Why would you buy an LS400/430?
07-28-03, 04:32 PM
#1
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Why would you buy an LS400/430?
List out a pro and con for the LS! This will help provide "insider" information for potential LS buyers. List out your Car Model 400 or 430 and your year.
91 LS400
Pro
This car refuses to die! After owning this Lexus for 12 years, I truely believe when you look up the word reliability, you see the word Lexus =)
Con
Burgundy is a sad sad color to buy
91 LS400
Pro
This car refuses to die! After owning this Lexus for 12 years, I truely believe when you look up the word reliability, you see the word Lexus =)
Con
Burgundy is a sad sad color to buy
07-28-03, 06:39 PM
#2
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LS400 Pros;
Reliable - always at top of JD Power and Consumer Report ratings (two unbiased sources), mine rolled over 220,000 a few weeks ago, still runs strong, smooth and quiet.
Safe - Always had class leading safety features including very strong cage around driver and beams in doors - these save more lives than airbags and abs, in my opinion, as most fatal crashes are offset front impact or t-bone type impact
Powerful - built and balanced V-8 factory stock? who else does that?
Value - brand has not been diluted by stamping the Lexus name on cheaply built junk as some other upscale lines have, cars keep resale value year after year, not climbing and falling based on what is "hot" at the moment.
Cons;
Service can be expensive - but these cars were not cheaply built and the parts for upkeep and repair are expensive accordingly. The good thing is that almost all service is preventive, since parts fail so infrequently. All associated stuff has to be the best too. Cheap carwash? No way - it might get scratched. Cheap tires? No way - it might make the ride noisy or make performance suffer.
Having one makes you want another- I do not forsee any other brand being parked in my driveway, I will not feel safe with my wife or children driving anything else, I just don't trust another brand to be as reliable or as safe. I am even trying to talk my mom into letting us get one for her.
It's like a disease..........but one you don't treat 'cause you like the symptoms
Reliable - always at top of JD Power and Consumer Report ratings (two unbiased sources), mine rolled over 220,000 a few weeks ago, still runs strong, smooth and quiet.
Safe - Always had class leading safety features including very strong cage around driver and beams in doors - these save more lives than airbags and abs, in my opinion, as most fatal crashes are offset front impact or t-bone type impact
Powerful - built and balanced V-8 factory stock? who else does that?
Value - brand has not been diluted by stamping the Lexus name on cheaply built junk as some other upscale lines have, cars keep resale value year after year, not climbing and falling based on what is "hot" at the moment.
Cons;
Service can be expensive - but these cars were not cheaply built and the parts for upkeep and repair are expensive accordingly. The good thing is that almost all service is preventive, since parts fail so infrequently. All associated stuff has to be the best too. Cheap carwash? No way - it might get scratched. Cheap tires? No way - it might make the ride noisy or make performance suffer.
Having one makes you want another- I do not forsee any other brand being parked in my driveway, I will not feel safe with my wife or children driving anything else, I just don't trust another brand to be as reliable or as safe. I am even trying to talk my mom into letting us get one for her.
It's like a disease..........but one you don't treat 'cause you like the symptoms
07-28-03, 10:04 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
I would definitely buy another LS in the future, and wouldn't sell my LS now or later.
Pros
-Quiet - Sometimes it's hard to tell the car is even on! VERY quiet on the highway, much better than most cars.
-Classic, elegant design - I think my 91 looks as good or better than most new cars on the road.
-Solid - At nearly 4000 lbs. its got some bulk.
-Reliable - I don't have to worry if it's going to start. My mind is 100% at ease.
-Safe - When installing sound deadoning I saw the steel tubing built into the car.
-Powerful - The stock V8 is very strong. I feel like I can take most cars on the road if I wanted to.
Cons
-Expensive repairs - Even though I take my LS to an independant mechanic it still costs much more than most cars.
-Needs Premium fuel - Meaning more $
Pros out-weigh the cons without a doubt.
Pros
-Quiet - Sometimes it's hard to tell the car is even on! VERY quiet on the highway, much better than most cars.
-Classic, elegant design - I think my 91 looks as good or better than most new cars on the road.
-Solid - At nearly 4000 lbs. its got some bulk.
-Reliable - I don't have to worry if it's going to start. My mind is 100% at ease.
-Safe - When installing sound deadoning I saw the steel tubing built into the car.
-Powerful - The stock V8 is very strong. I feel like I can take most cars on the road if I wanted to.
Cons
-Expensive repairs - Even though I take my LS to an independant mechanic it still costs much more than most cars.
-Needs Premium fuel - Meaning more $
Pros out-weigh the cons without a doubt.
