1990 ls400
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tennesee
1990 ls400
Hello,
I have never owed a Lexus before, but I have owned two Camry's,
I Found a 1990 LS400 with 125,000 miles on it locally that appears to be in good shape, although I have yet to look at it or call on it and have just seen the pictures posted online...they are asking 2,600, I have researched Lexus and am aware of the debate over how expensive they are to maintain.... there seems some controversy over this, with many being of the opinion that they are no more expensive than a Toyota as long as they are not maintained at the dealership.... anyway..... what does everyone think... is this worth a look? or is the fact that it is as old as my daughter, lol enough to stop me in my tracks? I am in the market for a quality used vehicle, but do not want to buy garbage,,,, hence, my interest in the Lexus..... Advise much appreciated , and Thank you in advance
I have never owed a Lexus before, but I have owned two Camry's,
I Found a 1990 LS400 with 125,000 miles on it locally that appears to be in good shape, although I have yet to look at it or call on it and have just seen the pictures posted online...they are asking 2,600, I have researched Lexus and am aware of the debate over how expensive they are to maintain.... there seems some controversy over this, with many being of the opinion that they are no more expensive than a Toyota as long as they are not maintained at the dealership.... anyway..... what does everyone think... is this worth a look? or is the fact that it is as old as my daughter, lol enough to stop me in my tracks? I am in the market for a quality used vehicle, but do not want to buy garbage,,,, hence, my interest in the Lexus..... Advise much appreciated , and Thank you in advance
Last edited by Dodger63; Mar 16, 2014 at 04:50 PM. Reason: typo
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 117
From: Colorado
They really are quality vehicles, so long as they have kept up on maintenance. It really just depends on how well the previous owner has taken care of it.
My 95, for example, was about the same price, but still needed about $1000 worth of parts to bring it totally up to speed... It was rather neglected though, and i do all the work myself.
I would rear around on the FAQ posted at the top of the thread list, and see what kind of problems you may be facing.
Just my two cents, if you wait it out a little longer and are willing to spend a bit more, the second generation LS's (95 and up) have quite a few significant improvements over the first gen, such as bigger brakes, larger interior, duel zone climate, and updated engine electronics to name a few.
My 95, for example, was about the same price, but still needed about $1000 worth of parts to bring it totally up to speed... It was rather neglected though, and i do all the work myself.
I would rear around on the FAQ posted at the top of the thread list, and see what kind of problems you may be facing.
Just my two cents, if you wait it out a little longer and are willing to spend a bit more, the second generation LS's (95 and up) have quite a few significant improvements over the first gen, such as bigger brakes, larger interior, duel zone climate, and updated engine electronics to name a few.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tennesee
Thanks for the Input..... I think I might, what really intrigued me was the low miles for the year..... that is really important to me even though If taken care of they go on forever it seems.. I am ok with putting money into it upfront... just not too much.... lol. what is the highest miles you would buy?
Driver
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: GA
I bought my 92 for $1000 with 217,000 miles on the odometer. I spent $600 at most in parts, and took a few days to do ALL the work myself. My build thread has all the details. I would most definitely buy that LS if it looked good and they had proof the timing belt/water pump had been done recently. Other wise i would tell them to knock off at LEAST $1000 off the price.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,078
Likes: 87
From: Birmingham, AL
the LS400 did improve every couple of years, however, you need to know about 3 pairs of years that are virtual twins, so that you only pay for a newer year if it is gaining you something, so keep in mind the following timeline:
1990 introduction
then minor improvements made
● 91 LS400 is virtually identical to 92
then improvements made
● 93 LS400 is virtually identical to 94
then significant improvements made
● 95 LS400 is virtually identical to 96
then improvements made notably in theft deterrent system
1997
then very substantial improvements made, especially in safety, traction control, horsepower and engine modernization
1998
then minor improvements made
1999
then minor improvements made
2000
1990 introduction
then minor improvements made
● 91 LS400 is virtually identical to 92
then improvements made
● 93 LS400 is virtually identical to 94
then significant improvements made
● 95 LS400 is virtually identical to 96
then improvements made notably in theft deterrent system
1997
then very substantial improvements made, especially in safety, traction control, horsepower and engine modernization
1998
then minor improvements made
1999
then minor improvements made
2000
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 11
From: California
Hello,
I have never owed a Lexus before, but I have owned two Camry's,
I Found a 1990 LS400 with 125,000 miles on it locally that appears to be in good shape, although I have yet to look at it or call on it and have just seen the pictures posted online...they are asking 2,600, I have researched Lexus and am aware of the debate over how expensive they are to maintain.... there seems some controversy over this, with many being of the opinion that they are no more expensive than a Toyota as long as they are not maintained at the dealership.... anyway..... what does everyone think... is this worth a look? or is the fact that it is as old as my daughter, lol enough to stop me in my tracks? I am in the market for a quality used vehicle, but do not want to buy garbage,,,, hence, my interest in the Lexus..... Advise much appreciated , and Thank you in advance
I have never owed a Lexus before, but I have owned two Camry's,
I Found a 1990 LS400 with 125,000 miles on it locally that appears to be in good shape, although I have yet to look at it or call on it and have just seen the pictures posted online...they are asking 2,600, I have researched Lexus and am aware of the debate over how expensive they are to maintain.... there seems some controversy over this, with many being of the opinion that they are no more expensive than a Toyota as long as they are not maintained at the dealership.... anyway..... what does everyone think... is this worth a look? or is the fact that it is as old as my daughter, lol enough to stop me in my tracks? I am in the market for a quality used vehicle, but do not want to buy garbage,,,, hence, my interest in the Lexus..... Advise much appreciated , and Thank you in advance
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