tftimm

I've been lurking around the LS forum for a while. I will soon be in the market for a second vehicle. Since I drove an LS a couple of months ago, I've been looking to pick one up as a second vehicle since we need one. The second vehicle will mainly be used to drive out of town, but needs to be reliable.

In my searches, I have come across various LS400's in the $4K-5K range. I haven't looked at any of them, but as most of you will probably say, it depends on how they have been maintained. A couple of questions:

1) Would you prefer newer with more miles, or older with less miles? Any years to stay away from? I've seen 90-92's with about 120K and 94-96's with about 160K miles going for about the same, which would you prefer?
2) Other than the dash lights, are there any other major consistent problems with the LS, say steering, head gasket, etc?
3) Is it reasonable to find a reliable LS for around $4?
4) Other than the timing belt and water pump, what other critical maintenance should have been done on the car? Anything I should specifically listen for on a test drive?
5) Would you recommend buying from an individual or a used car lot?

I will be buying cash, so no financing here. I'm leaning towards individual, look for a 1 or 2 owner car that was well maintained. FYI, I am not a mechanic, but I have spent some time working on cars and I am very meticulous with my vehicles. I notice every wierd sound, etc. that the car makes.

Any thoughts? Hopefully in a few months I can post pictures of an LS.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

4500=mid-high mileage '95-97 here in cali, if you look around.

i'd say look for one with decent maint. record, the 2nd gen really is a big improvement over the 89-94.

python

iTrader: (4)

theres a 98 for 5 grand in the bay area craigslist

BLKonBLK98

sounds about right. records proving dealer maintenance is a huge plus. without them you don't know who did it, if they knew what they were, what parts were used, and/or if it was even really done at all. i got mine with a stack of dealer reciepts and ther owner's manual noting scheduled maintenance. then i took it to the same dealer for a full inspection and had them print out a complete rundown that filled in some holes. it's very helpful to know that that funny noise is probably not that huge job since it was done not too long ago.

owning a 92, i'd go for the 95+. doesn't sound like you're in a rush so just sit back and wait for a steal.

tftimm

That's the plan, I'm not in a hurry and I'm looking for a well maintained LS. Is 150K miles on an LS that much? I know these engines are bulletproof if well maintained.

What is the first way to tell if there is issues with the power stearing pump, hose, etc.? Will there be fluid leaking? Will the steering feel be different? Will there be a sound? That sounds like a consistent problem, is that the case?

tromly

There's plenty around 5k on Ebay all the time, be patient, you'll find a nice one. Just ensure the owner has the maintenance records and the timing belts been done. Good Luck

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like you an find a pretty nice '98 LS with 120ish k for $4,500.

tftimm

I haven't seen anything that new for that price but I do have time, I'll be patient and see what I find. I'm not too concerned about the exterior, I'm more concerned with the mechanical reliability of the car. I tend to use the interior as a rough guage. I don't know many people that trash the inside of the car but do all the maintenance by the book. Most that due all the maintenance by the book are meticulous with their vehicles and keep them clean.

What about an Acura Legend?

BLKonBLK98

you must not know any mechanics.

legend: not so much personally but the ka9 acura rl is really nice.

even though they are both flagships i wouldn't really put them on the same level. if they were/are equal anywhere though it would be in the reliability department.

tftimm

Your right about the first comment, my boss never changed the oil on his wife's navigator, blew the engine, and he keeps most everything clean, he just knows nothing about maintenance.

I'm thinking about an RL as well as I'm on my third Acura right now, 08 TSX. I'll probably cross-shop both.

2000 ls400

i spent 7,500 for a 2000 ls 400 with 110k from a private party. my car is like new and i did a lot of research. i took my time and was looking at cadillac sts's, acura rl's and legends, infiniti Q45's, and lincoln towncars. the 98-2000 ls400 is a totally different monster. my friend just bought a 92 ls with 112k for 4,400. it is a great car, but doesn't compare to my 2000 in performance, comfort, or style. i test drove about 10 cars that i was serious about and was very patient. have a toyota/lexus mechanic check it out first (about $60-$100 bucks). it is worth the extra cash for the newer engine, it gets down. make sure the timing belt is done and that everything works. good luck.

LSprideLS

the prices u mentioned are an absloute steal especially if its in good condition, where i come from u wont find a ls for less than 11k in dollars. yeah i think buy a new one with more miles coz an ls should be running smoothly if maintained regulary for over 300+ keep an eye on the warning signals it sometimes gives u a false signal but its an easy fix in a garage .good luck