uuuuu

Here are the details:

130k miles
says the water pump seized and timing belt jumped, causing valve damage
good tires
good title

It's a 1993 model, he's asking just over $1200. If I can talk him down to $900, would it be worth it? I'd be sure to get the VIN and look up the maintenance history.

Also, and this is pretty important, I want to verify that the 1UZ-FE in the 1989-1994 models is a non-interference engine (meaning that there shouldn't be valve damage)

Thanks!

SCrollinSD

valve lash is a serious issue. one of the most crucial pieces of proper maintenance is the timing belt and water pump, so as to avoid this problem altogether.

that said, i would stay away from that car. there are other LS's out there for around that price range, maybe closer to 2 grand, with no serious problems. You'd be better served starting off with something in better shape.

myusername

my personal opinion: if you have the money to fix it properly, I would do it. 900 bucks is pretty good. Granted the rest of the car is in good shape

hobojoe

Well all I can say is I picked mine up with 145k Miles on it had to doing the pump and belt 5k miles later and it cost me 1,500. Also mine was virtually spotless just a few minor dings and a little worn leather on the drivers seat.

Granted I know I got a screaming deal but who knows what it will take to get the valve damage and whatever else inside there that you can't see repaired....Though there technically shouldn't be since it is a non-interference motor.

Also

SCrollinSD

here is a thread with some pertinent info for you :

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=44562

there seems to be some inconsistancy in information as well as first hand experience dealing with valve damage and whether or not the 1uz is truly non-interference or not.

Again my best advice remains the same, but good luck to you whatever you decide.

for me personally, I'd rather know for certain the internals of my motor were legit and did not need servicing later down the road that would be more than the car is worth.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

Honestly? lol no.

Look at this forum, full of nothing but repair issues no matter the mileage.

yeah yeah im a defeatist

SCrollinSD

one more, again, a bit of inconsistency and ambiguity remains: http://www.lextreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3202

if anyone can find a direct from lexus source to re-affirm that the models up to 95-97 were all non-interference that would be nice.



still, if that truly IS the case, and this guy still claims there was somehow valve damage, you might be looking at a more serious problem altogether with that car..

food for thought...

uuuuu

Yeah, I looked at several threads and could not get a definitive answer about the interference vs. non-interference properties of our motor.

I actually own a 1992 model in pretty great shape, so this car could potentially be used for parts. I was just wondering about being able to deal with this '93 (and maybe get it running again) since it is so cheap.

Thanks for all the replies!

hobojoe

All I can say is that I have spoken to a trusted Lexus Master Tech that does all my work and the first gen and mine being a 91 are a non-interference motor.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

read more please, incl the last thread on it that is less than a month old.
for the LS400 only:
89-94 1uz= NoN-interference
95-97 1uz= INTERFERENCE
98-00 VVTi 1uz= INTERFERENCE

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

buy my car for 3k stock..just did timing belt and wp...it runs perfect now.

Li Ls4

iTrader: (12)

U should buy my car, it's 94 with 157k on it. Asking $1300 for it because it has a salvaged title and the only thing wrong with it is that the secondary ac motor doesn't work.

EastWind

yeah, there shouldn't be valve damage, so if there really is then run. I wouldn't suggest you get it unless you are really handy and experienced with cars. if it's just the timing belt and water pump that need to be changed, you could do that yourself and save a lot of money. if you have to pay someone else, you are looking at a $1000. there is always the risk of not hearing a car run, not knowing how the trans is and the suspension. so be carefully. Since you really have to ask us, I do just advice you to walk away.