Looking to purchase an LS400
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Texas
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Looking to purchase an LS400
Assuming no service records are available, what should I be looking for? I already know the basics (tires, straight frame) but what about anything else specifically on this car? And would I be making a big mistake if I bought an LS400 with 200k+ miles? I'm in Texas, so rust isn't much of an issue.
#2
Super Moderator
iTrader: (6)
Welcome to Club Lexus. Have you chosen a specific year?
There are a variety of discussions ongoing about potential purchases:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ve-a-list.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...994-ls400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-look-for.html
The FAQ will also have many of the fixes-maintenance that we've comes across over the years.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...questions.html
There are a variety of discussions ongoing about potential purchases:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ve-a-list.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...994-ls400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-look-for.html
The FAQ will also have many of the fixes-maintenance that we've comes across over the years.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...questions.html
#3
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Texas
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I haven't. I'm looking to spend 4,000 max on the car itself and set aside around $1500 for any immediate repairs. Anything from 1990 to 2000 is fair game for me
#4
Any year can give problems. But I think the least problems are with the 98 up. And more stuff on them too like remote windows etc. The older ones are getting to the point of needing lots of attention as I well know.
#5
Agree with dicer. I own a 98, 97 and a 91 LS400. There is a world of difference on the 98-00. 5 speed transmission is a major upgrade. Better mileage, quicker. Top of the line cars. If I were you I would not waste my time with anything earlier than a 98. Or drive a 97 first. Then you will know.
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#8
Bought a 98 with 200k on it and less than optimum maintenance practices but the exterior was great with no wrecks and the interior was immaculate. Took almost $3k to get her up to speed but extremely happy with the car and the ride. Engine was solid just had some p/s, alternator, mounts and timing belt needs along with valve covers. But I knew what I was getting into as this was my 4th one and just wanted a nice daily for my 20 miles round trip to work. Works perfect for that. I too, would recommend the 98 and above, just for the headlights and tranny if nothing else.
#12
Lexus Test Driver
+1 on what dicer said. the early ones are getting so old now they are bordering on classic/antique status and nomatter how well kept, they are beginning to need help more regularly, the drivetrains in the early ones are rock solid, but weird stuff is starting to break on them. plus finding a unmolested example that hasn't been thrashed around and neglected is almost impossible to find. 95-97s are a pretty safe bet, but still getting older, and it seems that generation is more prone to electrical problems and suffer from ECU issues. 98+ are old enough to be very affordable but still new enough to be reliable as DDs.
however, the early 1st gens (90-92) seem the most solid, the best handling, and the most fun to drive, atleast to me.
however, the early 1st gens (90-92) seem the most solid, the best handling, and the most fun to drive, atleast to me.
#13
+1 on what dicer said. the early ones are getting so old now they are bordering on classic/antique status and nomatter how well kept, they are beginning to need help more regularly, the drivetrains in the early ones are rock solid, but weird stuff is starting to break on them. plus finding a unmolested example that hasn't been thrashed around and neglected is almost impossible to find. 95-97s are a pretty safe bet, but still getting older, and it seems that generation is more prone to electrical problems and suffer from ECU issues. 98+ are old enough to be very affordable but still new enough to be reliable as DDs.
however, the early 1st gens (90-92) seem the most solid, the best handling, and the most fun to drive, atleast to me.
however, the early 1st gens (90-92) seem the most solid, the best handling, and the most fun to drive, atleast to me.
#15
My '96 was awesome!
Mike
Last edited by Rdrcr; 12-17-15 at 03:48 PM.