CDJones

I am looking at getting my first Lexus and have found a 1998 LS400 with 174,000 miles for $5250. I have always loved these cars since my uncle had one in the mid 90's. I test drove the car a few days ago and everything checked out well. The only option I could find on the car was the Nakamichi sound system. He has receipts for a major maintenance service done at 115,000 that included replacing the timing belt, water pump, and plugs. Also, the front struts were replaced last year. One main thing that wonders me is that it has a salvage title. The owner has had the car for 10 years and has not had any problems with this.

Is this a good deal? When would the timing belt, water pump, etc... need replacing again? What else should I look out for?

Thanks!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

not worth it for a salvage title car.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

listen to PD, stay away from a salvage title..... at any cost..
you might wind up being the last owner.

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

Stop wondering about a salvage title it usually means that the veh was totalled by an insurance company because the damage was close or more than the veh was worth to fix it. So as pure says stay away from a salvage title

CDJones

Thanks guys. I'm going to have it checked out by an import shop then maybe see what he can do about the price.

Kansas

Although options on the 98 LS were priced separately instead of mainly in packages like on the 99-00 LS, it would still be unusual for a 98 LS to have Nakamichi as the only option. Check out the options at http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1998/1998LSspecs.pdf

Lots of 98 LS400's had halogen headlights instead of HID. If "D2R" is stamped in the headlight lenses, the car has automatic leveling HID headlights. If you see "HB4", it has halogen low beams.

Whether a salvage title vehicle is worthwhile depends on the extent of damage and quality of repair. All it takes to separate a salvage title from a regular title is one dollar of damage. The 90 LS I used to have would have ended up with a salvage title in 1999 if the claims adjuster had noticed the odometer replacement sticker on the door jam. Regardless, the $10,000+ damage was repaired very nicely and the car looked and drove like new when I sold it in 2003 ... and it is still in use today by the person who bought it from me who told me recently (again) that he is going to keep it "forever".

CDJones

Thanks for the info Kansas. I am going back to look at it on Sunday so I'll take that spec sheet with me and see what else it has.

deanshark

You should also check with your DMV to see what it takes to register a car with a "salvage" title. I know here in Ct. ya gotta go through all kinds of inspections and stuff. You should try to find out why it has a salvage title b/c it could have been in a flood or fire or something like that, not just an accident.

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

You should also consider that if you insure the veh with a salvage title for physical damage and it is deemed a total loss again the ins co will pay you accordingly.Usually about 30 pct less than a non salvage veh

CDJones

I did not get a chance to look at the car yesterday as my wife's car decided to lose all power on our trip home after Thanksgiving. So that made for an interesting day. Anyways...

Dean: The car is already registered and would stay in the same state if I ended up buying it. It has already been through all the necessary inspections and all. I am going to run an AutoCheck on it when I get the VIN number to find out why it has been deemed a salvage vehicle.
Alred: I will be getting collision only so will this still matter?

Thanks for your help.

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

Yes especially collision because that is the coverge that pays when the veh is involved in an accident

CDJones

Sorry. I meant to type "just liability insurance." It's been a long day.

dufrain

Look and see if it isnt a rebuilt title,thats what you get after you repair and go through all the paperwork on a car with a salvage title.You cant license a car with a salvage title,at least in Ky Or Il. unless you are a dealer and In alot of states an individual isnt even allowed to rebuild a salvage car into a rebuilt one.I know its that way in Illinois. Here in Ky it can be done,I have done it quit a few times.