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I am passing on the car here is the ad if anyone is in Phx and is looking for a car. They will take $3,500 but its listed higher (well that is what I agreed on but it probably changed).
If it checks out mechanically, that is a good price. UFC20 so you get all the nice upgrades they did towards the end of the LS400.
The unfixable things (aesthetic interior exterior condition) look really good. That interior is mint and that Leather has obviously been cared for. And if it's been an AZ car rust shouldn't be an issue.
My 212K mile '98 has been a great car, have had it for 8 months. Timing belt and water pump done before I bought it. Paid $2200. No rust underneath, was a Louisiana car. (I'm in MI). Was a joy to work underneath a rust free chassis. Needed fuel, air and cabin filters replaced, strut rods and tie rods. Mine needed a "Y" pipe also. I found an aftermarket pipe on Ebay for under $200.
Like always here, IF the car has been maintained.......and sounds like it has been
So in the end I ended up buying the car. I thought they had scratched me off the list to buy the car but there was a misunderstanding. Great car even had recent service at the Lexus dealership. Turned out to be a lot nicer of a car than expected. Have to clean up the engine bay to see if the valve covers are leaking or not. May need a few small things but its in amazing condition was very surprised drove home without a hitch.
Never never power wash this engine,it gets into electronics and you have serious issues.Wash threads are immediately followed up with my engine doesnt run now.
I think ive seen threads with low power water rinses and issues too.Also seen "I covered all my electronics, washed and it doesnt run ".All these old connectors and water is really bad news.
Finally seen threads of I sprayed on a cleaner and wiped off and that seems to be doable.
Hope more folks chime in what theve done for you.They may have some tips for cleaning.
For absolute sure never ever power wash this motor.
Never never power wash this engine,it gets into electronics and you have serious issues.Wash threads are immediately followed up with my engine doesnt run now.
I think ive seen threads with low power water rinses and issues too.Also seen "I covered all my electronics, washed and it doesnt run ".All these old connectors and water is really bad news.
Finally seen threads of I sprayed on a cleaner and wiped off and that seems to be doable.
Hope more folks chime in what theve done for you.They may have some tips for cleaning.
For absolute sure never ever power wash this motor.
Sage advise! The previous owners were dealer people and had the valve cover gaskets done before I purchased mine, so the engine was oil free. However, being 20 years old, it had a lot of dirt in the engine bay. I took the main cover off and the big black air intake while inspecting everything and this gave me more room to clean everything up and look for split vacuum lines, throttle body condition, etc. I fixed a bucket of soapy water (with Ivory dish liquid) and wiped things off as I went along. I use old terry cloth wash clothes and wring them out well. Some areas on the underside of the hood itself and the fender wells seemed to have had an oil residue on them and for that I used Goo Gone (NOT GOOF OFF) on a separate dry cloth, then followed up with the soapy cloth. I did a little throughout the day for days on end. I quit smoking when I purchased mine (10 months now) so instead of going outside to smoke, I go out and tinker with the Lexus. During the times when I couldn't get my Lexus fix, I researched this model here on the website and saved all the important links and info that I found and put it on a flash drive. Anyway, back to the subject at hand. You can make the engine bay look great, but you cannot pour (or spray) water over the engine and electronics. If the valve cover gaskets are leaking badly you will have to use rags soaked with a little mineral spirits and wipe the engine down and follow with dry rags or paper towels. Aggravating, time consuming, but doable. A lot of what is left will burn off as you drive the car.
Ended up cleaning the car up a bit with headlight restoration. I also did my two part leather cleaning process on the interior. The carpet and Seatbelts cleaned up with some hot water and woolight.
Other than financial considerations I'd look for a 430. Be the one putting miles on it. I just picked up a 430 and I can see myself in it for 8-10 years.
04-21-19, 11:54 PM
