thousand left over. My Maxima only has 90,000 miles. I am stuck. I really like the Lexus, and it would put more money in my pocket and I can avoid having to repair the vehicles if I sell them as is. Less stress, but can I rely on a Lexus with 140,000 miles to last me a couple years without having to put more money into it to keep it running? I know my Maxima has a lot of life left in it, but I just don't know about the Lexus. I have always tried to get rid of my cars before they get anywhere near 150,000 miles, so I just don't know what to expect. Can someone give me some advice?

 

I have 182K on my 94 LS400. Major repairs Ive had to do: power steering pump replacement, rack and pinion, and all the usual stuff. I'm installing new shocks and bushings myself right now.

 

In this case, I would say keep that Nissan Maxima. I have a 1990 Maxima that has 190,000 miles on it and have no engine problems whatsoever! All it needs is a fresh paint job since the clearcoat is peeling. You are aware that the V6 engine used in various Nissan vehicles is one of the world's best engines, right? I would go so far as to say that the engine is probably better than the Lexus V8 (Please don't be angry with me for saying that fellow Lexus lovers... LOL)....

You could go either way you want, but if you're looking into making the smarter decision in this case, I would keep the Maxima. Of course, that is just my two cents... But it also depends on how much body work your Maxima needs? If it is in very bad shape, of course, I would sell it and the Honda and get the Lexus. You need to look at how much the Nissan will be worth after it is fixed and compare that to how much it will cost to fix it. Do not put more money into anything than it is worth unless you just plan to have it as a hobby or something.

By the way... Toyota is known for durability that exceeds all other auto manufacturers, so why would its child, Lexus, be anything less? LOL... My 1990 Lexus LS400 has almost 220,000 miles and it also has no engine problems whatsoever... no knocking, no smoking, no hard startin. NOTHING. The car is as silent as the day my parents first bought it in 1990. So if your friend kept his LS in good shape, then that car could possibly go another 100,000 or even more. Look around and ask Lexus owners how many miles they usually get from their cars and you will understand what I mean when I say DURABILITY

 

Wouldn't worry, my '96 is around 230K now.

 

The UZ-FE series engines are capable of great longevity but it is foolish for the no maintenance crowd to assume that you can get there without cost.

It is not the best bargain for everyone seeking absolute longevity for pennies.
Really like LS400boi's response since the V-6 in a Maxima is a notoriously bulletproof powerplant. The UZ-FE is also, but make no mistake, periphery items can take big money out of your pocket at a moments notice.

IE: the small dollar maintenacnce crowd would be very unhappy if they lost a starter motor.
My 182,000 mile 94 LS had 1 timing belt change at 168,000 or so & is soldiering on., also have had 1 New alternator & 1 new steering pump. Those are main items but if it spins in front of the engine it has been replaced when I did the timing belt. 300,000 miles should not be a problem. Costly for sure, but worthwhile in the long run.

 

I didn't do my belt until just shy of 200K, showed no signs of dying but it was time. Also did the water pump, thermostat, fan belt, flushed the coolant, and I think that's about it.

My PS system leaks, I don't care... I just top it off every other week. Not worth fixing. A/C died around 210K so had to get a new comp and go through it, still not a fan of 134A. I'm still on stock starter as most of the miles are freeway... I don't want to go through that. EGR tube took a crap around 170K.

Next issue is the suspension.

 

I bought my 93 LS400 with 170K for 3,500$ (100K mile warranty included)

So, yea...that's not a good deal.