Any common problems that you know of with this car?Looking into buying one for my 16 yr old son.l love anything Toyota and feel like it may be a good purchase even though it is OLD.(Want a car with liability only to keep costs down at his age)Thanks!

No, these r great cars. l am definitly a dodge person but l have to admit that toyota does make a good car. Before u buy though, run a carfax or equivilent history report on the vin number. This will come up with any repairs mechanical or cosmetic with the car. No matter what brand there is always a possibility that u will get a lemon, but l know my aunt & uncle bought a 1997 lexus es300 (Not sure if es is exactly right) with 90000 on it with up to date repair data (the owner was not mechanicly inclined) & the only thing ever done was oil changes & brakes. l would say if u care getting it for a good price go for it.

Kiki:
You r a really good mom to buy this car, or any car, for ur young son. However, does he agree with this? The LS400 is more of an old(er) folks car.

Assuming the response is yes: The LS400 is a great car but parts & service r expensive. For example, it requires a major service every 60K miles which includes changing the timing belt & valve adjustment (some folks push this to higher mileage, but that is the specification). This service costs at least $1,200 & typically more (have seen it cost up to $2,000 depending on parts replaced).

l am not familiar with any common (pattern) failures for this vehicle, but things do wear out or break.

To keep with u love of Toyota, consider a Corolla. The 2001 & after models use a timing chain in place of a timing belt. This eliminates an expensive service item. The Corolla was redesigned in 2003 & considerably upgraded.

But whatever car u purchase, have it completely checked out by ur mechanic. The car should be put on a rack & checked from underneath for fluid leaks & damage. At least one front & rear wheel should be pulled to inspect brakes (all four is better). Look for body work, etc. In California we have good emissions standards & a dyno smog test tells a lot about engine condition. The smog technician can interpret the report for: HC/NOX/CO%. This level of service typically cost between $100 & $150 at ur local independent.
Good luck! Marc

If u can find a 95 Lexus LS400 with reasonable mileage on it l would tell u to go for it! Especially if the have regular maintenance records on it,There was not much that u would have to worry about going wrong with it. Other then the lack of maintaining it, or careless driving! & with the functioning standard equipment, It may even be a better buy with ur sons age & insurance! It would not be a bad idea to run a car history check on it, In fact l would recommend it! I've seen the most trustworthy looking of sellers be wrong about the car history whether it was lack of knowledge or deception. Good Luck

l doubt you will have problems with this car.