LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

1996 ls400

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Old 03-22-11, 07:15 PM
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haktern
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Default 1996 ls400

Hey im looking too pickup an LS400 1996 model

and i would like too know what type of common problems a lexus would have

or this model would have.

this is my first car and looking too VIP the lexus and would like too know for the future of what i need too look for as problem wise or what should be replaced before i buy the car.
Old 03-22-11, 09:37 PM
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RA40
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Welcome-

The usual issues as one would look for in any pre-owned car. Regular fluid changes, timing belt, etc. The suspension bushings are regular issues. Browse the past several months of the forum subject headers and you'll get a very good idea what is happening to all these aging cars.

I would suggest not buying a UCF2X at this stage. Unless you can find a very well kept one owner sample; you will have plenty of repair before you. Then the mod $. Money better spent on a '01 LS430 and even those are starting to get long. My suggestion, '03+ LS430 and those come with their own issues.
Old 03-22-11, 10:22 PM
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haktern
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Originally Posted by RA40
Welcome-

The usual issues as one would look for in any pre-owned car. Regular fluid changes, timing belt, etc. The suspension bushings are regular issues. Browse the past several months of the forum subject headers and you'll get a very good idea what is happening to all these aging cars.

I would suggest not buying a UCF2X at this stage. Unless you can find a very well kept one owner sample; you will have plenty of repair before you. Then the mod $. Money better spent on a '01 LS430 and even those are starting to get long. My suggestion, '03+ LS430 and those come with their own issues.
thank you! but the lexus 430 01 cost around like 10-15k

dont really got the money too spend on it just yet. This is my first car so we

are looking too spend around max 6k on it for now and ill be working so ill

be modding the car slowly not really like big things. Just looking too drop,

etc.
Old 03-22-11, 11:40 PM
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qewani1
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power steering pump leak, alternator, starter are most common problems. serahc the forums, there are many threads which posted before about this.
Old 03-23-11, 12:59 AM
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RA40
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Oh boy...the starter.
Old 03-23-11, 01:38 PM
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i was looking into the 98-00 and those seem like more of what people get and mod but i was checking there are lots too do and tuneups for the car. But i've done some searching on the 98-00 and it does seem like i might be leaning more too the 98 or 99 model i've found 1 with 76k miles and asking 8 large for it. Not sure if its a good price at all. Please if anyone knows if it is or not let me know.
Old 03-23-11, 03:48 PM
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RA40
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If that one with 76K hasn't had the timing belt, it is coming soon and that is going to hit you ~$1K. Less if DIY. All fluids just to make sure would be my suggestion. Price is so-so.

As a first car, depends what you want to spend that $6K towards. The initial purchase hurts. Hopefully by paying up for a newer model, this reduces some of the headaches in maintenance costs.

I feel for any recent LS buyer that has tranny, PS and other issues to fix. Breaking 120K miles, the odds are less in your favor of getting a ready to drive no problem car. Owners start slacking because they want a new ride so they start neglecting maintenance and then they sell the car off. Guess who finds the problems.
Old 03-23-11, 04:06 PM
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billydpowe
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$6 should buy a 98-99, and try to find one with the timing belt/water pump already done. both of my 99's have had them.. 149k & 161k. after that the only bad issue is the starter, I have done both of mine. if you can do your own work, it is only about $100,
good luck..
Old 03-24-11, 12:10 AM
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qewani1
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Few more tips and things to inspect while buying used ls400
i had replaced my ride 's radiator which was leaking causing overheating while AC on. Inspect radiator for any leaks.
+
Replaced my ride' s transmisiion which was slipping and delaying in shifting into first gear. Check transmission also.
+
Scan the car with OBD2 reader for any DTC.
Sure you will not find a perfect used car, but you can reduce the price based on the problems.

LS400 98-00 here in Dubai it cost around 11K $
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