ronsadvice

Have been reading your submissions ... I am a 400 owner like you and LOVE everything about the car. I have a few more miles than you, 95K and am the second owner, but what a car! Welcome and have fun! Ron Johnson ron@ronsadvice.com www.ronsadvice.com

Could not help but "smile" at your entry! You cannot go wrong at all with the LS series. (I drive a 1990 LS400 original and am in love still with the car) I happen to be a licensed California new car broker so have lots of contact with my clients. I have NEVER heard one negative word regarding any Lexus since their inception! You will not go wrong shooting for an LS or any other Lexus. Let me give you that encoouragement! If you happen to live in California, give me an e-mail a couple of months before you are ready as the LS is a difficult car to arrange! Happy dreaming! Ron Johnson ronsadvice@aol.com http://ronsadvice.com

:chairshot: You have a 1990 and are JUST NOW checking this out? HA! I have a 1990 and find this useful only in going upgrades. It is your "overdrive delete" button. So, if you engage it, the tranny stays in "3rd" gear for you. I find that your 8 cyls will more than take care of you and you may never need to engage this button! enjoy your car - Ron

Oh Ye do not be afraid - just choose well. I personaly own a 1990 and LOVE every bit of the car! As with ANY car, you need to be mindful of service history. Do not be afraid to ask your Lexus dealer to run service records on any car you are interested in. No records? HMMMMMM be careful! Lexus is a fine car with fine initial workmanship and quality. A ride like no other and prestige in ANY year model! Do I sell used Lexus cars, NO - I am just a very enthusiastic owner. Good Luck and remember, VERIFY previous service. Be careful yiou don't buy someone else's headaches?? Sincerely, Ron Johnson

Well, must confess, have used lower octane BUT have not had any negative results! Honestly, I want to take good care of my "baby" so am happy to pay for the "good stuff". Just wanted to let you know that on the occasion that required lesser rating, she has treated me just right! No ping and no loss in power. Ron

Congratulations on your seats! I have a 90 LS and would love to replace my seats - they look good but don't have the "support" they did originally. I think we would all be interested in where you got your "kit" and if you found replacement material for what goes under the skin? Thanks.....Ron

I upgraded my 90 LS to 17" take-offs from a 2004 LS and they not only look SHARP but ride very nicely. One warning, however, you will have to Modify the "housing" as the 17" tires will rub on sharp turns! Otherwise good luck to you - I just did the same and am super happy! Ron Johnson

Help - shoot you a "PM?" what might that be! Please Advise and I will take care of it right away. Sorry, I was just answering the one person's inquiry - do not intend to advertise generally. Also do not want to violate ANY policy!! Thanks, Ron

Hello there! I am a licensed (20 years) new car broker in the Los Angeles area. Would be happy to try to negotiate and locate a good/great deal for your new 430 if you are interested. My fee is $225 and I take care of everything. All is need is a list of your requirements and I will take it from there. Would enjoy talking with you in any event. Ron Johnson ronsadvice@aol.com (805) 373-8301 = cell phone lets do it! ;)

:cries: heavens no - looks way too high to me! I think you need to be down in the 20-25 range? Good Luck - it would be a great car for someone, don't get me wrong, but the market is not as high as you project.

B) Heres hoping you had a good Christmas day! I am the guy that suggested you call Walt tomorrow. Please let me know how it goes with him. He is a very straight shooter and I hope he can be of good help to you. Ron

Boy is this ever a great analysis! Read and enjoy the spirit in which this is written! yes, Panache is for the other guy that does not have to live with YOUR decisions nor does he pay your bills! Take heed and stay with Lexus! Ron

So Sorry this has to be the way it is on Christmas Day! I live in Thousand Oaks and have had 20 years of experience with a local independent Toyota-Lexus specialist. On Monday, call Walt at Star Automotive - 805-498-7664. Tell him you know me, Ron Johnson, describe your situation and see if he can give you any advice or help or even take care of it. It is about a 30 minute drive from Magic Mountain to Thousand Oaks so that is not too bad. Walt will shoot straight with you. Good Luck and let me know how it goes! Forget about the car for a couple of days and enjoy Christmas in California! Sincerely, Ron

B) Where do you live that an LS does not have enough Penache? Wow! i always believe that the car is for YOU and not for the "gawkers" on the sideline that do not have to put up with the harsher ride etc. The car is for YOUR pleasure and, yes, I am biased but urge you to think long and hard beyond the money about a decision of this financial size. The LS is a superb vehicle - don't be in a hurry to dismiss it! Sincerely, Ron PS: Merry Christmas!

