W201 sweden

No offence taken! :) But my point is that noise level is not mainy a material quality issue, it is a design issue, right? BTW, due to the rather coarse road surfaces used in Sweden, the LS is not very quiet in normal speeds (50-80 mph). This is not an opinion, it is a fact. I was a bit disappointed when I tested the LS for the first time, too much road noise. Very quiet drivetrain, though... On the swedish roads a Park Avenue -91 will transport you more quietly than a 90-96 LS, at least below 80 mph. But brittle plastics (Ohhh MB), worn out seats and steering wheels, bushings/rods/joints whatever can be more common on expensive cars than on some more modest priced ones. I think no less of these excellent cars, but spare parts sale generates GOOD money for the Toyota company.

Having tested three different LS 400 (I still want one...), I have to ask: is the heating sufficient in cold climat? In the last Lexus I tested (a -95 LS 400) the air from the upper outlets was only luke warm, and even the floor nozzles were far from hot. I had set temp to "HOT", turned the AC "OFF", and tried both "AUTO" and arrows "front" + "floor". The engine was warm, needle in the middle of scale, and I tried all fan speeds, with little difference in air temp. The winters in Sweden are cold, -20 degrees C are not uncommon even in the southmost parts. (I guess climat here is similar to Canada's.) If this car was OK, an LS will not cut it for me. I'd hate to pass on Lexus just b/c unsufficient heating! Or do you who drive Lexus in cold climat have different experiences? /Alexander - still in a MB...

I have to comment on this one! "Luxury car quality" often means absolutely nothing, in terms of actual quality! OK - interior may be nice, wood, leather, an engine smooth as silk etc... But when it comes down to actual QUALITY, MB, BMW or Lexus can be beaten by other brands. My father has a -91 SAAB 900i -16 with over 250 000 km on the clock (80 000 when he bought it). This car still has original shocks, coils, steering rack, water pump, clutch, gear box, cat, ALL FRONT END PARTS, alternator, fan motor, heater core, headlight reflectors etc, etc... I do all service on his car, and it has been super reliable - many old cars are. Radiator, exhaust system (once), one head gasket and a battery, have been replaced beside normal brake and service parts. Interior looks VERY good, seats are firm, cloth and belts are just great. Engine uses no oil between changes (every 15000 km or so.) Volvo 900/700 are no worse in these aspects. I have been working at a Mercedes Benz dealer, and especially the new MBs are really disappointing... just my 0,02 euro... /Alexander

UP! Nobody knows?

What versions of pollen / cabin filter are there? Can I retrofit a pollen filter from a newer car to a - 92 model? best regards, Alexander

Hi guys! Seems I'm coming closer to buying a LS 400... :D But I have a question I would like to bring up first. Do you know about any differences between the US and European cars regarding the suspension? I know that all (not many...) LS 400 sold in Sweden had air suspension, but the cars for Germany came with normal coils. Air suspension was optional on that market. I have seen both could be ordered in US, but did the cars with coils have same rate springs and shocks in US and Europe? American brands sold in Sweden often have firmer setup here compared to on the US market. I have found a -92 LS 400 imported from US - will it be softer? best regards, Alexander

Thanks for the replies! SKperformance said: OK, but that is exactly my point! "...still..." The old VW beetle, -60:s Ford Cortina, the MINI, really old Mercedes Benzes etc. can all be built from scratch using all new parts. :D It is not just left over parts since old times (a supply that will end some day). If you have a newer standard car, and for instance a dog bites a hole in back door panel, it may not be possible to replace! If anyone has more information, please share!

Hello everyone! (I'm new...) Before I go ahead and give myself the pleasure of owning a second hand LS 400, I have a general Lexus question: Can you get ALL spare parts for these cars, or do the cars get "to old". Is Lexus a company that consider their product worth keeping, even after 15 years? I've heard the opposite regarding Toyota. After 10 years, your car is going into the twilight zone - where parts MAY be available, or not... All replys will be greatly appreciated! Best regards, Alexander from Sweden