Considering A Lexus

[aarman4]

$5-$8k can get you only a high mileage 93' up there? Wow, that's some pretty steep currency exchange. I sold my prestine 95' with 132k miles, documented from day 1 from the dealership, and a moutain of receipts for all repairs/upgrades I did, right down to the light bulbs for the marker lights, for $7,500 bucks, and it sat for a few months at that. Sure, had lots of "intrested" buyers, some said they'll buy it, but at the end of the day, either money or credit killed the

There's just not alot of them up here nc211... Remember, we pay alot more for our cars brand new than you do as well, and have for years. I bought my 91 with highish mileage in Vancouver for $4000 all in (I managed to talk the taxes and paperwork BS charges off the price, they were asking $3995). You really are pressed to find these cars in that price range in any decent condition.

Actually, from what I have noticed, any good lasting imports (accord, camry) maintain their prices in the $2500-$4500 levels for 1990 and up as long as they still drive the way they were intended. On the flipside, a 5 or 6 year old sunfire will cost about the same in most places, but we all know why.

We also have alot fewer people in our vast country, which means alot fewer cars, and to go along with that, the high income earners here are of lower percentage usually than in the states because of our taxation system, so there really are far less of these cars around than one finds when in the states.

[eatingupblacktop]

Thanks for all the good input everyone; I'm in the west end.

Again I'm really considering this car; but if the yearly costs are really 1000-1500; i might be broke all the time; to the point where it might not even be worth it.

Might want to give the ES some serious consideration (I'm on my second one myself) in addition to the LS & GS (drive all of them to find out what you like). Lexus or not, I'm more than happy to assist when the time comes though. :)

I have a neighbour who's got an ES. I've driven it. Don't like the seats much but don't like the seats much in the LS either (Volvo makes the best seats I've ever sat in except for maybe the Bentley Continental GT). Car rides nice. Reliability is as good as it gets. Maintenance should be substantially less than an LS, especialy since it shares a lot of parts with the Camry. Should be easy to get it serviced at Toyota and save quite a bit. For example, I get my oil changes done at Toyota at half of what Lexus would charge. Same oil, same filter. One thing I would check for in an ES is that the oil changes were done at least on schedule. Gelling was a problem with this model.

[Lexusfreak]

It really depends on the year Lexus you get & naturally the condition.

Do you have a rough time frame on when your looking to buy? :)

[chillin245]

It really depends on the year Lexus you get & naturally the condition.

Do you have a rough time frame on when your looking to buy? :)

about 2 months. again i think 1000-1500 a year by itself is manageable, but insurance + gas will kill me.

Will i be spendin that much money repairing a 2003 Impala?

[Lexusfreak]

about 2 months. again i think 1000-1500 a year by itself is manageable, but insurance + gas will kill me.

Will i be spendin that much money repairing a 2003 Impala?

Again, it depends on mileage & condition. I did consider an Impala at one point myself (use to be a GM guy)......but at the end of the day, it's still a Chevy & one can't compare it (or any of GM's midsize sedans for that matter) to a Lexus.

I'd go for a Regal over the Impala personally.....and one thing is for sure......I would only get the 3.8L V6 from GM.....but that engine is so ancient it's not funny. ;) Stay very clear of Caddy's though.....especially if there is no warranty left.

[eatingupblacktop]

If you're thinking of an Impala, be carefull with the 3.8L. They have a well known problem with their intake manifolds. They're made of plastic and deform from the heat creating leaks. The replacement was redesigned so look for one that's been done. The Regal with the same 3.8 is a tighter package and arguably better built. Less rattles and squeaks as they age, although some of them have a/c issues. If you find one that's been well maintained and not abused, should last you until you put together enough scratch for a Lex.

[90LS400Lexus]

I have owned a lot of different cars over the years and Toyota/Lexus are still my favorites... especially when it comes to 80s-90s models. My 91' LS400 has 209K and I love it... would love even more though when I lose my vibration issues.

The only GM cars I own now are early 70s models. I almost bought a 2006 Chevrolet Impala last year, with the 3.5L. I rented one for vacation last year and really loved it, but my mother (who went with us), complained of the front seat comfort. I liked the ride and handling and build quality seemed to be up to standards. I changed my mind when I seen it only had average ratings on the IIHS off-set crash test. Later on, we rented a 2007 Buick Lucerne, with the 3.8L (to satisfy mom and it has a EXCELLENT IIHS safety score) and she liked it much better. The ride was much better and seat comfort. I liked the fact it had XM satellite radio. I am still not sure about the long-term quality, but as far as GM goes, Buick is supposed to be one of the best.

I had a temporary company car last year... a 2005 Impala. It had 55K and I think it had the base 3.4L. It was a good running car- had a smooth V6 engine, silky smooth shifting transmission, pleasing ride, but it had a clunking front suspension system. The interior build quality left more to be desired... seemed solid built w/low rattles/squeaks, but it has some unattractive gaps on some panels, but it seems to be spotty as some others I have seen did not have the gaps. Also, on the base models, the gauge package is lackluster... all you get is a speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge and a huge electronic message center that is nestled in the main cluster.

