ronsadvice

Congratulations on wanting to "move on up". I sent you an e-mail this am but not sure it got to you as I did not go through the forum. this is sort of a repeat. I am a licensed broker in Thousand Oaks (Southern California) and do a considerable amount of work with Lexus Clients. I would be happy to get you a bid from this area if you would like, however, you MUST be advised that your numbers are WAY LOW for what you are asking for. I suggest you go to Lexus.com and build your car on-site to get the real MSRP - then the invoice can be better determined. As I see it, a loaded ULTRA would MSRP for around $74,000. They do make a Custom level that MSRP at around $66,800. Anyway, would be happy to see what we could do from here and suggest you see what the "bottom line" is in Seattle before you start waging this war! You may visit my website - www.ronsadvice.com - to see what we are all about. Very sincerely Ron Johnson

:cries: Sorry but I went through the same thing on my 85,000 mile LS. After much dealer BS etc, i found out it was called RADIAL PULL and was the tire's fault! Replaced front tires and the car suns true and firm. (This is after I checked the front end, power steering and other sundry items!) You might just check with Goodyear or whomever's tires you have before you do anything else? Good Luck and let me know if my humble offering is of any value! Ron Johnson ronsadvice@aol.com

B) Can anyone tell me what the situation is in a 1990 LS? Is there are filter? Thanks

<_< Can't answer your question but want to welcome you to the Lexus world! Be patient with her and you will enjoy, enjoy, enjoy for many miles! Stay in touch with this site and you will learn everything you need to know. I am sure someone will follow with good advice. Take care and good luck on this temporary problem! Ron Again, Welcome!

B) If you think Lexus is expensive to repair, wait until you make your first Jag repair! The 2K you think you are saving now, will go away later! Guess I am biased re: Lexus but have had friends etc with sad stories to tell regarding Jag repairs. If you buy Jag NEW then you are ok for a few years under Meg warranty. but used, you are on your own. Just take my two cents for what they are worth.... Good Luck to you and your wife! Ron

Welcome to the Lexus world! No price is too high for keeping this car. Now that the hard part is done, sit back, enjoy and drive with the pride you can have with an LS. Being a 1990 Driver myself, I know of what you speak BUT compare that with what you would have to do to some other car and the results thereof! --- Lack of that LEXUS feel that no-other car has! yes, You did Good! Ron Johnson :D

:cries: Wish I lived near you - I would buy the Lexus and let you suffer with your KIA? Don't let the dealer "put you away" I am a car broker here in California and sure don't see you getting less than $9,000 as per my coleagues above have told you. Hold the Line! they want to get rid of KIA's more than you want to buy....so stay KOOL! PS: Tell me more about your Kia and let me see if I can do anything better for you. check out my website: www.ronsadvice.com then e-mail me if you wish. I would be happy to "take a stab" at for my fellow Lexus fan! Sincerely and best wishes Ron Johnson ron@ronsadvice.com

;) 1250 sounds gross. There must be a way to do everything in the $850 or so area? In any event, unless you are good at mechanics, I would NOT recommend a DIY even if you do save a few bucks. This is probably one of the most important things you can do to your Lexus! Shop at a Toyota-Lexus Independent ... see what you can do there. B) Good Luck and remember this is just part of the cost of owning a Lexus! Worth it!! :D Sincdrely, Ron Johnson PS: see my above message for what I paid at a full blown LEXUS dealer. Better than what you are being quoted. :whistles:

How many miles do you have on your car? I also have a '90 and never had anything like that happen .. I want to keep track of what others tell you about this. Best of Luck to you! Ron

:D Good news For Y ou A lexus can't be a Lemon! You just have a hose or common problem that you can expect on a 13 year old anything car. One question, how about the timing belt? Has IT been changed and, with it, has the water pump been checked? I am concerned that corrosion in the water/heater system may be in othr areas too! Be sure you have a GOOD mechanic, who knows Toyota/Lexus products look over EVERYTHING for you. I think It would be worth the few dollars a good mechainc would charge to check things out for you. I, after buying a used anything, would sure want to know as much as possible about the vehicle Things that may seem ok now may be going "downhill" and you would want to take action before anything worse happens. Hope the temporary water thing is just a hose or maybe a heater core leak. Good Luck to you and welcome to the Lexus world - you have a super car, just ask anyone on this website. Ron Johnson 90 LS400 with 86K

