Body is fine interior good, trans good, has 155K. Was told that timing belt broke.
a) what is car worth? Asking 1,000
b) if indeed timing belt broke does it mean bent valve(s)?
c) If yes to b, should I just replace heads with good ones out of another motor or just r/r valves?
Thanks to all for responses

 

You could make a huge fuss about the broken timing belt and talk about how a new engine costs $8,000.


Then tow the car away for $600 cash and fix the timing belt itself for less than $100.
so;
a) $600 if you're good
b) no
c) n/a

 

a non-running car will never be worth more than 3 digits to me. you have no way of what he says is wrong is the only problem if it doesn't run. then you have to consider if it's worth the time and effort (only you can answer that one). how much do you like the car? consider how much you will probably spend (i can pretty much gaurentee that's not the ONLY problem) and what you could get for that same amount without the effort.

 

If you can take the cam cover off and actually make sure that the timing belt is snapped, buy the car for like $500, then replace the timing belt and such, and youre done. 90-92 LS400s had non interference motors, if the belt breaks you're fine, just change the belt, re-align everything and you SHOULD be good... IF it is indeed just the timing belt.

 

Try and determine how well the car has been maintained up to this point. Are there service records or receipts available for the maintenance on the vehicle? It may be worth a tow to a local garage to get the vehicle up on a lift to check it out, plus have them take the cam cover off as stated above to check the belt. Look at the condition of all the fluids and check under the car for any leaks.

Then again, if the timing belt broke at 155k, it "wasn't" maintained very well since its the original timing belt and should have been changed at around 90k...

 

Dude, I just bought a running 130K miles '93 LS with bent control arms on the right front for €350,-

You shouldn't pay more than $600,- indeed

 

i had a similar offer on a 92 ls with a busted water pump and timing belt. The pre 94 motors are non impedance (ever how u spell it) so it shouldnt be damaged. The guy wanted 1500 firm and wouldnt come off the price so i walked. no way i was gonna spend that kinna money for something that didnt run.

 

*interference.

 

Thanks to all!! Well I bought it for 900.00 delivered to my door.
motor turns well, everything except LF window motor works, very nice pearl white paint job, 90% Michellin tires!! Now ordering new timing belt kit.
Wish me luck