Andrew McLaughlin

Hi guys, I just bought a '99 LS400 in March and love it!! Only 105K miles!! Had the basics taken care of (timing belt, water pump and a dead starter in the 3rd week) and we've already been on our first road trip. The only downside (and this is since I bought it in March), is that it has terrible radio reception. Basically, I get three stations to come in (sorta) 91.5, 95.9 and 107.9. And even those can be spotty as I drive around town. And as for AM, forget it. It's nothing but static throughout. I've examined the antenna on the read window, and it appears to be intact. No signs of wear, tear or scratches. The glass is original (Toyota logo etched on it) and has never been tinted. I suppose that it's possible the antenna cable has vibrated loose somewhere along the way, contributing to the loss of signal. But I'll be daft if I can figure out where that should be. They really do a fantastic job at hiding wires on this car. So, any clues/advice? I shun the thought of taking it to the dealer for what it might cost me to get it fixed. I'm hoping it's a common failure mode and then someone can advise me on this. I also notice that the front cig lighter is dead in case that's related. I will be checking all fuses over the weekend to see if it (or any other) are blown. Otherwise, the vehicle operates flawlessly. All other electronics and remote functions are as documented. All lighting systems are 100%. Just no radio to speak of. Even the 6-disc changer works perfectly. Any advise will be greatly appreciated!! Mahao, Piko

$600?! Great deal if it's in good shape otherwise. I'd say, just get a new rebuilt tranny. Might cost a couple grand, but you'll still be WAY ahead... :) Andrew

How much are they asking? This what I got: 99 LS400 with 105k for $10g Deferred maint: Tires were bald - $400 at Sams Club for new Michelin Pilots Had car detailed at local car wash - $150 and they did a terrible job on the exterior. Interior looks and smells like a new car. I will buy my own buffer and buff out the previously existing rotary scratches this weekend. Lifter/Shocks for front hood had snapped springs - $120 each (x2) at Lexus dealer Rolled in to Jiffy Lube to change out all fluids and filters - $168. Both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter were filthy and covered with an odd assortment of plant matter and dead bugs. Shifter knob had been stolen some time in the past. Found a salvage one on eBay that matches my interior wood trim for $89. Dealer wanted $400!!! Lexus Tool Kit in trunk was missing. Found one on eBay for $39. Didn't even ask the dealer. Center caps are missing logo centers on two wheels. Dealer has them for $25 each. Remaining: Timing chain replacement - will quote this weekend Front end wheel alignment - it pulls slightly to the right since installing the new tires. Old tires were wearing unevenly. So all totaled I'm at about 11k with everything. Well worth it as the car looks great (now) and rides like a dream... :) Andrew

Yikes! Stolen indeed. I just bought a 1999 LS400 over the weekend. It came without a shifter knob as well. Bizarre story from the seller saying that they had left the passenger window wide open. The car was rife with deferred maintenance, which gave me a huge buyer advantage. Got a sweet deal. Now, three days later all the problems have been fixed (including replacing the front hood lifters) leaving only the shifter knob. I see quite a few available on eBay, but I'm hesitant to bid, not wanting to end up with a mismatch. As long as the shaft diameter is the same, I guess I'll be happy. How much smaller is the LS430 knob than the LS400?? Andrew