Gumart1 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I'm always looking for a cheap "sidekick" to my '98 that I could play around with. This is a loaded '91. The Good :D : It's a Lexus Engine Smooth and Strong Tranny Smooth and Strong Body Excellent, Paint Shiny, No Accidents Nakamichi, LCD works, Hood Struts Work Leather in Overall Great Shape Timing Belt Just Completed Pearl White with Gold Emblems and Factory Chrome Wheels All windows, locks, antenna, htd seats, cd changer work fine California car for 10 years, no rust The Bad :( : 250k miles Needs Tires, possible brakes and rotors Slow Loss of Brake Fluid and PS Fluid Coolant Low Don't know why Front Suspension Noise AC Needs Compressor 2 Rear Speakers Inoperable Possible Tranny Mounts The Ugly :cries: : Shifter and Steering Wheel Leather Worn Air Suspension and Not In Good Shape Who knows what else? I put the air suspension in "Ugly" because I know how much it will cost to convert or fix. I love my '98, and learned quite a bit on my former 92. I've never seen an LS400 for a price this low. He's asking $1800, but the real question is how much for all the repairs? I can have it inspected, but at this price it really comes down to repair costs. I really love the air suspension when it works right, but I may have to let this one die. I can bounce all 4 corners and they move very differently. After test driving, the front end looked like it took a nosedive. I keep saying that it's a money pit but for $1500 for an LS it could be a long fun project - what do you think? The car started right up, and still drove like an LS despite the issues. Basically a great looking LS with a strong engine and tranny but otherwise falling apart. Should I consider? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nc211 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I think you've already answered your own question......a fun project. If you want to take it on, then go for it. Obviously you know that you won't get your money out of it after the repairs, but for $1,500 + $4,000 est. to fix her up outside of dealer rates and full retail prices on parts. Heck, even if you bought it and the engine blew up the next day, you could still probably sell it as a parts car for $1,000. If you have the $$, time, patience and know-how, sounds like a nice winter project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryp Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I'll go first. It'll be a money pit to do all the repairs and at this point in it's life there will always be something to repair. You'll never recover your investment considering the cost of the repairs listed - even DIY. If you need access to cheap transportation i'd say buy it and drive it till the wheels fall off. If on the other hand you get easily frustrated by doing constant repairs, then you might want to pass. For me, if there was an opportunity to buy it, fix it, and sell it for a small profit, i'd do it. But otherwise i'd let someone else "enjoy" the experience. If you do "go for it", i'm sure we'll all enjoy your posts as you wade through the "river of repair". ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90LS400Lexus Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I think that the engine and tranny should be worth about that much, if they are indeed in good order. I would just fix the most pressing issues and let everything else go. It would make a good car to drive back and forth to work @ that price. Just remember not to spend a lot of money on it. I would not go $1800. I would offer $1500. Good luck! I think you've already answered your own question......a fun project. If you want to take it on, then go for it. Obviously you know that you won't get your money out of it after the repairs, but for $1,500 + $4,000 est. to fix her up outside of dealer rates and full retail prices on parts. Heck, even if you bought it and the engine blew up the next day, you could still probably sell it as a parts car for $1,000. If you have the $$, time, patience and know-how, sounds like a nice winter project. ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartkat Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 Sell it to that guy that's tearing up his good LS drifting and stuff. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramathorn Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 i was in a similar situation when i bought mine for $2800. freshly serviced and new brakes gave me a recipt for $3k that he did in february. min needs the compressor, lcd fixed, and a fender. i love the car ive only owned it for 2 days now though. ryan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strmrdr23 Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 i think it ultimately boils down to what you expect from the '91. are you gonna try to restore it to it's former glory and try to flip it for a profit or do it as a daily driver? if that's the case, it might be a money pit...if the engine, body, and tranny are still intact but suspension is going, personally, i'd consider it a project car and "vip car" it up ;) that's a good price for a project car and if it ain't your daily driver, you can have it in the shop as long as it needs to be there. rims, tires, suspension and stereo are the first things i'd upgrade anyways so that takes care of most of the items from your "bad" list! boo yaa...my 2 cents I'm always looking for a cheap "sidekick" to my '98 that I could play around with. This is a loaded '91.The Good :D : It's a Lexus Engine Smooth and Strong Tranny Smooth and Strong Body Excellent, Paint Shiny, No Accidents Nakamichi, LCD works, Hood Struts Work Leather in Overall Great Shape Timing Belt Just Completed Pearl White with Gold Emblems and Factory Chrome Wheels All