91LS400LEX

I am in the process of searching for a used LS400. As a previous owner of a 1990 LS400 with 252K, I am pretty familiar with the 90-94s and their "woes". I have a few 1st gen LS's on my list, especially a 91' LS400 that I like (with 202K for $3100 in VGC), but I have also found a couple of gen 2s that I like- that I may consider. One is a black/black 1995 LS400 with 203K for $5000. and one is a champagne/tan 1996 LS400 with 188K, that I think I can get for about $6500. Both cars are in super condition, but I am not familiar with the "trouble spots" on the gen 2s, despite a search. Does the gen 2's also have the common power steering rack leaks that I have heard that the 90-94s have? Also, do they have the dash light illumination problems as well? I personally have never seen a 95+ LS400 with any dash light problems, but I assuming its the same basic setup and wondering about it. Any other issues I should look for/expect on the 95-97 vs. the 90-94?

Thanks in advance!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the dash problems on 2nd gens are MUCH more rare in comparison to the 1st gen.

power steering on the 95-97 do have similar issues, but less frequently.

listen closely for thumps/clunks when driving over bumps (hey it rhymes ) as this indicates a high likelyhood of dead suspension bushings, if its ONLY clunking over bumps or when the brakes are applied, dont worry, its the strut bar bushings and is a relatively cheap/easy fix (~$120-200+labor)

search for the rest

Zoraone

IMO a 2nd gen with 188k and 200k respectively for $6,500 seems like a high asking price. For $3,500 more I found a 1995 with 58k miles and for 2,500 more my father found a 1996 with 52k miles on the clock.

Certainly miles are not an issue with LS4's but those prices just seem a little high.

91LS400LEX

Thanks. I know it. Thats what I am thinking. The 96' is actually $7000. She emailed me today and said they would have to have $7000 "out the door", which I assume includes the state taxes- which probably means that the actual price of the car is like $6400 or so, as TN taxes are a little high @ 9.25%. That car in particular has 188K. It looks excellent and she said it was perfectly maintained there @ the dealer. The t-belt was changed @ 91K and again recently, @ 169K. I would not have to get this one shipped because its only about 120 miles away.

Here is a photo of the 96' w/188K for $7K...


and a photo of the 95' w/203K for $5K (which would also have to add $400 shipping (its 6 hours away) and then taxes- making this car about $6K)

the bad thing about this one is that the owner is sluggish with answers... he was supposed to let me know when the timing belt was last changed.... I have not heard back and that was 2 days ago.

With that said, I may just go with my original decision of the 91' LS400 w/204K for $3200, but then there will be the additional $345 shipping and $300-400 taxes- which would put this one around $4K all told.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

6500 is too much for the mileage on the 96

5k is too much for 200k., but try around 4500/4800 SHIPPED

91LS400LEX

Thanks. I know it. I made her an offer of $6K (out the door w/taxes) for the 96' w/188K, but I doubt they will accept. Its a dealer (Lexus) and they seem to want arms and legs for their cars... even ones with nearly 200K. I am likely going with the 91' for $4K. Thats with taxes/shipping included and this car is all up to date on maintainence, which is a big plus!