1999 Lexus LS 400
Vehicle details
Another late model available in Australia (one of two spotted online at the time of writing - December 2021). This example has low ks under 200,000, and looks in great condition overall, with a few minor dings and blemishes that you'd expect for a car that's over 20 years old. This is the last of the first generation LS400 - which benefited from a number of upgrades and improvements throughout the 90s decade. For this reason, I think these are the most collectable of the 400 series.. See the original advertisement here, where the seller was asking $9,900 AUD.
In the original ad, the seller made the following comments about the car:
Arguably the best version of the LS400 offered. These are quite hard to find nowadays and are being increasingly sought after.
Selling after 18 months of ownership as I'm looking to get a small 4x4 for camping/off-roading.
I'm the 3rd/4th owner of the vehicle and purchased the car from the ACT. In my ownership the car has been serviced approx. every 6 months (licenced mechanic) and has had minimal use over this time given COVID (logbooks and paperwork available)
Since purchasing I've done approx. 10k km, and shortly after purchasing I've had major services carried out (with receipts, cost over $2k), including:
- Timing Belt
- Water Pump
- Rocker Cover gaskets
- 8x Spark Plug replacements
- Coolant Flush
- Machined Brake Disks
The engine & transmission are healthy and operate exactly as expected (no leaks), and with the timing belt (& associated) service completed it will simply need periodic fluid changes for the next 100-150k. It has super low kms given its age and is likely one of the lowest mileage examples that has been on the market over the last year.
Things that I would recommend being done in the near-term:
- Transmission Flush (not completed under my ownership)
- New Tyres (still plenty of tread but they are getting on in age)
As you will note in the photos, the car does have some hail damage from the ACT hailstorms in Jan 2020 which I would describe as being light-moderate across the top of the car. I've included as many pictures as possible of the damage on the car, but they pretty much aren't visible from more than 5-10m away.
The car also has a largeish dent on the rear right door, after some drunken guy decided to kick it (and other cars on the street too)
None of this damage has really bothered me as isn't too obvious and I'm happy to provide more pics for interested parties.
Otherwise cosmetically, the exterior of the car is in good condition. I would rate the paint as 8/10 and I've religiously detailed the car (& headlights) to restore the lustre in the paint and attempt to blend in the hail damage. There is only one tiny patch of paint fade on the car right below the headlights on the front bumper and only one bit of surface rush (approx. 2-3cm in length) at the corner of the rear right quarter panel (will send pics to interested parties).
The interior of the car is in great condition with no tears (minor wear on driver's seat as expected) or major stains/marks. Had the gear knob replaced as the wood trim was falling apart. All the switch gear works as intended as well.
Being a 23-year-old car, and one prone to minor electrical issues, this one has been relatively trouble-free. The only persistent issue is the drivers-side mirror extending further out each time the ignition is turned on (rectified by pressing and releasing the folding mirror button).