[Lexusfreak]

If you're thinking of an Impala, be carefull with the 3.8L. They have a well known problem with their intake manifolds. They're made of plastic and deform from the heat creating leaks. The replacement was redesigned so look for one that's been done. The Regal with the same 3.8 is a tighter package and arguably better built. Less rattles and squeaks as they age, although some of them have a/c issues. If you find one that's been well maintained and not abused, should last you until you put together enough scratch for a Lex.

The intake manifolds are a problem for GM on most of their V6 (OHV) engines.....not just the 3.8. In fact, they are one of the better V6's overall that GM offers in the midsize class for the early 2000's models.....I'll take GM's new 3.6L V6's any day however. ;)

[chillin245]

If you're thinking of an Impala, be carefull with the 3.8L. They have a well known problem with their intake manifolds. They're made of plastic and deform from the heat creating leaks. The replacement was redesigned so look for one that's been done. The Regal with the same 3.8 is a tighter package and arguably better built. Less rattles and squeaks as they age, although some of them have a/c issues. If you find one that's been well maintained and not abused, should last you until you put together enough scratch for a Lex.

The intake manifolds are a problem for GM on most of their V6 (OHV) engines.....not just the 3.8. In fact, they are one of the better V6's overall that GM offers in the midsize class for the early 2000's models.....I'll take GM's new 3.6L V6's any day however. ;)

Okay so then my best choices would be an ES or Impala..

I'd really like to get an LS; would it be possible to find one that wouldnt cost me 1000+ to repair each year?

If not i'd hate to give up on the lS, but the ES is good too, little small but good. Then i've got the Impala.. which would be much cheaper and newer.

its gonna be hard getting over the idea of owning a LS400 though.

[aarman4]

chillin ....

When you show up with the LS, all of yur friends will want to be in it as the comfort level for them will be pretty good compared to their cobalts and dodge's(just a guess as to the common car a 19 yearold has).. That being said, ask for the gas money and make a penny or two while you are at it ;) If you choose the LS, you will not be sorry with your ride.

[TexasLexus94]

One thought about maintaining an older Lexus is that some of the things that need replacement really don't have to be done if money is an issue. My favorite one is the time I drove the 30 miles to the only dealer here in Vegas. I couldn't find any place that had those tiny replacement bulbs that light up the vanity mirrors. They were burned out, as were 8 other door-footwell bulbs. Even Lexus only had two visor bulbs left. The cost was $6.50 each-ouch-but a year later, the first thing my new chickie did when we were leaving for the casino at night was to pull the visor down to check whatever they check, and voila-the mirror was illuminated. And she went to work on her face smiling. And yes, the investment paid off later.....

[Lexusfreak]

Okay so then my best choices would be an ES or Impala..

I'd really like to get an LS; would it be possible to find one that wouldnt cost me 1000+ to repair each year?

If not i'd hate to give up on the lS, but the ES is good too, little small but good. Then i've got the Impala.. which would be much cheaper and newer.

its gonna be hard getting over the idea of owning a LS400 though.

If you take your time & find one in good enough condition that's been well looked after, sure that's possible.

You won't be able to compare driving an Impala to any Lexus though.....one you drive all 3 (LS, ES & Impala) you will more than likely take the Impala off your list all together. :)

How much are you looking to spend (ballpark)?

[chillin245]

Okay so then my best choices would be an ES or Impala..

I'd really like to get an LS; would it be possible to find one that wouldnt cost me 1000+ to repair each year?

If not i'd hate to give up on the lS, but the ES is good too, little small but good. Then i've got the Impala.. which would be much cheaper and newer.

its gonna be hard getting over the idea of owning a LS400 though.

If you take your time & find one in good enough condition that's been well looked after, sure that's possible.

You won't be able to compare driving an Impala to any Lexus though.....one you drive all 3 (LS, ES & Impala) you will more than likely take the Impala off your list all together. :)

How much are you looking to spend (ballpark)?

Yeah everyone seems tos ay taht, about 5-8000

[eatingupblacktop]

If I was 19 I'd be definitely looking at an IS300 instead of an LS. I'd be zippin' around like I did in my Scirocco rather than laid back cruisin'. Do yourself a favour. Before commiting yourself to an LS check them both out and compare. In the IS, try to find one with a stick.

[chillin245]

If I was 19 I'd be definitely looking at an IS300 instead of an LS. I'd be zippin' around like I did in my Scirocco rather than laid back cruisin'. Do yourself a favour. Before commiting yourself to an LS check them both out and compare. In the IS, try to find one with a stick.

The IS is out of my price range. In Ontario if you go 50 km over the limit they impound your car; so im going to try an avoid a car that will tempt me like the IS will.

[OmarG]

If I was 19 I'd be definitely looking at an IS300 instead of an LS. I'd be zippin' around like I did in my Scirocco rather than laid back cruisin'. Do yourself a favour. Before commiting yourself to an LS check them both out and compare. In the IS, try to find one with a stick.

