Lexus LS400 buying guide?

[mccrackenj]

Having just sold my TVR, I am considering something completely different - a Lexus LS400. I may go and see a 1998 model for sale locally next weekend.

Anyone know where I can find a good guide to what to look for when buying one of these?

Also is the 1998 model a Mark IV?

Thanks

[BlueMR2]

If its a uk mk4 then it should have sat nav, some imports do from earlier it would seem but the pictures sellers seem to use often have celsior n them so thats a bit of a giveaway to an import.

The difference at the front of a mk4 compared to a 3 is that the 4 should have come with xenons or whichever version they call them and as such the front lights were altered so it should be quite obvious in that way as the mk3 still has reflector lights iirc. The mk4 should have the vvti engine as well, although from what i have read they may have interference if the cambelt goes whereas that is apparently not the case with the older ones. So make sure the belt has been changed at the right time which may be as early as 63/68k but i dont remember exactly.

I rang up about one and asked when the belt was changed and the seller told me it used a chain and was ok till 150k miles. So apparently unlike the other 1uzfe engined car i owned and all the others that one had been converted to chain, the first one i have heard of . I was thinking of making a bet regarding it to try and get the car cheaper but thought he wouldn't play ball.

[mccrackenj]

Thanks BlueMR2 - this one is def VVTi so must be a Mk IV then? It has done 125k so ideally the belt should have been replaced twice or else it is just due the 2nd change now.

Any other things to look out for?

Cheers