Sell your 1998 Lexus LS for cash

The 1998 Lexus LS is a midsize car that came with a 4.0L 8-cyl engine. At 28 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1998 Lexus LS at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines4.0L 8-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 5-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂468 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA1 configuration
Age28 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 28 years old, most of a 1998 LS's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 126,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1998 Lexus LS recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Lexus LS. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 1998 LS problems

Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 1998 Lexus LS with NHTSA. 7 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 3 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Vehicle Speed Control12
  • Electrical System4
  • Tires4
  • Unknown or Other3
  • Air Bags2
  • Electrical System2

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Vehicle Speed Control126,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other80,000 mi

1998 Lexus LS service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 59 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1998 Lexus LS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment6
  • Electrical System5
  • Unknown or Other4
  • Equipment3
  • Equipment3
  • Equipment3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2022 · Safety Recall 22

    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · Lexus PRO19-02 -

    POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 2020 · Lexus Safety Re

    Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2020 · L-SB-0008-20

    TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1998 Lexus LS.

Vehicle Speed ControlDP03003 · opened Jul 2003, closed Sep 2003

Unintended engine speed increase/sa

On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year Lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which result

Selling a 1998 LS: questions

How much is a 1998 Lexus LS worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1998 LS that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1998 LSs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1998 LS?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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