Hey everyone. I am about to pull the trigger on an LS and want some feedback. I found a 99, one owner LS400 with 131000 miles. All maintenance done and in great shape. It has Nakamichi, chrome wheels, heated seats and HIDs. Price is 6500. Decent deal????

 

That's $1500 less than I just paid and I still think I got a good deal. I did get a car with new tires new brakes and a 2nd new timing belt though.

 

Sounds good to me.

 

Sounds like a real good deal, especially being one owner and maintained. Make sure it's been maintained correctly with receipts for proof. Sometimes a good deal isn't the best thing. Look it over good, do some research on all the common problems and go from there.

 

Have you confirmed no body work or major mechanical problems?
Some people take excellent care of their cars and others can destroy a solid vehicle is relatively little mileage.
If the owner allowed teenage drivers all bets are off.
Another concern would be flood damage. Water damage can be cleaned but often leaves hidden electrical problems.

If the vehicle checks out and is a straight car then the price seems more than reasonable.

 

Exactly! Too good to be true? Maybe.
Do a title search! Take it to a body shop if you don't know what to look for.

 

We'll see waiting on the VIN number to run it! It's such a great price! I just drove a 98 in town with similar miles that was just thrashed. Sad

 

Well it looks like the 99 was to good to be true. Now looking at a 98 with 180k, one owner, all maintenance for 5700. Good deal?

 

if all maint includes a VERY recent timing belt (due at 180k) and body is straight, then i'd say yes. (if you're comfy with the mileage)

 

Timing was just done at 180k so that's good. Car has a new starter as well. Mileage I think I am ok with......

 

If this is a car from a dealership, the timing belt may always be 'just done'. I had a guy in Philly actually make up a receipt, crumpled it up a bit to look old, and tell me he found it in the car (this is one day after I called him to ask about it).

I googled the garage where it was meant to have been done, and there was no such place in existence no matter how hard I looked - I even called a few other garages around that area to ask them about the place.

 

What should i look for in terms of suspension problems?

 

No real problems. Just old worn and dried out bushings.