Bwilliams

I know it's a different car, but when I had a Honda, I was running Valvoline MaxLife in it. It seemed okay. When I needed to change the fluid, I put in Honda brand fluid and it was like installing a new transmission - crisp shifts and nice performance. It didn't harm the transmission to run MaxLife, as it's still working well in a friend's hands. But it definitely worked better with the Honda brand fluid.

My point is, it isn't out of the realm of reason to think that the Toyota fluid would work better than the MaxLife.

I tried the dexron 3 once before I knew better. Get that *BLEEP* out of your car's system immediately. It caused my tranny to slip in Reverse and I had it removed after about 1500 miles. Also, having tranny issues at that low mileage is very suspicious and is unheard of for this car. Who owned it before you?

91 LS400. Just hit 170k this week. I'm working as a sales rep now, so I am taking her to the limit with a big smile on my face. I'm averaging about 3500 miles a month at this point. Oil changed every 4k with mobil 1 fully synthetic. My goal is 350k.

Thanks a bunch ! Please let me know. If you could take digital photos so that I can make sure they are the ones. Best of luck to your new Lex.

I very much appreciate if you can look at the transmission for the 4 speed sensors (screwed ONTO the transmission) since I doubt if the accident damaged them

Thanks so much

I was forced up onto a median...There is not much left of the transmission. The impact broke the motor mounts and kinda trashed everything underneath. But if I can save them, they are yours since I cannot guarantee working order. You just pay shipping.

Glad you're alright. RIP to a fine charriot!

Hi Everyone,

I used to post a ton on here as I had a 1992 LS400 that unfortunately was T-boned and never the same again...A 1991 showed up at a Lexus Dealer with 45K miles on it.

I have missed my LS ever since I had to sell it. There is just nothing like it at all. I have an E Class, it's nice but it doesn't have the grace, ride, or solid feeling that the original LS does...

I know I'll have to do some work on it. But..I'm paying $599 a month for this E Class that I barely drive..Even a used Corolla costs $13K these days. I'm familiar enough with this car to know what it needs. My LS needed the usual gambit of things, so I know what to ask and where to go to get a good deal.

What do you guys think?

As long as the car is less than id say $9k, buy it, all day long.

Depends on the cost. If its less than a few hundred bucks I'd say go for it. If not I wouldnt bother. Spending $800 to go up 1 inch in wheel diameter will seem like a terrible idea after you have them on for a few weeks. Might as well spend a few hundred more for some kick !Removed! 18s or 19s.

too much i would think, btw i think the 93's and 94's had the burned out climate control problem more than the 91-92's....i have a 92 and it works fine...the only problem i have is some of my needles are only lit up half way across the needle

Contact BBA-Manufacturing about this if you want to.. they charge 175 to fix all needles, and with complete lifetime warranty. Turnaround time is about a week... depending how far away you live (you need to ship), but time in shop is only a few hours, and they send it back out same day.

Sounds like it has some pricey issues. I would say don't buy it, but it could be a good car. If you are inclined to buy it after the inspection, be ready to pay for the repairs and don't pay anywhere near what he is asking $4400. I would offer around $2300. If he insists on $4400 he is clearly a shady character.

Sounds like you need some 02 sensors. Is your check engine light on as well?

do you still use the OEM lens? i heard that OEM would make the beam glare. come pix of how you mount the projector would be appreciated

Yes, I suspect that arrangement does more, a LOT more, to contributing to BLINDING oncoming drivers vs extending the night distance night vision for the owner. I can't imagine that the forward beam pattern of the foglight assembly/reflector, even if the lens were of the clear type available on Ebay, would contribe anything anything significant to night distance vision.

Note that all of the provided pictures are with the camera look AT the car, no pictures of the forward beam pattern. But then those would really be worthless absent Before and After pictures.

To be fair I have often thought of somehow putting bi-xenon projectors in the main headlight assembly of my "92 LS. But if I do so I will first switch, DIY, to a CLEAR lens. Almost all bi-xenon projector assemblies also use a standard halogen bulb for high beam "fill in", enhancement, so a separate set of driving lights would still likely be required.

There are many luxury cars in the 2000 era that do not have clear lenses but have projectors

I've been eperiencing this symptom with my 91 LS for 5 MONTHS NOW. Finally, the mystery was solved today. Here is what you do when your engine temp is higher than normal/disappearing coolant from a closed system with no leaks.

