I've been in the market for a ls400 (ucf21) on and off for a while. I didn't think I could afford a ucf30 until I came across this deal. It's a high mileage (230,000) platinum silver with grey interior. It's been well taken care off from what I can tell from pics and info from the owner. He is 58 year old man and the 2nd owner. He's owned the car since 2004. Most of the miles are highway he has taken the car from florida to California many times. He's asking 4300 and I'm interested. Everything seems to be working and no problems. Water pump and timing belt was done at 200k. He is selling because he bought a new car and the ls is just sitting. It def needs some tlc and detailing though.

My question is what should I look for when inspecting this car. Are there any common issues to be wary off especially with this mileage. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Is this a good deal considering mileage and condition?

I've only had one lexus a gs300 back in 2009. I've always been a fan of the LS chasis. Thanks

 

230k?!?! nothing to "Look" at (besides the mileage ) just about everything should be replaced. Buy an LS400 with decent miles.

That old man, freeway miles is a bunch of crap.



Thats like buying my S13 because it was "Female owned"

 

Get it up on a lift and inspect for leaks and seepage on engine, trans, diff, and struts. Check for worn out suspension parts. Ask to see it cold and verify engine is stone cold when you show up so you can start it cold and see if it blows oil on start up.

Run a scan gauge on it and check and read what codes it has thrown that may have been recently reset. Clever folks can repeatedly reset codes right before they show a car for sale - concealing all kinds of potentially expensive issues until after you hand over the money.

Drive it for at least 30 minutes and make sure you sit with the car idling for at least 5-10 minutes to see if it runs smooth at idle with the air on to make sure it doesn't overheat.

Also run and test every single window and door lock and move steering wheel and mirrors in and out. Making sure all options work and adjust - testing all options will take at least 10-15 minutes while car is sitting and idling. insist on getting at least two fully functional master keys - not one master key and a valet key.

 

Jabberwock has good advise

If I was buying any car with this kind of milage, I'd take it to a local Lexus dealer and have them tell you what it needs. I believe a Lexus dealer can also tell you what work had been done too using the V.I.N. number

Get the service records from him and see what work, if any, had been done outside the dealership, such as routine oil changes.

They are great cars and very reliable, but they don't last forever. It may only cost you $ 4,300 to buy now, but when something does break or wear out the parts are priced like a $65,000 car and the labor rate is usually around $ 100 / hour

 

I agree with Stu. Take it to a Lexus dealership and pay the fee for them to inspect it. With such high mileage I would want to be EXTRA thorough. Not saying these cars can't make it longer than the current mileage, the car just has to be taken care of to make it that far. Good luck!

 

$4k is a steal if it runs and drives and had timing belt and w/p done.if you dont buy it i will.
buy it.

 

Check the service history on the lexus owners site by making an account with the vin. If everything works and checks out I'd scoop it up for cheap. Many people attest to these cars going 300-400k miles with ease

 

agree with the others...you really have to see specifically what maintenance has been done on the car. If for example, its had hoses, belts, suspension pieces done, and regular fluid changes, and all the electronics work, then jump on it, thats a good deal even with those miles. we all know these are rock solid cars but at those kind of miles you just have to be careful and thorough with the inspection.

 

Thanks for your input everyone. Ill be going and doing my own inspection tomorrow afternoon and will be as thorough as possible and paying special attention to everything you guys mentioned jabberwock, stu, jimbosr1 and toddmorr. Then I will take it to the dealer and have them do their own inspection. I plan on running the car fax tonight. Hopefully all checks out. I will keep you guys updated.

Bmore430 I will make that account tonight as well and check that out.

Thanks for the help fellas

 

Don't be afraid to play on the mileage and offer him $3000.

If this car came up locally id be very tempted to buy it myself.

 

Exactly my plan

 

I drove mine to 197k, you will need new struts, otherwise if it is hwy miles like mine there are some miles left. Good luck.

 

i wont hesitate to buy this, maybe 3500$?

 

dec14 - I am curious why you wanted a UCF21. Most buyers want a car without Air Suspension at this age.

 

I maybe wrong but I thought ucf21 was 99-00. I guess I meant ucf20 sorry for the mistake still learning this model