Lexus LS 4.0 V8 Barge.... What should I know?
Lexus LS 4.0 V8 Barge.... What should I know?
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Discussion

200bhp

Original Poster:

5,756 posts

241 months

Wednesday 14th December 2011
quotequote all
A quick look through Autotrader reveals that these cars can be had very cheaply - But what's the snag?

Obviously a 4.0 V8 is going to drink a bit but, what else do I need to know?

Fun Bus

17,911 posts

240 months

Wednesday 14th December 2011
quotequote all
I'm sure Garlick will be along shortly.

belleair302

6,995 posts

229 months

Thursday 15th December 2011
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Watch for some rust along window bases, suspension bushes, radiators and batteries, check the electrics but these are pretty good usually, and beyond that there is not much to worry about. The engines are bullet proof if timing belts have been changed......they don't get overworked being lazy automatics, and although not the best drive around, they are beautifully built, very cosseting, filled with gadgets and wonderful to waft around in, so long as it doesn't snow!!!!

SD1992

7,278 posts

180 months

Thursday 15th December 2011
quotequote all
Have a flick through this thread, some very knowledgeable members dwell in there and will tell you everything you need to know smile

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Gizmo!

18,150 posts

231 months

Thursday 15th December 2011
quotequote all
Don't forget. Mustard trousers.

200bhp

Original Poster:

5,756 posts

241 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
SD1992 said:
Have a flick through this thread, some very knowledgeable members dwell in there and will tell you everything you need to know smile

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
420 pages! That's going to take some time to read

McSam

6,753 posts

197 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
Gizmo! said:
Don't forget. Mustard trousers.
nono

Red ones are de rigeur these days, old boy.

ThrottleBod

263 posts

171 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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Been looking at these alot lately, trying to find one locally for under a grand. Just the fuel consumption that slightly puts me off.

Stu R

21,423 posts

237 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
McSam said:
Gizmo! said:
Don't forget. Mustard trousers.
nono

Red ones are de rigeur these days, old boy.
yes Mustard is soooo October 2011.

Mr Dave

3,233 posts

217 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
They sound fantastic when you take a grinder to the exhausts!

Very comfy, not very communicative to drive, some displays on the dash can fail, pay attention to the suspension, big heavy car so the suspension wears pretty quick, gearbox and engine are usually pretty reliable.


Audi 525i

1,250 posts

174 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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You might want to look into the facelift model from year 1998-2000.

Cost a few hundred more, but a nicer car with more toys.

Mr Dave

3,233 posts

217 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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Plenty about on LPG. Then they are brilliant.


mrtwisty

3,057 posts

187 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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There was some fool on here who bought one as a 'cheap barge', planning to do some bargain wafting, but then he spent a fortune on the suspension!

Can't think who it was...

wink

200bhp

Original Poster:

5,756 posts

241 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
Are suspension woes an easy one to spot on these?

jbi

12,697 posts

226 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
quotequote all
200bhp said:
A quick look through Autotrader reveals that these cars can be had very cheaply - But what's the snag?

Obviously a 4.0 V8 is going to drink a bit but, what else do I need to know?
As far as V8's go these are among the most frugal.

Your looking at low 20's combined mpg and around 30 on a run.

As far as problems... her is what to expect.

Sagging gas bonnet struts: new replacement struts availible on ebay
Blacked out clock/climate control display: you need to solder in a new screen
Front upper wishbone ball joints and bushing: Expensive but after market ones are available
Anti roll bar bushings: replace with super-pro polyurethane ones
Strut bushings: replace with super-pro polyurethane ones
Leaking power steering reservoir: will drip onto and kill your alternator. Easy fix, plenty of tutorials on the internet
Clogged steering rack filter: easy fix... instructions online

Thats it...

Make sure the gearbox has been filled up with Toyota Type IV ATF as well, and not your normal dexron stuff as it will destroy it.



jbi

12,697 posts

226 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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200bhp said:
Are suspension woes an easy one to spot on these?
yes... you will get creaking, vibrations and steering undulations as they start to go bad.

Lots of rubber bushings to fail.

Do what I did and replace them all with super-pro polyurethane ones

Garlick

40,601 posts

262 months

Saturday 17th December 2011
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I concur with jbi, done a lot of suspension work on mine and the front needs a bit more still.

Economy wise, mine is at 17mpg but I bomb around the city covering short distances with lots of traffic and suchlike. On a run, with a steady foot, it's better but (with respect to my learned friend jbi) don't expect 30+ very often, mid/ late twenties very achievable however on a steady motorway run.

Mine has just had it's annual service and runs so, so well. I thoroughly recommend one.

Oh, replacement tyres on DHP wheels aren't cheap, and it likes to munch through front pads too (mine might be worse due to living in town).