if this issue only happens during braking and no other time you can be fairly confident that it is just the brakes, rotors most likely.

the fact he did his own work is a bit --well---idk------maybe ask him which lexus dealer he used to work for and try to confirm his experiance.

all in all i still think the price for the car is a bit high---if he wont come down by a good amount i say let this one go------but its just my opinion---take it for what its worth

 

If he stll has it I'm going to take my mechanic with me today to look / buy it. I'm fairly confident it's probably just brakes. Is there any way to check the timing belt? As in physical inspection? The price is actually decent for this area, unfortunately I can't travel because of work, and my area is littered with "sc400 on 2x's with beat" or "slap" or whatever... I'd rather pay a little more for one that hasn't been molested by some idiot with no class, or cheap stereo shop that has played havoc on the wiring harnesses.

 

It sounds like its probably just the brakes/rotors. My guess would be the rotors are warped or something to that extent. I wouldn't buy it solely because he doesn't have records of the service, or I would at least try and get more money off. That is just me though and im **** about service records. The timing belt and water pump are a really labor intensive job, so I would be a little hesitant about him doing it himself. And if he did do it himself, Im sure he didn't do everything the dealer does (Fluids, seals, gaskets etc). It does sound like a clean car though. See what your mechanic says and go from there.

I saw a few interesting ones today on craigslist. Just thought i'd share. Keep us updated on the one your interested in though.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2261565051.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2260632548.html

 

Do you have the VIN#?

If you go onto Lexus.com, there's an owners section where you can put in the VIN# and it'll show you all of the car's service history performed at the dealer.

Hope this is helpful.

 

Bought the one on that first link. Needs T-belt, guy said the last one was done at 90k, has 146 on it (so I got a few miles)... has power steering leak starting, none on alternator yet, other than that, perfect, has nak, heated seats and T/C.... talked him down to $4800 and it's not mine! I love it!

 

 

Congrats man! That one looked interesting to me. I love the color and it looks to be in great shape. Are all the VIN stickers in place? The car must have been garaged cause the headlights look new. Also with the 97 you don't need to worry about the needles burning out. If the tbelt was done at 90K your good until 180K, unless you want to do it for peace of mind. $4,800 is a steal. Go register on Lexus.com under owner resources and you'll be able to get all the service records. Looks like your patience paid off. Plus you got the updated body/

 

Thanks man! I love it! Yes, all vin tags are in place, few Knicks and scratches aside, it's perfect for me! Going to have the power steering leak fixed this week! Going to install my hid kit tomorrow, 5000k. I need a rear parking lamp bulb and can't find the bulb, and I'm going to clay, quixx, wax, and polish her up!

 

car looks clean---------glad you found one you like

 

Thanks Man! Been loving it! Can't believe how smooth it is!

 

oh yes man tell me about it-----my car is like riding on a cloud---seriously lol

any plans for mod's or upgrades?

since u have the 97 body your already ahead in that category

 

Looking for some factory GS 17" rims, I would like to put my HID kit in, and I really need the tint pulled of and re-done. Oh, and I need a replacement nakamichi rear speaker (anyone got one for sale?) not the sub, just speaker. Other than that I don't know where to start, lol

 

very nice!!!

 

I would just leave it stock. Fix what needs to be fixed and thats it. I don't see the point in dumping money into a car and never being able to get that money back.