The IS is out of my price range. In Ontario if you go 50 km over the limit they impound your car; so im going to try an avoid a car that will tempt me like the IS will.

good idea dude! the LS really does conduce good behavior. You can go really fast, but why? cruisin in a serene enviro with some sweet tunes is way better. I've only gotten one speeding ticket in my LS. Thats cause i was yappin on the phone goin 95 mph on the highway. Didnt even realize due to the cars incredible stability.

[90LS400Lexus]

Oh, so you were not considering the newer 06-08 Impala... The 00-05 Impalas are OK as I mentioned. Nice power, pleasing ride, but not as a high of a quality car as a Lexus. If considering the 00-05 Impala, also look into the Buick Century and Regal. Basically the same cars.

If you were talking about a 06-08 Impala, even then, as much as I like the car, I do not like the "acceptable" IIHS crash test score.... an acceptable rating on a new car these days is not acceptable, since most cars now rate good. I would opt for the Buick Lucerne, which passed the IIHS with flying colors.

If looking for an older car, if you do not go with Impala, another nice GM option is the Buick Park Avenue of the same vintage. Buicks rate higher than the other GM cars in general. In fact, Buick is always typically high on the "most reliable" charts. During my last LS400 ownership, I also owned a 1992 Buick Park Avenue 4dr. It was a high mileage car, but still was in good order. It had a very nice ride, good build quality, etc. When I looked on ebay for one when I was in the market, I noticed that the "northern" cars on ebay had some rocker panel rust out.... actually, it seemed common on the northern cars. :( Mine, being a southern car, was totally rust free.

Yeah everyone seems tos ay taht, about 5-8000

[eatingupblacktop]

Park Avenue is definitely closer to an LS than an Impala. It's Buick's flagship model. Test drove one once........smooth ride. Heavy car....you can feel the weight in the handling. Surprising power though from the 3.8L for such a big car. Must be in the gearing. They also put out the Ultra which has more power from the supercharged version. Nice leather, quiet, but lousy switchgear like all GM's. If you buy one just don't use the window lifts a lot. If you're going to look at one, you may as well try the LaSabre as well. 90LS is right, it's GM's leading brand for quality.

[chilkoot]

if you spend $1000 a year on maintenance in an '93 LS400 you'll run out of stuff to replace after about 5 years.

...unless you're driving 50k miles a year, then $1000 would be about right.

realistically, if you averaged it you'd probably be closer to $250-$500 a year in maintenance, including oil changes. stuff like Timing belt and water pump do cost over a grand to get done, but also last 5+ years (at 20k miles/year, more than a lot of people drive).

also consider that once you go past 94 you are dealing with an interference engine, which in the event of timing belt failure will completely toast your engine. I put about $3k into my 130k mile '93 over the last year because nothing had been changed but the oil and power steering pump since it left the factory.

A 93/94 sitting around 125-150k with the timing belt/water pump done sounds ideal for you, and will certainly not cost $1000 a year to maintain.

[chillin245]

if you spend $1000 a year on maintenance in an '93 LS400 you'll run out of stuff to replace after about 5 years.

...unless you're driving 50k miles a year, then $1000 would be about right.

realistically, if you averaged it you'd probably be closer to $250-$500 a year in maintenance, including oil changes. stuff like Timing belt and water pump do cost over a grand to get done, but also last 5+ years (at 20k miles/year, more than a lot of people drive).

also consider that once you go past 94 you are dealing with an interference engine, which in the event of timing belt failure will completely toast your engine. I put about $3k into my 130k mile '93 over the last year because nothing had been changed but the oil and power steering pump since it left the factory.

A 93/94 sitting around 125-150k with the timing belt/water pump done sounds ideal for you, and will certainly not cost $1000 a year to maintain.

Yeah most of the LS's i see aound here are about 93-94 with 110-140k miles.

[BigBuggie]

And yes, the investment paid off later.....

Lol

[Lexusfreak]

Park ave & Buick's are an excellent choice......but you will get the stigma that goes along with it (the average age of a Buick driver is dead or has one foot in the grave & the other on a banana peel...take your pick) lol.

My Dad's owned Buicks for the last 20 years (Buick's trump Chevy's for overall quality & design imo).....I too owned a 1991 Buick Riviera which was a beautiful ride & they are good cars. For someone younger though I'd stick with the Regal or even the Regal GS (Grand Sport). But you have to watch the GS......supercharged 3.8L V6 & insurance premiums! :whistles:

[chillin245]

Yeah; i know Buick's are good; my dad has owned them for most of my life. He loves them and tells me they're solid.

But I'm pretty sure my mind is made; I'm gonna go with the Lexus even if it does cost a bit more.... I just can't go against Lexus lol.

But yeah days like today (13 cm of snow) I think about getting a truck; maybe a 4Runner.

I wonder how a LS400 would do if i invested in winter tires.. I read a post on here about that but I'm not sure in the difference between Toronto and American winters.

[chillin245]

And yes, the investment paid off later.....

Lol

yeah that gave me a good laugh too.

[Lexusfreak]

Definately invest in winter rubber if your going with the RWD LS.....especially for us in the Southwestern Ontario or GTA (it's a mix of freezing rain & ice pellets currently here in London).