Help! 97 Lexus LS 400 owners/dealers/mechanics, tell me if I'm getting screwed...?

Question

100k, CLEAN, $9850...the blue book said around 13-14,000??? Aren't these really expensive to keep up?? Explain if u can..

Answer 1

10 yr old top of the line car, if anythig goes wrong which it will, do you have a grand in the bank to fix it? Great car, but it's not american so fixing will cost$$$ If you can get a loan for $12k put the $2000.00 in a reserve account otherwise buy a cheap America car. I know it's all about statis but come on, your really going from point a to b, it's just transportation buy what does not cost you a arm & leg, used lux -liners are for people who are very rich only they can afford to fix them!

Answer 2

It is a fair enough price on a 97 LS 400, remember this was a $55000 car when new and Lexus' in general hold there values very well. If the car has the Nakamichi and traction control, the price sounds even better.

Upkeep is not that expensive, as nothing really ever breaks on them. In fairness, any part that it does not share with Toyota is a little more expensive, but overall the LS400 is probably the best car made.

I would want to verify the timing belt was changed at 90k or so miles (Lexus has an internal database that can verify service based on the VIN number). Do not take the salespersons word on this, get it in writing. It is a fairly expensive service.

The starter in particular tends to go at 100k miles. The part is $130 on the internet, or $250+ brand new. No big deal, but it takes 6+ hrs of labor and a few gasket repairs to get to it. So figure on $500 - $800 to get that done. Otherwise everything else that would go at this many miles is not any more expensive to fix than a Toyota.

Answer 3

Very expensive for a 97.

Answer 4

JESUS CHRIST THAT'S EXPENSIVE for a lexus! 1995-1997 bmw 5-series dont cost that much!