Pre-purchase walkaround
1998 Lexus LS 400 (XF20)
145,000 miles · asking $8,500
Five-year cost to own, maintenance and fuel
~$6,700
A supremely durable luxury sedan that runs forever if maintained, but it is old now and the money goes into rubber, seals, and suspension bushings rather than the drivetrain. The 1UZ engine is nearly bulletproof; everything around it ages.
The roadmap
145k → 205k mi · 12k a yearYear 1Brakes and consumables.~$891
Year 2The ordinary rhythm: scheduled work and fuel.~$1,145
Yrs 3-5Suspension comes around again. · The quiet year.~$4,660
Five years, all in~$6,700
typical parts + government labor rates (national labor rates) · an estimate, not a quote
What to look for on this one
Every used example of this chassis has the same questions. The bands show when each tends to surface; the gold line is this car at 145,000 miles.
Timing belt service overdue$900-$2,660 if not done
0typical window 90k-105k · this car: 145k, past it165k mi
The 1UZ-FE is an interlerence engine and needs belt, tensioner, and water pump service on interval. Many neglected examples are running on an unknown belt. No obvious symptom until it fails, then major engine damage.
Worn suspension bushings and struts$660-$1,800 if not done
0typical window 100k-180k · this car: 145k, inside the window165k mi
Rubber bushings and shocks wear out with age and mileage on these heavy sedans, matching the suspension complaints. Clunks over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
windows from 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA and community service data · · profile researched with cited sources, review pending
1 recall + 59 service bulletins + 1 investigation →
Federal defect investigations
UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SA · DP03003
Recalls (verify completion by VIN)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E026000
Service bulletins by area
EQUIPMENT (18) · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12) · POWER TRAIN (5) · VISIBILITY (5)
Hand this to your inspector
A $300 inspection against this list is the best money in the whole deal.
01Ask for timing belt service records; if unknown, budget to do it before anything else.
02Check the top of the engine (valve covers, cam seals) for oil seepage.
03Drive over bumps listening for suspension clunks; inspect control arm bushings and shock condition.
04Test every electrical accessory: power seats, memory, all windows, sunroof, climate, dash display pixels.
Walking into a negotiation?
This roadmap as a PDF, priced for your zip code, with the inspection checklist, a fair price for this example, and the negotiation sheet. Saved to your garage the moment you pay.
$29
saved to your garage
Just keeping tabs? , no account needed.
typical parts + government labor rates · an estimate, not a quotecheck another car →