ibejack2 Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 I am trying to determine what year LS 400 between 1990 and 1995 I should purchase and what kind of questions on major service items should I ask before my purchase. I will buy a car that has 80 to 150K miles, any advice on this will be appreciated. Thank You. jp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMF Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 hey, welcome to the club! you should def get a 95 or younger since its already a gen II car and lots of problems has been eliminated and the car got lighter, bigger and more powerful. and its just simply a newer and and will give you less problems Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93LSOwner Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 I would say if you have the money, then go for the 1995 like VMF said. Also in 1995 six-disc CD changer is dash-mounted. To elaborate on what VMF stated you can view the specs, demensions, and fuel economy from right here: 1990 LS 1995 LS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1UZ-FE Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 i agree with VMF totally. 95 is the way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibejack2 Posted July 21, 2004 Author Share Posted July 21, 2004 Thanks for the quick response. I will try for the 95 if I can afford it. I am planning to purchase on Ebay. Any advice about purchasing on Ebay? thanks JP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake918 Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 Welcome Jack! 95+ if the budget permits. On any year 9+ year old LS expect: worn suspension bushings, dead or leaky stereo and climate control lcds(respectively), maybe tired lower ball joints, engine and or tranny mounts, the first gen car commnly has dead speedo needles, leaky p/s pumps are notorious(then, they leak on top of the alternator which cause another problem!), possibly a little oil seepage on higher mileage cars(not really a big deal as long as it doesn't burn, leak, consume any oil) and the grinding antenna mast. The 5k dealer service intervals are always a plus, but at the bare minimum, the engine oil should have been changed every 3k-5k miles and whatever the tranny interval is(I do mine with every oil change; it takes all of 3 more minutes.)! The timing belt service is a very important and pricey job. I think they recommend this at 60 or 80k?? Do a very thorough test drive and inspection of the car. Do stop and go type driving, and do 80 on the freeway. The car should always feel smooth and controlled(in the LS, the higher the speed, the smoother the car is!). Run Carfax to check the history of the car and check every panel on the car for a VIN sticker so that you'll know the panels are origional(no wrecks). I'd be iffy buying off of ebay! I know there are some members that had very pleasureable ebay experiences, but I'm sure there are also many crooked sellers out there too. I can't remember what LOC member said this(I'll paraphrase since I can't remember verbatium.), but there's nothing like kicking the tires yourself! I couldn't agree more! I couldn't imagine buying a car based on some used car salesman's description and pictures! I see many '95 LS's on ebay with 115-150k for under $10k in nice condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbpgawest Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 ibejack2, how deep are your pockets? I might be interested in selling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1UZ-FE Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 The timing belt service is a very important and pricey job. I think they recommend this at 60 or 80k?? 90k to be exact ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexus. Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 95 to say the least! I have a 95 and even that model is starting to look dated. The 90-94 alreday looks oudated. Doesn't mean that they're bad, I mean heck a 1990 will last to 2050, it's just that I personally like having the newer stuff for anything - from clothes, computers to plasma TVs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1UZ-FE Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 The 90-94 alreday looks oudated. i own a 94 LS. they look outdated to some, but to others like me, its a timeless classic; classy look. ;) sorry for all of the adjectives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monarch Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 I guess I'll have to be the devils advocate. I see the '90-'92 models as the real bargains IF you can find one with low mileage (50K-120K) with extensive service records that was garage kept and driven gently by a middle aged to older owner. Such a vehicle will have little mechanical or cosemetic wear and tear so it will be like getting a new car for $7,000-12,000. Yes you should expect to have to pay top dollar for such a well cared car. The '90-'92 models ride very nearly as smoothly and quietly as a brand new 2004 LS430. A friend and myself