Now It's Mine - Ls 400 In My Garage...

[W201 sweden]

As the headline says - I bought a -95 LS 400 the other day.

Solid black with tan interior. All options (I think...) except moon roof.

Leather, TRC, air suspension, heated rear seat, alloys for both summer and winter tires etc... :)

OK condition, needs some repainting due to scratches.

The ride home from the dealer (560 km = 410 miles) was really nice - ride quality is better than most new car's.

However I had a flat tire on the highway, which I had to replace in pouring rain,

almost freezing temperature and darkness. (Is that the kind of thing that "bonds" you to your car?)

NOTE!

Strangely enough I feel absolutely no emotional connection to this car!?

No thrill of the new aquisition (sp?), no longing to drive it, nothing...

Will this develop over time? (Even my old subcompact Renault had a tiny corner in my heart!)

Today I hardly know why I bought the LS - it has not left the garage since I got home with it - last Wednesday.

/Alexander from Sweden

edit: forgot to put my in name...

[CanadaCraig]

Hi W201 sweden!! :)

Congratulations on your 'new' car. And I say that - even though I DID just read your message. So why would I dare to say such a thing? I think it's because I can appreciate how you feel. When I first got my LS400 - I felt just as you do now. The LS400 is a car [i think] that you DEVELOP [over time] a 'relationship' with. It's not an emotional car. It's a car that earns your respect. The very first time I remember thinking to myself, "this is actually an impressive car!" - was when I drove it along a narrow, winding road. I was driving quite fast and was pleasantly surprised by how well the car handled. Before that time - I couldn't help but think that I just bought myself a big comfy-chair with wheels - and that it had no other redeeming qualities. So give yourself some time with your new car. Appreciate it for what it IS and you will LEARN [over time] that it's more than you might think. [and I'm saying all this even though MY particular LS has an acceleration problem]

Let us know how you feel in a month or so.

Craig!! :)

[SW03ES]

My guess is given your prior negatively charged postings that no, you're never going to care for it because you don't want to like it. Congrats on the new purchase anyways though.

[dcfish]

My guess is given your prior negatively charged postings that no, you're never going to care for it because you don't want to like it. Congrats on the new purchase anyways though.

Sell it and make someone else happy, Go buy a volvo or saab or whatever :P

[SW03ES]

Seriously though, I do agree with Craig. The cars grow on you and you develop a fondness for them a lot like you do a good pair of shoes. They might not be the flashiest thing right out of the box, but a few years down the road they still fit you just right. You'll find that the car is so graceful at basically everything that it will still surprise you years from now.

[j.barleycorn]

Alexander-

Where in Sweden are you? I traveled on business there a handful of times... Sundsvall and Orebro mostly. Orebro in particular was a very beautiful city.

Perhaps your lack of enthusiasm stems more from the one hour of sunlight you are currently enjoying? ;)

It's funny... I have felt the opposite since buying my first LS400 in November. I am thrilled every time I drive it. I now look forward to my 92 mile round-trip commute to work, and look for any excuse to drive it. Even visits to the in-laws are (almost) welcome now!

If you need a little pick me up, I suggest setting the ECT to “PoWeR” and do a few standing starts, 0-100-0. :D I think in time the near-perfect blend of performance, looks, luxury, and reliability will grow on you.

[TexasLexus94]

I've read that people who live in extreme Northern countries can experience sunlight affective disorder, which is a sadness that develops due to a lack of sunlight. I live in Nevada, so I experience the opposite disorder-too much sunlight, especially from all those casino lights. I fix the problem by owning a Lexus for the Winter, and an MX-5 convertible for the long summer. You might try something similar....

[W201 sweden]

Hi guys!

I'm almost overwelmed with all the responses! Thanks!

First: this forum is sure one factor that made me buy it! (that's good!)

Secondly: I live in the southern parts of Sweden, and I have to my knowledge no problem with lack of sunlight! B)

The purchase was done after a LONG and VERY thorough line of investigation, comparison, "need analysis" and "objective targeting".

(All this mumbo jumbo means I really tried to select the best -if perhaps not the most tempting- car (size+brand+model+actual car) for me.

I've eliminated SAAB 9000 turbo, Mercedes W126 and W124 as well as Buick Park Avenue and a brand new Ford Focus alcohol fueled from my list.

In trying to just looking at the facts, I resisted the mighty 500E and the super "all rounder"

9000 Aero (SPG in US?) etc. FUN! but the BEST? perhaps not...

I just hope the car grows on me, or I will at least have one really fine transportation!

BTW...The other car I have today (MB 190E 2.6 Sportline manual) is very special to me, for reasons I can not grasp?!

