Buying a Lexus with 100k miles

Found two cars I am trying to decide on purchasing one is a LS400 96 with 101k on it and the other is a GS400 98 with 93k on it. What can be expected out of a Lex with that many miles already on it. IS it going to be a money sink for maintence? I see alot of people driving there lex's and reselling them with over 150k on them so it seems there is still alot of life in these cars after 90k. My current daily driver is a 05 Altima that has a little over 6 k dumped into. Trying to decide to cut my losses now on her and dip into a real VIP platform or just hold off till I can snag one with lower miles. Any input would be great from some of you Lexus owners. Car probaly won't be there for long.:confused:

all depends on your budget. the ls400, does it have air ride stock? no? then not worth it (to me) unless the price is cheap.  

what's the price on both of them? how many owners per car? do they have all the service records? if not, when was the last service record that can be accounted for? these are all things you have to look into when buying a car. find these out, then get back to us.

just make sure the 90K service is done...thats the major one! if it has been you're good!

As long as it runs and drivs good, fluids look good, no smoking, no leaks, .....your good. Run a carfax to check the history. 

I had a lexus with 130XXX, one with 150,xxx, and I have on e now with 185,xxx miles. They all run perfect. Never did anything other than regular maintenence.

Well the guy sold the car and then was trying to get me to buy a ES that I didn't want. He is trying to low ball me on my trade in for my alt and saying he will value you at 8500 when its at 10300 without the mods etc. I know you dont get the re sell value from mods but I know my car is worth more then eff 85. Anyways trying to work with this dude who is interested in my car and buying it flat out. 

The 90k mile service is done by a certified lexus dealer is why it is important right? I am looking at some GS300's right now. Anything in particular I need to look out for? I found some with 60-90k miles in my range 14-17k. Trying to get at least 10 for my car and throw down the other 5ish. Man i hate dudes in suits and ties who think they know shit, I almost come unglued when he said 85 DAYUM  ^ ^

wholesale and retail trade-in values arent the same. Its not that he's trying to 'get you'.....thats just how it is with used cars. 

it is ALWAYS best to sell to a private party and then use the cash to negotiate with 'the guys in suits' ;) 

oh, a Lexus will run forever if you change the oil. LoL!!

Good luck!!! :)

take your mod's off then. sell them for the extra cash, or if you need to, sell the car outright to someone, then take the money, and use that to negotiate. bring a kbb of your car/the car you are buying, use that to negotiate too. once you feel the price is right, and that's all you are willing to pay, sit on it. don't budge, not even 25 dollars (they will do that too, try to get you to pay just 25 more a month) then if they keep saying no, walk out. they'll call you if they want to sell the car bad enough.

dont think of it by "lexus" its just a toyota. dont you here nothing but good things about toyotas??

Thanks for the support guys actually - After reading the forums for a couple months and never saying much I never thought I'd get this much help. My girlfriend thinks i am insane for trading in my 05 with 45k on it for a 98ish with 85k. Come to think of it that is sort of crazy though. I told her this would be my last "car re-up" untill we buy the house.

[QUOTE=pat_boy;54868]Thanks for the support guys actually - After reading the forums for a couple months and never saying much I never thought I'd get this much help. My girlfriend thinks i am insane for trading in my 05 with 45k on it for a 98ish with 85k. Come to think of it that is sort of crazy though. I told her this would be my last "car re-up" untill we buy the house.[/QUOTE]

LOL! thats funny. i had to sell my GS to buy a house.

[QUOTE=xbizzle;54521]just make sure the 90K service is done...thats the major one! if it has been you're good![/QUOTE]

wrd,

lexus cars go 300k no problem, as long as they are taken care of.

Toyota will run forever those cars that you mention still have long way to go

Thanks everyone. I am looking at a 99 GS300 94k and a 98 LS4 with 83. hopefully this get buys my car with a pre approved loan check so i can go down and just xfer the title  because we got the same bank. Wish me luck!

I recommend the 98 LS.  I bought mine with 129K, now with 152K.  Love the car.  Coming from the "tuner" scene with a ride that gave me crazy back pain, I actually enjoy my commute now.  

Warning, while they will run for ever if properly maintained, know that the "maintenance" part can get expensive.  As long as you budget properly for the occasional $1000 repair bill (specifically, the timing belt/water pump @ 90K).

