MDnewbie

Been lurking for some time now and ready to take the plunge.
Which year LS400 has the non-interference timing belt?
What should I also look out for in buying a 1990 - 1995 LS400?

Any help greatly appreciated...

ffcgary1

1st gen up to 94 are non interferance engines, look for as much service history as poss, and look for wear to tyres which could indicate that some suspension work may be needed.[bushings]

Gary.ffcgary1 PS welcome to club lexus mate.

cation

As an addendum to ffcgary1's comments, you should read the First Gen Power Steering Bible thread. It's stickied at the top of the LS400 thread list. I can promise you that at some time or another while owning the car you will deal with a leaky/noisy pump in some form or another.

avalon42

iTrader: (1)

Fluid leaks, obviously. Check for maintenance history. When you test drive the car, test EVERYTHING. Make sure all switch, window motors, feature is within operating order. If not, assess if it is a minor repair, or something that should be detracted from the sale price.

Load the bad boy down. Turn on headlights, wipers, radio, brake lights, AC, cigarette lighter, etc. See if the car continues to run smooth or starts to buckle.

Don't let the car warm-up, drive it cold right off the get-go. Some people try to hide ailing transmissions so they let the car warm-up before you can test drive it. I specifically ask them not to do it. If they refuse or do it anyways when I show up, I either keep on moving or ask to see the car the following morning.

This is how I test drive ALL of my cars.

Good luck in your search.

mista808

hmm. gauge cluster tends to black out on the 1gen LS's. sometimes, the rpm needle wont work, then sometimes the speedo needle wont work. sometimes the whole thing will just black out. very costly to repair. as everyone else stated, power steering fluid will leak onto the alternator and then the alternator will crap out. or power steering fluid will make its way into the intake and cause smoke to come out the exhaust. the a/c screen will black out as well from age, sometime you can see what it says depending on the lighting.

i read somewhere that the 1gen LS was something like an experiment of some sort, then they took all the problems, fixed them and came out with the 2gen LS... i dont hear of too many problems, or rather, as many problems with the 95+ LS as compared to the 90-94 LS's...

but if you are planning on getting a 90-94, get a 93-94 model. but if you are planning on just getting on, id get a 95-97. just my pref....

MDnewbie

I will start looking for a 1995 LS400 with reasonable mileage.
I'll be okay as long as it is not overpriced.
If so, may have to stick with a 93-94 version.

Either way, I am getting an LS400!

91LS400LEX

1990-94 are non-interference engines.

Watch out for..

power steering pump (and sometimes rack) leaks
burned out instrument cluster/needles
HVAC lighting
trunk hinge wiring harness

and if a high mileage model, I would recommend that you be sure that the engine/transmission mounts have been changed or factor in the price for that. Tend to fail around 15-18 years / 200K miles and costly to replace.

Good luck!

hobojoe

and after you get it just MAINTAIN MAINTAIN MAINTAIN it keep up with all the good stuff fluids etc and it will run run run!

Only problem ive had with my 91 is the ac not working anymore which nowww adays can be a pain to find R 12 freon for but you can or you can convert to R 134

MEANDAFAKA

i think the biggest concern for the 1st gen is that its old. but like any other car, if its was well kept, it will last.

qewani1

Check power steering maybe leaks, alternator weak maybe.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Buy mine. All records, immaculate condition, not a ding/dent/scratch. All members on this forum will verify. No steering issue, no belt stuff to worry about. All OEM. Will cut you a good price, pick you up from the airport too.

RUDENESS

my 91 LS 400 has 212,000 miles and still going strong, just get a LS 400 and drive it and enjoy it, its a great car to have, I bought mine at 160,00 and all I changed was that alt. and that was 4 yrs ago. if i had the room I'd buy another one but I have a M3, and an accord wagon plus a gixxer 750 so I have no more room for toys......but I am dreaming of that SC 430...OMG what a rush....

EUBT

Exactly right! Check out pcs of my 18 yr old LS I just posted to see what hobo's talking about:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-the-loc.html?

Or buy ryan's! Pick you up at the airport even!!