1. NEW Radiator cap OEM. DO NOT buy Aftermarket.

This solved my problem. after months of being *BLEEP*ed off, taking the car in to get diagnosed over and over again and having the lexus mechanics shaking their heads and telling me that there is nothing wrong. My initial thought was that the water pump was on its way out but low and behold, the temp is down to normal again.l

2. Thermostat

This could be causing the issue. Replace it, they are around 25 dollars and take only 15 minutes to install.

3. Water Pump with timing belt replacement. (AKA you're *BLEEP*ed)

typically a thousand dollar plus job. Timing belt must be removed to access and remove water pump. belt is only around 40 to 50 dollars, better replace it or you will pay this plus $800 dollars later to have the *BLEEP*er torn down to get to it. I do not know the longevity of the water pumps in these. Typical junk cars only get about 80k or so on one from what I read. Mine has 165k and is still on the original.

I cannot believe that simply putting a new OEM radiator cap made my car stop leaking coolant and running my temp gage above halfway but it seems it worked. DONT BUY aftermarket radiator cap. Hope this helps, I'm sure anyone with a car around my mileage has experienced this annoyance. :o

I'll work on getting some pictures posted soon.

Congrats, good choice!

problem is that engine dies after highway driving and then coming to a stop, it is a know problem and there is a recall on that, as mentioned before, majority of 95 LS develop this some time in their lives. just like suggested previously, contact the dealer and arrange an ECU swap, if i remember correctly that what has to be done.

make sure you dont agree to any "extra" services from the dealer:) since they are not going to be free:)

Alternator

Get them on eBay along with the Silverstars. About $17 shipped :)

Search ebaymotors.com for "Nokya yellow H3" (i believe thats the bulb for 1LS's)

I did an HID retrofit with LS430 projectors in my 91. It worked out great but it took forever to mount the projectors. I also through in a running light setup by swithcing my turn signals with my running lamps. I installed a generic hid kit for these running lights and it makes the car look a little more modern. The vision at night is incredible with the 1200k. If you are not experienced with building wiring harnesses I would suggest just buying a generic HID kit instead of the real ones for your headlights. They are almost as bright and are very easy to install. However, I have heard that their lifespan is not as long as factory HID kits.

How many miles are on your LS400 and what dollar amount are you trying to get for it??

308 GTS and 348 TS.

Rodney

Sends shivers down my spine. One day I will have that Testarossa in my garage.

308 GTS and 348 TS.

Rodney

Sends shivers down my spine. One day I will have that Testarossa in my garage.

What's a guy with 2 Ferraris driving a 98 Lexus for??? ;)

I'm self employed and generally drive my truck everyday. My Lexus LS400 only gets driven occasionally. It still looks like a new car. I can wash and wax it and detail it and take it places and many people that do not know Lexus cars think it is a new car. It still looks and drives excellent. I have no need to buy a newer car at this time. I am picky when it comes to the look of a car and this car still makes me very happy. :)

Rodney

Beautiful car. What two ferraris do you own?

Sorry Bwilliams but Audi's are getting better and their interiors are gorgeous. Still unreliable. This could be a long recourse but Audi's are not on the top ten in reliability.

Are Audis more reliable than infiniti or lexus? NO. I never claimed that they were extremely reliable., they do have issues. Not nearly as many as a Mercedes would have. I was just arguing that they make some of the best looking cars on the market, offer good equipment, and keep their styling traditionally german. Are they a better car than BMW and Lexus? of course they aren't as reliable. However, some of the new Lexus styling leaves little to be desired. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Lexus, I own one. they make the finest quality automobile on the road. I just think that the previous model GS (bubble eyes), SC 1990-1999 and the LS400 1990-2000 sport better styling than the newer models. Too many curves, I don't understand it. I think that they have something good going with the new IS. It has a great interior, plenty of power, and aggressive styling. A great drive, Love that car. The new LS is great but I'm just not sold on the styling. The only thing I like about the car is the back end. I have to also add that BMWs are fantastic and reliable, but the Maintenence will EAT you alive. Every car company shines in its own way, and many follow trends, I just think that the Design chiefs at Audi are incredibly smart for sticking with the traditional german styling and simple ergonomic interiors. This is where BMW has failed miserably. The 1995-2001 740IL was a magnificent automobile. It was fast, had a throaty exhaust note when the throttle was open, beautiful interior and exterior. Just pure class and understated elegance. The beginning of the end was that HIDEOUS 745IL. Every time I see that ugly Bubble on wheels I shake my head. What a horrible makeover that was, I heard that that design chief is the janitor now.

