InnovexGolf

How can you tell which GS model(s) have a V8 engine in them?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

What year were the first GS with V8 engine introduced?

Thanks,

Kevin

Can anybody offer a list of things I should have my mechanic do for the 90K mile service on my "new" 1998 LS400?

Should I replace things like timing belt, etc or just have him "check" them? Is it even possible to "check" things like that?

Thanks for the help.

Kevin

A very common problem on the mid-90's LS models involves the dash display. Some of the capacitors in the circuitry fail and need to be replaced. This is not a high cost repair - IF you have it done by someone other than a Lexus dealer. If you are looking at one of these models, ask if the instrument panel has been repaired. This problem (failure of the panel to light up) occurs primarily during cold weather. The display may work perfectly during the spring and summer and then fail to come on when the weather gets cool.

Another very common problem involves a broken wire in the wiring harness attached to the driver side trunk hinge. This causes numerous strange electrical problems.

The power steering situation has already been discussed. A very common problem area in the power steering involves the failure of the air control valve. This valve screws into the bottom of the power steering pump. Seals inside this valve tend to fail. This allows power steering fluid to be drawn into the intake manifold and be burned with the fuel mixture. If the car is losing power steering fluid with no obvious leaks, and there is a puff of white smoke when the car is started, this valve is probably bad.

Replacement of the air control valve is not an expensive repair. The valve itself costs around $80-90. An experienced do-it-yourselfer with a good assortment of tools can probably replace it fairly easily.

I have owned my 93 LS for a bit over eight years now. The repair costs have been no more than what I spent on several Hondas (and one Acura) I owned previously. There are several keys to controlling repair costs: (1) Avoid Lexus dealer maintenance and repairs; (2) do your own maintenance if you are able to; or (3) if you don't feel confident enough to do your own maintenance, find an independent service facility that specializes in Lexus repair and maintenance.

Cuman... How does one go about finding an independent mechanic that has good experience with Lexus vehicles? The one thing that Lexus offers is the loaner car - which would be of value to me IF the local mechanic was any more than a few miles from home / office.

Is there a website that lists mechanics across the US and the types of cars they work on?

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

Hey Kevin - Congratulations on your 98! Sounds like you got a great car at a great deal!

I guess it would depend on what's included with the service plan. Does it include your 90K service, plus all scheduled services up to 120K? Is there any sort of a deductible? I assume it's a Lexus dealer as opposed to a generic used car dealer.

You might get a quote from a local shop specializing in Lexus repairs just for comparison sake. You might be surprised at how much less it is. If it's not, then I'd say go for the service plan, if it includes those other services.

I'm sure you're going to love your LS! Congrats again!

Thanks Whitels!

Yes, it would include the 90K and 120K, plus 105K and the oil / lubes at 95K, 100K, etc.

The nice thing about Lexus' service is the loaner, which is a MUST for me. I would love to go to a local mechanic in principle, but no loaner car, and Lexus would usually stand behind their work - to save future sales and service - right? Not that a local mechanic wouldn't, but Lexus can take care of an unhappy customer more easily (financially speaking), and they would seem to look at the "big picture" moreso...

I don't know... maybe I'm crazy.

Thanks,

Kevin

I am a new Lexus Owner. Purchased a 1998 LS 400 for $14500 (less $9K for trade) a few weeks ago with almost 90K miles on it. It was leased and then owned by an older couple who took GREAT care of it. All scheduled maintenance done, no accidents, and in beautiful condition inside and out. A few very slight dents on the trunk, but otherwise great condition.

However it did not have the 90K service done, and the local dealer was offering the 90K service for $1800 OR a PRE PAID service plan for 90K through 120K for a total of $1750.

Can anybody offer an opinion as to whether I should do the pre-paid deal, or should I go look at having service done elsewhere?

Thanks,

Kevin

PS... Having owned a Toyota Avalon - which I did like - the LS 400 is an upgrade and a great car. I love it thus far!!!