red flags to look for in LS400
06-07-10, 01:58 PM
#1
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red flags to look for in LS400
l've searched the faq and tutorials and specs. I'm looking for info on any red flags or things to stay away from. When purchasing a LS400 ( 98-00 ) any guidance would be apperciated. ps i searched as well, but nothing showed up.
06-07-10, 03:52 PM
#3
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has timing belt been changed per spec?
has front end been redone?
is power steering leaking?
have you checked dealer maintenance history?
especially if seller says it was dealer maintained.
stay away from air suspension unless you have read up on it and are ready to deal with it.
has front end been redone?
is power steering leaking?
have you checked dealer maintenance history?
especially if seller says it was dealer maintained.
stay away from air suspension unless you have read up on it and are ready to deal with it.
06-07-10, 04:14 PM
#4
Lead Lap
Why not air in the rear sus?
Its the front that's more expensive and besides it will be very unlikely to find one with just A/S only in the rear, unless it's modified that way. I say this because my '95 was like this I bought a kit from "Strutmasters" that was supposed to be with a 1" drop, but the rear end was too damn high, so what I did was re-install the a/s in the rear along a with custom switch to control the power of the compressor and trick the the front sensors to making it think that it did not need any air.
It was just my little custom mod...
Its the front that's more expensive and besides it will be very unlikely to find one with just A/S only in the rear, unless it's modified that way. I say this because my '95 was like this I bought a kit from "Strutmasters" that was supposed to be with a 1" drop, but the rear end was too damn high, so what I did was re-install the a/s in the rear along a with custom switch to control the power of the compressor and trick the the front sensors to making it think that it did not need any air.It was just my little custom mod...
06-07-10, 06:34 PM
#5
Lead Lap
My main advice is to understand what was available and what you are buying. It's not practical to add options to a car that does not have them.
Look at these pages:
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1998/1998LSspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999LSspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf
If you want HID, make sure the car you buy has it. Lot's of 98 LS400's had halogen headlights. The "big deal" with OEM HID headlights is automatic leveling -- you can't get that with aftermarket HID.
Avoid cars with navigation -- updates haven't been available for over five years. If the nav dies, you lose control of the HVAC and audio systems.
Maybe avoid cars with Nakamichi. I love my Nak but repair parts are no longer available -- ebay, salvage companies, and these forums are good places to find used Nakamichi parts. If you plan to convert a 98-00 LS400 to aftermarket audio, it's easier to do on cars with standard Pioneer audio due to the availability of conversion harnesses.
Verify that everything works ... all controls, windows, sunroof, etc. and that there are no warning lights.
If possible verify that all outstanding TSIB's were done while the car was under warranty. There were multiple TSIB's on the steering wheel tilt/telescope on the 98, 99 and early 00 LS and it can cost thousands $$$ to have the problems fixed.
Strut rod assemblies need replacing every 75,000 miles or so on a 98-00 LS400 -- about a $500 job to have professionally done. The main sign of bad ones is front end vibration at highway speeds and sloppy steering.
I could probably think up lots of other stuff but I'll stop here. The 98-00 LS is a transitional model with the styling of the older LS with some of the technology (side air bags, VSC; brake assist on the 00 models) of the LS430. I've had my 00 LS for almost seven years and still like it a lot ... probably keep it for another five years or so.
Look at these pages:
http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1998/1998LSspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/1999/1999LSspecs.pdf
http://www.lexus.com/contact/pdf/2000/2000LSspecs.pdf
If you want HID, make sure the car you buy has it. Lot's of 98 LS400's had halogen headlights. The "big deal" with OEM HID headlights is automatic leveling -- you can't get that with aftermarket HID.
Avoid cars with navigation -- updates haven't been available for over five years. If the nav dies, you lose control of the HVAC and audio systems.
Maybe avoid cars with Nakamichi. I love my Nak but repair parts are no longer available -- ebay, salvage companies, and these forums are good places to find used Nakamichi parts. If you plan to convert a 98-00 LS400 to aftermarket audio, it's easier to do on cars with standard Pioneer audio due to the availability of conversion harnesses.
Verify that everything works ... all controls, windows, sunroof, etc. and that there are no warning lights.
If possible verify that all outstanding TSIB's were done while the car was under warranty. There were multiple TSIB's on the steering wheel tilt/telescope on the 98, 99 and early 00 LS and it can cost thousands $$$ to have the problems fixed.
Strut rod assemblies need replacing every 75,000 miles or so on a 98-00 LS400 -- about a $500 job to have professionally done. The main sign of bad ones is front end vibration at highway speeds and sloppy steering.
I could probably think up lots of other stuff but I'll stop here. The 98-00 LS is a transitional model with the styling of the older LS with some of the technology (side air bags, VSC; brake assist on the 00 models) of the LS430. I've had my 00 LS for almost seven years and still like it a lot ... probably keep it for another five years or so.
Last edited by Kansas; 06-07-10 at 06:37 PM.
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