ROBERT THOMASON

I am a BIG Zymol fan myself. It works great on black cars. After you wax your car take a spray bottle and mist the car with distilled water and towl dry. This process takes any residue off the car and makes the shine "set in" Zymol can be a little on the greasy side and this steps takes that out. I used Zymol on my blk Porsche 86 928 with original paint and it always looked like new.

Its a 2000 not a 1990 car. However it does look great for a 2000. I have had a bunch of people ask when I got my "new car". When I tell them it is a 2000 they say I am lying. LOL

Also a big part of getting paint to stick is in the prep work. Make sure you clean the surface real good with a mineral spirit or i use rubbing alcohol also.

To be honest it has been along time since i did it and cant remember. I will say that when buying paint I buy the very best quality I can find except for just general stuff like blacking under fenders and such.

If your trim is not dented to bad and it is just chiped I would just paint them. I have not done it on my Lexus but have done it to others. If you were going to spend the money on replaing anyway what do you have to loose if repaiting them dosent look good? If it does or dont look good you are only out a few bucks. You can either go over the existing paint and chips or strip off all the old paint and repaint. I would use a gel type paint remover. Because it is a stock finish you might need to do it several times to get it all off. Keep a water hose near by just in case you would get any were it dosent belong. Either way take your time and do it right. Mask off all areas and do light even coats. If you decide to try it give us a before and after pic if you can.

Welcome to the world of Lexus. They are awesome cars and you will most likley be a Lexus owner for life. As far as what you paid for the car I would not worry to much about that. Even these cars seem close to bullet proof it is pay now or pay later. You were better of paying a little more for a car that was owned by a "Lexus owner" and not a Lexus driver. Sounds like you got a great car and it should bring you joy for many miles to come. With being on the road all the time you will love the comfort, power, and decent gas millage these cars get. The 2000 I just bough had spoty records and had been in a front end collision. However it was checked over by Lexus and an independent body shop and both said the car looked fine to them. I paid what equates to $16k OTD for it. I dont think I got a steal but think I got a decent deal. My father also owned a 94 LS that had been hit in the front and my sister still drives it today with close to 200k. Matter of fact my 94 had been hit in the front also. We seem to find all the wrecked ones, lol. Either way I love them but like I have said before only time will tell if myself or you got a good car. Good luck and congrats on the purchase.

What exactly were you expecting? As long as you are satisfied with the deal you made, that is all that is important. I certainly don't know enough about your previous or "new" LS to comment about the deal. If you have a specific question about your car, I can try to help since I have a 2000 Platinum LS400 with Nak instead of nav. I've done quite a bit of disassembly of the interior while installing electronic toys so I know a bit about how things are screwed together. Not really expecting much really, just figured a few guys would chime in about the deal. Yes so far I am very satisfied about the deal, like I said time will be the true test. What color combo is your car? How long have you had it? How many miles? Any known problems with that year model like the older ones (power stering, dash lights, etc, ?) Thanks for any info. The info I put in the gallery explains what I have: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...=si&img=815 The 2000 LS400 I bought in 2003 was the first used car I had purchased since I bought a used Mercedes 450 SEL in the 1970's. It has been a very enjoyable car and seems completely different from the 1990 LS400 I drove for over 13 years. With low mileage use cars like this available, I doubt if I will be buying any more new cars. You might want to check to see if all outstanding TSIBs have been applied to your car. It is too late to get them done under warranty but at least you will know where you stand. The most serious TSIBs are about the tilt/telescope of the steering wheel. My LS400 was manufactured at the end of the 2000 model year and about four months after the start of LS430 production. I'm lucky that most of the fixes were done on my LS at the factory. The power steering pump issue was of course resolved long before the 2000 model year. Dash and radio lights are apparently still subject to failure - I ran into a guy with a 99 LS about two years ago who just had the LCD in his radio repaired. I now have about 92,000 miles on my 00 LS. The first non-maintenance item requiring replacement were the lower strut bars at about 88,000 miles -- about the same as on my 90 LS. I drove my 90 LS from 5 to 183000 miles before I sold it and I suspect that my 00 LS will require similar suspension component replacements at similar mileages. Thanks for the info. Great looking car you have.

Bill, when I bought my 94 3 years ago it had almost the same exact miles as yours. After almost 3 years I had put over 218k on it. I had very few problems at all other than general service type stuff. I kept the oil changed, premium gas, tune up, brakes and tires. I did most all the work myself because I love to tinker with my cars. My PS pump was leaking from the first day I had it and I just kept topping it off with fluid and eventualy switched to Lucas. Over the last 6 months the steering had started to get a little spotty and stiff at times. So change it now or change it later, kind depends how anal you are. I will say if you dont change it you run the risk of shorting out your alt. I got lucky and that didnt happen. Good luck and you should love your car.