verified this the other day by test driving a 2004 LS430. The engine and transmission in the '90-'94 models are also bulletproof for at least 300,000 miles if well maintained. The '90-'94's do have some mechanical problem areas, but there are inexpensive work arounds in most cases. Example: cleaning the filter in the power steering solenoid control valve and in the fluid reservoir will help avoid system leaks and power steering pump failures. The lower ball joints, transmission mounts and suspension bushings won't be badly worn if the prior owners weren't aggresive, hard charging drivers. The failing liquid crystal displays in the dashboard can be repaired by independent specialists familiar with the problem, etc. I believe the worst choice you could make is buying a '90-94 model for low $3000-$5,000 price without knowing anything detailed about its service history and driving style of the prior owner. Such a car could need $10,000 worth of repairs and be one of the biggest financial mistakes of your life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips229 Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 Hi.....ibejack2 The parts are expensive to buy on any of the model range,so like everyone says make sure its been looked after and has FSH if possible... Like monarch says if you buy a bad one it could be one of the biggest financial mistakes of your life. :o My cars the series 1 a 91 model....i myself would have loved to have bought a new version of the LS....if i had the money a series 4 would be my choice....my boss had a series 4 a 98 model...he had the ecu which talks to the ignition key go,so the car would start,it was replaced under warranty..but it would have cost £1500 over here :o Another thing to look/listen for is a blowing exhaust sound which can be heard when the bonnets(hood)up...its the EGR pipe which is a common problem on the series 1,2 and 3....i was told the design was changed on the series 4. To replace the EGR pipe is a costly job if its done by the main dealer!!!! I looked at alot of LS 400s,before i bought mine....theres some real dogs out there so be careful I went with the series 1 because it only had 2 owners before me,the lady i bought the car from owned it for 10 years and it had a FSH.... Good luck and let us know how you get on :) Chips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMF Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 i'm thinking about upgrading in the next 1-2 month. i think i will get 2000ls so my 96 LS will be for sale. if you are interested pm me and we will discuss the details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acf Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 I have a '97 for sale. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chips229 Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 :o HOW COME EVERYONES SELLING UP :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 They all want new ones ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbpgawest Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 Steve got it right ;) I would love to get into a '01 or '02 LS430. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 Pull out the big checkbook and get an 04 ;) :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VMF Posted July 22, 2004 Share Posted July 22, 2004 yeah, but i will stay with the 2000 shape for another 2-3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexuses71 Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 Steve got it right ;) I would love to get into a '01 or '02 LS430. B) ← Hello Folks, I'm a fairly new member. I own a mint '94 ES300 which my wife drives, but today, after looking in vain for a clean 2001 LS430 and getting my face broke at the prices, I stumbled (literally) across a one owner 1998 LS400. Couldn't believe my eyes, this car is MINT, I mean not a scratch outside or inside, female driver and apparently only part time (as the story was expained to me) because this particular Lexuses has -get this-only 20,840 original miles on it! It also has 6 disk changer, chrome factory wheels, gold pacakge, new Goodyears, GPS, Phone in console, etc, etc. I looked at all the previous owner service records (they even already did the 30K service!), ran a carfax, it's clean, no wrecks, thefts, etc. I just could not believe my luck. I KNOW I got a whale of a deal, the car had just been turned in 2 days earlier. From what I have read here and elsewhere, a '98 like this with these options-here in So. Cali-is around $28-29K. The BEST part is, I drove it OUT THE DOOR for under $24K, inlcuding LoJak & extended warranty added. Just asking you pros out there, did I do OK??? I think I did... