camp800

Hello, found this forum and thought I'd join.

I just purchased a 1999 LS 400. It has 75K miles, one owner. Bought at a Toyota dealer in Ardmore, PA (outside Philadelphia).

The car is great, good maintenance record on CARFAX. They neglected the exterior though, some small digs and dents and the paint is in need of a good detail and waxing.

I only have one key though and, when I did a test drive, the power steering pump was making noise. I had the dealer add fluid and it quoted down but, obviously there is a leak, I'll probably have my local shop (specializes in asian cars (Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Subaru, etc.) replace the pump with a remanufactured unit. I'll do this soon as I've read where the leaking ATF fluid can damage the alternator.

Also, only have one key,I believe I have the master though.

Any advice on anything I've mentioned.

I needed another car and researched many ver-hicles. Was thinking of a used Camry or Honda, but this car was listed at $5K. The more i researched about the LS 400, I decided to get it. It's a beautiful car, rides like a dream, powerful and the interior is flawless.

Any thoughts from experienced LS 400 owners is greatly appreciated!

Stroock639

does it sound like this?

soundcloud.com/jakesiegs/lexuspsnoise

Stroock639

the pumps in these will tend to leak eventually so that's nothing new, but if it's making that sound it's most likely not getting a steady fluid supply, or at least not clean fluid. if the fluid is all brown then that should be changed. also apparently the reservoir itself can get all clogged up with dirt and prevent fluid from circulating, so getting that cleaned out would probably help. mine starting making some noise, got the pump replaced but it started making that noise again. adding fluid helped a lot but it's still there. my fluid is also pretty brown, mechanic "flushed it" but obviously didn't or there's just a bunch of dirt in there making it brown again.

don't worry you definitely made the right choice with the LS over some "run of the mill" camry or accord. the LS is about 300x better, maybe even 306x better

dicer

Its worth what ever the cost to fix it is. Why? because to get as good a replacement car is going to cost you
at least $700 a month in car payments not counting insurance, fuel and factored in maintenance. Of course unless you have the cash for an expensive luxury car.

Stroock639

ok i know you've said you're not on that washington state legal weed but where is this coming from? lol they're just asking for advice about a noisy power steering pump, no disputes over the value of anything

dicer

Hey this is for everyone reading this, not just the OP. I've just seen where some people get to the point they don't want to put more money into an old car. I'm not like that, unless its a car that will never be worth the effort. I'm saying these cars are worth the effort. The biggest problem is going to be a lack of affordable parts, that have been discontinued. So unless they do become more of a classic, like an old chevy car or truck, mustang or Camaro that you can get every part there is for them made after market, then there will be a problem keeping them going. You can find more new parts for an old 50's GM car or truck than you can for an older LS400.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

you answered a question that nobody was asking.

Congrats on the pickup OP.

UNCNOR

iTrader: (1)

bullseye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Legender

Sounds like you did really good with the purchase. Keep the maintenance up and you'll have a really nice car to last you a long time. Unlike new cars that seem not to need any attention, out older cars require you to check on them regularly just to make sure they're OK.
Congrats on the purchase and it only happened if the pics are there.

1uzLexzeus

I agree pic or it didn't happen haha but yea man glad you bought an LS!!!

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

the power steering leak could be as simple as a $3 oring at the bottom of the reservoir, but if you are hearing sounds, it's most likely worse by now. a pump is cheap in the grand scheme of things. enjoy the car, such low miles (though a timing belt job is due at 90k).

Stereorob

ill echo what others have said here. great car but its getting up there in age and will need to be watched over. as long as you take care of it shell last you the next 20 years or longer. as these cars get older and older indeed parts will become scarce. ive been trying to locate a rebuilt steering rack for my 95 for 2 weeks now. ugh.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Yep, I'm with Timmy, it will soon need a timing belt and water pump job.. but take care of it and it will last forever..my 99 has 199450 today..