MissStutz

I am looking to purchase a 1997 LS400. I have taken the car for two test drives, on the second test drive I could hear a ticking noise when cold. Once warm it had disappeared.

Lifters? exhaust leak? Any ideas guys? I really like the car but don't want to get into an engine rebuilds.

I am in Canada and the car has 218,000KM (135,000 miles).

Everything seems to work except power antenna shaft is broken, motor can be heard when turning on radio.
Anything else I should examine before I negotiate a deal?

Thanks,

April

Greg5OH

What grade oil and how old is the oil? Probably lifter or injector tick, hard ot tell over the internet without hearing it. Exhaust-would be if you put the engine under load you will hear a fluttering/ticking sound if its a minor leak.

Check front and rear balljoints, bushings, rear knuckle carrier bushing, and all control arms. Being from Canada, its been thru alot of salt which wrecks these rubber bushings.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

at that mileage the car should have already received it's first timing belt change (90k mile interval). if the owner has not done it yet, i would question the rest of the car's maintenance history. it is always ideal to get a car that has a solid history and ownership.

the car in general has a known issue of an exhaust leak off the EGR tube than can be mistaken for a valve tick.

Greg5OH

^which specific years for the EGR issue? Didnt know that, thanks.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

no EGRs in '98+ xUZ engines.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

He has a 97 though so does that still apply?

MissStutz

Thanks all.

Timmy, car is at a dealership (no service history) but does have underhood decal showing timing belt change at 90 k.

Greg, Is a lifter or injector tick a reason to look for a different LS?

Thanks,

April

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Most of us can hear a little valve tick once we get up there in miles changing to synthetic oil 5w30 usually quiets it down. They can be adjusted but I would not worry about it. I would ask them to change the antenna mast though or adjust the price accordingly.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

yes it applies as i have a 97 with a leaking EGR tube at the moment.

and he is a she, named april .

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

My fault April lol. I was responding to PD who chimed and probably did not note the year before responding.

Pineroot

Did you go to lexus.com and start an account and enter your VIN? There you can find all maintenance records for your vehicle that was done at any Lexus dealership.
I assume that service is available in Canada.

MissStutz

Pineroot, yep I entered VIN at Lexus site but showed no records??? Perhaps because it is Canadian.

used car dealer printed off a history showing no accidents, liens etc. Owner's manual shows dealership as Ken Shaw Lexus in Toronto.

Normally I am not so cautious about a car purchase but this would be my first Japanese car and the most modern.

Oldest car I have is a 1959 and newest is a 1985. Both Cadillacs.

April

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

I did actually. Was responding to greg5oh who was asking about EGR.