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dust Posted September 11, 2005 Share Posted September 11, 2005 20 grand would be icing on the cake. But however 20.000 miles on the car is brand new for a Lexus. My car is 195.000 Miles and people think it has about 50.000 on it. You definitely got a good deal. Congratulations and post pics if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexuses71 Posted September 12, 2005 Share Posted September 12, 2005 20 grand would be icing on the cake. But however 20.000 miles on the car is brand new for a Lexus. My car is 195.000 Miles and people think it has about 50.000 on it. You definitely got a good deal. Congratulations and post pics if you like. ← Hey Dust, thank you very much for the kind words. The total figure I quoted was including tax, liscense, LoJak, etc. The care itself was $22,800.00. I had to go sit in the garage and look at that odometer again. I still cannot believe I lucked out and found such a clean car. I was prepared to spend around $30K, however I couldn't come to terms with the dealers for a 2001 LS430 as they wouldn't budge off $34-35K out the door, and some newer cars I saw had much more wear and tear. I have the original wondow sticker-$58K new. I now know the dealer wasn't making much profit on this car, they wanted to move it quickly. Several people today were swarming around it. I can tell you tghis morning I went a benz dealership that had a 2001 LS430 for $29K+, but ir had 86K miles on it. If the car I bought hadn't ben in such stellar shape and such low miles, I'd still be looking! Will put up some pics soon.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akewlguy Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 Hey gents. I have driven a total of 5,000 miles on my 93 and the LEXUS is awesome! I have a lot of friends who know about cars, but are clueless about the LEXUS. They all think I have a 98-2000. My point is the 90-00 look is awesome! Cheers to LEXUS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nc211 Posted September 13, 2005 Share Posted September 13, 2005 Hey Lexuses71 you'll be happy to hear this. Last weekend I was at two different part stores for some brake cleaner spray. In both stores, the counter guys said "a used Lexus LS400 was voted as the best car in America" They both said practically the same thing w/o me fishing for comments. They asked what kind of car I had, and they responded with the same reaction. They said if you just do the normal maintance and repairs that all cars face, they'll go for a good 300k flawlessly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90LS400Lexus Posted September 14, 2005 Share Posted September 14, 2005 I would go for at least a 95'. If not a 95', get a 93' at the earliest, simply because of their many and significant "advancements" over the 90-92 models. I agree- the engines and transmissions even on the 90-94 will last a very long time if properly cared for. My 90' LS had around 235K when I sold it and the transmission was flawless. Then engine had a slight lifter tap, but it was still ultra smooth and even at that mileage, it still did not leak or burn ANY oil. I changed it every 3K and at the end of the 3K interval, when I would check it, it would still be full. Sadly, my LS went to the end of the road. After a couple of months, the girl that bought it from me crashed it. She then had it repaired, then about 3 months later she then told me the engine "blew up". She said it was knocking. . Probably had been abused, because I babied that car. She told me she loved the car and would fix it when she could afford it. I was just having the typical older high mileage LS issues. Faded LCD, speedo needle light was blacking out (after I hit a huge pothole by mistake), radio went on the fritz, grinding antenna, clunking front suspension, and a harsh ride from failed front struts. I know I have mentioned this several times before and not to sound like a broken record, but I think what finally got me what something that was very unexpected from a car made by Toyota, because all of my other Toyotas have always been very quiet interior wise. My old 93' Camry had 220K and was totally rattle/pop and "tick" free. My 90' LS400 had developed a very "noisy" interior. When I would hit bumps, the dash would have "pops" and "ticks"- which is something I have NEVER been able to tolerate. I think it was a seat conditioner that caused it, because it was not that bad when I first bought the car. In fact, it was quiet. I was told I could use it (Lexol) on the dashboard, but it seemed like it hardened it- which in my opinion, ruined it. I was even starting to get a rattle noise from the passenger window when I would put the window down a bit. Even my 95' Suburban with 288,000 miles has a lot less interior noises than my 90' LS400. In fact, my Suburban has really suprised me, as even at this mileage, it is still rattle free. Actually, what suprises me even more is that my old 69' Chevrolet Caprice (a 36 year old car) is still 100% squeak and rattle free. Pretty unbelievable for a nearly 40 year old American car, but this is when they were really built. Good luck with your next purchase! Let us know how it goes. I really miss the "good" things about my LS and someday would like to purchase another, but it will probably be a 98+ model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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