Looking into getting a high mileage LS400, Advice?
02-24-13, 08:25 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
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Looking into getting a high mileage LS400, Advice?
Found a 93 LS400 with about 100k on the clock. What is the reliability of these cars and what should I be looking for specifically when buying this car with that kind of mileage? Should I be looking for a different year? Thoughts?
02-24-13, 10:46 AM
#3
Driver School Candidate
229k on mine, drive's like a 5 year old car.
I have a 94 and love the styling of the 1st generation LS. Look for any leaks of course and check to see if the timing belt has been changed. Car may need a valve adjustment if it ticks during idle/acceleration but not a big issue for this car. Thats all I can really think of
I have a 94 and love the styling of the 1st generation LS. Look for any leaks of course and check to see if the timing belt has been changed. Car may need a valve adjustment if it ticks during idle/acceleration but not a big issue for this car. Thats all I can really think of
02-24-13, 11:33 AM
#4
The usual maintenance intervals and timing belt in this instance. Overall with good maintenance practices on the part of the current owner, you'll be in the 200K mile club pretty easily. Everything else if it goes south will slowly eat your wallet. Cluster fix would be the most irritating followed by ECU and suspension wear issues.
but as long as it was well maintained you should be ok.
02-24-13, 12:09 PM
#6
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100k is about the first service interval, not high mileage for the LS at all. If its still waiting for that first major service it will cost a pretty penny to have it all done or just a ton of time if you DIY. After maintenance these cars wear age very well. I have a 90' sitting on coilovers and I still get compliments on how nice the car rides.
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02-24-13, 06:34 PM
#8
100K is childs play. I have, however, seen run down LS400s with only around that much in them because sometimes the original owners just DON'T care.
Alot of the times just driving them will alert of any problems that need attention, as LS400s are so refined that any parts of it acting up will stand out quite well
Alot of the times just driving them will alert of any problems that need attention, as LS400s are so refined that any parts of it acting up will stand out quite well
02-24-13, 07:21 PM
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02-25-13, 05:17 AM
#11
100k isn't high mileage if its been maintained.
The biggest thing to look for on an older car like this is the service records and where the car has spent its life. I noticed you are in Florida. Go do a carfax on it, see if its spent its whole life in Florida.
Or go put the car up on a lift at a local garage and have a peek. If it looks clean and rust free, go for it. With a car of this age in Florida, I'd check under it for rust, just to make sure it wasn't some old person's car up north, then they retired to Florida and sold their car.
This car should have its timing belt replaced already. Look for an obvious stamp/label on the radiator support, intake airbox, or any other conspicious place in the engine bay. If it doesn't show any sort of stamp/sticker in the engine bay, assume the timing belt service hasn't been done, and that will need immediate attention to the tune of $600-800 at your local Toyota dealer.
BTW noticed I said your local Toyota dealer. They will work on your Lexus, and do a timing belt/water pump service for MUCH CHEAPER than your local Lexus store. Look for coupons on their website as well.
The biggest thing to look for on an older car like this is the service records and where the car has spent its life. I noticed you are in Florida. Go do a carfax on it, see if its spent its whole life in Florida.
Or go put the car up on a lift at a local garage and have a peek. If it looks clean and rust free, go for it. With a car of this age in Florida, I'd check under it for rust, just to make sure it wasn't some old person's car up north, then they retired to Florida and sold their car.
This car should have its timing belt replaced already. Look for an obvious stamp/label on the radiator support, intake airbox, or any other conspicious place in the engine bay. If it doesn't show any sort of stamp/sticker in the engine bay, assume the timing belt service hasn't been done, and that will need immediate attention to the tune of $600-800 at your local Toyota dealer.
BTW noticed I said your local Toyota dealer. They will work on your Lexus, and do a timing belt/water pump service for MUCH CHEAPER than your local Lexus store. Look for coupons on their website as well.
