My brother has a '93 LS400 with 131k miles that was passed down from extended family, and it's in pretty bad condition. It needs about $4500 worth of work according to our family mechanic who has been trusted with the family's '90 LS400 (that hasn't moved in 2 years due to neglect and abuse after I left for college. why oh why wasn't I allowed to keep that car ). He can't afford to fix it. It's also got new tires.
So, long story short, my brother needs a car and I love fixing them. So what I'm considering is having him buy my Taurus from me (for $6,000) and taking the Lexus myself to fix (doubt it would cost me anything. I've been asked to keep an eye out for good ~$8K used cars to replace his and nobody thinks the Lexus is worth fixing but me). I've got the sheets from the mechanic, and it seems like most of this is stuff I can do/have already done to my Taurus. Plugs, wires, tensioners, idlers, belt, plugs, wires, distributor, brake pads+rotors (discs all around=easy, I hope) are about $2000 of the quoted $5000, and $1,300 of that is for a new computer because the resistor plate is hosed and the speedo doesn't work. I have a GPS unit that displays speed, so that's no biggie. The remainder of it is the driver power window master switch ($866), heater control valve that is leaking some engine coolant ($197.22), rear suspension toe adjustment retainer ($99) and rear main crankshaft seal that is leaking oil ($789) which I would probably have to have all done by the mechanic. Concievably I could get away with a great car and money in the bank if I'm willing to put some considerable time into the car, it's probably going to get junked if I don't.
I sourced all of the parts for the stuff I can do myself on LexusPartsOnline.com for about $1200, including brakes/discs all around and 100k service parts (that f'ing crankshaft gasket was only $22 at LPO). That leaves about $800 worth of stuff that I'd have the mechanic do. Does LPO ship all OEM parts, and are they reputable? Also, am I getting in over my head? I've got a truck to drive while the Lexus is under the knife, so to speak, and I've got a wide variety of hand tools and am willing to invest in more.
Will the driver's window motor/master switch and engine coolant expansion tank from a '90 LS400 fit on an '03? If so, that'd probably seal the deal for me.
edit: I've got a long-standing love of LS400's and it'd be real nice to be back in one, especially if it's going to mean money in the bank. If this goes through I look forward to being part of the club and I thank you all for your help.