07-29-03, 01:59 PM
#4
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1991 LS400
PROS
1. Super quiet ride - even after 167K !!
2. Solid build - No squeaks and rattles
3. Great Nakamichi sound system - Sounds better than my 99 E430 w/Bose and 01 740iL w/DSP
4. Super reliable - haven't done anything but maintenance to this car
5. Nice looking interior - Speedo/Tach combo looks great, even better than the newer cars out there. (albeit the failing LCD displays)
CONS
1. Air suspension - rides like a dream, but expensive to fix
2. Brakes - Heard the 2nd gen (MY93+) had a lot better brake design, but the 1st gen suffers from premature brake rotor warping
3. Could have put bigger tires on the car IMO. Again the 93+ models took care of that problem
4. 60k valve adjustment service. I know this car is from 91, and correct me if i'm wrong, but the newer LS's also require a valve adjustment ? Where the german counterparts are all self-adjusting valves?
PROS
1. Super quiet ride - even after 167K !!
2. Solid build - No squeaks and rattles
3. Great Nakamichi sound system - Sounds better than my 99 E430 w/Bose and 01 740iL w/DSP
4. Super reliable - haven't done anything but maintenance to this car
5. Nice looking interior - Speedo/Tach combo looks great, even better than the newer cars out there. (albeit the failing LCD displays)
CONS
1. Air suspension - rides like a dream, but expensive to fix
2. Brakes - Heard the 2nd gen (MY93+) had a lot better brake design, but the 1st gen suffers from premature brake rotor warping
3. Could have put bigger tires on the car IMO. Again the 93+ models took care of that problem
4. 60k valve adjustment service. I know this car is from 91, and correct me if i'm wrong, but the newer LS's also require a valve adjustment ? Where the german counterparts are all self-adjusting valves?
08-02-03, 08:54 PM
#6
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1990 LS400
PROS:
Extremely quiet
Body Style never gets old
Alot of aftermarket support from Japan
Looks good dropped
Looks good with 18'" wheels or bigger
Powerful engine that can be uncorked if needed
CONS:
Expensive to maintain (but its no biggie)
The exterior color is burgundy....guess what the interior color is? BURGUNDY
thats about it, i believe this model if maintained and properly taken care of will last for a very long time, my car hit 144,xxx miles and it runs great.
PROS:
Extremely quiet
Body Style never gets old
Alot of aftermarket support from Japan
Looks good dropped
Looks good with 18'" wheels or bigger
Powerful engine that can be uncorked if needed
CONS:
Expensive to maintain (but its no biggie)
The exterior color is burgundy....guess what the interior color is? BURGUNDY
thats about it, i believe this model if maintained and properly taken care of will last for a very long time, my car hit 144,xxx miles and it runs great.
08-27-03, 06:02 PM
#7
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I just purchased a 91 LS400 a few days ago so I don't really have any pros and cons yet. Maybe I'll just list a few reasons why I bought it:
Compared to my Civic, this car has:
-2 extra doors
-4 extra cylinders
-A/C
-P/everything
-2.2 more liters of displacement
-ABS
-Moonroof
-Leather
-Digital climate control
On top of that, this car was just a great buy for the money. I could have easily gotten an Acura Integra GSR or a NIssan 240SX or some other mainstream sport compact car; but buying another cop magnet is just not what I had in mind. Plus this is a Lexus - and that alone gave me automatic baller status.
Compared to my Civic, this car has:
-2 extra doors
-4 extra cylinders
-A/C
-P/everything
-2.2 more liters of displacement
-ABS
-Moonroof
-Leather
-Digital climate control
On top of that, this car was just a great buy for the money. I could have easily gotten an Acura Integra GSR or a NIssan 240SX or some other mainstream sport compact car; but buying another cop magnet is just not what I had in mind. Plus this is a Lexus - and that alone gave me automatic baller status.
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09-03-03, 09:14 PM
#8
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1998 LS400
PROS:
1.Great quality
2.Great Ride
3.Value for the money compared to German cars
4.Great Reputation for high mileage on any model
5.Great warranties if you buy a used certified car
CONS:
1.Sometime they dont have good resale
2.Expensive service, but cheaper then other car companies
3.Dont think they are built tough like german cars
4.Hard to keep low mileage, you always want to drive it!
I love the car, most likely i will continue to drive this car for a LONG time...
PROS:
1.Great quality
2.Great Ride
3.Value for the money compared to German cars
4.Great Reputation for high mileage on any model
5.Great warranties if you buy a used certified car
CONS:
1.Sometime they dont have good resale
2.Expensive service, but cheaper then other car companies
3.Dont think they are built tough like german cars
4.Hard to keep low mileage, you always want to drive it!
I love the car, most likely i will continue to drive this car for a LONG time...
09-07-03, 01:14 PM
#9
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PROS
reliabilty
safety
quality
status
cons
dime a dozen( thats why i got coach)
can be aquired cheaply now so "kids" now get um
gas( preimium)
suspension/brakes wear out quick
i love my ls, and i want a matching 430 too!!!!!!!
later
bj
reliabilty
safety
quality
status
cons
dime a dozen( thats why i got coach)
can be aquired cheaply now so "kids" now get um
gas( preimium)
suspension/brakes wear out quick
i love my ls, and i want a matching 430 too!!!!!!!
later
bj
09-07-03, 03:02 PM
#10
Just wanna add a little bit :
Originally posted by fvellani
Most of CL member have this luxurious facts
Pros:
-comfortable: super quiet, super smooth, comfortable seats, etc.
best bang for your buck
-performance: pretty quick, especially at highway speeds, handling isnt too bad for such a big car either
-styling: very classy 1998 to 200 has better front grill and hood style
-interior: one of the best ever, very ergonomically friendly, excellent materials used, etc.
