How Do You Tell Is A Lexus Is Platinum Edition

[kj4hi]

Hi everyone,

This is my first visit to the forum. Sure wish I had know of this before. Here is my question. I am about to purchase a 2000 LS400 and the seller says it is the Platinum Edition. How do I tell the difference between that and a regular LS 400? The seller listed navigation system in the ad, yet is not sure if it has it as he is brokering this car for a relative. I have seen pictures of the car and it is in mint condition. 87K+ miles. I am buying the car for under $11K. My mechanic tells me it is a good price. I just want to be sure I am getting what I think I am buying.

I appreciate the fast response as I am scheduled to pickup the car on Friday.

PJH

[BarryW]

Maybe he misquoted and meant to say it had the platinum warranty, which is usually 7 years/100,000 miles, in which case it will soon expire as to years.

[landar]

You can tell if it is a Platinum edition if it has special badging indicating so. And special trim, a few other small items. Really not much difference and should not be a deal breaker.

See this post -> http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51277&st=0&p=335007&hl=platinum&fromsearch=1entry335007

[1990LS400]

I have a 2000 LS400 Platinum Series and provided information about it in http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=31180&st=0&p=202036&hl=Platinum&fromsearch=1entry202036

You can also read about the standard and Platinum Series equipment at http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf

My gallery has a couple of photos of my LS: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showuser=2157&tab=gallery

$11K seems a bit high. I would expect more in the $8,000 to $9,000 range and maybe that is too high.

The 00 LS400's with nav seem to be the most likely to also have air suspension. Be prepared to deal with it if it does.

There haven't been any navigation updates for the 98-00 nav in over five years but you could always use a portable nav or install an aftermarket nav/audio system if you use an HVAC controller from a non-nav 98-00 LS.

[VBdenny]

The price does seem a little high but that all depends on the condition and care the car has received. AT 87K, you are easily due for a timing belt change, water pump and tensioners. It is also a good time to have all the fluids changed. I recently turned down an opportunity to buy a 99 KS400 for $9K with the exact same miles. I thought the car was great however, I would have had to sell my 90 LS400 which I couldn't bear to do.