windows, locks, antenna, htd seats, cd changer work fine California car for 10 years, no rust The Bad :( : 250k miles Needs Tires, possible brakes and rotors Slow Loss of Brake Fluid and PS Fluid Coolant Low Don't know why Front Suspension Noise AC Needs Compressor 2 Rear Speakers Inoperable Possible Tranny Mounts The Ugly :cries: : Shifter and Steering Wheel Leather Worn Air Suspension and Not In Good Shape Who knows what else? I put the air suspension in "Ugly" because I know how much it will cost to convert or fix. I love my '98, and learned quite a bit on my former 92. I've never seen an LS400 for a price this low. He's asking $1800, but the real question is how much for all the repairs? I can have it inspected, but at this price it really comes down to repair costs. I really love the air suspension when it works right, but I may have to let this one die. I can bounce all 4 corners and they move very differently. After test driving, the front end looked like it took a nosedive. I keep saying that it's a money pit but for $1500 for an LS it could be a long fun project - what do you think? The car started right up, and still drove like an LS despite the issues. Basically a great looking LS with a strong engine and tranny but otherwise falling apart. Should I consider? ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bicol-ini Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 your decision, if its going to be a money pit, your choice youve seen and drive the car, good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akewlguy Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I think its worth it. You dont have to do it all at once or rush, but I would get a professional (LEXUS mechanic) to really take a look at it. Low fluid could be a big concern and all your repairs look in the $3500 range.. Now you could find a 92ish with 130+k miles in the 4-5k range. That might be a better deal.The Good : (**WORTH THOUSANDS**) It's a Lexus Engine Smooth and Strong Tranny Smooth and Strong Body Excellent, Paint Shiny, No Accidents Nakamichi, LCD works, Hood Struts Work Leather in Overall Great Shape Timing Belt Just Completed Pearl White with Gold Emblems and Factory Chrome Wheels All windows, locks, antenna, htd seats, cd changer work fine California car for 10 years, no rust The Bad : (** GIVE A SOLID TEST DRIVE **) Needs Tires, possible brakes and rotors $800 Slow Loss of Brake Fluid and PS Fluid Coolant Low Don't know why (leak?) Front Suspension Noise $1000 AC Needs Compressor (Drive in spring, fall and winter) 2 Rear Speakers Inoperable (* DECK OR AMP Issue*) Possible Tranny Mounts The Ugly : (**GET THE $100 LEXUS CHECKUP**) Shifter and Steering Wheel Leather Worn (no big deal) Air Suspension and Not In Good Shape (bumpy ride for a while) Who knows what else? ← Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake918 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Congrats Marty! Post pics when you can (I know she's not comming until tom. night)! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gumart1 Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 Yep, it's official. Threw him a lowball offer and he came down from $1800 to $1,000 and I'll have the car tomorrow night. I will heed the good advice here. Thanks all for your replies. I will adress the safety issues first, then have make some better judgements on what to repair or not. Or I may just drive it until it gives up and part it out. The interior and exterior are incredible for a quarter million miles! I'll post some pics in the next few days. I just pulled out an original Lexus window sticker for a '90 with the same options, total price $43,763. I wonder what the price increase for 1991 was? I just paid for the car what the original owner paid for the Nakamichi upgrade alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akewlguy Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Hell yeah $1000 bucks is so kewl!! I mean you cant buy 4 tires for that amount.. To have a LS400 is awesome! I want a 1000 dollar LS. You konw so I can go out and have my friends like "nice car, man." Then in my head I know it cost me a 100,000 pennies. Good move and good luck.. You have a partial project and it will be fun. Send pictures.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cardona6569 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Yep, it's official. Threw him a lowball offer and he came down from $1800 to $1,000 and I'll have the car tomorrow night. I will heed the good advice here. Thanks all for your replies. I will adress the safety issues first, then have make some better judgements on what to repair or not. Or I may just drive it until it gives up and part it out. The interior and exterior are incredible for a quarter million miles!I'll post some pics in the next few days. I just pulled out an original Lexus window sticker for a '90 with the same options, total price $43,763. I wonder what the price increase for 1991 was? I just paid for the car what the original owner paid for the Nakamichi upgrade alone. ← Hello: Congrats on your offer and new addition to your Lex experience. I would take it to the dealer, and have the check it out from top to bottom with prices for the repairs parts etc.; with that at hand you would have a great guide on where to go first and which are more pressing/safety related. I imagine that would not cost more than 500.00 Second you can take it to the toyota specialists or dealer where the service will be cheaper than the Lex. If you have in your area an auto restorer he can help you in many of those instances. I would go first with the brakes/suspension/ball joints tire rod ends and mounts, those can break with that mileage. Second change the fluids and apply Prolong to the engine, and lucas