2000 ls400

get a 2000. they are awesome.

turboomni

Since you are researching the weak areas of all the years the 400 series were made,, you will be able to find these problems and or lack of documentation of critical maintenence. This will be a bargaining point too.
I would also think if a 1992 LS400 was born in 1999 ,,it would be as reliable as a 1999. I feel the comparisons can be flawed because of age and the resulting upkeep of the car to a point. Every car has it's weak points and strenghts.
What amazes me generally about many Japanese cars especially in this case Toyota,,is a first year run of a Luxury car would be so reliable and make such an impact on the Market that was held by Germany and England for such a long time is astounding.
I would also say the Americans that had the ***** to buy a 1st geneation LS400 should get an award!!!!!
Sorry ,,random thoughts,

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Bottom line is you cannot over look age. Sure Toyota built these for longevity but as with any mechanical device, they have a finite lifespan. As much as we like to hear about 500K cars, those are the exception. The median range will have these being sent to scrap from the low 200's to 300K. EOL will be the norm in these mileages so don't expect long term. If you do get lucky, you bought well and pleased the Toyota God.

Basically a gamble. That is why the odds improve with a later ones.

BLKonBLK98

i think the important thing to gather here is that everyone is satisfied w/ their lexus. of course most people will prefer their generation and say it's the best. how many people actually have long term experience w/ multiple cars of multiple generations? it seems to me that common issues are pretty standard across the board. i haven't had anything that could be considered unexpected from my '92.

if i was to buy again i would go for a 95-97 just because i think they look the best. a 97 coach in a good color scheme would be my #1 choice.

98LS

I have a 98 with 132,000 miles. I've had it for six years and it's been a very trouble-free car. I've only had to do maintenance. Except for some fading on the top of the rear bumper, the car still looks brand new. I have to remind myself that it's a 12 year old car.

I would recommend the 98-00 models as well. I remember reading a while back on the forum where a poster was told by a Lexus tech that the 98-00 models were the best built.

turboomni

I was talking to a Lexus tech also and said he prefers the 400 series as cars and to work on over the newest models.