aptoslexus

I bought an LS 400 a couple of weeks ago. I had been driving the same Ford Ranger for 21 years, but it started making a horrible racket on a short road trip and I thought it was toast. It still runs and drives and I still haven't figured out exactly what is wrong with it. Anyway, I went shopping for a used car without any clear idea of what I wanted. I was all over the map, from a Ford Focus wagon to a BMW 325i. I found the pickens to be slim indeed. I saw a Mercury Milan on Craigslist that seemed to be a good fit. It was described as "immaculate" so I called the guy up and arranged for a meeting. Just before I left I saw another Craigslist ad for the LS 400 but didn't call.

I test drove the Milan, which was anything but immaculate. Paint flaking off, check engine light on, pulled to the right when you let go of the wheel, hole in the driver seat leather, etc. Not a good impression. I took the bus home, thinking about the LS 400. I called the guy up and we arranged a meeting near my home. As soon as I sat in it I knew I was going to buy it. But I did test drive it. Drove like a dream and the interior was as close to immaculate as I could expect in a 16 year old car. Oh, yeah, it's a 98. It's got the navigation option. Everything works. Some minor paint imperfections on the exterior. The weakest point were the wheels, which have some curb rash and the chrome is flaking off of them. He wanted $5750 and I offered him $5400. We settled on $5500. Very pleased with the purchase.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

welcome! don't forget to check out the FAQ section for more details. that's a great buy, what's the mileage?

timing belt is due every 90k miles. do a through inspection, take care of the maintenance and you'll have a solid car that can do 300k miles easily! you'll fall in love with the car more and more as you drive it. after all it is lexus flagship model.

aptoslexus

Mileage is 109000. Yeah, the timing belt is due, unfortunately. Plugs as well, as I think from the records that they've never been changed. I did the timing belt on my truck last summer, so I think I can handle this one as well. This one definitely has more stuff to take off to get to the belt. Looks like an all-day job.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

it's not anything too difficult. there is a step by step DIY with pictures on here to help guide you in the FAQ! also we always recommend going with OEM parts, which can be bought as a package on ebay for around $300. make sure they have the "aisin" water pump and "mitsuboshi" timing belt in the package. also only use OEM toyota long life red coolant for longevity of your water pump!

JM51526

Nice! The '98 had some nice improvements over the earlier ones. Enjoy!

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Nice pickup and welcome to the club. You wont be disappointed. Here's the kit you will need to do the Timing belt job.

And here's the tutorial I'll be following when i do mines.
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...cement-how-to/

aptoslexus

Thanks for the info, guys. I generally hit up Rockauto.com to check out parts and did so on the LS before I bought the car just to be sure they wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I often wonder if those timing kits aren't the same parts thrown into a different box.

I've gone through the timing belt tutorial and watched a few videos on youtube. I haven't seen anyone use the method I used to break loose the crank bolt on my Ranger though. I put a breaker bar on it and laid it against the ground and bumped the starter with ignition disabled. Instant results without air tools or straining with a giant cheater bar.

Kingsoup

Wow that thing looks mint!! thats a nice upgrade from the Ranger you've been driving for so very long!

Legender

Congrats and welcome to the club. Very nice find. Quite an upgrade from the fords.... enjoy.

dveneman

You live in a nice area and now have a nice car.
Good score! You did quite well to say the least.