B) Hello I just went through the timing belt routine with my LS400 1990 with 83K so you and I are in about the same space in time. Upon recommendation of good friends, I changed the water pump and tensioner bearings at the same time. While you are "in there" it is good idea to check out the water pump as it may be getting full of water corrosion. also check out Front crankshaft seals and replace if needed. the tensioners and idle earings are something that get weak and should be checked out while you are "in there". How much did I pay? Went to our Lexus dealer and paid: $444 for timing belt change $175 to replace camshaft and crankshaft seals $373 for timing belt tensioner and idler bearings and water pumop I am NOT a mechanic of any kind. Love my Lexus and it purrs like a kitten after doing the above. Lots of money? Yes but look what all is now done for years! And, oh, does the car purr along nicely. Best of luck to you! Sincerely Ron Johnson 1990 LS400 86K

Thanks for sharing! We are sure fans of the right kind of car! Hope Ivan is not going YOUR way too. from Sunny California where our Lexus glides down the nice open freeways....Ron

Nothing to suggest. Just wanted to say Welcome and congratulations for doing your own thing! Wish I could. I have a 1990 with 86K and have never loved a car more. Good Wishes on your car - Enjoy! there is nothing like a Lexus (in my humble opinion)

:cries: You really sold your 1992 without another car in your sights? I have a 1990 and LOVE the car still. Best wishes to you in finding the right car that even comes close to your '92 in the $7 price range. Why did yu think you could sell your 92 for $7 then pick up a three year newer car for the same price? Luv My Lexus Ron Johnson :D

Well, congratulations on your LS but I had the same problem and spent some good money on it. My car wanted to drive where it wanted to! I was told there is a steering problem with our cars that can be fixed without too much trouble. Another thing I had to do is replace my new Goodyear Eagle GA's as they had Radial Pull - who would figure? Good Luck with your car. Ron Johnson ron@ronsadvice.com

May I humbly suggest OEM Goodyear Eagle GA? Very solid and QUIET and make my 90 LS400 run so smoothly I almost cannot believe it. Good Luck with your Tires! Sincerely, Ron Johnson ronsadvice@aol.com

My humble response to your interest in buying an LS. I am a new car broker and have been for 20 years. I have been responsible for arranging numerous Lexus products over the years. I drive a 1990 LS400 myself and overall, I believe Lexus is the best car built for the money! Yes, we have to replace rubber and bushings, service AC, buy tires, replace timing belts etc BUT you will do that stuff on ANY car over the years. I like one of the above recommendations that you check out every rubber part, find out when the last timing belt change was effected and, generally, you want a thorough mechanical check-out efore you buy this particular car. Of course the bottom line is how much you have to pay for the car. Determine the fair market value in your area then deduct the costs of reconditioning as per your inspection then make an offer. Best of luck to you. Yes, I too enjoy this super forum! Sincerely, Ron Johnson 1990 LS400 with 86,000 original miles and would not trade for anything available today! :D

B) Just as soon as I "learn myself" I will join you . You have a good idea that can be fun! Ron

<_< Has anyone experienced a "breakdown" of their front seats over time? My seats look great but have no support any more. Anyone had their seats rebuilt to new? Any Ideas? I own a 90 LS with only 80K and in awesome shape. I just have a problem with the front seats. When you sit on them they go "flat". Thanks for your help! Ron Johnson

Best of Luck on your project! Sounds like a great idea and I look forward to following your progress! Ron Johnson

i have 90 LS400 with 84K. Just had the same repair done at independent Lexus mechanic = $700. this included a conversion to the new freon system. Would not even consider doing this myself and the repair sure does make a huge difference. You could store meat in the car! Great for this high heat cycle. Good Luck

I am curious, how is your steering? I also have a 90 LS400 but we had to deal with a slight power steering problem then replace two new front Goodyear Eagle GA. Backs run fine, however.

A couple of months ago, I purchased a very nice 83K 90 LS400. I owned one of the very fist imported to the US and had to sell a few years ago. I have not been happy since! This car is in super condition after I spent about $4K on AC, Pow Strg, Etc. Yes, I have followed your forums and experienced all the "upgrade" suggestions. You have not only been right on target but very helpful lin my dealings with Lexus. Problem? :( The front seats are not as "thick" or supportive as I remember. I have a very bad back and need the high quality seats. Have any of you experienced a breakdown of seats and, if so, was this resolved and how? There is NO physical vision of any problem like overwear or ann overweight person driving etc. And, with the low miles I am surprised that the seats would be so "thin?" Appreciate any advice and/or "horror stories" to give me an idea where to go next on this. Thanks, Ron Johnson out in Thousand Oaks, CA :D

another question? Have you had any experience with SEATS breaking down inside? I think that is a problem too as my back is complaining but the seat looks Great! Just thought I would run this by you since you have been helpful. Thanks, Ron