FJP

Hello everyone, first post! I'm seriously looking at a 2000 LS400 with 89,000 miles at a local dealer. The asking price is $12,750. The vehicle is a beautiful Pearl White color. I've never before would even consider a vehicle with this much mileage but I know Lexus is the exception. The car is in very good condition. One owner and was obviously well cared for. Are any suggestions from members here as to what issues, problems etc I should be looking for on this particular model and with this much mileage? I'm heading back to the dealership on tomarrow for a test drive and nother look. Thanks in advance!

- Frank

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the mileage alone is nothing, these cars are well documented to reach 300k mi+ with just regular maint.

the price seems pretty good for a car with that mileage, the deciding factor is HAVE THEY CHANGED THE TIMING BELT??? the 90k service is NOT cheap, if they havent done it, have them factor that in and have it done ASAP, if the timing belt breaks you'll be out the whole motor pretty much.

Vander

Well said! Timing Belt, waterpump, etc.

Kansas

Take a look at the specs on the Lexus website to make sure that the car has the optional equipment you want: http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf

For example, if you want a car with heated seats, make sure you buy one that has them -- very costly to add later.

You might want to avoid 98-00 LS400's with the navigation system - very old school and very short on detail and POI's.

Verify that this 2000 LS400 was manufactured after the factory revisions to the steering wheel tilt/telescope system were implemented or that the TSIB's to fix the potential issues have been applied -- the cost of applying the TSIB's after a car's warranty expires can approach $2,000. I've posted the TSIBs on these issues in the past on this forum -- you can compare the VIN number of the car you are looking at with the VIN numbers on the TSIBs.

The strut rods on my 2000 LS400 were shot at about 80,000 miles -- replacement cost was about $500. This is a fairly normal repair but you might as well make sure the front suspension components are in good condition.

Verify the functioning of every single interior instrument, control and bulb. For example, I recently had the overhead map light assembly replaced due to a short in its wiring -- $150. Verify that all the bulbs in the radio work -- the one behind all the buttons; they last longer than on the earlier LS400 I've already seen a 99 LS with the button lights out.

If the car has HID headlights, verify that the autoleveling is working. Verify that the VSC is working and that there are no warning lights.

If by chance the car has air suspension, think hard if you want to deal with the potential problems. the 98-00 air suspension seems pretty reliable but at least one person on this forum hated the ride quality of his 00 LS400 with air suspension.

If at all possible talk to the original owner. If you ask, the dealer should be willing to contact the previous owner and ask him if it is OK for you to call him.

steveski

Welcome to CL - Yup - timing belt procedure is critical. Pure is right 300,000+ miles is not uncommon if maintenance is kept up with. I just clicked 225,000 and the car keeps going - what a great, dependable car