branshew

You think this forum's got complaints - go and check out a VW or Mercedes forum and then you'll see some complaints. All cars have mechanical problems at some point. Forums usually act as a resource for people to diagnose and solve these problems which is why you'll see a lot of repair related posts. If you keep reading then you'll see that most people have the same issue with a particular part or system. This is the case w/ most cars in that they use a bad batch of parts from a supplier, or an engineering weakness somewhere. For example, the power steering pump on older LS400's is known to develop a leak over time. This is a common issue and you'll see many posts related to it on the forum. What you wont see is a long list of many different problems with Lexus as you would see in other manufacturer forums I have owned 1 Ford, 2 Chevy, 1 Chrysler, 2 Nissans, 2 Subaru, 1 Toyota, 1 Mercedes, 1 VW, 1 Audi, and 2 Lexus. Lexus by far has been the most reliable and trouble free car of any of the makes. I have a '93 LS400 that's 13+ years old and it never gives me any trouble.

A wheel out of round would be there at all times, but not necessarily a tire out of balance. Vibration from a tire out of balance can happen at certain speeds and not at others. When mine were out of balance it was only between 60-68 MPH that I noticed any vibration/wobble. Do you notice it at certain engine RPMs or only at certain speeds regardless of RPMs?

If I was in the market for a GS I would take a hard look at the M35 or M45. I like the interior styling better than the GS, but I would want to know more about the navigation controls, etc. They're geting pretty complicated on many cars and Lexus has done a good job at keeping the basics very simple.

Nice ride - show us some pics. Based on age, it wouldn't hurt to get the belt done sooner rather than later. I think that's still a non-interference engine so it wouldn't kill the engine if the belt broke, but it would leave you stranded.

Coming from someone that just bought a Subaru that's an interesting statement to say about a car w/ AWD. Although they didn't invent it, Audi pioneered AWD for the mainstream market in the 80's. Audi's issues aren't w/ the quattro system - that's probably the most solid part of the drivetrain. (Actually my first inclination was to find a used Legacy GT, but they are few and far between) Like all German cars, Audi's weaknesses are in the electrical system. On the A4 of those years bad ignition coils, MAF sensors, and window switches seem to be the major gremlins. The coil and switch issue have been corrected (by improving replacement parts). MAF sensors are just something that I'll have to live with. Something about European (German) cars appeals to me and I couldn't find a Jap car that met all of the requirements that I was looking for. I've had a VW Passat in the stable for a while and it's been a good car. The A4 shares the same platform, engine, and many other components with the Passat. I have the VAG-COM diagnostic program and a shop full of tools (and a good friend that works at Tidewater Auto Electric) so I think I'll be OK. If not then you can all laugh at me when I'm on here complaining. FWIW I just picked up an '01 A4 1.8T Quattro, 45K miles and factory warranty until 100K or 12/07 (not the same car that my original post was about)

I've been shopping around for another car as a daily driver. Even though the LS gets decent mileage for a V8, eight $65.00 fillups a month are starting to get to me so she'll soon be delegated to the weekends. I found a nice '01 Audi A4 1.8t for sale. Only 50K miles, still under extended warranty to 100K or 1/07. All service records and all work done at Audi. The car is in excellent condition. I drove it today and would like to buy it, but there's a snag. The guy selling it is going to Iraq in the middle of June as a civilian defense contractor and wants to keep the car until then. I don't need it right away so that's not a problem, but how do I go about handling the contract/financials? He seems like a nice honest guy - he fell all over himself pointing out every minor flaw (rock chip in the bumper, hairline scratch in the plastic trim, etc.), BUT since I don't know him - I really don't want to give him a substantial deposit and have something go wrong. I am certain we could draft a contract that we could both agree on, but I don't want to get burned. I thought about having the car re-titled w/ a lien (me as the Lienholder), but I'm not sure he would agree to that. Any thoughts?

I need a replacement passenger side mirror for my '93 LS400. I have found several from '91 & '92 models with a color match. I know there were some changes to the '93 & '94 models when compared to the previous Gen I cars. Are the mirrors the same?

It can be done. I did it about a month ago. I bought a good quality FM modulator. It was fairly easy to install, but the sound quality is a little dissapointing. The sound quality is much better when compared to a wireless FM modulator, but nowhere near that of a CD or straight radio. I have to turn up the output volume on the iPod to near full power and also turn up the stereo past normal to get a good volume level while listening. On occasion I can also hear a little high frequency "white noise" that increases or decreases in pitch correspondingly w/ the RPMs on the car. I think that the tape adaptor actually sounds better (but my tape player no longer works). The best thing would be to replace the head unit w/ one that has an iPod adaptor. IMHO single DIN units are too small and look very out of place in the dash w/ all of that blank plastic around them. I have yet to see anyone put in a double DIN head unit in the dash.

