midapo

I wasn't being critical of your (or your wife's) decision to buy a RX, I was just coming to my own conclusion. Maybe I should look at Acura....

Or, why buy a vehicle with a history of bad transmissions?

Thanks for the suggestion of the Accura Mdx, perhaps heresy on this board. I had not considered it. When you say weak transmissions, do you mean just the 99-2002 or all of them?

greetings! We currently own a 2004 Honda CR-V and are sick of it. (Extremely loud road noise, very uncomfortable, etc). We would like to have another suv and we have a 96 Ls400 which we love. So we are looking at RX's and seem to be finding some pretty good deals. Are there any years that I should avoid? Years that perhaps there were more problems than others, due to model or engine change or whatever. What should be my maximum on mileage? I know the LS400 runs forever, is it the same with the RX? Thanks for the advice and help!

I will look again. Most everything i saw was related to the A/C display.

My 1996 radio lcd is messing up and the back light is out. Radio works fine. I found a repair shop on the internet that repairs them for $140. http://www.carstereohelp.com/strlexus.htm You remove it yourself and mail it to them. Instructions are on the site. Has anyone used this company? What thin, plastic tool did you use to remove the clips? Thanks!

I bet i can stop it with an ice pick! :D

Standard Equipment Power Windows, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, AM / FM Cassette, Power Brakes, Tilt Wheel, 6-digit Odometer Safety Options 4 wheel ABS, Running Lights, Dual air bags front, head, and sides/active (manual) belts with automatic passenger sensor 2005 LEXUS LS 430 JTHBN36F855013952 SEDAN 4 DR 4.3L V8 SFI DOHC 32V / REAR WHEEL DRIVE Standard Equipment | Safety Options Hi-I'm the CARFAX Xpert™. I'm here to help you better understand the data in this CARFAX Report. Did you know... We checked over 5 billion records from thousands of data sources for this vehicle This vehicle qualifies for the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee The last reported odometer reading was 45,096 A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car. The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX Year purchased 2005 Type of owner Lease Estimated length of ownership 3 yrs. 1 mo. Owned in the following states/provinces Texas Estimated miles driven per year 14,235/yr Last reported odometer reading 45,096 CARFAX guarantees the information in this section Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed No Problem Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon Guaranteed No Problem Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed No Problem GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back. Register | View Terms Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX Total Loss Check No total loss reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported Structural / Frame Damage Check No structural / frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported Airbag Deployment Check No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported Odometer Rollback Check No indication of an odometer rollback. No Issues Indicated Accident Check No accidents reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported Manufacturer Recall Check Check with an authorized Lexus dealer for any open recalls. No Recalls Reported Basic Warranty Check Estimated to have 10 months or 4,904 miles remaining. Recalculate warranty Interested in an extended warranty? Warranty Active Tell us what you know about this vehicle Still looking? Find similar cars just listed for sale in your area. Let us do the work! Get daily updates of LEXUS LS SERIES vehicles for sale in your area. Email: Zip: 2005 LEXUS LS 430 Body Style: Sedan 4 DR Engine Type: 4.3L V8 SFI DOHC 32V Free CARFAX Report Advantage Auto Distance: 25.55 mi Contact Dealer A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 5 billion vehicle history events and found 5 record(s) for this 2005 LEXUS LS 430 (JTHBN36F855013952). Purchased: 2005 Type: Lease Where: Texas Est. miles/year: 14,235/yr Est. length owned: 3/29/05 - 5/1/08 (3 yrs. 1 mo.) Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 02/25/2005 NICB Vehicle manufactured and shipped to original dealer 03/29/2005 21 Texas Motor Vehicle Dept. Atlanta, GA Title #22031838427092716 Title issued or updated Registration issued or renewed First owner reported Registered as lease vehicle Passed safety inspection Don't be confused by the two locations in this record. The title was held in Atlanta, Georgia but the car was registered to be driven in Texas. 02/01/2007 Texas Motor Vehicle Dept. Arlington, TX Title #22031838427092716 Registration issued or renewed Registered as lease vehicle Passed safety inspection 06/03/2007 30,127 Texas Inspection Station Arlington, TX Emissions inspection performed Passed safety inspection Passed emissions inspection 05/01/2008 45,096 Auto Auction Sold at auction in Texas Listed as a fleet vehicle Are you buying this car? Then make sure you are buying it from a licensed dealership. Otherwise, you could be a victim of curbstoning, which is illegal. A curbstoner poses as a private seller to sell vehicles for a large profit. Be sure to buy this vehicle from a licensed dealer. CARFAX 1-Owner vehicle! 1-owner 2005 Lexus LS 430 vehicles are worth an average of $2,564 more to consumers because 1-owner vehicles tend to be consistently driven and maintained. Use this as a guide when comparing vehicles. Learn More Low mileage! This owner drove an estimated 14,235 miles per year, lower than the industry average of 15,000 miles. These vehicles can be a better value.

I just bought my 1996 and y'all have been very helpful. The car is wonderful and for the first time in years, I have a passenger seat that I can actually sleep in without my entire upper body losing every drop of blood it has. However, as an air traffic controller, I listen to beeps, alarms, bells all day, and each has a different meaning. So when my wife adjust the A/C or radio, the annoying beeps wake me up, just like they do at work. (Not that I would ever sleep at work...really) I can't find in the owners manual how to turn them off. Is this possible? Thanks!

Check this out on Ebay: Item # 280229946295 I bought it, 6.49 total. We will see how it turns out.

That's great info. Maybe I will just wait until I actually have a problem, but at the same time keep my eye on ebay.

Boy, you are right, that is pricey! Ebay would be the way to go.

Just bought a 1996 Ls400. What is the best repair manual?

Well, I bought the Lexus today. I went by Sewell Lexus and the man let me look at the service record but would not print it out unless I had the car there,(cited privacy issues) but let me look at it. Well maintained with 90,000 mile maintenance performed. It drives great! :D My wife has now decided that this is her car, so I guess I'll have to find me another! The only thing we have found wrong is the radio backlights do not work. Did not notice that until tonight. A/C lights up fine, just the radio lights. If you have any ideas let me know. Thanks!

You guys are very encouraging and helpful. I put a deposit on the vehicle with the understanding that I would inspect before closing. The carfax I pulled is clear. It does say at 79k that the emissions system was serviced, but that is all the details it gives. I plan on stopping by Sewell on the way to the car. One owner which is good. If you would care to see the pictures, here is the address: http://www.ajsnicecars.com/carsforsale.aspx It is the 1996 LS400. I'll update how things go, thanks for the help.