Hi all,

Thinking about purchasing a 1994 LS 400 with 147,000 for $2500. I've heard and read stories about what a great car this is. Still, it's a 20 year old vehicle. Any suggestions or encouragement? Thank you!

 

Two things:

Read this!

And..

Buy these!

I think you will agree with everyone that these cars are amazing pieces of engineering!

 

thats a good deal IMO
if it has any of the maintenance done with records sounds like a fair deal
but always try to jew em downa tiny bit if you can!

make sure all the dash lights work, door locks/windows work[inside and out] and can take off smoothly/quickly and you got yourself a cheap daily driver

 

Well I have to tell you ......... GRAB IT My wife and I got a '95 LS400 with 151000 mi. on it just before moving up from Ca. to Central Oregon . They do have some issues to be taken care of as any other car does . You need to make sure about the Timing belt .... If it was not changed yet do it right away. These cars are an absolute joy to drive , Very comfortable and good handling. And as long as you get mid-grade gas you should not have any problems with "pinging" or pre-ignition. The next really important thing to consider is the Capacitor change .. Check out the threads from Yamae and LSCowboyLS those guys are a whiz with these cars. Other than that this engine is closely related to a "Caddy" North Star V8...... Very smooth and powerful but really easy on gas if you drive sensible. One thing you must get used to is you got to really watch your speed as you do not feel likme you are going over the speed limits but you can easily gather some Tickets if you are careless !!!
Bottom Line is I do not feel you will regret grabbing a car that was about 56,000bucks new !!
And welcome to our Forum you will learn a lot here !!

 

Grab it, as long as its not in poor condition, its a good deal. check trans fluid/coolant color and if its not red id try to knock them down some.

love this car. i drive about 50k/year and all i do is oil changes (except im tracking down why its low on power, i think its related to neglect by PO) it has NEVER stranded me. and the fact it has 2 coils, 2 caps & rotors, etc makes me feel more comfortable about not getting stranded

 

While the timing belt should be changed per manufacturer's specs, it is not critical in the 94 and older LS400.
They changed to an interference engine in 95, which means that the engine will self-destruct if the timing belt breaks. On the older ones, you are indeed stranded, but the valves will not run into the pistons.

"this engine is closely related to a "Caddy" North Star V8" < sacrilege! :-)

 

All of the above + these cars are absolutely great! For the money they cost I cannot think of any other car that would give same quality of ride and comfort.

I think I saw 6000 rpm on the tach today. Yummy!

 

if you see a power steering leak (very common) - then fix it fast, or you will be buying an alternator as well!

 

When new the car sold for over $50k.. My 1994 with 107k mile was purchased about a month ago. It is the best car I ever drove. They all seem to have the same kind of problems. steering, climate display screen bleeding and leather seats wearing. Remember it does take premium gas. What other cars do you have?

 

I just bought a 1994 LS400 Anniversary edition with 199K miles for $1400......everything works! except the drivers seat does not heat! it does have a power steering leak so I'm having the dealer look at it....