axecheerful

Hi, Does anyone has a suggestion of different places to go for diagnosis/repair in Austin? How much would a diagnosis cost? My car has gotten a lot louder at idle, recently. It used to be very smooth but for some reason, the fan got so much louder (I'm not sure if it's the fan making the sound). Nevertheless, I'm not driving it anymore since I'm quite paranoid with car problems. Any suggestion?

The squeak would go away after engine start-up though. I read somewhere that this might even be connected to suspension, and the air suspension is very expensive (~$800) i.e. suspension being initialized during start-up tests. That's why i'm worried. I'd check the belts and let y'all know what I find.

Really? How do I confirm this? Any further test that I can perform on my own? Timing belt has just been replaced 10k miles ago... I need to find out who did it. I got the car from the dealer, used.

Any suggestion what this may be caused? My car is 97 LS 400 with 100k miles.

I did take a risk on this one. I brought a friend who's worked on cars a bit. He checked out visually what's wrong with the car, looking for any signs of accident. He warned me of a possible small oil leakage, but he said it's pretty normal for a car this old. He rev-ed the engine to about 3000 rpm and he said there's a small whirrling sound. Otherwise, the car is in good condition. The Car Fax turned out good. The car still have all original VINs on the panels. The only problem with body is the dent on the lower rear bumper, and it's not that visible. I got it off a Toyota/VW dealer (Charles Mound), I wasn't shown the service history. However, upon driving the car for 10 mins, I was pretty sure that it drives smooth and nothing wrong with it. Drives like a new car. Interior looks great. There's a small rubber leakage on the driver's side door but they said they're going to fix it (whooshing sound while driving on highway). A warning sign saying that the brake light/tail light is not working. I mentioned this and they said they'll fix it. A small squeaking while turning the keys to first click (not ignition). Probably due to wear on the air suspension. I guess what's done is done. If u see from my above posts, I couldn't start the car last thrusday. Then I brought it back to the dealer. They are pretty reasonable, gave me a loaner car while they work on it. I think if u can get 11,500 walk out price on the car, that's a very good deal. Make sure u check out the car at a mechanic b4 the purchase, to eliminate any surprising discovery. Afterall, you are the buyer and you have the final decision. Please do let me know how the deal goes.

Tell me the condition of ur car. Mileage, interior, options, any damage to the car, as is/with warranty. Is 11,500 negotiable from Lexus of Austin?

I got it to the dealer and they are going to fix it. :) I reported several other problems... hopefully they'll fix those too :) I got another car to drive, while they're fixing those problems. Very good dealer, much better than Audi's at least!!!

Umm... so, after checking if the clamp to the battery terminal is good, should I go ahead jump start the car? Would it damage any electronics? Any special procedure I should follow? Thanks ACF for the prompt answer

Oh yea, when I turned on the car to 1 click before ignition, I heard some squeaking sound... I read somewhere that the suspension is activated during this time. What other alternatives do y'all think? I might have to return this car if it has so much problems. The car is sold "as-is" by the dealer T_T I should've brought it to a mechanic and not trust the dealer.

OMG, the LS400 wouldn't start anymore :( I called the dealer (Charles Mound) and they are very slow at responding. They told me to jump start the car and drive it there to the dealer so that they can have a look at it. I think this problem is not caused by battery because all the electronics are working fine. They are not dimmed when I turn the key on. Does anyone know if I can damage the car when I jump start the car and it has a problem other than battery? Most likely, fuel pump/starter. It just click, no crancking sound. Previous day, it wouldn't start on the first try. Now it doesnt start at all. Pls help... : :(

um can i return the car if it turns out to have major problem? I've already paid with a check though... May be not huh?

ok i would do that then... thanks

Hi, I've just gotten 97 LS400 with 100k miles. What oil should I use at the next oil change? I doubt it that the previous owner used syntethic oil. What octane gas should I put as well? Previous owner might put 87... well it's a lease car... so I dont think he/she really would spend that extra money for extra protection. What do u guys think? On top of that, I haven't really have the time to do a search on this form for a place to buy good brake pads :( Can someone point me to the right direction? Thanks!

