LS818 Posted December 20, 2006 Share Posted December 20, 2006 I am buying a 1991 lexus ls400 like I stated in the title .. it has 195000 miles on it .. it is the dark blue color with leather, power everything .. It doesnt have the air suspension which from my readings in here is a good thing. I took it to my mechanic it needs a few minor things such as.. front wheel ball joints need to be replaced there is a minor leak at the rac or rack not sure what he said .. and where the time shows its begining to bleed. Other than that and needs tires its in great shape... runs good feels strong .. mechanic says those are not big issues and should run around $1000.00 to fix.. The price is $2600 for the car ... looking to hear what you all have to say since everything i have read in here seems to be pretty accurate from what I can tell and you all seem to be very helpful and nice people... thanks for your time ... apperciate your replies ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryp Posted December 20, 2006 Share Posted December 20, 2006 I have a 91 w/ 213K and it is still running strong. At that price you get to the point where some repairs can be almost as much as the cost of the car unless you do the work yourself. I would be most concerned about the engine internals. Do you know how much oil it burns? I can go the 5k between oil changes and burn maybe only 1/2 quart. To me this is the best indicator of how much life it has left. Was the timing belt and water pump changed recently (it would have been due at 180k). Unless you do it yourself, this repair job is anywhere from $1000 - $1500. Recently did mine myself for a cost of $346 including both idler pulleys. The rac he is referring to is the power steering rack. Leaks here are fairly common. Unless it is a major problem, i wouldn't worry about it since replacing the rack is expensive. Haven't had any experience with repairs here, so others may be able to answer better. Also suspension issues would be common at this age and this is an area i'm addressing now on mine. Again, not too bad if you do the work yourself. All in all it's hard to beat a Lexus for $2600. If the engine is strong you've still got a lot of miles left. $2600 is hardly the down payment for a new car. Instead of car payments, you might have some repair expense but the good thing is most of the repairs can be done based upon your schedule instead of being due on the 15th of every month! Good luck with your decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS818 Posted December 20, 2006 Author Share Posted December 20, 2006 Thanks for the input .. sounds like a good deal .. the engine doesnt burn much oil from my knowlege and the timing belt has been changed not sure about the water pump but i will ask about it .. the price sounds right .. so looks like i will be a new owner of a used lexus .. any other suggestions would be great thanks for your help and input .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93LSOwner Posted December 20, 2006 Share Posted December 20, 2006 Honestly, you are better off buying something else for $3600 (added $1000 of known repairs). Like larryp said, the cost of repair and mostly parts will out number the cost of the car. Recently there has been a thread about the high cost of Lexus parts........... About 2-3 years ago: The "minor" leak in the rack and pinion cost me $600 for replacement........the minor things change into major repairs before you know it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LScott400 Posted December 21, 2006 Share Posted December 21, 2006 Honestly, you are better off buying something else for $3600 (added $1000 of known repairs). Like larryp said, the cost of repair and mostly parts will out number the cost of the car. Recently there has been a thread about the high cost of Lexus parts........... About 2-3 years ago: The "minor" leak in the rack and pinion cost me $600 for replacement........the minor things change into major repairs before you know it. I agree with Steve-O unless you come in expecting to spend another $3600 over the next year or two. If you are a DIY'er and enjoy it then buy the car. If you really want one, but won't be doing most of the repairs yourself then it is critical to have the patience to wait until you find the the one being sold by the "anal retentive". He'll be the one with the spotlessly, garage-kept, service records in a binder LS that insists you know every single detail of the vehicle history if you really want to buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LS818 Posted December 21, 2006 Author Share Posted December 21, 2006 First of all thanks for the reply to my post and I really apperciate the input you all have given me.. Second I think I didnt write what I was asking in the right way .. I know the owner of the car and have know them since they bought the car. So I am not to worried about abuse of the car or forgotten maintenance. The car has had nothing but freeway miles put on it and has had all the maintenance on time and done by the dealer. The only reason they are getting rid of it is because they no longer can drive due to illness. My mechanic says the engine on the car is in amazing shape and the problem with the steering rack and ball joints is not bad but just an issue that will come up in the next year if I dont fix it now. So pretty much I am asking if this car is reliable and dependable.. I have a 2000 pontiac grand prix gtp which is nothing but issues and am in the process of getting rid of.. I had a 2002 BMW M3 but totaled it not to long ago and now have a 2006 mercedes S55 which is overrated .. and pretty much want to help my friends out by buying the car from them and at the same time I dont want to get into a money pit with my good nature.... again I REALLY APPRECIATE THE REPLY FROM ALL OF YOU OUT THERE AND HOPE ALL OF YOU HAVE AN AMAZING HOLIDAY >>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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