Thinking of buying a 1996 LS 400 with 115K, are repairs expensive?
Asked by Austin_TC99 Jul 29, 2011 at 03:54 AM about the 1996 Lexus LS 400 RWD
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
I've found a beautiful 96 LS and I've heard they are total workhorses and should last forever. I'm living on disability income so the cost of repairs is a major issue for me. Are they a lot more expensive to maintain and repair than your average Toyota or Lincoln, etc.? I have an incredible mechanic so I wouldn't be taking it to a Lexus dealership for any maintenance or repairs. Thanks for any advice you're willing to share.
3 Answers
I own a 90' LS 400 and its got over 250,000 miles on it. Repairs can get expensive depending on how severe, but maintenance didnt cost much. A lot of stuff is easily DIY and not an issue. Just be wary of timing belt replacement at that kind of mileage. You have to make sure it was done, or do it as soon as get it
Austin_TC99 answered 13 years ago
Thanks Sam, that doesn't sound too bad. Thanks for reminding me about the timing belt I'd forgotten about those and know that's an expensive maintenance item. I've got to make up my mind in the next few days if I'm going to go for the Lexus, I'll update the forum when I've made up my mind. I really appreciate your input!
I have a 98 LS 400 I bought for $10k in 2006 with 144,000 miles on her. I spent 10K redoing EVERYTHING -- struts and air shocks, timing chain, water pump, pwr steering pump, brakes, tires, plugs, drive belts, coolant flush, tranny flush, differential flush, ball joints, battery, wipers, bulbs all around, alignment, all filters and everything else I could think of. I now have nearly 200,000 on it and it still runs like a champ, rides like a cloud and I even get 29mpg on long trips at 75 w/ AC on. It's a marvelous car. I'm thinking of getting a new car in the next 2 yrs and am almost settled on a Hyundai Genesis! Any questions -- send to dale@dalestrand.com
