Lexus LS400 - would you??
Discussion
I dunno why, but I've always had a soft spot for the original Lexus LS400. Something about them being engineered to be the best cars in the world at the time, better built in fact than any Merc or Jag. Their build quality is legendary and 250,000 miles is no problem...
Anyway, now that older ones are under a grand, Im seriously tempted to have one for a short spell, just as a second car (third car in our case)...
Has anyone had one? At this price would you be buying into a money pit??!!
Anyway, now that older ones are under a grand, Im seriously tempted to have one for a short spell, just as a second car (third car in our case)...
Has anyone had one? At this price would you be buying into a money pit??!!
I already did... and seriously wish I still had it.
Great engines, fantastic build quality, whisper quiet.
Things to watch out for are suspension bushes and ball joints, now they are getting on in the years
The LCD temperature screen can mist up and become illegible and requires a replacement screen soldered on
Gas struts for the bonnet can become weak
Engine and gearbox mounts may have started to perish due to age
boot can sometimes let in water
If equipped with air suspension, replacement struts are £500 each, so go with regular springs/shocks.
Great engines, fantastic build quality, whisper quiet.
Things to watch out for are suspension bushes and ball joints, now they are getting on in the years
The LCD temperature screen can mist up and become illegible and requires a replacement screen soldered on
Gas struts for the bonnet can become weak
Engine and gearbox mounts may have started to perish due to age
boot can sometimes let in water
If equipped with air suspension, replacement struts are £500 each, so go with regular springs/shocks.
I did just that when I wasn't allowed to drive a manual for a short period.
It had 194,000 on the clock when I got it.
It was perfect apart from 2 slight issues. It would occasionally stall after a long run when you come to a stop - which apparently is down to the throttle body getting clogged up.
The other was an ABS wheel sensor had gone which meant it would apply the ABS when stopping (Would only happen at less than 10MPH I think)
It was EPIC. so much so that I would like another or something similar. It didn't want or need anything when I owned it, used no oil no water. it was simply sublime.
Its worth going for the 5 speed version for some extra power and a lot more acceleration.
It had 194,000 on the clock when I got it.
It was perfect apart from 2 slight issues. It would occasionally stall after a long run when you come to a stop - which apparently is down to the throttle body getting clogged up.
The other was an ABS wheel sensor had gone which meant it would apply the ABS when stopping (Would only happen at less than 10MPH I think)
It was EPIC. so much so that I would like another or something similar. It didn't want or need anything when I owned it, used no oil no water. it was simply sublime.
Its worth going for the 5 speed version for some extra power and a lot more acceleration.
As the others have said, go for it.
Paid 800 for an M reg car. The only issues were the front, upper suspension arms needed to be replaced and the power steering pump had a slight leak.
Oh and someone forgot to tighten up the battery terminal, so it appeared dead. But I can't blame the car for that one.
I ran it for a very and put around 20K on it and throughly enjoyed it. Made long distance driving effortless.
Give your purchase a good looking at, but otherwsie go for it.
Paid 800 for an M reg car. The only issues were the front, upper suspension arms needed to be replaced and the power steering pump had a slight leak.
Oh and someone forgot to tighten up the battery terminal, so it appeared dead. But I can't blame the car for that one.
I ran it for a very and put around 20K on it and throughly enjoyed it. Made long distance driving effortless.
Give your purchase a good looking at, but otherwsie go for it.
I went with a 1995 facelift car, bought with 158K for a grand total of £750.
TBH mine was a dog but in all fairness all the bits that usually don't work did and it never let me down.
Off the top of my head, things to watch for and budget for accordingly,
Suspension noises or any wandering whilst driving, balljoints and bushes are £££s
The engine is very strong but listen out for tappet noise, it's a bucket and shim type and labour intensive to adjust. Have a look for general oil leaks around the alternator as well. Give the car a good rev, any nasty smelling fumes suggests the car is burning power steering fluid which is a common complaint.
The exhaust system is stainless but one of the middle joins is mild steel, it will rot but a few quid at your local exhaust centre will sort that.
Check all the electrics, steering wheel should adjust when the ignition is switched on and displays for aircon etc should all lightup correctly, check the auto dim on the main binnacle as well.
Water can piss into the boot as well, check the spare wheel well, the rubber seal can let go, not a big issue but the boot floor can corrode and will stink if this hasn't been sorted.
Other than that then just the usual checks, gearbox oil condition etc.
I only sold mine as a very clean (and cheap) Saab 9-5 came my way and as I mentioned my Lexus wasn't in the best condition. I do however intend to revisit the marque with a good LS430 and some lpg when the Saab goes.
A very well engineered car, plenty out there so just find one that has been cared for and you're onto a winner.
TBH mine was a dog but in all fairness all the bits that usually don't work did and it never let me down.
Off the top of my head, things to watch for and budget for accordingly,
Suspension noises or any wandering whilst driving, balljoints and bushes are £££s
The engine is very strong but listen out for tappet noise, it's a bucket and shim type and labour intensive to adjust. Have a look for general oil leaks around the alternator as well. Give the car a good rev, any nasty smelling fumes suggests the car is burning power steering fluid which is a common complaint.
The exhaust system is stainless but one of the middle joins is mild steel, it will rot but a few quid at your local exhaust centre will sort that.
Check all the electrics, steering wheel should adjust when the ignition is switched on and displays for aircon etc should all lightup correctly, check the auto dim on the main binnacle as well.
Water can piss into the boot as well, check the spare wheel well, the rubber seal can let go, not a big issue but the boot floor can corrode and will stink if this hasn't been sorted.
Other than that then just the usual checks, gearbox oil condition etc.
I only sold mine as a very clean (and cheap) Saab 9-5 came my way and as I mentioned my Lexus wasn't in the best condition. I do however intend to revisit the marque with a good LS430 and some lpg when the Saab goes.
A very well engineered car, plenty out there so just find one that has been cared for and you're onto a winner.
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