Is this a good buy?
08-15-15, 08:24 PM
#1
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Is this a good buy?
So I'll start off by saying I'm 14 and could spend around 900 on a car right now. But I think I could get this guy down on his price quite a bit. http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/5153094480.html
I know that it needs work, probably some non cut springs (probably some H&R with a 1" lower) so the struts don't blow, and the steering wheel which should just be the gear, and then the power steering (idle-up valve?) needs to be plugged so it stops leaking. Other than that if I get a report on the VIN and it all comes back pretty normal should I try to get it for like $500?
I know that it needs work, probably some non cut springs (probably some H&R with a 1" lower) so the struts don't blow, and the steering wheel which should just be the gear, and then the power steering (idle-up valve?) needs to be plugged so it stops leaking. Other than that if I get a report on the VIN and it all comes back pretty normal should I try to get it for like $500?
08-15-15, 10:31 PM
#2
I commend you for looking at a Ls400 at such an young age, you seem wise beyond your years. I bought my first Ls400 when I was 23. But back on topic.
You have to decide if the car is worth investing $$$ for repairs. Few things jump out at me:
1. The driver seat is grey versus tan for the rest of the car. Not a big deal.
2. The ad says the cars is "straight piped" so it will be loud. Me personally I like my Lexus quite. All tho some do like that loud noise.
3. It is sitting on "cut springs" so it rides rough. Will you be okay with that? You definitely need to replace the springs.
If you can get a running car for $500, you really can't beat that.
Not trying to discourage you at all but I would pass. By all means check it out, that car can go atleast to 300k miles
You have to decide if the car is worth investing $$$ for repairs. Few things jump out at me:
1. The driver seat is grey versus tan for the rest of the car. Not a big deal.
2. The ad says the cars is "straight piped" so it will be loud. Me personally I like my Lexus quite. All tho some do like that loud noise.
3. It is sitting on "cut springs" so it rides rough. Will you be okay with that? You definitely need to replace the springs.
If you can get a running car for $500, you really can't beat that.
Not trying to discourage you at all but I would pass. By all means check it out, that car can go atleast to 300k miles
08-15-15, 10:40 PM
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A new driver seat on craigslist is around $150 so it's not that bad, I'd probably just get a seat cover until I got a job. I'm fine with the straight piping, and yeah, if the cut springs are really bad I'll probably change out for stock springs or some cheap lowering springs, and maybe aftermarket struts if the ones in the car are blown. I'll try to go check it out. Thank you very much for the input! (If I end up getting the car can I get the title and get it registered but hold off on insuring it until I have my permit?)
08-15-15, 11:19 PM
#4
I was younger than you when I got my first car, it was 13 years old and junk as compared to what a 20 some year old lexus is, it had rusty floors and a real bad paint job with primer here and there.
Since you want to modify your car, I say this is a great car for you. He says firm on the price so he likely will only go 100 down from his price.
If your going to upgrade the wheels and they are super nice stock ones I'd be interested.
Since you want to modify your car, I say this is a great car for you. He says firm on the price so he likely will only go 100 down from his price.
If your going to upgrade the wheels and they are super nice stock ones I'd be interested.
Last edited by dicer; 08-15-15 at 11:24 PM.
08-16-15, 05:32 AM
#7
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A new driver seat on craigslist is around $150 so it's not that bad, I'd probably just get a seat cover until I got a job. I'm fine with the straight piping, and yeah, if the cut springs are really bad I'll probably change out for stock springs or some cheap lowering springs, and maybe aftermarket struts if the ones in the car are blown. I'll try to go check it out. Thank you very much for the input! (If I end up getting the car can I get the title and get it registered but hold off on insuring it until I have my permit?)
I hope you can work this out. Sounds like you understand the time and money commitment for a dirt cheap car with potential.
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08-16-15, 05:53 AM
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I don't know the law in Wash, but it's usually impossible to register a car without insurance. Some towns have laws about unregistered vehicles parked in residential areas outside the garage. So, if you can't register it, you may not be able to park it in the driveway.
I hope you can work this out. Sounds like you understand the time and money commitment for a dirt cheap car with potential.
I hope you can work this out. Sounds like you understand the time and money commitment for a dirt cheap car with potential.
08-16-15, 08:29 AM
#10
If you want get it, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic if possible, make sure you're not buying a lemon.
True story, my little cousin bought a 95 Ls400 for $1000 or 1300, we all thought it was a good deal, come to find out the car had blown head gaskets, bad catalytic converters, and 3 nonworking fuel injectors. The car have been sitting ever since he bought it earlier this year.
True story, my little cousin bought a 95 Ls400 for $1000 or 1300, we all thought it was a good deal, come to find out the car had blown head gaskets, bad catalytic converters, and 3 nonworking fuel injectors. The car have been sitting ever since he bought it earlier this year.