They are under the cover that says "V8 FOUR CAM 32" on the driver bank and in the same place on the passenger bank. The wires are under the large plastic cover behind the upper radiator hose and under the 2 covers that are in front of each cylinder head. There are a few things that need to be removed before you can do the wires and plugs. You can use Platinum plugs OEM, the new Iridium high cost plugs will not run any better. I dont agree with the plug comment, I would only use Nippon Denso plugs. If it was a BMW then fine go with the Bosh Platinums. Be very careful when removing all the plasic parts off because after many years they can be fairy fragile. Take your time when doing it. You will also notice the new wires are going to be a little longer than the stock ones. When putting it back together be very careful not to pinch a wire or cut it. I have dont this with my 94 LS and had to take it a part 3 times before getting it right. Take your time and dont get in a hurry, if you do I promise you will make a mistake. It can be done with limited mechanic skills but just need to take your time. Oh and be sure and ony do one wire/plug at a time.

Most likley I am going to say it is the power stering pump, hoses, or both. This is a very common problem with the LS400's. However I am not sure about your year model if it is a problem. Do some searching on here or maybe someone else can chime in on the subject.

What exactly were you expecting? As long as you are satisfied with the deal you made, that is all that is important. I certainly don't know enough about your previous or "new" LS to comment about the deal. If you have a specific question about your car, I can try to help since I have a 2000 Platinum LS400 with Nak instead of nav. I've done quite a bit of disassembly of the interior while installing electronic toys so I know a bit about how things are screwed together. Not really expecting much really, just figured a few guys would chime in about the deal. Yes so far I am very satisfied about the deal, like I said time will be the true test. What color combo is your car? How long have you had it? How many miles? Any known problems with that year model like the older ones (power stering, dash lights, etc, ?) Thanks for any info.

WOW,. 77 views and only one comment? Not many opinions on this deal.....

Yes I really like the car. I guess only time will tell if it truley is a good car. If it is as good as my 94LS was then I will be more than happy with my purchase.

I had an white 94 LS400 with 218k miles on it and decided to upgrade. I am an corporate sales rep for Alltel and put a lot of miles on a car. My 94 ran fine but needed a power steering pump and a new timing belt. Other than that it was in great shape and I had owned it for 3 years nit no problems other than general maint. I traded for a 2000 LS400 Platinum Edition with 89k miles for my 94 and 13k out the door. Good deal? The 00 is in awesome shape and was check prior to purchase by a local Lexus dealer. The tec hooked it up to the computer and the car showed no codes in the entire history of the car. It had been hit in the front but the repair was done correctly with no problems. The car over all is in great shape if 10 was new this car rates a strong 7/8. It needs front brakes and I put on two new MXV4 tires. The 90k mile service will need done soon. Equipment included Nav, and the other Platinum Edition add-ons. Think I got a decent deal?

I am new to this forum but not new to Lexus. I am on my second LS400 and just bought one yesterday. It needed a couple of tires and wiper blades. I went in Wally World and noticed they had Michelin wiper blades that had a tire rebate on them. Since I always run Mich. tires bought the blades. The rebate is very simple: Buy a set of Michelin wiper blades from Walmart and then get $20.00 off a set of two new tires or $50.00 of a set of four. Offer is good through 12/31/07 http://www.michelinpromotion.com/ I do not work for any of the following companies, just thought I would pass along the info. I just called Michelin to ask if I had to buy the tires from WM and they lady could not answer that question and said I would have to call another number. However she said she could offer me a rebate of $25 on two and $50 on four and all I had to do was fax my receipt to her. So if you guys wanted to go that route you can call 1-800-847-3435. She also said that this promotion is a standard thing with no experation date. She said anytime I am buying Michelins to call and see what promotions they are offering at the time. Hope some of you folks needing tires save some money. Oh by the way I bought MXV4 tires..... :D

How do you remove the wood panel without damaging. Thanks, Robert

How hard are trhey to get too? Any tricks to getting to them? Thanks, Robert

Are you replacing the exact 2 , that I am replacing? Robert

I noticed tonight that a couple of my interior dash lights were not working. The left side heated seat light. It is the light that glows to show you were the button is at night. It is not the lighy indicating that it is on. Also the Trac button light is not working. Any one know how to fix these. All my other lights are doing fine, radio, needles, etc.... Thanks, Robert

I know about swirls and such but this is just and all around buffer for waxing your car, nothing special. I find for a quick wax and buff they work fine. They are not meant for paint restoration. Robert

