How much was a Lexus LS400 in 1997?
In the United States, a new Lexus LS400 in 1997 typically carried an MSRP around the mid-to-upper $50,000s, commonly cited between roughly $56,000 and $60,000 depending on options and regional pricing.
The LS400, Lexus’s flagship sedan of the time, blended luxury appointments with a V8 engine to compete with Europe’s top premium sedans. This article explains the price landscape of 1997, what could push the sticker up or down, and how buyers could see variations from one dealership to another.
Pricing context and typical ranges
In 1997, the price of a new LS400 was shaped by a base MSRP plus optional equipment, as well as regional dealer practices. The following list highlights the main factors that influenced the sticker price.
- Base MSRP in the U.S. commonly ranged from about $56,000 to $60,000, depending on the exact configuration and market.
- Option packages and luxury features (such as leather seating, upgraded trim, and sunroof) could push the price higher by several thousand dollars.
- Navigation, premium audio, and other technology options added noticeable cost for late-1990s buyers.
- Regional dealer pricing and local taxes could alter the final out-the-door price by a few thousand dollars.
Before exploring the specifics, here are the primary price drivers for the LS400 in 1997:
In sum, the LS400’s price in 1997 varied with configuration and location, but stayed within a defined premium bracket for full-size luxury sedans of the era.
Inflation-adjusted value
If you adjust the 1997 price for inflation to today’s dollars, the sticker range of roughly $56,000–$60,000 would translate to roughly $110,000–$120,000, depending on the inflation measure used. This gives a sense of how the car’s value compared with contemporary luxury sedans in today’s market.
Summary
For buyers in 1997, the Lexus LS400 was a premium purchase with a base price in the high $50,000s to around $60,000, with options capable of lifting the total well into the $60,000s. Regional pricing and added features created a range rather than a single fixed number. Inflation-adjusted, the 1997 price reflects a significant investment even by today’s luxury standards, underscoring the LS400’s position as a flagship sedan of its era.
How much was a Lexus in 1997?
1997 Lexus LS pricing starts at $4,024 for the LS LS 400 Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $54,495 when new. The range-topping 1997 LS LS 400 Sedan 4D starts at $4,024 today, originally priced from $54,495. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
How much did the LS 400 cost to develop?
Following eight design reviews, subsequent revisions, concept approval in February 1987, and over US$1 billion in development expenses, the final design for the production Lexus LS 400 (chassis code UCF10) was frozen in May 1987 with design patents filed on 20 February 1987 and 13 May 1987.
How much did a 1998 Lexus LS400 cost new?
$54,515
1998 Lexus LS Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| LS 400 Sedan 4D | $54,515 | $4,347 |
How much is a 1997 Lexus LS400 worth?
A 1997 Lexus LS 400 is worth anywhere from $1,082 to over $33,000, depending heavily on its condition, mileage, and originality. For a typical used vehicle, values range from approximately $3,350 to $6,900, but pristine examples in original condition can sell for much more at auction, sometimes reaching $17,000 to over $33,000.
Factors that influence the value
- Condition: A vehicle's condition is the most significant factor. A car in "outstanding" or "clean" condition will be worth considerably more than one in "rough" or "average" shape.
- Mileage: Low mileage is a major plus. A 1997 LS 400 with under 100,000 miles can fetch a much higher price.
- Originality: Vehicles that are in original, unmodified factory condition are more valuable to collectors.
- Special Editions: Specific editions, like the "Coach Edition," can have different valuation ranges.
- Market: The sales venue makes a big difference. A private sale or online auction of a pristine example will likely result in a higher price than a trade-in or a standard dealership sale.
Where to find a more specific valuation
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB): Provides an "average retail" value of about $5,300 for a car in average condition.
- Edmunds: Offers a valuation range of $1,082 to $4,793 based on condition.
- J.D. Power: Lists a range from a low retail of $3,350 to a high retail of $6,900 for cars in different conditions.
- Classic.com: Tracks sold vehicles and provides a market benchmark and specific comp data, showing that low-mileage, original cars can sell for over $17,000 or even higher.
