acenase

I went to check out a '90 LS400 today, the body looks to be in very good condition. However a few minor issues that I didn't like were the entire Gauge cluster is pitch black (nothing lit), the A/C does not blow cold, No CD changer in the trunk, & the timing belt was last changed at 80K and the car has 160,000 miles on it. How much does it cost to get the gauge clusters fixed? and I am hoping the AC is just a simple recharge with a retrofitted R134a. and at this mileage, I figure minor things will start to slowly go out. Any other things to look out for? How much would you look to spend on an LS400 with these issues?

GKLCPA

You may want to search the archives on the gauge cluster issue as it's common. I suspect that you'll need to address some suspension issues at those miles as well. I probably would keep the purchase price at or below a $ 2000. It's an LS, but it's still a 22 year old car and there's stuff that's definitely going to be coming up. If you can, try to do your own stuff. I've recently gotten into that after bad experiences with mechanics and you'll save hundreds easily.

deanshark

The gauge cluster you can fix yourself for under $10 or you can send it out and it cost about $80 I think, everything is covered in the "gauge cluster" thread. The A/C can run you some BIG bucks if it's not just a recharge. The timing belt you can either wait till it goes bad, (the engine will still be good) or you can do the job yourself for about $300-$400 in parts. It's pretty much just recommended every 60K miles. With that many miles you will almost deffinately need a tranny mount and engine mounts and alot of rubber bushings in the suspension. Personaly, I'd pay $1000 if it needs that stuff.