greenpea

I have bumped from section to section in here looking at different models. We already have a LX the wife drives and I have a 80 series Land Cruiser. I have had to extend me commute with a new job which is hard on my Cruiser and not to mention the 12mpg sucks too. I drove a SC and IS but think the LS is the right vehicle for our family. I am already familiar with the engine and am aware of the front end suspension issues.

I have looked at a royal blue 1999 LS with 103k on the clock. T-belt has been done with 90k service and went and drove it today. I love it, and talked a little bit with the guy but was in a bit of a hurry. They are asking $9900.00 which I think is high. He also has a '98 with 125k on it 90k done. The books put them lower than this but what would you offer. I have cash in hand and want to get the right vehicle.

What would you offer?

greenpea

Forgot to ask what the color is called as well.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the 99 is worth about 9flat at most, but depends on condition, it has relatively low mileage and the 90k service isnt cheap.

the blue is called "Atlantis Blue Mica" and is paint code 8L4.

Jitters

Hey Greenpea,

It also depends on geography and accessories as well. Here in SoCal a 99 LS in excellent condition with all the bells an whistles can fetch just over $10K and in fair condition $8.5K according to KBB.

Good luck...

Jitters

greenpea

It does have some paint ships on the hood and bumper and the wheels have the water spots all over them too.

KBB is meaning less and less IMO.

It does not have the air suspension but seems to have a lot. I remember thinking that about our LX too. A basic Lexus come with just about everything you could imagine.

Kansas

Here are the specs for the 99 LS if you want to determine exactly how it is equipped: http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999LSspecs.pdf

The specs are incorrect in that rear heated seats were not available in North America.

Jitters

I agree...just one method of detemining car value. There are definitely others as well.

Good luck,

Jitters

mark98ls40

Look at original paint & body panels, any power steering leaks, scratches, dents & check all the 98 & 99's priced in your area. You should check them out in person to get a good feel on value. That's what I did & paid $7200 for a black 98 LS with 130k miles with no heat seats & missing cd changer. Offer low!

greenpea

There was nobody on the lot and the weather is sucking here. I plan on heading in tomorow and fighting a good battle. I plan on offering $7500 and letting them counter.

I have done some research on those whhels and they are all over ebay for about $500. So worst case senerio I will go for the '98 and get those wheels later.

I want o drop it asap too. If i drop it with springs do i have to swap the struts then too or could that wait?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

just make sure that the 98 has HID and wood/leather shifter and wheel.

shock choice depends on which spring you plan on using.

greenpea

Which direction would you point me in? I want it to still smooth as silk and not too low but lower. Maybe an inch.

I've looked at a couple on the web that have been metioned here but I want it to be what it is and nothing more.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

H&R are the best currently available for a 1"-1.5" drop. you can probably use them with your stock struts without problems, except that your original ones are probably ready to be replaced. if you replace and want a stock-ish ride get some KYBs.

mark98ls40

I just got my 98 with wood wheel but how do you check to see if it has HID?

Kansas

Look at the headlight lens. If it says D2R it's HID. If it says HB2 it's halogen.

greenpea

So i went and checked out a different '98 that did NOT have wood streering wheel or shift ***.

What does that mean?