advice on 2nd generation Legend?

I currently drive a 1986 BMW 528e, which I like quite a bit. However, the mileage is high(275,000) and the design is getting very old. I'm primarily considering getting a next-generation BMW 5-Series or Mercedes 300E, but have always loved the second generation Legends. I know I can get ahold of a few for less than $5,000.

Could anyone tell me about the reliability and cost of parts for these cars? Over the past year, I've put in about $2,000 to keep the BMW running well. Japanese cars are supposed to be reliable, but could a Legend potentially cost even more than this to maintain? At what point(s) do Legends require greater than average maintainence? When does the mileage become excessive?

I really appreciate the input any of you might have regarding any of my questions. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Craig

I'd be weary of a G2 that is being sold for under $5k. That being said, Legends are "Honda reliable". Maintenance costs are a little higher than the average car as parts can sometimes be expensive, but overall, outside of regular maintenance items, few things break.

Known, and somewhat common issues are a cracked radiator, faulty door lock actuator, broken transmission mount... err.... that's all I can think of right now. These are basically change-once-in-a-long-time type items.

Other than that, the largest maintenance item is the timing belt/water pump service at 90k.

Legends, well taken care off, can easily go 300,000 miles, and have been known to go much longer than that.

Thanks a lot. I know $5K isn't an awful lot to work with. However, your indications of problem areas match those of other posters perfectly. I'll be sure to check those issues out if looking at a car.

I greatly appreciate your comments.

Originally posted by Craig Sieminski
Thanks a lot. I know $5K isn't an awful lot to work with. However, your indications of problem areas match those of other posters perfectly. I'll be sure to check those issues out if looking at a car.

I greatly appreciate your comments.


What's up Polak, I got the same prob, but my Legend is prob in much worse cond and I am probobly gonna get it 4 free or 100bux, but I was wonderin the same thing.

Also, are their a lot of parts/ and body kits for legends???