Walmart has a orbital buffer package for $19.95. It is back in the automotive and sporting good section. It is on a display with alot of other Christmas type gifts. The buffer is a 10" 3200 RPM buffer with a 20' extension cord, carrying case,1 application bonnet,1polishing bonnet,1applicator pad,1detail brush. It is not a proffesional brand but it is cheap. Walmart also has a very liberal return policy if it breaks or you dont like it. NO I dont work for Walmart, but thought I would pass this along, I bought one to try. Robert

I was not aware of an "Aniversary Edition" of the LS400. What features does it have beyond the standard model? How do you tell if it is an Aniversary Edition? It sounds like you ended up with a very nice car! ~ ~ LS400~es ;) ← It say's "Aniversary Edition" on the floor mats. It came with a phone, upgraded wheels,CD player, special "opel pearl white" paint, gold package,trac system Nac stereo.and a few other odds and ends. It seems to be a real nice car, i really like it. Robert

I just bought a 94 LS 400 Aniversary Edition with 136k. It did have a salvage title, but it was fixed by a guy that does that for a living and his wife has drove it for 8 years since he fixed it. It has pearl opel paint,cell phone,trac system...etc... I paid $6000.00 and think I did ok on it. Book on the car is from 8k to 10k so I think I did ok even with the salvage history. It rides and drives like a new one with no problems, lcds,tac,speedo lights, etc.... Good luck, Robert

I am looking at purchasing a 94 LS400. I am familiar with the Lexus cars, because my parents own a 94 LS400. This car is in great shape inside and out. It is white with tan leather. The BIG problem with the car is that it has a SALVAGE title. The car was bought in 1998 buy a guy that fixed it and his wife has driven it ever since. The car has been garaged kept. I am currently seeking more info on the maintance of the car (timming belt change,etc ) The car is in almost near new looking condition. The only things I see so far that is anything that would take away from the car is the hood shocks are bad and the leather is starting to show some wear. I can get the car for $6500.00 and it has 136k miles on it. I am just wondering if this is a pretty good deal with a car with a salvage title? Also was there a "Anniversary Edition" Model in that year because this has floor mats that say that. Thanks for the help. Robert Other basic things the car has: Anniversary Edition Opel White Pearl paint Tan leather Upgraded mats CD Changer Michelin tires Built in phone UPDATE ON CAR: I decided to buy the car, even with the salvage history. I ended up paying $6000.00 for the car. The car seems to have no problems and looks almost new. The seats were pretty dirty but I cleaned them and they look as good as new. SEAT CLEANING: I cleaned the seats with Greased Lightning and a soft brush and whiped dry. After that I used a Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" and water to finish the job. I do not reccommend this method for every one. If you are not carful you will spot your leather. If you do it you have to spray it on and scrub it untill you get a even clean. Overspary on other parts of your seat will spot. So be careful. But if you have trIed everything and cant get your seats clean this will work. My seats look almost new except for some wear spots. After doing this and they dry real good I reccomend using a good conditioner because this stuff is pretty harsh. You will also notice a little color come off on your rags. Even with that I cant see a difference, other than they look like new. Robert

I am looking at purchasing a 94 LS400. I am familiar with the Lexus cars, because my parents own a 94 LS400. This car is in great shape inside and out. It is white with tan leather. The BIG problem with the car is that it has a SALVAGE title. The car was bought in 1998 buy a guy that fixed it and his wife has driven it ever since. The car has been garaged kept. I am currently seeking more info on the maintance of the car (timming belt change,etc ) The car is in almost near new looking condition. The only things I see so far that is anything that would take away from the car is the hood shocks are bad and the leather is starting to show some wear. I can get the car for $6500.00 and it has 136k miles on it. I am just wondering if this is a pretty good deal with a car with a salvage title? Also was there a "Anniversary Edition" Model in that year because this has floor mats that say that. Thanks for the help. Robert Other basic things the car has: Anniversary Edition Opel White Pearl paint Tan leather Upgraded mats CD Changer Michelin tires Built in phone UPDATE ON CAR: I decided to buy the car, even with the salvage history. I ended up paying $6000.00 for the car. The car seems to have no problems and looks almost new. The seats were pretty dirty but I cleaned them and they look as good as new. SEAT CLEANING: I cleaned the seats with Greased Lightning and a soft brush and whiped dry. After that I used a Mr. Clean "Magic Eraser" and water to finish the job. I do not reccommend this method for every one. If you are not carful you will spot your leather. If you do it you have to spray it on and scrub it untill you get a even clean. Overspary on other parts of your seat will spot. So be careful. But if you have trIed everything and cant get your seats clean this will work. My seats look almost new except for some wear spots. After doing this and they dry real good I reccomend using a good conditioner because this stuff is pretty harsh. You will also notice a little color come off on your rags. Even with that I cant see a difference, other than they look like new. Robert