to the tranny and P/S system. Techtron to the fuel system and replace air, fuel, tranny filters and clean the magnets on the tranny. Change the differential oil also, it will prevent it eating the gaskets of the diferential. After that i think you can start having some more fun with the car. The air suspension will let go and then convert as cheaply as possible unless you can get some good salvage parts to fix it. Tell us how you come along and your victories frustrations with dealers etc. C. PR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kennyr Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I was totally in the (don't do it camp on this one) but for 1k my opinion has changed. Heck I just dumped 1k worth of parts alone into my car. Your getting the whole car. Amazing deal except for that air suspension. I dont have to deal with that with my Lex, thank god. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfatlexusman Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 well if you are going to Part the car out let me know I need a exterior driver door handle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kennyr Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I was totally in the (don't do it camp on this one) but for 1k my opinion has changed. Heck I just dumped 1k worth of parts alone into my car. Your getting the whole car. Amazing deal except for that air suspension. I dont have to deal with that with my Lex, thank god. ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kennyr Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I just put on my third drivers door handle last week. Got it from NewLexusParts.com, a Real Lexus Dealer. $133 with no tax and already painted. This dealer is awsome. Oem parts for 17% off List and no shipping charges or tax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strmrdr23 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 holy crap! that's a good deal! i spent more on my flippin' tires than you did on the whole ride! hahaha...have fun, man! Yep, it's official. Threw him a lowball offer and he came down from $1800 to $1,000 and I'll have the car tomorrow night. I will heed the good advice here. Thanks all for your replies. I will adress the safety issues first, then have make some better judgements on what to repair or not. Or I may just drive it until it gives up and part it out. The interior and exterior are incredible for a quarter million miles!I'll post some pics in the next few days. I just pulled out an original Lexus window sticker for a '90 with the same options, total price $43,763. I wonder what the price increase for 1991 was? I just paid for the car what the original owner paid for the Nakamichi upgrade alone. ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenore Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I'm impressed, that is a steal for 1k, If anything makes a good beater car, How lucky you are. I agree change tranny fluid, filters, etc, and run it while you fix it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indiasfinest Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 congrats on the money awsome negotiating..ive seen watches more expensive at khols awsome negiotiating...hats off 2 u Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
widowmaker03 Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Great move, wish I could have gotten mine for 1K. You are the man! Enjoy your ride and remember to have just as much fun as you fix 'er up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GSsoldier Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Sell it to that guy that's tearing up his good LS drifting and stuff. :D ← hahah its great to be talked about except my car isnt torn up... haha its just need tuning its going into the shop tommarrow also bartkat is right i would not use this type of car to play around with specially with all the money u are putting in for repairs unless u are deciding to strip it lighten it upgrade suspension and adding a limited slip too... even tho he doesnt have to hate like that haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90LS400Lexus Posted October 14, 2005 Share Posted October 14, 2005 Great to hear you got the car - and at that price! Well, I do not think you could go wrong. Its worth that in parts alone. Post the photos when you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guy747 Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 Hell yeah $1000 bucks is so kewl!! I mean you cant buy 4 tires for that amount.. To have a LS400 is awesome! I want a 1000 dollar LS. You konw so I can go out and have my friends like "nice car, man." Then in my head I know it cost me a 100,000 pennies. Good move and good luck.. You have a partial project and it will be fun. Send pictures.. ← dude what part of connecticut you from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyofOne Posted October 19, 2005 Share Posted October 19, 2005 Gumart, I must say, remember that its a Lexus, treat her well. you remember my ES250? I still see her on the road today, even after $4,000 worth fo parts, $2000 worth of labor and THEN an accident with damage estimated by an insurance company at $2300. dad fixed it after the wreck (you do remember when i had the wreck right). and then 2 weeks before i came back from Basic, he sold it to a coworker who needed a good car for hsi daughter to drive to and from school. the guy offered him $3800. we took it and ran!. so you never know what kind fo deal you might come across. I still have all my parts contacts, however, those air struts are cheaper through Arnott, they will run $650+tax and shipping through my guy...each. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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