Friend of mine is looking for a reliable daily driver, to keep the mileage off his newly acquired Lexus LS460 L. He wasn't really interested in the used car market, but we reckoned it won't hurt to take a look. We were mainly looking at new Crown Vics, so we went to check out a few used 2003+ models. Accidently, we came across a 2000 LS400 with 120,000 km (75,000 miles) on the clock. It's got the 1UZ-FE 4.0L, mated to an A650E 5-speed auto.
It's a one owner vehicle (being sold by the original owner), and quite clean cosmetically. The only thing that worries me is nothing has been serviced other than engine oil/filter, air filter and brake pads. The ATF isn't brown, but has a dark red tint to it. Everything else has just been topped off. Coolant is somewhat nasty looking, as is the brake fluid. Haven't had an opportunity to check anything else, but she drives nicely.
Obviously, if this vehicle is purchased, about $500 will need to be set aside for maintenance. But is $13,000 really worth it for a vehicle with nothing but mainly oil changes? Although I have quite the soft spot for Lexus', at $13k, I would put my money on a brand new Crown Vic (P72). Not quite the bells and whistles as the LS400, but at least he would be the first owner and there's no history to worry about. Any opinions?
It's a one owner vehicle (being sold by the original owner), and quite clean cosmetically. The only thing that worries me is nothing has been serviced other than engine oil/filter, air filter and brake pads. The ATF isn't brown, but has a dark red tint to it. Everything else has just been topped off. Coolant is somewhat nasty looking, as is the brake fluid. Haven't had an opportunity to check anything else, but she drives nicely.
Obviously, if this vehicle is purchased, about $500 will need to be set aside for maintenance. But is $13,000 really worth it for a vehicle with nothing but mainly oil changes? Although I have quite the soft spot for Lexus', at $13k, I would put my money on a brand new Crown Vic (P72). Not quite the bells and whistles as the LS400, but at least he would be the first owner and there's no history to worry about. Any opinions?