93 LS4

I’ve sold my SC300 and am looking to get back into an LS400.. My last LS400 was a 1994 and so the 1999's are completely different and have different issues to look for.

Any tips on what I should watch out for when looking for a 1999 LS400 with Navigation????

Any help would be greatly appreciated…

Horta

Hey i asked the same questions when shopping for my 98 LS. Nobody came back with specific things to avoid or to "WatchOut" for. Thes cars hold up extreamly well and have no commmpn problems. The only know issue is small cracks in the wood steering wheel. They almost all had it. Lexus was very good to replace cracked wheels. So if you find the right car but it has that the dealer will most like replace it for you at no cost when you take it in for your first service.

Mian thing is look for Lexus service history and paint and leather condition. Those three thing will tell you how good or bad the car is. If the car was maintaind correctly these thing will last forever.....

Now the thing that will be a little difficult for you is finding the "Perfet" car with Navigation. Nav was not a popular option in the 98 - 2000 models, so be openminded to color selection.

Do your self the favor of reading this thread I started recently about buying a LS400.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=136004

93 LS4

Cool, thanks I’m glad someone came thru with some info and a fellow Floridian at that!

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I don’t know what kind of mileage your looking at, but if its near 90, check to see if the timing belt has been done. Again, its better to buy a 99 w/95K then a 99 w/85K waiting to be worked on ($2000).

Also, check the upper control arms.... I don’t know if you’re buying from dealer or private, but in case from the dealer, have them fix these things. I think the navi got a recent software upgrade ($300+) so ask about that.

hmmm... I trying to think as i am running late for class, but if I get anything in mind, I’ll be back tonight. oh yeah, check ALL the bulb, esp HID's and all the electronics in the car..... Good luck.

NOTE: I strongly suggest you steer clear of ANY LS that has any type of cosmetic damage, because it wont be worth it in the long run.

Kansas

My recommendation would be to look for the lowest mileage and highest level of options you can find. Cars like this do not bring all that much of a premium price over a higher mileage and/or minimally optioned car. Someone on this or another Lexus forum recently found a 98 LS with only about 25,000 miles so they are out there. The 2000 LS I bought less than a year ago had 38,000 miles, was one of the last 210 LS400's made -- cost me $9,000 less than the asking prices of less well equipted 2000 LS400's from the local Lexus dealer.

Look for a Platinum Series "SG" model if you want a 2000 LS with Nav - the list price of a Platinum/Nav was less than a non-Platinum model with Nav when Nav was selected separately from the option list.

Unless you get lost a lot or just have to have Nav, consider a standard or Nak audio package. You can always add a PDA based or other Nav that you can take with you in other cars - a Bluetooth PDA with a Bluetooth GPS Nav kit can be had for only about $500.

Luna

Well I got nowhere with lexus getting my cracked CPO '99 steering wheel replaced today but they 'good willed' a passenger mirror that appeared to have overheated. Only 45k on the clock, but no luck on the wheel.

Horta

Luna

That sucks on the wheel. Hmm I took mine in on it very first service and they ordered me one no questions asked. Now at the same time I did already have my RX for over a year and I get ALL my service with them.

Well just keep going back for regular service and once you have a reputation as a loyal customer they may help you out.

Jerry

funchessco

hello everyone iam the new kid on the block,i own a 98 ls400 and it didnt come with the wood steering wheel or the wooden gear shift, where and how much could i get one for?

Horta

About $150 for the wheel and $60 to $100 for the shifter on eBay. Go for it what a difference.

2 question who long have you had the LS and how many miles and have you taken it to Lexus for your first service after owning it?

Kansas

Having had the leather wheel and gear shift on our old 90 LS we had for over 13 years and a wood wheel and gear shift on our 2000 LS, my opinion is that the all leather wheel is much more comfortable - particularly during spirited driving on winding roads. The gear shift doesn't matter at all in terms of comfort. How often does anyone manually shift an LS? Sure, the wood looks nice but I would rather have an all leather wheel and ****.

I think you are very lucky to have found a car with an all leather steering wheel.

And no, I am not willing to go to the bother of swapping with you. My maple wheel and gear shift wouldn't match your walnut wood anyway.