LS400Luver

Wow....five hours each way? etex, I think your recommendation takes the prize. They are about an hour from me each way, as I am west of DFW Airport. But if you are that sold on them, that says a lot. Billy, TA in KC and SW03ES -- thanks as well for the feedback. Will run it out to them this week to get an estimate.

Hi guys. I know we have a lot of Dallas/Ft. Worth based members. Trying to get a recommendation for an independent mechanic in the DFW area who is Lexus friendly and, of course, reasonable in terms of price. Love the guys at Sewell, but well, you know the drill. I have someone I use for normal maintenance issues, but I need to have control arms replaced up front on my 1991 Lexus LS400, and I suspect the bushings in the back end are shot. This is more than they can handle. Recommendations? Thanks! -Holly

Is my subwoofer a Pioneer if I have the Nakamichi head unit? I thought they were different. (I am just starting down this road in terms of speaker repair and/or replacement, so forgive my ignorance.) As for your other comments, I second them. I drive different rental cars all the time when I travel on business, some of which are high enders, and I have yet to drive anything that rides better. Or just feels as solid. I've always contended that the reason I haven't sold this one is because I have yet to find another car that I like better. Then again, a good friend of mine has an Audi TT Quattro convertible. That is one hell of a great car to "drive." But definitely the classic "specialty" ride. Only good for short and intense doses. -Holly

Is my subwoofer a Pioneer if I have the Nakamichi head unit? I thought they were different. (I am just starting down this road in terms of speaker repair and/or replacement, so forgive my ignorance.) As for your other comments, I second them. I drive different rental cars all the time when I travel on business, some of which are high enders, and I have yet to drive anything that rides better. Or just feels as solid. I've always contended that the reason I haven't sold this one is because I have yet to find another car that I like better. Then again, a good friend of mine has an Audi TT Quattro convertible. That is one hell of a great car to "drive." But definitely the classic "specialty" ride. Only good for short and intense doses. -Holly

Is my subwoofer a Pioneer if I have the Nakamichi head unit? I thought they were different. (I am just starting down this road in terms of speaker repair and/or replacement, so forgive my ignorance.) As for your other comments, I second them. I drive different rental cars all the time when I travel on business, some of which are high enders, and I have yet to drive anything that rides better. Or just feels as solid. I've always contended that the reason I haven't sold this one is because I have yet to find another car that I like better. Then again, a good friend of mine has an Audi TT Quattro convertible. That is one hell of a great car to "drive." But definitely the classic "specialty" ride. Only good for short and intense doses. -Holly

Hey, thanks everyone for all the good info, and I couldn't believe the tire recommendation! I just ordered them last week from Tire Rack -- after doing research both here and in other places on the web. A friend of mine also put 4 on his 1992 LS about 6 months ago and loves them. They were shipped to a local garage here and are going to be installed on Friday. Got the Black Beauty back today. All leaks were repaired and she got a good wash after it was all over, to get all the old oil off. Yes, I have decided to keep her. But here's the ironic part. I guess she's trying to test my will. Got in her tonight to run an errand and....the speedometer is not registering the proper speed. About 15 miles too slow. Arrrrggghh. Three years ago, after a new a/c compressor was installed, my water temp and tach died. They semi-worked if I beat on the cluster casing (I know, you have all been here), but finally they got to the point where they didn't move at all. But the speedo and fuel gauge have continued to work just fine. And everything lights up. Until now. Given that all the lights still work, but now I have two gauges that don't register at all, and a speedo that is not registering properly, I guess it's time for the cluster repair? Or is the cluster replacement and/or repair only for restoration of the lights? Sigh. At least I've already gone through the power steering pump phase. :P

Unfortunately the timing belt and water pump were changed at the Lexus dealer in New Orleans in 2001. It was shortly after that service that I stopped using them altogether. (Long ugly story....let's just say as we all know, not all Lexus dealers are alike). It was done as part of the 90K service. All I can say is that I'm glad I'm back in Dallas and have the advantage of not only a number of indy folks to call upon, but Sewell as well.

Thank you for the nice welcome! Yes, they are original miles. I purchased the car from Sewell in Dallas in 1999. Car only had 60K on it when I bought it. It was in excellent condition, pristine actually, and I received a copy of all service records. I have a home-based business, so for the last 10 years the car has had only seen about 7K a year. No commuting, so it's easy to keep the miles down. Yes, I fought through the power steering issues two years ago -- but the last couple of months I am beginning to feel some binding again on the ends of the turning cycle, if you understand what I am talking about. Power steering fluid is fine, and it is not leaking. So dunno. But yes, went through all of that. I know the instrument cluster thing is normal. I had my mechanic install a separate engine temp gauge for me about 6 months ago -- after an incident that left me on the side of the road in 30 degree temps and an empty radiator. ;-( Oh yeah, replaced the radiator. It had developed a nice crack. My gut feeling on the oil leaks is that is is just age related. While the car has few miles on it -- the damn thing is 18 years old. ;-) Feedback from the two shops I have taken it to in Dallas (bad thing about moving....you have to find all new support systems for your aging baby) is that this is not a serious issue -- that the engine is just fine. Just thought I would come in and get the opinion of those who count -- you folks who own them. As for the normal other issues, yes, my power door lock button broke off a couple of months ago, and all but two of my speaker units have now bitten the dust. My next post, in fact, is going to be a question about how I should replace those tweeter/woofer Pioneers. My radio (I have the Nak) is as great as ever. No problem there. LCD readout for the AC was actually replaced by a dealer at 75K. I hated him at the time for his "preventative maintenance" (as it cost an arm and a leg), but I guess I should thank him now for padding his service profits. LOL. Anyway, yep, she has all the usual symptoms. I joined the board because I think it's time I either put some money into her, or....well, you know. And frankly, if am going to put more money into her, I need to do my homework. So that is why, after years of lurking in here, I finally joined. Thanks again for the kind welcome.

Hi guys. First post. Be gentle. :D I have a 1991 LS400. And yes, I would like very much to keep it, as I love the car. Over the last several months the car has developed an oil leak (s). I have now taken it to two different (and both recommended) mechanics here in the DFW area and they both say the same thing. Camshaft and crankshaft seals and valve cover gaskets have to be replaced. The second garage actually washed down the engine and then watched until seepage was visible, so I don't doubt the diagnosis. Timing belt and water pump were replaced at 94K. My question to you experts on here (and watch out because there are more questions coming on other elder LS400 care and feeding topics!) is this. Do these leaks represent an engine that is going to need additional repair on down the road? I ask because the car is also in need of new tires, a new instrument cluster (tach and water temp are not working) and a few other normal aging upkeep items. Yes, it's that old dilemma -- should I look for another Black Beauty -- or will this seal repair work on the engine set me up for another 100K miles in fine fashion? Is this normal? I ask because oil leaks like this do not seem to be the norm for this engine. Second question: I never really had a "formal" 130K maintenance check done. What items do you feel should be replaced and/or checked with a 130k maintenance check? If I am going to deplete my bank balance getting the leaks repaired, I might as well go into debt full bore. ;) Thanks!