Actually - life IS multiple choice.

I disagree on that part of your statement. There is something to be said about saving gas w/ a hybrid and that is a consideration for many of the hybrids sold. It's not the only reason as something can also be said about the reduced emissions, tax credits, etc., but it would be an important consideration for me and I'm sure for others as well - probably even more so now that gas is over $3/gal. Now with a Luxury hybrid that may not ring quite as true, but the GS450H should be compared to the GS400 and not the GS300. There is certainly money to be saved in gas if you were to choose the 450H over the 400, but it may not offset the price difference. Hang in there RX330 Driver - - You may actually see the new Mercedes Bluetech diesel engine in CA soon. The US is now going through a conversion phase in diesel as newer ultra low sulfur content diesel has been mandated for use by the end of the summer. That, combined with the new particulate & NOx reducing cats on the bluetec will mean a diesel that actually meets the emissions regs of all 50 states. VW is planning on releasing its new TDI in 2008 with similar technology that should also meet the regs. I would imagine that MB will allow this technology to trickle down to Chrysler/Jeep as well.

Why not put the $1000 into your bank account and start saving for a dowmpayment on the next car?

I prefer the look of polished alloy over chrome. It's more of a satin look and less bling. A bit more refined.

Sweet ride, but I would expecting nothing less from you after looking at your ES all of these years. I had the Llumar on my ES with a slight mirror. It had a "graphite" look to it - in that it was somewhat reflective in some lights and not in others depending on the angle. It was a 30% transmission all the way around, but I'm not sure of the reflectivity percentage factor. I haven't tinted the LS yet, but I would use the same tint again if I do it.

My '93 averages @ 22 MPG in mixed driving. I probably get @ 25-27 on the hwy if I can maintain a constant speed (under 70 mph). Once I push past 70 mph I notice a decrease in MPG. I would have a hard time believing 32 mpg even if most of your driving was downhill. (now if you had a diesel V8 that would be a different story.)

Illinois, Keep in mind that the Lexus sales rep is only looking out for his bottom line and not yours so what he recommends is what's best for his wallet and maybe not yours. Normally I'm not a proponent of leasing as you have little to nothing to show for it in the end, but based on your info you may be better off with a lease assuming that. 1) You trade in your cars after a few years and 2) They are kept in immaculate condition and 3) You keep the mileage low. Read the fine print in the lease though. Most low lease rates offered are based on 10K - 12K miles per year. Make sure you are covered for at least 15k miles/year in your lease. Your monthly payment may go up a little for the additional mileage charge, but it will be less overall then if you get hit w/ a $0.15/mile overage charge when you turn it in. If payment is a concern, your monthly payment will be much lower with a lease. As it was said earlier inthe thread - do the math and factor in all the pros and cons of each and that should give you a good idea of what's best for you.

Is Mercedes better? Probably not, but Mercedes has over 100 years of pedigree on Lexus - not to mention 100 years of advertising propping up their image. I think in some peoples minds that equates to a "better" car (just like all those people that think that a Rolex is the best watch you can buy because they keep re-inforcing that image in over 1000 magazine and billboard ads each month) Stylistically I like Mercedes cars better than Lexus, but that's not to say that I don't like the looks of the Lexus. I also like the European controls layout better than the Japanese although I can't comment on the newest control lineup from MB as I have not been inside a post 2004 MB long enough to mess w/ anything. Reliability usually wins out for me which is why I am no longer driving a Benz. Monarch - in case you don't know - Wickipedia is written mostly by anonymous contributors so I wouldn't put much stock in anything that you read there - especially when it calls Jaguar one of the most reliable brands in the industry and then goes to confuse JD Power's reliability survey with it's customer satisfaction survey. Audi is actually outselling MB in Europe now - mostly due to the fact that the A4 seems to be the preferred "luxury" car in that segment.

I didn't realize that (although I haven't looked at the specs in that much detail yet). I wonder what the MPG specs are in the hybrid - that would give you some indication of how the gas/electric motor combo will operate. I guess if you're comparing it to something that it was really supposed to compete against like the S600 or BMW's V12 (is that the 760 now or still the 750?) it should come out on top in terms of fuel economy and lower emissions, but if you're shopping in that league of cars then you obviously don't give a rat's @$$ about fuel economy, the environment, OPEC or any of it. My coments are probably more geared to the middle-market segment anyhow. SV7887 - I tend to agre that diesel is really the way to go. A diesel electric hybrid would give you the best of both worlds and MB's diesel engines are hands down the best, BUT their new ones aren't spec'd for biodiesel yet (unfortunately neither are VW's new PD diesels). I think that it has something to do with the extremely high pressure in which the fuel is injected into the cylinders (up to 29,000 PSI). Besides I would have a hard time buying a new Benz given all of their recent reliability issues. (I know VW's not too much better, but at least you're not paying the premium for one.)