Sorry I'm not too familiar with shocks... so I can't give u too much advice on it. On the rotor, cross drilled/slotted disc means more wear on ur brake pad. It's purpose is only to release heat from disc faster. But you're not gonna race with the LS400 aren't u? So why spend extra money for them? Best bet, buy from manufacturer of Lexus original brake pad/rotor. U have to ask around for that... I'm new to Lexus too, just 2 days old!

I've tested many 91-93 models and most of them have the mould/musty smell. I know this can easily be removed, search for other posts in this forum. The climate control LCD would be broken and it would cost anywhere between $600-800 to fix. Then most of them also have their seat springs broken, leather torn. Leather is slippery too. I guess when I am comparing with 95-97 models, they are much better model (i.e. lots problems fixed). Well, it's a little more on the money but I think you'll be more satisfied. I got 97 LS400 with 100k miles for 10.5k, never wrecked, drive like new :D Not to mention the updated, not-so-square front end

acf, u might be right. That car was indeed leased out by lexus of austin. I guess I shouldn't have to worry too much. Also my friend saw the oil leak (I think he didn't see it leaking, but oil leftover from the bottom of the car). It might be caused by over filling engine oil. I drove it around and then left it standing for a while, I didnt see any oil dropping from the car. Is over filling harmful? What should I do?

From my experience, brakes screech because the brake pads are worn out. Either sensor is producing this sound, or worse case, it's the metal against metal case (rotor vs brake pad housing). Vibration at high speed breaking, definately caused by rotor warping. If the rotor is still thick, i think most ppl would resurface them. Most likely, you can't... on expensive car (at least not on Audi). Rotor prolly would be $60-80 (that's what I bought for my Audi, after market price). Btw, shocks can be expensive cos I heard those LS400 are using the air suspension. Nice ride, but you cry when they break :cries:

I think I heard a slight squeaking sound while braking at a low speed. May be I need to check on the brake pads. Any good places to buy online? Does it have to be lexus specific? Oh yea I also noticed that the tires are all brand new, bridgestone I think. Well at least just used for a few months. Rotor is still in good condition too, no warping.

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Well from carfax there's no accident history/salvage title. I asked Lexus of Austin for a complete buyer inspection but they wouldn't do that. Anyways, i'm going there to see for any previous record of services of the car. Thanks for ur reply! At least someone assured me it was a good buy. I was pretty rushed yesterday n i thought i made a wrong decision...

This car does have everything (cd changer, phone) except traction control and nakamichi sound system. It's gold color, a dealer trade in. Rides very well on highway, a slight wind sound from the left window (rubber is coming off). Overall, I'm satisfied with the car. It's just that the small oil leak is bothering me, and the fact that the dealer let me have it for 10.5k without much persuasion (abt 1/2 hr)while the private party for it is 12.5k. Prolly, dealer got it at 8.5k-9k. Oh ya, i checked out the VIN on every panel. All of them has the VIN except for the trunk. That's weird. Btw, is VIN on panel easily reproducible even when the panel has been replaced? BTW, this is the link to the car.

I just got an 97 LS400 with 100k miles for 10.5k. I car faxed it and it does have only 1 owner. The dealer sticker price was 12.9k, but I asked for 11k walk out price and finally got it for $11,250 (10.5k and 800 TTL). My friend noticed a minor oil leak, dent on lower rear bumper (which is not noticable). It has timing belt changed at 95k. Other than that the leather is in good condition (no cracks) and the engine is pretty smooth. I noticed some slight whirling sound which is almost unnoticable when i let go of the accelerator at 3k rpm (when the car is parked). Is this a good buy? I'm going to check with a local lexus dealer for service history, but i doubt it the previous owner bring it to dealer for service. I just got it yesterday... -Touya Ace