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Steve2006, I posted my message for the benefit of Lexus owners like myself. I have no ownership, nor interest in Tucson Alternator Exchange. I don't even live in the same state. Have you priced a rebuilt or new alternator recently? There is a tremendous savings. Why are you jumping to such a quick conclusion? Thanks.

Why buy a junked alternator? Buy the correct alternator from from Tucson Alternator Exchange, http://www.tucsonalternator.com. Great service, overnight shipping, inexpensive ($129 includes shipping and return FedEx package for returning old alternator), plus life-time warranty! Good luck!

Jimmy, my second car is a 91 LS400 with 279,000 miles on it. I am the second owner since 47,000 miles. It has lived in CT and now FL. I had maintained it with recommended oil changes religiously every 4 - 5K miles and fluid/filter changes as recommended, replaced 2 alternators, several serpentine belts and a tension pulley, 3 timing belts (w/ 1 water pump), tune-ups, and lots of tires. NO engine nor transmission repairs! It has been and is still a daily driver, but today I have a very short commute of 6 miles round-trip. It is really showing its age at this point. In the past two years failures have occurred with the Nakamichi (I think that its the amplifier), AC leaks, DS upper control arm needs to be replaced, the pair of bushings on the rear spindle need replacement, joint boots need replacement, many in-dash bulbs need replacing, the sunroof leaks, the DS seat leather is ripping, rear seat leather has started to rip out, and rust is finally showing around the DS lower backside of the front front fender. I think that I'll drive it to a natural death or eventually junk it. The engine and transmission are still very strong. It's been a great car, expensive to maintain, but fun, enjoyable and reliable car. Also note that the 91 LS400 doesn't have a PS airbag! Good advice from the other posts. It depends on price, history of the car, and whether you can budget for repairs. Good luck!

Thanks! Appreciate the perspective. I would say it is the amp, That is an educated guess

Guru Member, Thanks very much for the links, the referral and information. It's a big help! One of the biggest car stereo repair businesses in the U.S. is about 100 miles away from you in Longwood FL. The local indie Lexus repair shop I use here in Kansas sends radios to them. I sent my Nak to them a few years ago for repair. My understanding is that parts supplies for Lexus Nakamichi systems are getting very short. Contact info is at: http://www.carstereohelp.com/ If they agree to take a look consider sending them both your head unit and amp. I and everyone else thought that the cause of my Nak missing its right channel was in the amp but the problem was in the head unit.

My Nakamichi still plays, but audio is full of static with loss of high and mid range tones. I was wondering ... 1. Are there any repair shops in Tampa/St. Pete that anyone can recommend? 2. How can I diagnose where the problem is? Amp? Receiver? 3. Any recommendations on either replacing with a used Nakamichi or replacing with a newer system from a auto stereo shop? Thank you very much!

Thank you! ... for the number of hours, is that for the rear spindle bushings? how about the upper control arm?

I have a 1991 Lexus LS400 with 271K miles on it. It needs new driver's side upper control arm and 2 new rear spindle bushings or rear spindles. I have several questions: 1. Is there an immediate safety issue with driving the car, mostly in town lower speeds? 2. Can anyone suggest internet sources where I can buy parts? 3. How many labor hours are required to replace these parts? 4. Also any recommended sources to buy new hood lifts cheaply? Thanks very much!

Hi, I have a 1991 LS400 with 271,000 miles. I am the second owner buying it at 47K miles from a corporate lease program. Same engine, transmission, and maintained with new timing belts at 90K, 180K (plus new water pump), replacement of struts, etc. Only recently, have I had the Nakamichi amplifier go out. Given that it is 20 year old car w/ 271K miles, I am needing to replace the driver's side upper control arm and ball joint and both rear spindles/bushings (mechanic estimates for parts, labor and tax: $507.$493). NADA Pricing Rough Trade-In Average Trade-In Clean Trade-In Clean Retail Mileage: 167,000 TOTAL PRICE $775 $1,850 $2,750 $4,150* MY suggestion: Make sure timing belt was replaced at about 90 - 100K miles, basic review the documentation for clues on rotors/brake pads, struts, basic suspension components, and other maintenance work, talk to the mechanic who fixed the electrical to get a handle on what was done. The car is super safe, decent on gas mileage at 18 - 25mpg for city and highway, killer stereo, comfortable, handles great, and relatively low maintenance. When you have to spend for repairs, it gets pricey. You're getting a high end luxury car below NADA retail. Once you're comfortable with making the offer, try shaving 10 - 15% off with cash offer. Good luck!