It is not very fast or fun, and could be both more comfortable and fuel efficient...

Still I really like it, and I find it hard to part from it!

just my $0,02 and then some...

[VBdenny]

I don't know if they have Interstates in Sweden but if they do, take that LS out and do a little speed run. When you are cruising along at 100mph you will know why it is such a great car. Rock steady.

[RFeldes]

Time will tell..............you'll be fine! It's a Love that get's better with age. Good Luck and Happy New Year!!!

[blake918]

The LS isn't a car that is going to invoke a serious passion-Lexus isn't known for cars that have "soul;" I think it's a good thing because you'll never get tired of it. They have a very middle of the road personallity, so driving them 10+ years isn't a chore. Once you see how well the LS excels in your everyday driving, you'll love it. I do long to drive mine on the interstate; there's nothing like an iPod full of music, a full tank of gas, and the wide open interstates!

Congrats on your new car! I would love to have your option package...fully loaded minus the sunroof!

[SRK]

Here's what I would recommend Alexander. Drive the LS continuously for about a week, use it for everything you normally drive to and from. Do not ride in or drive any other car for that time. Then after a week get into any other car as driver or passenger, and you will be startled by how you react. You will then realize just how good, how quietly and confidently competent, these Lexus cars really are. There will be no turning back. Others will babble on about "handling" or "character" or "soul" in other brands and you will find yourself ignoring such subjective comments, secure in the knowledge that the Lexus compromise in all aspects of automotive design and function is quite possibly the best ever achieved.

It's similar to drinking pure grain alcohol and rainwater as a beverage. The realization sneaks up on you.

PS - I have owned, and loved, over twenty Volvos in my life. I don't regret owning them, and I don't miss owning them. I have a pair of Lexus to keep me happy now.

[95LS400Bob]

I always liked a nice quiet road car. Relaxing road trip. I had Cadillacs and Lincolns for that reason. Seemed every now and then I would have someone in the car with me that would say "You think this is nice...try a Lexus."

After being told that by a few different people...I decided one day I would get one. That is...when they came down in value (depreciation) to what i was willing to pay.

The other reason was I had owned several Toyota pickups...and I just could not believe how good they were. Reliable and strong.

I bought a 95 Ls400 and I seldom drive it. The wife drives it everyday. But the quiet, the ride and comfort far surpasses anything I ever had. Each time I drive it I am still impressed. And now I know why those people said "Drive a Lexus".

I am a mechanic, engine builder, etc. I appreciate the quality probably far more than many people do. The Lexus does everything quite well. A far cry from all the cads and lincolns I owned.

The cads were soft and mushy...leaning going around corners. The Lexus flat in the corners. No diving here. I thought they were quiet. I thought a Lincoln was a little quieter but not as smooth.

Then the Lexus. At a stop light...you wonder if it is still running. A loud motorcycle goes by and you barely hear it. The doors close like a vault. I've had my car at 145mph....and the wifey asleep in the passenger seat never knew. LOL...even when she woke up...and saw the speedo. But she didn't know by noise and vibration.

Hard to describe...just an appreciation for something made well.....and better than most.

[monarch]

I am a mechanic, engine builder, etc. I appreciate the quality probably far more than many people do.

Yes there has been a consistent pattern on this forum that the older owners with extensive American car vs Toyota ownership experience plus American car vs Toyota mechanical component tear down experience appreciate the superior mechanical component quality of a Toyota compared to any American car. We understand that in the rare cases a Toyota component has problems (e.g. the oil leaks of the 1st generation LS400 power steering system) it's not because Toyota built the component out of cheap materials or low standards of workmanship, it's almost always because of some minor issue that wasn't forseen during engineering development and testing and is easily mitigated. In the case of the early LS power steering system, for example, the engineers didn't realize the steering rack solenoid filter screen would become blocked after 5-10 years of service causing high fluid pressures and resultant fluid leaks. This was the first Toyota power steering system to ever use a solenoid. Savvy owners who simply keep their solenoid screens and power steering fluid clean can enjoy great durability from the system. The other owners wrongly conclude "my LS400 power steering fluid leaks are proof that Toyotas are overrated and not really mechanically more reliable and durable than American cars."

[jc19907]

My wife drove us home from a trip a few days ago. About 300 miles of highway driving. I fell asleep with the seat warmer on, and seat perfectly adjusted to my liking. I woke up to see she was doing about 90 - (I put new Yokohamas (Avid H4's) on the car about a month ago). The quiet purrr is crazy... These cars are rock solid and built so well, that they are almost boring... There is nothing viseral about them. However, one step on the petal and the car will show you it's teeth. I don't know how driving a pre-98 car is, but I do know that my 99 is very versital to me. Pack 5 folks in and ride in style, safety and comfort-

Load the trunk full of groceries and still outgun a Mustang GT without peeling out... Take very comfortable road trips... Great resale value - MPG, sound system, looks - these cars aren't everywhere you look either.