Sorry for the rambling

1997 LS400 150k miles. Frequent 400 mile interstate trips 80 mph 25-26 mpg.

How is the MPG for the LS 430? I'm seriously zeroing in on an 01 or 02 430 since my last botched attempt at buying a LS400 on Fleabay.

I average somewhere between 17-19 highway/city driving. This car does get decent mileage when driven casually. The day I bought it, I drove it from Boston to Indianapolis. I got 450 miles on less than one tank, and probably could've gone further to almost 500, which means that highway was around 26-27 mpg highway. Don't be panicky about gas. The bottom line is cost of ownership, which the Lexus shines at. gas may be expensive but your repair bill is NOT. Gas prices are higher these days because of the constant speculation.

I'm on the fence. I tend to think it will be a bad choice. I have 2 reasons to get one. All wheel drive and the look.

I think I'll probably get cold feet when the time comes. Hopefully Lexus comes out with a all wheel drive large sedan.

Thanks for the input both positive and negative.

They are great looking cars and have so many buttons and stuff. I would just like to own one once.

Rodney

It sounds to me like you need an audi A8 or S8. The build quality is worlds apart from the mercedes. Audi also makes the finest interiors on the market. The A8 has all wheel drive and is a gorgeous car. Test drive it, you will not be disappointed. The S8 is the baddest sedan on the road today, it is a phenomenal car. However, I think that the A8 is what you need. The best two lux brands right now are Lexus and Audi. Infiniti is on the rise, but they're not on the same level. BMW used to be on that level until they hired some idiot to design and style their cars. Get the Audi

I'm thinkin' about wheels from Wald. But I can't seem to find a place to buy WALD! The only place i've found is L-tuned parts. Do you know if there's any other websites?

9,5" wide? is that possible without spacers?

It's the offset that will determine whether you need spacers. I can run 19x10 in the rear without spacers.

I have 19" kaotik Z5 wheels with 225/40 zr19s. It is the PERFECT size. Fills up the wheel well without looking obnoxiously big. However, my car is not lowered. I think that the most the car should be lowered is 1". It is a luxury sedan, not a sports car.

The Lexus is so much nicer than the other vehicles.

The Jag, BMW, and Benz look so old and nasty. The LS is so modern with fluid lines. The others are just blocky and gross.

Geez, that car is light years ahead of every car lined up in front of it, ahahah

I think everybody should own at least one Mercedes during their lives. Look at my signature, below!

Hahaha...

I must admit though, when a MB is being a MB, they're hard to beat in terms of driving. That must be one good lookin' girlfriend you got there Mera! My wife could of been a bikini model "before I wrecked it by getting her pregnant", and all she got was a Mazda 3 and a cat! But, they do have heated seats, one electronically, and the other after a can of tuna! Hahaha...

Don't do it. Mercedes are for Parvenus and snobs. They have contributed nothing to the automotive world post-1997. They rate at the bottom of consumer quality ratings, on top of the fact that the dealers and customer service treat you like absolute *BLEEP*. The only redeeming quality are the bodystyles (they do make a great looking car). However, I rode in the beautiful new s550 last summer and was extremely unimpressed. The leather and upholstery felt like crap and the whole front console looked bland and had cheap plastic everywhere. My neighbor has a 550 Maranello and has had multiple LS400s, 2chaey. If you absolutley must get this mercedes bug off your mind, pick up the CLS, that is a SICK looking car. Just be ready to be degraded by the condescending MB staff even after you fork over thousands of dollars of your hard earned cash.

Make it a DIY job. The kits that are used totally block out the console. All that is left is a huge black space and a unit in the middle. This looks very tacky. I'd recommend fabricating, it's a pain, but its worth it in the end. Let me know if you want some pics of my setup.

I don't see the drain hose anywhere. THe water is coming out of the big White thing with the filter door on it. I have no clue what the hel is going on with this leak!

I recently changed my spark plugs in my 91 LS400. Did everything the correct way. A week later, I have water or some non-smelling liquid leaking into the passenger side of the car. I have no clue how to make it stop. PLEASE HELP!!