NetG

I recently bought an LS with over 300k and while browsing through the LS's for sale I came across a couple with near 300k. Only thing I can tell you is once they get over 200k on the OE tranny you'll need to rebuild. The two I was debating buying (one of which I did) both had their trannies go out with under 300k but over 200k. i can't honestly say this is the norm but it's what I have run up against.

Other things such as gauge issues etc I do not know much of as I'm new to the LS...but to me those are minor, easy to replace/fix...a tranny rebuild is not so minor My window switches need replacing as well. The a/c in my used LS blows FREAKING arctic ...well when it was running...

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mikes7ke

iTrader: (1)

The gauge cluster lighting issue is an easy fix, if you know how to solder.

yotaman223

Oh, even better. How many miles is the fluid usually good for?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

+1 on the 98-2000 models. Just for the VVTI alone it is worth it. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the 98-2000 are the only ones with variable valve timing. More power and better mpg. They are out there. If you are willing to travel to the South there are some really clean models to be had for less then the Northeast and West coast. Florida is a great place to find clean, well taken care of, low mileage LS400's, which is perfect for the op.

The cluster issues are mainly the sticky needle and some lighting issues. I have the sticky speedometer in hot weather but it is not very often. The repair is not too bad really. No more then $350.00 if you send it to a independent shop. You can actually still drive the car without the cluster if you need to send it in to be fixed. One shop I found with good prices was DNA Speedometers in Tampa.

Taken from another thread by JBrady:

yotaman223

Well now im not really sure what year i want, I think im just going to go for the least mileage. But i think i want one that has had the timing belt and water pump nonsense already done, by toyota not in someones garage. Im not so concerned about the gauge thing now because i am rather handy with electronics so i should be alright. I am definitely going to buy the newest one i can, i really want to try and get obdII, im tired of reading blinky codes.

yotaman223

Alright back with a new question, Do all years have keyless entry with an alarm? Because i wont own another car without one(that i use a DD), nor will i put on in.

yotaman223

Next, How is the air suspension ( i think 95+ only right?) on these? Can i add an aftermarket controller and just drop it on factory air?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

it breaks, like pretty much all air suspension. AS was an option on all '89-00, but is more rare in '95+ cars as it was having reliability issues in the earlier cars by then, plus the standard spring suspension rides very nicely so many buyers didn't want to shell out the extra several thousand dollars for the option.

you can get a controller, but if you ride with it dropped you'll kill the bags pretty quickly and they're ~$1100/each to replace with OEM.


please search.

yotaman223

Oh sorry it was a spur of the moment question, should have researched first. But anyways thanks for the answer, i'll stay away from air then.