BEST Place to SELL 1994 LS400 LEXUS with 166,000+/- miles

[Isabella83]

Looking to SELL my 1994 LS400 that I recently put about $4k in to. Driver door part broke so doesn't open and we've decided to buy another vehicle. It recently did not pass the CALIFORNIA SMOG TEST but the Mechanic says it's still in great condition for a Lexus Mechanic or enthusiast. I'm located in the Palm Springs, California area. It's been a great vehicle with relatively NO issues with the exception of this latest door not opening. Mechanics think the hot SUN here in the desert melted then broke a piece inside the door. Let me know your thoughts. Cheers!! 

[RX400h]

Hi, Isabella. It may be difficult to sell a vehicle within California if the vehicle cannot pass a smog test. This is because the seller is responsible for making sure the vehicle passes the test before making a sale. You may want to contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair to discuss your options. Did your mechanic tell you why the car did not pass? 

[randyrober]

pictures and price?

[Isabella83]

RX400h - Hi Dave! Thank you for the note and yes, I thought about that. I tried to contact DMV to no avail YET but will ask as I'm sure I'm not the first person to try to sell a used vehicle without it being registered. Carvana gave me a lowball quote and apparently they do not require the vehicle to be registered...at least that was my understanding and I will confirm. It's hard to let it go cheap as I put $3,800 in to it just this last year. It still needs work but with only 166,000 it has a lot of life in it if someone can figure out fixing the door. The 1994 LS400 is a reliable vehicle and drives smoother than any other car I've been in and I drove rental cars weekly with my last Medical Sales job. I hope to find the "right" buyer who will put her in great working condition again. Thank you again for your time. Christine

[Isabella83]

randyrober - Hi Randy! I apologize for the delay in responding. I'm in Palm Springs, California and aside the crazy weather we've had my client had to be moved to a Care Facility so it's been busy, busy. Then the rain wasn't helping to get great photos put together. I've got Company in town this weekend so I'll work on photos next week of the inside and outside. Do you personally work on Lexus vehicles? Looks like you have a 2000 of the same model. It's funny but I've been offered so many times over the years to sell it but I adore this car and it's been great to me. I am still blown away at the reliability of this vehicle. It needs some love and care but low mileage and I recently put $3,800 in to it. Hard to just give it away. The right mechanic or car person would probably be able to fix this baby up in no time. I'll be in touch and will also be finding out what to do about the registration situation. Thank you again for your patience. Record breaking weather conditions here and road closures, etc. It's been interesting. Christine

[Johnnyrocks]

Isabella, i currently own a 1996 LS 4000 which i’ve had since new with virtually no problems, but now weird stuff is starting to happen so i’m starting to look around.  I live in Yucca Valley and do not have a good mechanic for this kind of classic car.  Did you take yours to the Lexus dealer in Palm Springs?  If so, what was your experience?  Thanks and best, johnny

[Isabella83]

On 4/25/2023 at 2:41 PM, Johnnyrocks said:

Isabella, i currently own a 1996 LS 4000 which i’ve had since new with virtually no problems, but now weird stuff is starting to happen so i’m starting to look around.  I live in Yucca Valley and do not have a good mechanic for this kind of classic car.  Did you take yours to the Lexus dealer in Palm Springs?  If so, what was your experience?  Thanks and best, johnny

Hi Johnny,

I’m not a fan of that dealership but I heard they have new management and a lot of new staff. Unfortunately, the service person I worked with was not ethical and I had second opinions by a mechanic who is highly reputable. I reported him to management at that time and several other staff members agreed with me but he’s still there and the most of staff is gone with a new manager. I used to go to Mission Hills Lexus and found them to be excellent but that was over 12 years ago. 
 

This model is excellent but sadly my door no longer works so I have no choice but to Sell. There are places that Auction off cars too so if you decide to Sell you’d probably get more money thru an Auction as many mechanics buy these models. I’ve had at least 30 offers in the past and all were in the Auto Industry. That was before the door issue but I’ll be checking around again. 
 

You may want to try Toyota off the 10 Freeway. They seem to get good reviews. Good luck!