I have no regrets with my purchase, and plan on driving it until it won't go anymore.  The BEST car I have ever owned/driven.  Just be ready to get crazy stares as people try to comprehend how you are rolling in a Lexus...they look impressive for a long time.

Good Luck,
jeremy

Bought my 95 ls400 with 129k, now 142k, been running strong, only thing I changed so far is the power steering high pressure hose and pump. I changed to synthetic oil and the car runs 10x better the when I first purchased it.

When you start to approach the 100K mile mark, you do have to look at certain wear and tear items. For the GS, and some early LS, make sure you really check the lower ball joints. When they fail, it is not pretty. Rubber bushings on Lexus cars don't last long. That is the price you pay for that nice isolated smooth ride. They can start cracking and going bad by 60K. By 100K I personally would be inspecting them and probaly changing them. Most of my Lexus cars that had around 100K had cracked or completely failed rubber suspension busings here and there. Lower control arm seems to take a beating. Transmission mounts are another thing that start going bad at that mileage. Even the transmission mounts can go bad by then as well. Steering rack bushings is another one. Very common on the early SC/LS, so probably the same on the later years. Also need to check the sway bar links.

My 99 LS400 only has 48K miles on it but I'm already starting to hear some creaks and groans from the stock suspension. Going to have to check it out and replace parts before I install the air suspension.

Also keep in mind, the Lexus LS line is generally accepted as the most reliable cars available...  In consumer reports, the 99 LS tops the chart, even now.

I personally drive a 93 LS.  I replaced my coolant fill tank since the top seal went bad.  That and I did an oil change and ran seafoam through it.

I used to drive Nissan 240sx's and a Volkswagen Jetta GLX vr6.  I do not regret buying my LS at all, not even for a second.

i bought a 93 gs with 120000 when i bought it and i drove that thing into the ground for about 3 years, the only thing i had to do is when i bought it i had to replace the altinator other then that no problems at all...i just traded it in when i bought my f50 and it had 180000 on it, but it held up great, the interior got really used but it ran awsome

Again guys thanks alot for all the info. Should I stay away from used lexus's at used non-lexus dealers. Like i.e. Mike's Suzuki or something along those lines. Should I try to make a purchase through a used lexus dealer as the maintence to the car was done through them more then likely rather then some random joe?Thanks- (arigatou)

just get the VIN# and go to your nearest lexus and let them run the VIN to check maintenance history. thats if you decide to go with a non-lexus dealer

I'm getting ready to acquire a 91 LS w/140K. I will def. check back with this post for more info.

[QUOTE=UcanTry;55340]i bought a 93 gs with 120000 when i bought it and i drove that thing into the ground for about 3 years, the only thing i had to do is when i bought it i had to replace the altinator other then that no problems at all...i just traded it in when i bought my f50 and it had 180000 on it, but it held up great, the interior got really used but it ran awsome[/QUOTE]

How much is the usual 90k service at the dealer if it has not been done yet?

Update***

Me and my girl of 3 years broke up after I found some gift cards from an ex boyfriend in her purse!! Dam viet girls! 
Anyhow I sold the DD I was letting her use and have more fundage now for my JDM dream. Looking at about a 20-22k range. 
Just having trouble really between a GS300 or a G35 Coupe.
I know the G35 is not  a true VIP car but the ones that I have seen inspired a super nice. Anyways just wanted to kee everyone updated! Hope to come back with some better news over the next month!! ^_______^

[url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=224456506&dealer_id=89091&car_year=2002&model=GS300&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1998&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=1&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=77627&advanced=&end_year=2008&pager.offset=0&doors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=261[/url]

[url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=210335889&dealer_id=58595781&car_year=2002&model=GS300&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1998&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=1&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=77627&advanced=&end_year=2008&pager.offset=0&doors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=266[/url]

sell your car privately, dealers will always rip you off. 

also buy your GS privately if you can, cut the dealer middleman. 

How much can u get for your 05 altima ? at least try to come out ahead after buying your GS.

90,000~ is nothing for a toyota / lexus.

Oh i already sold the altima for KBB price to a co-worker just waiting for the lean release to come in to have the registration switched into her name! Ya Private sellers ftw!

