One Step Away From Buying A '93 Ls400...

[NuGateway]

Had no idea this site existed. I posted this on another forum, but I'll take all the information I can get.

Here are the details:

- 1993 LS400

- Every option

- 190,000 miles

- One owner

- White/Tan

- Drivers seat is worn

- Couple scuffs on the wheels, very small

- A/C may have a leak. Dealer looked at it and added some dye. It blows cold but not as cold as it used to, says the owner.

- Instrument Cluster fades in and out

- Climate control LCD is shot

- Outside of the above issues, the car is mint inside and out

- All service done by lexus its entire life. Timing belt done at 120,000

- Tires have 20,000 miles on them, brakes were done last year

- Owner was asking $5500, but ended up talking him down to $2500

1) Is the price right?

2) What am I looking at with the A/C (Price wise)

3) Where should I look for a new drivers seat?

4) is there anything else I should know before i put the money down on this car?

As of right now, I am planning on picking up the car Friday after work.

[TA in KC]

Had no idea this site existed. I posted this on another forum, but I'll take all the information I can get.

Here are the details:

- 1993 LS400

- Every option

- 190,000 miles

- One owner

- White/Tan

- Drivers seat is worn

- Couple scuffs on the wheels, very small

- A/C may have a leak. Dealer looked at it and added some dye. It blows cold but not as cold as it used to, says the owner.

- Instrument Cluster fades in and out

- Climate control LCD is shot

- Outside of the above issues, the car is mint inside and out

- All service done by lexus its entire life. Timing belt done at 120,000

- Tires have 20,000 miles on them, brakes were done last year

- Owner was asking $5500, but ended up talking him down to $2500

1) Is the price right?

You talked him down to $2500?!?!? That price is great!

2) What am I looking at with the A/C (Price wise)

It may just need refrigerant. That is cheap and can be done yourself. If anything more, with the very low price you are getting this car for, you could do many A/C repairs before coming close to the value of the car.

3) Where should I look for a new drivers seat?

You can check at local junkyards, but the seats you find will likely be in the same condition as yours. Best option would probably be to have it re-upholstered by a good shop.

4) is there anything else I should know before i put the money down on this car?

It sounds like you are already aware of the most common issues. The LS400 is a great car, and if maintained well, it will keep running well for a very long time.

As of right now, I am planning on picking up the car Friday after work.

[NuGateway]

It may just need refrigerant. That is cheap and can be done yourself. If anything more, with the very low price you are getting this car for, you could do many A/C repairs before coming close to the value of the car.

He had it charged a couple months ago. From what I understand, there seems to be a leak. From the owner's mouth, "The air does not blow as cold as it used to."

With its current needs, I can see putting $2,000 easily into this car.

[TexasLexus94]

Couple of thoughts. You're in Florida, so I'd simply get a couple of seat covers for the front. They make nice ones now.

The climate control stuff is explained all over this site-Jim Walker repaired my display for $225 total incl shipping-He even gives the uninstall and reinstall instructions.

The A/C problem may be costly, but I believe you have the R134 modern system, so you might luck out a little cheaply.

The price is incredible- I'd take it in a heartbeat. Just make sure the P/S isn't leaking=known problem. Other than that, welcome to the forum.

[NuGateway]

Couple of thoughts. You're in Florida, so I'd simply get a couple of seat covers for the front. They make nice ones now.

The climate control stuff is explained all over this site-Jim Walker repaired my display for $225 total incl shipping-He even gives the uninstall and reinstall instructions.

The A/C problem may be costly, but I believe you have the R134 modern system, so you might luck out a little cheaply.

The price is incredible- I'd take it in a heartbeat. Just make sure the P/S isn't leaking=known problem. Other than that, welcome to the forum.

Seat covers? As in replacing the covers?

Yes, '93 is the first year they for the R134 system.

As far as I know, the P/S isn't leaking.

I will most likely spend the $80 and have Lexus give it a once over. Once I have the laundry list, I'll find a local shop who can repair the issues for much less. I'm sure there will be a few items I can take care of myself.

[TA in KC]

Unless you want to spend lots of money, I would not recommend the replacement seat covers. The Lexus OEM seat covers cost about $2000 each. There are a lot of aftermarket ones out there for much less, but they are not the same quality, not an exact fit, and it is obvious if you have ever seen them in place on a car.

For about the same, or even less than a replacement cover, you could have a professional upholstery shop replace worn parts of the seat with new leather, or high-quality vinyl that looks the same, but wears much better. That (vinyl) is what my upholstery specialist suggested to me if I were ever to have a crack in my driver's seat split. It is cheaper and much more durable.

[NuGateway]

Picked her up yesterday for $2500. I have a few questions, but I need to get out of here, so I will leave you with a couple photos:

[LScott400]

Nice looking car - you'll love it!

Take it to a local auto upholstery shop. They'll be able to rebuild that driver's seat - probably feel better than new.

I live in Texas and add a can of R134a every 2 months. Too cheap to replace the evaporator.

[mttls400]

89-94 LS400 has evaporator problem since its design was lack of air filter. Overtime, dust get into the evaporator and itself a/c moisture tend to rush the unit then start leaking. When your A/C blow out some kind of death towel smell then about time to replace the evaporator - it is under the passenser compartment. You can do it yourself - it takes about 2-3 hrs labor - my cost about $400 for part and labor - HINT: try to deal with the mechanic by the job but not the hours.

When you do this, i recommend to replace all the O ring. Good luck By the way, it is a beautiful car and what a great prize you got. :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

[Lexusfreak]

That's one sweet looking ride for that price!! B) Congrats.