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

Considering buying used 90' 400 please help !!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 6, 2002 | 03:22 PM
  #1  
4004me's Avatar
4004me
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Question Considering buying used 90' 400 please help !!

Found a lot with a 400 with 166 k , for $6000 out the door . Talked to the previous owner who says he never had any problems with it except for the water pump and alternater, which where repaired about 2 months ago. Has kept up the service on the car i.e. tune-up timing belt etc. Says he just traded it in for a newer model. and highly recommened the car . Heres the kicker ! Talked to a couple of regular mechanics I know & they say , to old to many miles etc. Think about the rear end , trans , engine etc. With that many miles it's probably just ready to nickle & dime ya with repairs. I test drove the car yesterday & MAN I want that car !! It runs great , everything works except for temp display.

Sorry about the long drawn out rant !
Please give me some input !!
Boy, Sure Glad I Found This Site !!
Thank you !!!

Last edited by 4004me; Jan 6, 2002 at 03:25 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2002 | 05:19 PM
  #2  
rd8a's Avatar
rd8a
Driver
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 51
Likes: 11
From: NYC
Post

it's a good price if everything checks out as "advertised". Were you able to get a look at any service records? (especially timing belt) Make sure you run a carfax. Also have your mechanic look for power steering pump leak, as that usually causes alternator to go...
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2002 | 05:41 AM
  #3  
mlevk's Avatar
mlevk
Driver
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
Default

Hi , I bought a LS400 '91 last year.

There are a couple of areas to look at with
that kinda mileage,

1)
Front upper control arms.$340-450 ea.parts alone.
Mine had the bushing problem , very common.

2)
Shocks? $350 parts

3)Timing Belt will have to be done soon. 180K
Runs about $350-450 installed at Lexus.

4) Look at the other suspension parts. They are pretty pricey.

5) Plug wires and cap and rotors.


Hope that helps.




Hope
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2002 | 09:41 AM
  #4  
Erfan's Avatar
Erfan
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Default

That is a smashing deal on that car, you wont go wrong, just take the car into your local lex dealership and have them check it from top to bottom and let them give you a bill of health, they will charge you a one hour labor charge, but it is well worth the cost. You will know what is leaking and what is about to go. Then show the owner the costs and repairs that need to be done and negotiate the price some more. You will really love it Hope that helps.

Thank You,

Erfan Afshar
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2002 | 09:42 AM
  #5  
Erfan's Avatar
Erfan
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Default

Please keep us posted as to your status. I would really love to see you get that car, post some pics if you can.

Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2002 | 10:44 AM
  #6  
petrojeff's Avatar
petrojeff
Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 119
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento
Default Good Deal

The fact that the water pump was changed means they probably looked at the timing belt and it was ok. The alternator going bad, was probably due to a PS leak. I'm sure the PS has already failed and probably been replaced. $6000 is an extemely good price for even having a daily driver. I dont see how you could go wrong.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2002 | 06:30 PM
  #7  
Erfan's Avatar
Erfan
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Default

Who is this guy that is selling it to you, did you find him in the local newspaper?
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 08:01 AM
  #8  
VQT's Avatar
VQT
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 5
From: Las Vegas, NV
Default

Originally posted by Erfan
Who is this guy that is selling it to you, did you find him in the local newspaper?
Can't you wait 4004me to answer first before asking more questions
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:21 PM
  #9  
Erfan's Avatar
Erfan
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Default

I try to get all my questions down, first and then he can answer all of them in one post
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 01:59 PM
  #10  
4004me's Avatar
4004me
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default

Please Read "The Skinny" Post
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2002 | 09:19 PM
  #11  
Shaffer's Avatar
Shaffer
Pole Position
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Tennessee
Default

The car still has a lot of miles left. The display is typical of older Lexus and the power steering tends to be troublesome. My aunts 1990 LS 400, with now over 100K has only had one problem and that was the power steering pump. Other than that, they are excellent cars.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2002 | 05:47 AM
  #12  
Erfan's Avatar
Erfan
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Default

look at PS pump, LCD in the console, Bushings in the front suspension, serpentine belt and timing belt.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Boredsoim1
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
10
Feb 15, 2018 09:13 PM
2wPushkins
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
46
Sep 16, 2014 09:59 AM
gobears
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
6
May 3, 2007 11:07 AM
diamondmit
Maintenance
16
May 31, 2006 10:16 PM
videofxr
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
13
Nov 17, 2001 10:47 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:34 AM.