Do.Man

Hey everyone im a new member here and im looking into buying a ls400 probably a pre 97 ls.My question is what are things i should look for when buying a ls400? Like anything that are common on the ls.flaws and what usually go bad and such.
any help is appreciated. If there is already a thread like this please link me.
thanks.
-alvin

dapfub

First post, so please bear with me. This has always been a favorite question for many new members. I know the standard answer is usually "do a search". I will like to propose we have a sticky for this question and maybe other common questions that pop up every now and then.

Thanks.

qewani1

I believe most that all LS400 can be checked by computer, then I recommend to do full check up for the car with computer by technician who knows about computer check up.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...d-i-check.html

From my experience always when you buy a used car, you will be paying later extra cash later for fixing some stuff in the car. Anyway check the car, try to drive it, buy it from some one who is responsible...i mean some one who really took care of his car.
Check the car history… is it accident free? , is body repainted? , parts replaced?...
You are going to buy a used car, then keep in mind that the parts for the car which you are going to buy are available in your country.
If you know some friend who can help you with buying used cars, then call him in order to check the car with you.
From my experience with LS400. It is a nice (looking + performance) car.
Good luck….

415ua5

power steering - make sure car can turn easily when not moving, etc, make sure no leaks

control arms- alot of older lexuses need suspension work, take it over a few bumps and see how it sounds

Ac gauge- alot of older lexus have this problem

Timing belt -water pump- when buying any used car, make sure the TB WP have been replaced within 50k ago, or you are going to have to replace yourself.


thats about it, lexus are very reliable cars.

JBrewster

Also pull the spare tire and make sure the trunk is not full of water.

qewani1

Check the alternator + battery with tester.
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Check the brakes, does steering wheel shakes while braking-->>
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...99&mode=linear
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Check radio since my LS have some problems will the radio screen.
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see some problem topics posted here by some Lexus owners.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls400-forum-183/

Do.Man

cool thanks everyone.
i'll be sure to check all that.
hopefully everything goes well and i'll be a lexus owner soon.

LSPiNoY

iTrader: (1)

i suggest a compression test especially if there are no service records

91LS400LEX

Power steering pump and rack leaks (which can lead to alternator failures - pump leaks that is)

HVAC LCD display

A/C operation

Instrument cluster lighting

Engine / transmission mounts

Lastly, make sure the timing belt has been changed, as it can be costly. 1st gen models have non-interference engines, so thats a positive. I have heard so many different things about the 95-97 models on this issue though.