Nav option is very helpful and user friendly (compare to my dad's 745)
-sound system: Nakamichi is excellent
-build quality/reliability: no major mechanical or electrical problems, solid feel
-engine: powerful, yet very reliable at the same time
some CL members have clocked in more than 200,000 miles on their ride
-Lexus service: second to none, excellent customer service
-i could go on
Cons:
-expensive maintenance/parts
-squeaky brakes (at least on ours)
-performance: i want more dammit
I agree, it needs more torque
-premium fuel
Most of CL member have this luxurious facts
Pros:
-comfortable: super quiet, super smooth, comfortable seats, etc.
best bang for your buck
-performance: pretty quick, especially at highway speeds, handling isnt too bad for such a big car either
-styling: very classy 1998 to 200 has better front grill and hood style
-interior: one of the best ever, very ergonomically friendly, excellent materials used, etc.
Nav option is very helpful and user friendly (compare to my dad's 745)
-sound system: Nakamichi is excellent
-build quality/reliability: no major mechanical or electrical problems, solid feel
-engine: powerful, yet very reliable at the same time
some CL members have clocked in more than 200,000 miles on their ride
-Lexus service: second to none, excellent customer service
-i could go on
Cons:
-expensive maintenance/parts
-squeaky brakes (at least on ours)
-performance: i want more dammit
I agree, it needs more torque
-premium fuel
09-21-03, 08:20 AM
#12
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#1 REASON TO BUY AN LS 400!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a honda civic with a huge spoiler, stickers everywhere, cheap system and rims revs next to you at a stoplight, you nod your head calmly, and you murder him
a honda civic with a huge spoiler, stickers everywhere, cheap system and rims revs next to you at a stoplight, you nod your head calmly, and you murder him
09-21-03, 02:25 PM
#13
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Originally posted by lextacyls
#1 REASON TO BUY AN LS 400!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a honda civic with a huge spoiler, stickers everywhere, cheap system and rims revs next to you at a stoplight, you nod your head calmly, and you murder him
#1 REASON TO BUY AN LS 400!!!!!!!!!!!!!
a honda civic with a huge spoiler, stickers everywhere, cheap system and rims revs next to you at a stoplight, you nod your head calmly, and you murder him
09-30-03, 04:38 PM
#14
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PROS:
1. Classic Styling - My '93 LS looks better than most cars on the road. Styling is timeless.
2. Paint - The paint on the 1st generation LS is amazing. Looks better than my other 2 cars.
3. Ride Quality - 10 years on the road and quiet as can be.
4. Reliable - 127k and going strong.
CONS:
1. Finding parts for this car other than going through the dealer is pretty tough.
2. Electrical - I have had a few issues such as my Clock/Temp LCD going black as well as my instrument panel going dead.
1. Classic Styling - My '93 LS looks better than most cars on the road. Styling is timeless.
2. Paint - The paint on the 1st generation LS is amazing. Looks better than my other 2 cars.
3. Ride Quality - 10 years on the road and quiet as can be.
4. Reliable - 127k and going strong.
CONS:
1. Finding parts for this car other than going through the dealer is pretty tough.
2. Electrical - I have had a few issues such as my Clock/Temp LCD going black as well as my instrument panel going dead.
10-01-03, 05:24 PM
#15
Pro- These things are built and will last. Most any Toyota if given proper care will last IMO.
Repair cost isn't bad compared to the German counter part and same with insurance.
Electrical gremlins almost non-existent. As far as rendering the car un-driveable.
Resale market good and value good.
(Try that in 10 years with an S or E series Benze or 5, 7 BMW.
Lexus drivers do not have the reputation of being road hogs or rude drivers.
It drives so nice I want to drive it all over the place.
Con- No hi-po variant. I don't mind the GS taking the cake. However it would be nice to see the L on the roads with the 55's and M's. (I dunno if the Q45 or M45 challenge them.)
It drives so nice, I want to drive it all over the place.
Side note, I don't mind the premium gas as it has better mileage than some of the regular unleaded cars I've had.
Repair cost isn't bad compared to the German counter part and same with insurance.
Electrical gremlins almost non-existent. As far as rendering the car un-driveable.
Resale market good and value good.
(Try that in 10 years with an S or E series Benze or 5, 7 BMW.
Lexus drivers do not have the reputation of being road hogs or rude drivers.
It drives so nice I want to drive it all over the place.
Con- No hi-po variant. I don't mind the GS taking the cake. However it would be nice to see the L on the roads with the 55's and M's. (I dunno if the Q45 or M45 challenge them.)
It drives so nice, I want to drive it all over the place.
Side note, I don't mind the premium gas as it has better mileage than some of the regular unleaded cars I've had.