I don't think that they will have any problem selling all of the hybrids that they can produce. If a new LS was in my price range I would certainly pay the premium for the hybrid model solely for it's environmental impact (although the extra torque would be nice too). Think about it like this: Most buyers of new flagship luxury sedans these days are baby boomers. Many were hippies and activists in the 60's. I would imagine that some would see it as a way of maintaining their activist pasts as well as being responsible stewards of the environment for their progeny. Not to hijack this thread in any way, but conversation on the hybrid and comments of people not willing to step up and get the hybrid when it's available makes me reflect more about what I have been feeling lately... (place soap box on ground, take step upward...) As much as I hate to admit it I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of my LS in favor of something more environmentally friendly. I love the V8 power, smoothness, ride, etc., but I also drive 25K miles/year. Fuel economy is pretty good for a V8, but nowhere near a 4 cyl or hybrid, not to mention emissions. I don't know if I will go hybrid, turbodiesel or just 4 cyl gas, but any of the above would certainly be more efficient and environmentally responsible. (I like the thought of biodiesel and it's starting to pop up more around here). It doesn't take a genius to realize that global warming isn't a myth. Just read the papers about the 5 fold increase in tornadoes in the midwest this year (unseasonably warm winter cited as the cause), rapid melting of the ice polar sheets, temp changes in the flow of the gulf stream, once tropical plant and animal species extending their ranges further northward, etc... Driving as much as I do - I would be a nearsighted ignoramus to claim that I am not making an impact in any of this (however small it may be in the whole scope of things). If everyone that drives as much as I do was willing to do something about it then we could probably make a larger difference, but it starts with one person at a time and I'll be that person sometime later this year. If a hybrid is available in the model car you are looking at, why not buy it? If you're spending $70K - what's another $6K ($120/month)? You'll get most of that $6k back in a tax break from uncle sam anyway and you may be able to avoid the gas guzzler tax. If I was looking at the Accord, Civic, or Camry there would be no question as to whether or not to get the hybrid. I would never expect to recognize any return on the extra investment in terms of fuel savings over the lifetime of the car, but it is the responsible thing to do. (I won't even get into our dependence on foreign oil in this rant.) (step down, pick up soap box, walk away)

My garage is my sanctuary as well except you can't get a car in there because of all of the woodworking tools are in the way (I build contemporary furniture in my spare time). I have the mini refrigerator in there as well as CATV, etc. Women escape to the mall men to the garage.

That commrcial is actually for the European version of the Accord (in that case Brittish - note the RHD). In Europe the Accord is actually the same car platform as the Acura TSX (i.e. much nicer looking than the US version).

Don't let her do it (for your sake). No modern self respecting man would ever drive a PT cruiser or be seen inside one. You can only get away with the association if you're a woman or if you are old enough to have been around when cars were styled like that the first time. Never been a fan of the PT. I suppose it's OK, but a little too retro-dorky for me. I actually like the Chevy version a little better in terms of styling. I've never driven one or even been inside a PT so my $0.02's not worth much on this one. If you do get one though - just make sure to tell everyone that it is "her" car and not your car (or "our" car) :whistles:

S550 at Walmart??? - maybe that's how he can afford the payments. I like it a lot except for the tail lamps. The body colored stripes through them look too ricer for me. Aside from that I think it's a great looking car. Well styled in the conservative German manner with a definite nod to !Removed! big brother Maybach. I've always thought that MB has had the best looking cars on the road in terms of styling. As to the interior - it's more sedate than previous models in terms of controls layout, but materials selection is still good and it looks and feels as luxurious.

Check the FAQ section or search for Jim Walker. You'll need to send out your cluster to get the problem fixed.

Send it yo Jim Walker and let him fix it. I had similar problems. He fixed mine and it's working fine now. This problem is common in older 1st generation LS400's. See the FAQ section at the beginning of the forum.

Sounds to me like you have a tire or tires out of balance. As everyone can tellyou - for some reason it is hard to balance LS400 wheels properly. Symptoms usually come and go at different speeds. I have found on my '93 that 50-75 is usually when the vibration happens. If your steering wheel is vibrating at that speed then the problem is in the front tire(s). If you feel a non-steering vibration (usually noticed in the headrests shaking) then it's probably in the rear.