Thanks to everybody for a great website. Your posts made my recent acquisition of a '92 LS400 a lot more informed. I was previously a forum junky on MercedesShop.com, but looks like I'm here for a while.
I just sold my '97 Merc E420 with 65k. In the 8 months I owned it I spent over $3500 on 'surprises' and decided I'd had enough.
I just picked up the Lexus yesterday in Austin, TX and drove it back to CA. I must say I'm very impressed. Smooth engine, very comfortable (23 hr trip), and great gas mileage/range. I went 500 miles on a tank and had 4 gallons to go!
It is Dark Green with Nakamichi Audio, CD changer, and seat memory. I am the third owner. The car has been maintained almost exclusively at Lexus dealerships.
The following is my list of squawks. If the list seems nit-picky, it's because I'm an airline pilot and we're notoriously bitchy about broken stuff. I'll start with a list of the 'known' problems--the ones I was aware of when I took delivery. And then I'll tell you about the 'surprises.'
Known Squawks
Climate Control LCD FUBAR
Engine undercarriage plastic cover FUBAR
Front Brake pads need replacing
Wheels out of balance (so I thought)
LH power window console loose
1/3 of rear view mirror has LCD bleeding problem
Surprises
Inconsistent vibration above 65. I thought it was tire balance issue, so I balanced them before the trip--didn't help at all. Could be U-joints--seems torque related)
Rear marker light burnt out
Gas Door Release Inop
Both front speakers blown
RR door misaligned/difficult to open
Radio blinked-out/lost power momentarily, when brake was applied (happened 3x)
Cigarette lighter inop
Headlights out of adjustment
If anyone has any tips on any of the above problems, your expertise with these fine automobiles will not be wasted! Most of these problems I plan to DIY. Rest assured, I will not stop until everything works!! Thanks in advance for your time.
-Josh