08-16-15, 08:34 AM
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Is there any way to figure out if the head gasket is blown without being a mechanic? Same with the fuel injectors? The cat's I could just cut out if they were bad. Doesn't seem that worth to get it inspected. And can't you get working fuel injectors for like $40 a piece?
Last edited by lexsuss; 08-16-15 at 08:35 AM. Reason: price
08-16-15, 09:10 AM
#12
- Has the cooling system been maintained? If not, are you ready to replace radiator and other cooling system components?
- When was the timing belt and associated components changed?
- Has the brake fluid ever been flushed? How are the brake lines? How are the rotors and pads?
- How is the weatherstripping? If it's old and brittle have you priced new weatherstripping?
- Is there a record of routine oil changes? If not, are you ready to replace the engine?
- Since it's a higher mileage older car that has had abnormal camber settings and other suspension work, how are the front and rear suspension?
- Has the power steering pump leak been leaking into the alternator? How is the steering rack?
- When was the last time it had new spark plugs, rotors and plug wires?
- Has the transmission fluid had routine maintenance completed?
- Has the differential fluid ever been changed? Any metal on the drain plug?
You would need to know the condition of all these things to know if it's a good deal or not. I was in the market for an older Ferrarri about a year ago and although I could afford the car I couldn't afford the $12,000 a year in maintenance that is typically required for a Modena.
Not trying to burst your bubble with this car, just trying to help you make a fully informed decision.
08-16-15, 09:22 AM
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Let me give you a few items that can make a good deal not such a good deal:
- Has the cooling system been maintained? If not, are you ready to replace radiator and other cooling system components?
- When was the timing belt and associated components changed?
- Has the brake fluid ever been flushed? How are the brake lines? How are the rotors and pads?
- How is the weatherstripping? If it's old and brittle have you priced new weatherstripping?
- Is there a record of routine oil changes? If not, are you ready to replace the engine?
- Since it's a higher mileage older car that has had abnormal camber settings and other suspension work, how are the front and rear suspension?
- Has the power steering pump leak been leaking into the alternator? How is the steering rack?
- When was the last time it had new spark plugs, rotors and plug wires?
- Has the transmission fluid had routine maintenance completed?
- Has the differential fluid ever been changed? Any metal on the drain plug?
You would need to know the condition of all these things to know if it's a good deal or not. I was in the market for an older Ferrarri about a year ago and although I could afford the car I couldn't afford the $12,000 a year in maintenance that is typically required for a Modena.
Not trying to burst your bubble with this car, just trying to help you make a fully informed decision.
- Has the cooling system been maintained? If not, are you ready to replace radiator and other cooling system components?
- When was the timing belt and associated components changed?
- Has the brake fluid ever been flushed? How are the brake lines? How are the rotors and pads?
- How is the weatherstripping? If it's old and brittle have you priced new weatherstripping?
- Is there a record of routine oil changes? If not, are you ready to replace the engine?
- Since it's a higher mileage older car that has had abnormal camber settings and other suspension work, how are the front and rear suspension?
- Has the power steering pump leak been leaking into the alternator? How is the steering rack?
- When was the last time it had new spark plugs, rotors and plug wires?
- Has the transmission fluid had routine maintenance completed?
- Has the differential fluid ever been changed? Any metal on the drain plug?
You would need to know the condition of all these things to know if it's a good deal or not. I was in the market for an older Ferrarri about a year ago and although I could afford the car I couldn't afford the $12,000 a year in maintenance that is typically required for a Modena.
Not trying to burst your bubble with this car, just trying to help you make a fully informed decision.
08-16-15, 09:42 AM
#14
Lexsuss, you sound like you're very smart, based on your questions and how you're approaching this. Yes, there could be hidden land mines in this thing, but there will always be a risk. It sounds like it can be made into a good car, and you sound like you'd be able to do it.
You'll learn a lot in the process too. I'd say go for it. You may be able to get it for less than $800. $500 would be a steal. Good luck, and keep us posted.
You'll learn a lot in the process too. I'd say go for it. You may be able to get it for less than $800. $500 would be a steal. Good luck, and keep us posted.
08-16-15, 10:01 AM
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Lexsuss, you sound like you're very smart, based on your questions and how you're approaching this. Yes, there could be hidden land mines in this thing, but there will always be a risk. It sounds like it can be made into a good car, and you sound like you'd be able to do it.
You'll learn a lot in the process too. I'd say go for it. You may be able to get it for less than $800. $500 would be a steal. Good luck, and keep us posted.
You'll learn a lot in the process too. I'd say go for it. You may be able to get it for less than $800. $500 would be a steal. Good luck, and keep us posted.
I would definitely try to make it into a good car, If I can get it for $500 that would be awesome. If there is any crazy problems with it I'll try to keep it somewhere until I get a job and can make it running again, otherwise I'd part out as much as I could from it and then junk the rest.