ProEng Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 About 9 months ago I started searching for a car. I do a lot of driving, and my current vehicle (3/4 ton Silverado HD) doesn't get very good gas mileage. I love my truck, and I'm NOT getting rid of it, but I need a daily driver. My search criteria was as follows: -Had to be reliable. Lots of research through Consumer Reports, and also through Edmunds.com and any other place that gave owner reviews. -Had to be comfortable. I have a bad back, and when I drive 2+ hours it starts to hurt. -Had to be safe. -Had to have 3 shoulder belts in the rear seat. (I have three sons). -Gas mileage had to be at least in the mid-twenties. Even though this isn't great, it would still be twice as good as my truck. After much research, I narrowed it down to an Acura RL, Lexus LS400, Toyota Avalon, and Volvo S60. I finally found and bought a 97 LS400 at Superior Lexus in Kansas City (north location). It has 88,000 Miles on it, and is the Coach Edition. It was driven previously by a retired doctor who traded in on a new Lexus. I ended up paying $11,450, and had them do the timing belt/water pump maintenance. It really looks and drives like a new car. Seats are perfect, no scratches or dings, everything works. I have never owned a Lexus before, and all I can say is "WOW!" If it ran any better the day it was built, I would be surprised. No one can believe that this car is 11 years old. Furthermore, I would like to give a collective thanks to this board. I read MANY threads here, and one of the reasons that I felt confident purchasing an older Lexus was from the comments that the members here have made about consistent reliability in the cars, no matter how many miles are on them. I realize that $11K sounds high for a decade-plus old car, but I am confident that I will easily get my money's worth out of it. My back sure thinks so after driving 5 hours yesterday. I went to my in-laws, and my father in law was very impressed with it. He said that he wouldn't have thought twice about it if I said that it was a 2007 instead of a 97 (he's not up on the body styles of the Lexus line). Again, thanks to this board for helping me make my decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFeldes Posted March 30, 2008 Share Posted March 30, 2008 Congratulations and Welcome to the club....Sounds like you did well.. We like pictures ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProEng Posted March 30, 2008 Author Share Posted March 30, 2008 I'll work on getting some pictures posted soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bwilliams Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 I'll work on getting some pictures posted soon. Congrats, good choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fiveofakind Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 You cant go wrong owning a Lexus......i have a '92 LS400 with 245K on it.....runs great......hoping for 300k mark.... Congrats on your purchase....... Keep reading this forum.......alot of useful information that will save you $$$$$'s dollars in the future if you are a DIY'er.... We love to keep the $$$$'s out of the dealer's pockets.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake918 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Congrats!!! Considering the 90k service runs about $1500, that's not a bad deal seeing that you bought a low mileage car from a Lexus dealer. Enjoy it!! B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddielasvegas Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 Congrats. Post pics. Eddie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmarG Posted April 1, 2008 Share Posted April 1, 2008 You cant go wrong owning a Lexus......i have a '92 LS400 with 245K on it.....runs great......hoping for 300k mark....Congrats on your purchase....... Keep reading this forum.......alot of useful information that will save you $$$$$'s dollars in the future if you are a DIY'er.... We love to keep the $$$$'s out of the dealer's pockets.... Blake, you drive so much! I thought my 25k a year was a ton, but i think you leave me in the dust. Everytime i see you post your mileage goes up by 5k. Back to main post.... congrats man! you'll love your lex. I wish i had the money for a newer mint LS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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