I've been searching for a LS forever with barely any luck, i'm currently on a couple leads but the mileage is scaring me away on a couple.

I see that the price difference of these cars between a car with around 95-100k miles is about $1500-$2000 more then one with say 130-150k miles.

While i've read so many stories of people driving these cars well past 250k, some over 300k and a few over 500k on the original engine, there is always the ratio of how many of these cars last and how many kick the can at 200k.

Question is, how many of you would choose to pay a higher premium for the LS400 with 30-50k miles less then the other one? This is on the assumption that both cars were not abused and have had regular maintenance performed at a Lexus Dealership. Both cars show nearly flawless exteriors and interiors.

I personally rather purchase the 130-150k mile car over the lower miles car due to past experience with purchasing a low mileage older vehicle.

Discuss.

 

Depends on the overall condition of the vehicle. I personally just purchased a 96 for 2500 with 178xxx miles but the vehicle was very well maintained and serviced only by Lexus, steal. But if it didn't have service records I would have been skeptical to buy. Even though these cars are extremely reliable, poor maintenance could lead to big issues. Example, previous owner filling power steering reservoir with power steering fluid is a big no no in these cars, damages the seals in the system and could lead to a costly repair including a new rack.
My .02

 

It depends on service. The recommended service interval for a timing belt is 90k miles. So at 100k, if it's been serviced right, it should have just been done. At 150k, even if it's been serviced at the correct interval, it's only 30k away from a new timing belt(think $1000 with labor).

 

I'm confuse, whats wrong with topping off powervsteering reservoir with power steering fluid if its low?

 

The reason is these Japanese auto manufacturers designed their power steering systems to use dex II / III ATF fluid. So using power steering fluid in a system designed for ATF would most like cause functionality issues and premature wear of system seals and components. Better to use recommended fluid than to risk costly repairs.

 

you're supposed to use D3/Mercon ATF, not PS fluid. that's what's wrong.

 

Since your hypothetical is that bith cars have been maintained at the dealer, I would always take the one with lower miles if its that much of a difference. Although Lexus is a great car, all motors will wear out so why get one with higher miles.

 

I think it mainly depends on YOUR ability to work on the car. A timing belt will cost you around $1000 and your comparison at car with 100k should have a new belt. The car with 150k is nearing time for a new belt. It seems like these cars need new rubber parts starting around 100k. Motor mounts, trans mount and bushings. I did all of these myself, but I bet motor mounts alone are around $500... So if you don't work on cars and own a fair amount of tools you'll come out way ahead buying a low mileage car.

 

I figure buying any LS400, at best your buying a 12 yr old car. Just saying. You want a car that has been maintained well, price is ganna reflect that. Less caution with maintenance will be reflected as well. You get what you pay for. either way. When I bought my car, I wasn't looking at miles vs maintenance vs previous owners. I was looking for condition, then exterior color options vs interior color options. The rest can be negotiated, and/or fixed.
When it came down to two cars, one was in town the other was 600 miles away. I ended up flying out and purchasing the one with higher miles but was owned by someone who owned an import tuning shop and the car reflected it. I still see the other choice driving around and its looking on the poorer side everyday. Verry happy with my decision. And happy to keep my car in the CL family.

 

2nd
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The one with the better-regular maintenance would be my priority. Then balancing the condition of exterior and interior. whit3b0y said it, these cars are aging and the value reflects that.