New 1998 LS Owner and VIN Location Question
05-02-05, 12:26 AM
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New 1998 LS Owner and VIN Location Question
Just picked up a nice diamond white pearl 1998 LS400 at a local dealer in San Diego. Reluctantly traded in a 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX (wow, what a fun car!). However, times are a changing and it's time to grow up.
This LS is just a great car. I've heard really good things about Lexus, but you really don't realize how good these cars are until you have some time to drive them. My last Lexus drive was in a GS300 and it was disappointing compared to my wife's Acura TL-S (sorry GS folks). This LS, though, has completely impressed me with the amenities and overall quality. I'm lucky enough to find a very well-taken for LS with 82,100 miles and a mint interior. I keep trying to find fault but all I can come up with is some cracking on the wood steering wheel accents (wife actually likes that) and a somewhat paranoid Nach. stereo volume **** (very difficult to lower the volume all the way--cuts out near the bottom).
As for the mechanics, it appears to be all in order. Timing belt changed at 74K, tires in excellent shape... only thing I can find fault in is a knocking sound in the right front suspension when I go over certain bumps. I'm suspecting it's the control arm bushings causing this sound.
I'm not officially the owner as I need to do the pre-purchase inspection at the Lexus dealership near my house. That'll be covered tomorrow morning. I do have one question:
Where can I find the VIN sticker for the trunk???
I've searched the forums and the only info I've found is that it's underneath the trunk lid cover. I'd rather not remove it if I don't need to, and if the dealer finds no accidents, I'll be pretty confident. From the carfax report, it looks like one owner, leased, and possibly bought by the lessee when the lease was finished. Car was picked up from an Acura dealership, so I assume the guy/gal bought the new RL (to each his own).
Anyways, glad to be a "potential" Lexus owner and looking forward to contributing to the board when I can. If anyone can point me to the VIN on this car, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
John
This LS is just a great car. I've heard really good things about Lexus, but you really don't realize how good these cars are until you have some time to drive them. My last Lexus drive was in a GS300 and it was disappointing compared to my wife's Acura TL-S (sorry GS folks). This LS, though, has completely impressed me with the amenities and overall quality. I'm lucky enough to find a very well-taken for LS with 82,100 miles and a mint interior. I keep trying to find fault but all I can come up with is some cracking on the wood steering wheel accents (wife actually likes that) and a somewhat paranoid Nach. stereo volume **** (very difficult to lower the volume all the way--cuts out near the bottom).
As for the mechanics, it appears to be all in order. Timing belt changed at 74K, tires in excellent shape... only thing I can find fault in is a knocking sound in the right front suspension when I go over certain bumps. I'm suspecting it's the control arm bushings causing this sound.
I'm not officially the owner as I need to do the pre-purchase inspection at the Lexus dealership near my house. That'll be covered tomorrow morning. I do have one question:
Where can I find the VIN sticker for the trunk???
I've searched the forums and the only info I've found is that it's underneath the trunk lid cover. I'd rather not remove it if I don't need to, and if the dealer finds no accidents, I'll be pretty confident. From the carfax report, it looks like one owner, leased, and possibly bought by the lessee when the lease was finished. Car was picked up from an Acura dealership, so I assume the guy/gal bought the new RL (to each his own).
Anyways, glad to be a "potential" Lexus owner and looking forward to contributing to the board when I can. If anyone can point me to the VIN on this car, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
John
05-02-05, 09:19 AM
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As for the rattle, check post #22 here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=140433&page=2
I found out the major rattle from the right front was a connector behind the wheel well that had deteriorated electrical tape, causing it to knock against metal on bumps. Try banging the upper rear part of the wheel well and see if you get the same rattling. Re-taping it to a nearby wireloom solved that rattle.
Brian
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...=140433&page=2
I found out the major rattle from the right front was a connector behind the wheel well that had deteriorated electrical tape, causing it to knock against metal on bumps. Try banging the upper rear part of the wheel well and see if you get the same rattling. Re-taping it to a nearby wireloom solved that rattle.
Brian
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