If I want to drive something different, I bought a GS 300 for my wife and it too is an awesome car. Suprisingly quick too. It is a more touchy car - much more responsive. I love driving it if I can get a chance, but she doesn't let me real often... lol... But, if I ask, my LS will smoke the GS in a line... I love to drive both. My next car will be an LS again.

[id1]

For 2.5yrs I owned a 95 LS and like many people said it grows on you. It is stately, competent and understated. It does what most other cars do with ease and efficiency. Every 2-3 weeks I and my wife visit our daughter in college - a 4hr drive one way. And I always prefer LS to the van we have. After a day's driving we just get out and walk in to our house. We never felt the fatigue which one usually experiences at such a moment.

It is a great car. Its reliability endears itself to the owner. I have 160k on it and I am sure it is good for few more years.

[SW03ES]

I am a mechanic, engine builder, etc. I appreciate the quality probably far more than many people do.

Yes there has been a consistent pattern on this forum that the older owners with extensive American car vs Toyota ownership experience plus American car vs Toyota mechanical component tear down experience appreciate the superior mechanical component quality of a Toyota compared to any American car. We understand that in the rare cases a Toyota component has problems (e.g. the oil leaks of the 1st generation LS400 power steering system) it's not because Toyota built the component out of cheap materials or low standards of workmanship, it's almost always because of some minor issue that wasn't forseen during engineering development and testing and is easily mitigated. In the case of the early LS power steering system, for example, the engineers didn't realize the steering rack solenoid filter screen would become blocked after 5-10 years of service causing high fluid pressures and resultant fluid leaks. This was the first Toyota power steering system to ever use a solenoid. Savvy owners who simply keep their solenoid screens and power steering fluid clean can enjoy great durability from the system. The other owners wrongly conclude "my LS400 power steering fluid leaks are proof that Toyotas are overrated and not really mechanically more reliable and durable than American cars."

Can we please not make every thread a Toyota/Lexus vs American car companies thread? Thanks.

[Paul Sherman]

Load the trunk full of groceries and still outgun a Mustang GT without peeling out... Take very comfortable road trips... Great resale value - MPG, sound system, looks - these cars aren't everywhere you look either.

Just did that last week. A Mustang Cobra on one side, and a little white 'rocket'

in the right turn only (looking to sneak around me). Gave 'er a good punch at the

green and left 'em confused. (Old age and treachery). It's not as neck snapping

as my '40 Chev street rod (what could be) but it's pretty good.

[mobilyte]

message deleted

[95LS400Bob]

There was no "drama" in my post. I simply explained what made me even try a Lexus in the first place and some differences between cars I had owned. Wasn't a Lexus commercial nor was it bashing other makes of vehicles.

PS: When the vehicle you drive everyday has to go out and fix those vehicles that are out there broken down on the highway you need dependability. When you have owned 4 of these over the years and they ask for little more than tires and brakes...you tend to get impressed with the company. That's not a Toyota commercial. That is fact.

[sv7887]

Hi All,

There was no "drama" in my post. I simply explained what made me even try a Lexus in the first place and some differences between cars I had owned. Wasn't a Lexus commercial nor was it bashing other makes of vehicles.

PS: When the vehicle you drive everyday has to go out and fix those vehicles that are out there broken down on the highway you need dependability. When you have owned 4 of these over the years and they ask for little more than tires and brakes...you tend to get impressed with the company. That's not a Toyota commercial. That is fact.

I think Bob was stating fact in his post. He was merely stating fact with regard to his Professional Experience with the repair of both American and Lexus cars. I can point to 15 years of JD Power Statistics that will back up everything he said. After all Lexus banks its' reputation on reliability. It is a common FACT that the LS series is the most reliable car on the road.

As per the original post..It is hard to appreciate the LS400/430 while you own it. Try renting a car 6 months after owning your LS400. You'll definitely notice it then. I drive a Toyota Corolla to work Monday to Friday. Driving the Lexus on Sunday is a real treat. You fall in love with the car all over again. It's like the saying goes, "You'll never realize what you had until you lost it.."

Happy New Year to Everyone!!

Sam

[Lexusfreak]

As the headline says - I bought a -95 LS 400 the other day.

Solid black with tan interior. All options (I think...) except moon roof.

Leather, TRC, air suspension, heated rear seat, alloys for both summer and winter tires etc... :)

OK condition, needs some repainting due to scratches.

