What do you guys think about this LS400 fixer upper?
10-17-07, 02:57 PM
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What do you guys think about this LS400 fixer upper?
"1990 Lexus LS400 Engine needs work - car is not running. Dealer identified problem with timing belt. However, the car is in excellent shape for its age. CD changer, sunroof, leather interior, power windows, power locks, etc. Tires still have plenty of tread. See the pictures for yourself! The car has around 130,000 miles on it. Car is located in ****. Buyer to arrange transportation."
very clean looking lexus. i have done alot of research on LS400s, and although i really want a 93-94 this seems to be a very good deal. i read that early 90s lexus have non-interference engines? so all i would need to do is replace the belt right? i read somewhere that average cost is pretty cheap, around $500.
please correct me if i am wrong, and any suggestions are welcome. i am already aware of most common things to look for but any info is glady appreciated.
very clean looking lexus. i have done alot of research on LS400s, and although i really want a 93-94 this seems to be a very good deal. i read that early 90s lexus have non-interference engines? so all i would need to do is replace the belt right? i read somewhere that average cost is pretty cheap, around $500.
please correct me if i am wrong, and any suggestions are welcome. i am already aware of most common things to look for but any info is glady appreciated.
10-17-07, 03:00 PM
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forgot to add, the price is under $1500.
im thinking:
tow truck to local shop- $80
one night motel- $40
timing belt- $500-1000
i would have a clean ls400 for around 2 grand....unless the transmission blows up or the radiator leaks, but i read these kind of problems are very unlikely in LS400s. im coming from a decades stint with various hondas and acuras, of which many had bad trannies and stuff like that.
im thinking:
tow truck to local shop- $80
one night motel- $40
timing belt- $500-1000
i would have a clean ls400 for around 2 grand....unless the transmission blows up or the radiator leaks, but i read these kind of problems are very unlikely in LS400s. im coming from a decades stint with various hondas and acuras, of which many had bad trannies and stuff like that.
. timing belt change DIY, 
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10-17-07, 07:24 PM
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If the engine is indeed significantly damaged, how much is a good used Japanese import engine these days? Would be an economical way to get it back on the road, if you're up for changing the engine out.
10-17-07, 07:36 PM
#13
If you do it yourself, it would be about $500.00 MAXIMUM for parts. That includes:
Water pump $105.00,
ONE fixed and ONE swivel bearing for timing belt assembly at $65.00 each.
Plus $45.00 for the timing belt.
Plus $40.00 for the hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt.
About $80 bucks for 8 new spark plugs if they have not been done before now. They should be changed at 90,000 miles.
Figure another $100 for the thermostat, coolant and o-rings.
Then engine oil, transmission fluid, carb cleaner for the throttle body, plus distilled water for radiator coolant, and air filter if this is needed. I also put synthetic gear oil in the differential as well.
Don't forget the main accessory serpentine belt if it has not been changed, and look at your windshield wiper refills.
This is how I did mine all at once:. You will lose coolant when you change the water pump.
THIS is how you get a $2000 bill at Lexus, but if you do it yourself, you will save well over half of that. Labor and inflated prices at Lexus dealerships run up the money. Most of these parts are available at TOYOTA dealerships like Carson in California, or Lexus dealewrships that give discount prices Like Sewell in Texas.
You'll learn a lot about your car if you do it yourself, but if you let the dealerships do it, expect a big bill.
With that being said, I wouldn't agree to the car until I heard it run. You COULD have bent valves, but with the older engines being non-interference, I doubt it.
Past care would indicate how good the car is..look at the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid conditions for a clue.
Good luck!
Water pump $105.00,
ONE fixed and ONE swivel bearing for timing belt assembly at $65.00 each.
Plus $45.00 for the timing belt.
Plus $40.00 for the hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt.
About $80 bucks for 8 new spark plugs if they have not been done before now. They should be changed at 90,000 miles.
Figure another $100 for the thermostat, coolant and o-rings.
Then engine oil, transmission fluid, carb cleaner for the throttle body, plus distilled water for radiator coolant, and air filter if this is needed. I also put synthetic gear oil in the differential as well.
Don't forget the main accessory serpentine belt if it has not been changed, and look at your windshield wiper refills.
This is how I did mine all at once:. You will lose coolant when you change the water pump.
THIS is how you get a $2000 bill at Lexus, but if you do it yourself, you will save well over half of that. Labor and inflated prices at Lexus dealerships run up the money. Most of these parts are available at TOYOTA dealerships like Carson in California, or Lexus dealewrships that give discount prices Like Sewell in Texas.
You'll learn a lot about your car if you do it yourself, but if you let the dealerships do it, expect a big bill.
With that being said, I wouldn't agree to the car until I heard it run. You COULD have bent valves, but with the older engines being non-interference, I doubt it.
Past care would indicate how good the car is..look at the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid conditions for a clue.
Good luck!
Last edited by gserep1; 10-17-07 at 07:42 PM.
10-18-07, 06:22 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
buy it. the valves are fine. check the trans fluid, mkae sure it's not burned. if the car looks like it has been well maintained except fro the not changed t belt, you're good.
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