Couple Of "tempting" Ls400s... 95 & A 99

90LS400Lexus · October 11, 2009

Just browsing some local LS400s and found a couple that are promising, but one seems overpriced... maybe not. I love my 91 LS, engine and tranny are still so perfect, but it has minor nagging issues, that once corrected, it will be a fine car again, but wonder if maybe I should try to find something newer, less miles- even though I know its a matter of time before these will have the same woes. ;) The 91 LS was supposed to go to my mom for a better car, but wondering if this 95 LS or the 90 TC would be better for her or me and give her the Mercedes... if I got the 99 LS400, that would be mine though. :)

I found a nice, local 1995 LS400, with 155K for $3900 (which is $100 less than I had put down for my 1991 LS400 two years ago- naturally they show up once you have bought another :rolleyes: ). All maintainence up to date and no problems mentioned. That price seems real fair- no photos posted yet.

Then there is this local 1999 LS400 with 139K, beautiful black with tan, but its $9750. They say NADA book is $13850. Seems like a good deal... I have not "priced" the 99 models, but I just know this one looks sweet! I dont know... I have seen some 2001 LS430s for not much more than this. Hmmm.

http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/1415667691.html

THEN, I have found something totally different that may suit me better- not sure. A 1990 Lincoln Town Car with 83K actual and one-owner miles for $1650. It looks like brand new in and out. I fell in love with it when I saw it. It does NOT have the costly air-suspension option. It has the 5.0L engine, while its a good engine, I think these are the ones that also had the valve seals problem that surfaced around 130K, but for $1650, a little work down the road may not be bad. Probably cheaper to service... who knows it may be a really bad idea.

billydpowell · October 11, 2009

I drove the town cars for 10 years, 90-97 models, and they are wonderful, just not a LS400. they do start burning a little oil after 100k or so. but oil is cheap... if you cant handle a LS, the TC is /would be my next choice

here are a couple of my old ones

90LS400Lexus · October 11, 2009

I drove the town cars for 10 years, 90-97 models, and they are wonderful, just not a LS400. they do start burning a little oil after 100k or so. but oil is cheap... if you cant handle a LS, the TC is /would be my next choice
here are a couple of my old ones

Thanks Billy. My uncle has a 1997 Town Car which looks like the ones you had (which are nice rides by the way!), only its an ice blue color. He had sought out this car for years... he wanted a 1997 (being the last year of that body style) with low miles. He finally found one with 29K actual miles 3 years ago in his area in Richmond. I have rode in that car three times when he has drove it down and its unreal how the car rides. Its literally like being on a cloud (which I am sure is paid for by sloppy handling, lol)! It has around 78K now, but is still so tight and rattle free. He dont baby the car either... he soars across rr tracks, pot holes, etc. It makes me cringe (even though you dont feel them :D), as I would baby that car if it were mine... I baby all of the ones I have now... slow over rr tracks, avoid pot holes, etc.

I dont like the 1998 and up TCs. I would like to find a 1995-97 if I ever did get a Town Car... I hear less about the valve seals problem on those than I do on the 1990-94 models. I was often confused how the 90 5.0L had the issue, as did the 91-94 4.6L. I thought one was OK before, but I think both have their issues dont they? I like the instrument panels on the 1990-94s better... strange I know, but I like the layout better. I have not ever seen a 1995-97 Town Car smoking... was this issue cured by 1995? Was the engine tweaked by then to stop this?

I guess we will see. I may try to look at that 1990 TC on Tuesday and make an offer if its not sold. @ 85K, it may not be an oil burner yet, but like you said, its cheap. I have heard of people driving these cars up over 200K like this. :huh:

Again, I love my LS, but this just seems like a really good deal and wondering if I should check this or the 1995 LS400 out and see whats happening. I have really been wanting a 1991-96 Chevrolet Caprice Classic if I did end up getting another car.... <_<

Thanks again.

billydpowell · October 11, 2009

I dont like the 1998 and up TCs either. has a different ride (mercury)

The 1995-97's dont noticebly smoke, but will be a quart low at 3000 oil change.

If you want a chevrolet, you must like spending money. they made my living for 30 years at my shop.

1995-97 LS is my choice... I just like them better. and miles dont bother me, how they were put on does. both of mine are high miles 235&243k. but are smooth as silk and super clean.

good luck (but pray a lot also) I think HE's waiting to hear from you... it says "if any man lack wisdom, let him ask GOD".

cheers..