All we have by the shifter is ECT selector. Normal and Power. I don't even know what that is yet. I am missing a manual with the car. Just warranty papers and stuff.
Here's the deal on my 95 Lexus. We went on a "Lexus Hunt" as we call it, actually looking for a one owner car with service records. We traveled Nevada, Arizona and California looking for a 93 to 95 Lexus Ls400. I had sold our 93 Cadillac Deville and wanted to try the LS400. $8500 was all I wanted to spend and price depending on condition. We found a lot of wrecks and junk out there. And a few we believe were odometer rollbacks. Miles doesn't bother me as I have had Toyota products before.
So, we are traveling home and coming through Las Vegas and there is an ad in paper for 95 Lexus. Ad says needs struts and power steering leaks. $5200. So we go look at it. Owner says it has to have these certain struts that are over $800 each. I assume he is talking air ride. It's near dark when we are looking at the car..but with a flashlight...I don't see anything air related hooked to the struts. The guy comments that his mechanic has told him:
#1. The car needs struts at $800 or so each.
#2. The power steering leaks and probably is rack and pinion problem.
#3. Check engine light is on and it is some sensor needs replaced which is about $100.
#4. There is a clunking sound when hitting the brakes sometimes. Mechanic says it's a motor mount that needs replacement. About $100.
He's very honest and has owned the car since 40,000 miles. The car now has 148,000 on it. The strut deal sounds a little strange..but hey...I am new to Lexus so I take it he and his mechanic know more than me.
Since I am a mechanic (but not a lexus mechanic yet..give me a week) I figure I might be able to find some used struts from a wreck or the good people on these forums can route me to where I can get parts cheaper. Labor I can do. The wife likes the car and it drives fine. So, I ask him what the least he will take for the car and he says $4700, So, I buy the car and we drive the car 500 miles to home..no problem.
I think that is pretty cheap for a nice 95...Pearl white, gold package and chrome wheels, new tires and brakes. Leather needs a little help on the driver seat.
We have had the car 2 days now and here's my hit list:
1. Clunk in front end (struts or bushing I imagine.
2. Power steering leak (possibly rack and pinion,,leak is not bad.)
3. Cd changer (apart now and looking for a gear to fix)
4. We got all the lousy window tint off...that took a day.
5. need a chrome wheel...one chrome wheel is damaged. Spare is on.
6. Hood support "shocks" (today's project..read on here how to make some work.)
7. Check engine light (have to read codes).
That's the majors...course I will be going over everything with fine tooth comb and fixing all problems. We are tickled to get the car...especially at that price.
Again I would like to thank those on this forum for the eductation I took with me...while looking for our first Lexus. I'll be very active here and will help anyone I can. :D