do it man!! the LS is a way better choice in the long run and has more potential.

 

lol not so much, a well running and clean 20 year old camry still pulls ~$2k in socal with the right mileage.

 

I would of loved to have a 1998 LS400 when i was 22!!!
I've had my 1995 LS400 since i was 18 now I'm 24 and happier than ever about the choice. Car is strong and running like a champion that's for sure!!!

 

Echoing others, I got my '97 LS400 when I was 20 (24 now) and people mocked it for being an "old man car," but I was the one who had a luxury barge while they had Cavaliers and Civics :P

And PK, for some reason, I thought you were older than that ha.

 

the dreaded timing belt replacement cost.....looks like i'd have to add this cost to the price as there are no records of it being replaced. at 125k and '98, wouldn't you think that the belt was replaced?

 

Most who are up on maintenance would have had the Tb replaced. Not all are willing to spend ~$1K. This service can be done for less if you find a good independent shop and the dealers will have it in the $1.3 range. STill not a put off if you can negotiate a reduction but if the car is super clean and maintained otherwise, this premium may be worth it.

When one is ignored, quite often other areas are to so you have to check if the fluids still look good. Power Steering, tranny, differential are also very important for the car's longevity.

 

Bring it up and see what the seller says. If you do work something out, don't put off the maintenance as it's an "interference engine."

 

and make sure your shop pulls the timing belt cover off (takes about 5-10mins TOPS) to check the belt condition. if it was replaced they should be able to tell.

 

Is there a T.B. cover that is easy excess. I took my 1998 to a local shop to see if there was a cover that could be removed to check my T Belt. I was told it would be a time comsuming job to do and if they went that far I should just go ahead and replace the belt. Belt was changed at 95,000 miles. I have 140,309 present. I have a couple of trips coming up of 400 & 500 miles. Just was wanting things checked out.

 

i'm biased since i own an LS but having driven an ES and numerous camrys i would def say that it will be better for your 22 year old son for the long run (insurance, gas mileage, etc). at that age he should be buying his own cars though but who am i to say that? no offense.

 

Depending on where you live, get snow tires. I got a es over a gs and ls for this main reason, especially where i am there are not many gs's and ls's. If i lived where it didn't snow and i didnt live out in the country and drive to ski country at least 3 times a week, i would have bought a gs or ls. On a sidenote, the es is also a pretty good car, i love mine. 174K miles and maybe a grand in unexpected service since new

 

lol wait till you see me in person xD everyone still thinks i looke 16 - 18 :x