junglebike

Hi guys! Newbie here -- this looks like a great forum.

So I'm getting out of b-school with my MBA and headed to southern Orange County -- I'll be working in Lake Forest and plan to live very near where I work. Wife's got an '05 Accord we bought new, and I'll need a second car for commuting. I'm looking for something safe, affordable, and interesting -- we'll probably put the bulk of our mileage on the Accord, so I've been considering getting a used car rather than a $20k new one. Since the annual miles will be low, fuel econ is not a big concern -- but I don't want to break the bank on maintenance. I can do some of my own work, but I hear the OC apartment police are not interested in cars up on blocks in their neighborhoods

As an engineer, I've always been an admirer of fine engineering (I love '80s BMW's and MBs), and it seems that Lexus is now carrying the torch in that regard. I don't care about status or any of that. It seems that for around $4-5k you can get a perfectly serviceable pre '94 LS400 that would fit the bill just fine, carrying me 5-10k miles/yr for 3-4 yrs in comfort, safety, and style for minimal maintenance $$.

Am I barking up the right tree? How much would you recommend spending? I've got the $$$, but I'm frugal (don't say cheap). The "sweet spot" for me is where spending more will just result in more depreciation, and spending less will lose you money in maintenance costs over the long run.

omarg

i spent a little over 2k for a somewhat clean 93 ls400 almost a year ago. Little rust here and there and some minor interior fixes but i think in the past 16k miles i've only done minimal mantainence. Oil changes every 5k and new sparks. I got it aligned and put some new tires. This summer i plan on changing the spark wires and putting in some new bushings. My car has started everytime and i bought it in july 06 with 210k. It just turned 226k today. Still runs hella smoth.

Spend 4k +/- and get a fantastic 93-94 ls400. Miles really don't matter if its been maintained. These things were built to last. You can find a really clean ls400 easy. I'm guessing most owners who kept them a long time were probably perfectionists since i see 1st gens that look new on ebay all the time.

2nd gens (95-00) go up in price significantly. You'll spend 6k minimun for a good one.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if ur moving out to socal hit me up, i can prolly find u a nice clean 2nd gen (95-97) for around 4-5k

Och

iTrader: (3)

Ok, if you're looking for a first gen, I suggest a 93 or 94. The 90-92 lack a lot of features that were introduced in 93. If you look around you can defenately find a clean 94 with around 100k for 5 grand.

kingkong5

Congrats on earning your MBA. I received mine 3 years ago. I'm here in Orange County already. I can tell you're a business student because you're looking for the sweet spot to maximize your return on investment. I think a used 2nd Gen LS will fit you just fine, and allow you to put on the miles you are thinking of putting on it.

I've got a 98 GS400 also, and I love it. It is faster than the LS, but just about as smooth. Same engine so, you may want to think about going in that direction too. It certainly feels more fun driving the GS, IMHO.

omarg

PD, where can you find a 2ls for 4k?? Find me one. I'd just fly out and drive it back. I'm totally serious.

If i may ask, how much did you LS cost? the 98 seems so much better.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

lets just say i got the 99 WELL under market value a 95-97 could be had for 4-5k but i cant really say much for mileage. id rather spend around 5500-7 to make sure i got a lower mileage car.

95s are advertised 5500-5900 all day around here, but most are 140k mi+. most of the time u can knock off 500-700 advertised price so its all kinda waiting for the right car.


edit:
mind you, i did spend over a month before i found the car i have now

RA40

iTrader: (6)

There is a balance to be found in your situation. Shop, drive and see what level fits your parameters. At that and for kicks, take out an LS460 as well as 430 to see what impression you are left with. Same with a GS too...one will strike you and then you'll set your sights on.