[QUOTE=Bippu Styling;55394]I'm getting ready to acquire a 91 LS w/140K. I will def. check back with this post for more info.[/QUOTE]

ended up picking up a 03 LS430 w/ 50K mi. instead of the 400. this vehicle is just immaculate!

how much you drop on the ls?

this is a good thread. im looking at ucf10's and was looking for lower mileage one's but now im probably gonna see if i cant find one with around 100k that way the timing belt/water pump will be new. thanks

i picked up my '91 w/ 79K miles on it...lets just say i got it for cheap but it didn't have any service records...i'd probably feel more comfortable buying an LS w/ 100K miles that had full service records from original owner...more piece of mind that way...

exactly, mines gonna be making a couple of long trips (florida to wyoming and back to florida) and id feel safer knowing the maintenance will be done. the 1st gen ls400's run timing chains right?

going to look at this car over the weekend

 [url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=214840853&dealer_id=100008308&car_year=2002&model=GS300&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=1998&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=mileageASC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=mileageASC&address=77627&advanced=y&end_year=2002&doors=&transmission=&max_price=15000&cardist=263[/url]

[QUOTE=RotaryAE86;71407]exactly, mines gonna be making a couple of long trips (florida to wyoming and back to florida) and id feel safer knowing the maintenance will be done. the 1st gen ls400's run timing chains right?[/QUOTE]

no, they run timing belts. as long as it's a ucf10 it's non interference engine, so even if the belt breaks you don't have to worry about bending valves.

I went and looked at this car - very clean - 90k mile service done and everything seemed to check out - i just dont know about the color

[url]http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=226603785&dealer_id=60664891&car_year=2001&model=GS300&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=2000&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=LEXUS&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=77627&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=14000&cardist=232[/url]

Ok dropped out for a while haha been a long time since I posted. But come monday I am back on the hunt in the houston area for a lexus gs/ls400. 
I loss 4 k on my truck sell, ill never buy domestic again and ill never own a truck again unless i have a 21 ft boat behind it.

Been looking at autotrader.com and ebay.

with a 10k budget for the car i know its going to be 100k mile range, its crunch time and im nervous its gonna be my DD.

dont worry about it dude, these cars are RELIABLE. my LS ive had for over a year now and no issues and im roundin the 200k corner!!!
also what i did was search auto trader and with the cars i was interested in id get the VIN # and call a lexus dealer and check the service history. if there wasnt any id cross that car off my list.

hey man thanks alot for the confidence, does the lexus dealer charge for that service?

nope, free of charge. i think i just asked for the service department

man i cant find anything in houston area...

[quote=RaCinStylez;55094]wrd,

lexus cars go 300k no problem, as long as they are taken care of.[/quote]
Im going to have to agree with you on that one. Ive raced my SC for a couple years now. The motor has a little over 300k on the clock. Since then it used to be a regular at track days, seen a couple autocross tracks, and the crazy thing of all is Im currently shooting a 150 shot of dry nitrous in it right now. Still holds up like a champion. Im confident the motor will do fine on boost but Im leaning towards getting a GTE. 

But anyway, maintenance is key on these motors. The 1UZ is a tough motor with its crazy iron block. If you're going to be anything with a 1UZ that has "high mileage" just make sure the 90k was done and you're good. Goodluck on the new purchase.

ok Im a LS400 Owner Im Unsure about the GS.
 
For the LS400 the Best Years are from 93 and Up.
 
Because of the Options that were Improved in 1993.
 
Look into the Electronics of the LS400.
 
Some Repairs can still be Expensive for that Year.
 
Example;
 
Most LS400s have a Problem with the Speedo Gauge Blinking On and Off.
 
It Cost around $200- $350 on Ebay to Fix but I have Learned its a Very Common Problem.
 
So If You Buy an LS400 Make Sure the Electrical is Up to Par as well as Service Records.
 
[B]DO A POINT EXPECTION BEFORE PURCHASE!!!  :rules:[/B]
 
[B] My Lexus has Exceled Past mu Wildest Dreams[/B]
Because I did the Research Before I bought the Car.
 
(I would get a LS400 over a GS AnyDay!!!)

if its lexus......it won't die. toyota never let me down

I hope I'm not thread jacking, but this is relative to the original post- 

Is it pretty common to buy these platforms with 100K+ on the odometer? I'm looking for a GS4 and still haven't gotten comfortable with the prospect of owning a car with that many miles.

yes its fine. go onto autotrader.com and take note of the mileage of most the cars for sale that are within your specs. i was the same way but i ended up getting a car with 170k and so far it has 185k with no issues. just at least make sure the 1st major service was done.

lots of really good info in this thread! currently looking at LS series and now know what to look for, etc