wyoherbty

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.

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!

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!

1. Are there any repair shops in Tampa/St. Pete that anyone can recommend?

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?

1. Is there an immediate safety issue with driving the car, mostly in town lower speeds?

Providing the upper ball joint doesn't come out of the arm completely which would result in the wheel folding under the car you should be OK in the short term although handling and braking mayl be affected. Replace as soon as possible.

2. Can anyone suggest internet sources where I can buy parts?

Try looking on ebay.com if you want OEM try Sewell Lexus or otherwise try Google.com

3. How many labor hours are required to replace these parts?

No more than 2 hours per side

4. Also any recommended sources to buy new hood lifts cheaply?

Ebay.com

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=lexus+ls400+hood+struts&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Please use the search facility for more specific information.

A good resource is www.lexls.com/tutorials

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!

I've been searching for a college car for my son. Came across a 93 Lexus LS 400 last night with 167K for $3500. This is right in my price range so I took a look at it. It's in great condition inside & out, engine runs really well and the car drove beautifully. I would have bought it on the spot except when I asked the owner about any issues he mentioned that the odometer & speedometer don't work when the car is started but will after a few minutes. I also noticed that the electrical side mirrors don't work (not a big deal for me). He also mentioned that he the car had experienced some electrical issues in the past but they had been fixed. I know this car has been well maintained and that I'd be hard pressed to find anything that looks and runs this well in this price range but after researching the dash electrical issues on this site and others, I'm a little concerned that I might be looking at a $1,500 problem shortly after I buy the car. Am I correct in assuming that these electrical problems will get worse? I'm having difficulty making this decison because I just don't know what to expect or how likely it is that this probnlem will go from minor to major. Any insight & advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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!