1996 Lexus LS400 a good buy?

Well you must be very excited, here are somethings to think about. Step 1: go to KBB.com and select used cars and input the data that the dealer says. For me (I live in AZ) it came around to $5,400. Now yours shouldn't be too far from that but if it is negotiations may need to take place. For example KBB says 5250 and the dealer wants 6000 make him an offer for 5500. Also personally I wouldn't go for a car over 100,000 miles because it may need more service. Check with your local Lexus/Toyota dealership and find out how much certain parts cost.(i.e. brakes, shocks, heating/cooling, etc.) Also because of the natural forces at work in Michigan you may have trouble starting the car most cars cool with water, and as you know, water freezes. A final thought is to make sure that this is a respected dealer. Make sure they aren't giving you a car that's actually worth three grand. Oh and a final final note is that make sure the car title isn't salvaged, it'll be much harder to resell when your ready. Good luck and I hope that everything works out in your favor!

At the rate of 12,000 miles per year that an average car is driven every year, the mileage is under what it should given the year. That is a good sign. The LS400 came with the larger displacment engine, that's also a plus. The downsides, this particular year and model were notorious for having electrical and suspension breakdowns. I would take time with your decision on this one and check it out thoroughly. Push every single button before you buy the thing. Don't pay more than $5500.00 if you really dig it. It's also rear wheeldrive which means it's not going to be the most suitable for snow, unless your into drifting......

That's not a bad price assuming the car is in good condition and, but it really depends on how good of condition the car is in both mechanically, body wise, and interior. Does the car have features like moon roof, leather seats, etc. Get somebody you trust that knows about cars to come look at the car with you. Remember if they are asking $6K that is their starting price to negotiate. You can bring the price down. Look at classified ads on the internet for similar cars. You can't make exact comparisons, and you will pay a premium getting the car from a dealership, but it will let you know if you are in the ballpark. My hunch is that $6K is reasonable starting point for the dealer's asking price on this car. EDIT: 132K is normal mileage for a car like that. About 11,000 miles a year. Americans drive a lot of miles per year (approx. 15K).

WOW.............1st car you are always foolish to pay mad money for your first, BUT NO WAY WOULD I PAY THIS FOR A 96, if you even gave him 2 grand 4 that he'd be laughing at you!! and for that age you'd at least expect like, 90, 000 miles max, were has he droven to ireland and back, well heres a pure irish wrd i use, BOLOX! ; ) For a first car get something small n cheap, dnt go out to impress, ( i did with my first car, paid 3,000 euro, and within 2 months went in to a wall) you do silly things with your first car, and do expect to get a few bangs, and thoes bangs only make you become better at driving!! : ) dont pay this!! snow or an avalanch if i spelled it right, get a small n cheap car for your first!

Just make sure everything is working on the car. I would offer $5,250 - $5,500. If the car is rear wheel drive, it is a terrible choice. My LS400 is rear wheel drive and is terrible on the snowy and icy roads in Kentucky. Keep in mind that mechanical repairs on a Lexus are always expensive. Good luck.

First, run a carfax report. If it checks out ok, with no accidents, go get it before I do. the lexus will run 300,000 miles if taken care of. 6000.00 is a steal if it checks out ok. I live in northern indiana so don't think i won't go and get it :-)! From your friendly Toyota Salesperson :)

Well, Kelly Blue Book shows the value of the car around $9K in excellent condition. So with a price at $6K, my guess is that the dealer knows the car has problems.