The ride home from the dealer (560 km = 410 miles) was really nice - ride quality is better than most new car's.

However I had a flat tire on the highway, which I had to replace in pouring rain,

almost freezing temperature and darkness. (Is that the kind of thing that "bonds" you to your car?)

NOTE!

Strangely enough I feel absolutely no emotional connection to this car!?

No thrill of the new aquisition (sp?), no longing to drive it, nothing...

Will this develop over time? (Even my old subcompact Renault had a tiny corner in my heart!)

Today I hardly know why I bought the LS - it has not left the garage since I got home with it - last Wednesday.

/Alexander from Sweden

edit: forgot to put my in name...

Based on what you have mentioned, I have one question.......why did you decide to buy the car to begin with?

[W201 sweden]

Seems this thread caught a lot of interest. :)

I have to agree with a lot of you. I bought the car to get something super reliable, comfortable and reasonable in costs and emissions... Perhaps the other qualities grow on you, just like you say?

In my work a often drive long distances in rental cars, brand new ones from Volkswagen/AUDI, SAAB, Nissan etc.

Very few of them are better to drive than my girlfriends -92 MB 300TE 24v, and her car has 200 000 miles on the clock! And I think the LS is actually a notch better than her MB, in aspects of "travelling quality"... Perhaps that IS addictive? :D

And guys, I think the LS design looks a bit better now, guess I'm getting acustomed to it? ;)

You all have a happy new year!

/Alexander

[Lexusfreak]

Seems this thread caught a lot of interest. :)

I have to agree with a lot of you. I bought the car to get something super reliable, comfortable and reasonable in costs and emissions... Perhaps the other qualities grow on you, just like you say?

In my work a often drive long distances in rental cars, brand new ones from Volkswagen/AUDI, SAAB, Nissan etc.

Very few of them are better to drive than my girlfriends -92 MB 300TE 24v, and her car has 200 000 miles on the clock! And I think the LS is actually a notch better than her MB, in aspects of "travelling quality"... Perhaps that IS addictive? :D

And guys, I think the LS design looks a bit better now, guess I'm getting acustomed to it? ;)

You all have a happy new year!

/Alexander

It should grow on you more in time. Enjoy Alexander! B) Post some pics if you can. ;)

[nc211]

When I got my 95' back in May of 03', I sat outside and looked at it next to my soon to be gone 01' Nissan Maxima. I remember thinking "hope I'm making the right decision about this" because the Maxima to me at the time was a sharper looking car, the LS was boring looking. But I can tell you, even with the repairs "some required, mostly preventive", 25k miles and 18 months later, I did make the right decision in all aspects. I went from a 2 1/2 year old car with MY 40k miles to an 8 year old car with SOMEONE ELSE'S 84k miles on it. It's such a stately car, and it does one thing, and only one thing...it drives perfectly! I just turned 110k miles last night...love the car. W201, you'll really appreciate the car more when you drive other cars, then drive the LS. Not to say the other cars that you have aren't as good, because if you're on this website, then I'm sure you probably take good care of your cars, but the LS is unique in the sense of craftsmanship in regards of smoothness, dependability and quietness. But the real joy of the LS "yours included" is that you don't have to buy a new one at new car prices to still enjoy the new car feel. What I mean is that these cars don't lose a lot of their composure over the years. They lose some, but very very little. Which to me, is the amazing part of the Lexus LS400. Some cars might handle better, accelerate faster, cut through the air quieter and be quieter at 80 mph "depending on what year you have v. 4 speed or 5 speed transmission", but the LS is unique, one of a kind, and a wonderful used car purchase. You will surely enjoy your LS for many years to come.

Me? Well I'll be a LS owner for life. Even when I'm in a position to purchase a "newer" car, it'll be the LS430 and my current LS400 will be my daily town driver, grocery getter, mall parking lot victim cruiser until it finally says enough and dies on me. Then, I'll be offering all the good parts to you guys, while I listen to "Taps" and "Tear in my Beer" at it's funeral.

Seems this thread caught a lot of interest. :)

I have to agree with a lot of you. I bought the car to get something super reliable, comfortable and reasonable in costs and emissions... Perhaps the other qualities grow on you, just like you say?

In my work a often drive long distances in rental cars, brand new ones from Volkswagen/AUDI, SAAB, Nissan etc.

Very few of them are better to drive than my girlfriends -92 MB 300TE 24v, and her car has 200 000 miles on the clock! And I think the LS is actually a notch better than her MB, in aspects of "travelling quality"... Perhaps that IS addictive? :D

And guys, I think the LS design looks a bit better now, guess I'm getting acustomed to it? ;)

You all have a happy new year!

/Alexander