Welcome to the world of Lexus! I have a 1990 myself, with 89000 miles and have never stopped loving the car. The Lexus "Charm" will grab hold of you in short order! Tranny? I never experienced what you are describing but don't like the sound of it. I really think you should spend a few dollars with a Lexus/Toyota mechanic (private) so get a professional opinion. Also, has the timing belt been replaced? That is a BIG item you should know about at those miles!! Really, get yourself a diagnosis for $50 or so. Will be well worth it. This is a fine car but if it is being sold, does the owner know something you don't?? Hmm? Best of Luck and have a nice Holiday Ron Johnson

Hello - Recomend changing the Tensioners and the water pump as long as you are "in there" anyway. Chances are these items will need help in the reasonably near future, for sure before it is time to do the belt again, so you will save money and keep your car running at it's best. Sure it is more cash but cheaper now than later. My experience was very positive when I did the above. Good Luck! Ron

WOW - have not tested my 90 formally, but it R U N S! I have a couple of steep grades in my area and this car tackles them like they were downlill runs! Initial accelleration is a "little" slow but after that, look out Beemers! Love my 90 LS and am not even thinking about any other car. Nice to hear good memos after so many "problem" questions. A newcomer to the site needs to hear the good stuff! Thanks for asking. Ron Johnson

:cries: One person's opinion but I would l not touch that car unless it was free or close to it. A salvage is never a deal as the car can not be sold anywhere "cause the next prospect will never "understand." Unless you plan to keep the car until it dies naturally, I would pass. Again, I am just one guy but I have been in the car busines for 40 years and no good has ever come from a salvage car - at least in my personal experience. Best wishes to you on whatever decision you make but if you DO decide to go forwad, for heaven's sakes, don't pay that much for the car. Remember, the owner has the same problem I just defined for you so he needs you more than you need him!!! Lexus is the ONLY way to go - I agree with you on that and I have been around a whole lot of cars in my years! Best of Luck and please take my message in the spirit in which it is sent to a fellow Lexus lover! and, by the way, Happy Holidays whatever you do! Sincerely, Ron Johnson

Dealer checked eveything up front and found all to be OK and in-line etc. We even put new tires on the front thinking we had "radial pull." We drained the PS Pump and lines etc - Car drives as straight as an arrow but if you want to "steer" it almost has a mind of its own and wants to go straight again! I am frustrated but am thinking this is just part of the LS? Still Love My Car! Ron Johnson 1990 LS400 - 88,000 miles

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I have a 90 LS with 86000 miles and the SAME problem! I have tried to find an answer to no avail (lexus dealer etc) I like the above reply and will try that myself (PS Solenoid Screen etc) Good Luck on fixing and PLEASE let us know what happens if you resolve this and I will do the same. Continue to enjoy one of the finest vehicles ever designed and built! Ron Johnson

ANOTHER great reason to have a LEXUS! I have a 1990 (wow) and get 18MPG and am very happy with that for an 8 cyl, well powered car! Have fun with your new LS and blow the Beemers off the road! Ron

Am tracking this Seat topic as I love my 90LS but hate my seats! I read that some you have taken it somewhere for better padding? some of you have tried to install later model seats? etc etc. Will a later model LS seat fit? I am very serious about upgrading my seats, at least the driver's. I am REALLY looking for a good solution. Yes money is always a concern but if, in relation to things, it is not too bad, I will go for it. Appreciate any serious solutions!@ I only have 87000 miles and am not fat so those are not my problems. I just think the original materials broke down too early. My car was one of the very first imports to the US back when! Thanks in advance for any help Ron Johnson ronsadvice@aol.com

:cries: I am so with you on the seat bit that I want to follow this forum with you. I had an original 90 LS and swore those seats were fantastic. I was without a Lexus for a few years and just had a chance to buy another '90 so I did. It only has 85,000 miles but the seats seem to be FLAT or something. Nothing Like I remember ??? Is it me or is it the seats? I have a bad back just like your wife and really need to do something here. Good luck to you in getting good responses! Ron Johnson - Thousand Oaks