Currently my DD is an '82 Mercedes 300SD with 175k, and I'm considering an upgrade to a '94 LS400 with 148k for ~$3k.

Was wanting some opinions on this, and things to look out for, or run away from. Appearance of LS is immaculate, don't know the included options or service history yet, will look at in person tomorrow. I know the two cars are totally different animals, prime interest is getting into a newer luxury car, the MB is getting a bit dated for our desires.

Reading up on the 1st Gen LS, it's a world-class car, ultra reliable, but also expensive and difficult/tedious to repair when/if repairs are needed. I am mechanically inclined and have space/tools to work on my own vehicles.

So, any thoughts, what to look out for, etc on a '94?

thanks for your inputs.

AJ

 

welcome AJ

look for the apparent power steering pump leak as that will lead to a slow alternator failure. brake harness failure (step on brakes and not all the lights come on), valve cover gaskets, steering rack leaks. also check for maintenance records.

hope its a good one ur looking at as these cars will last a long time if maintained.

 

If it has been properly maintained, at 148K it is just about to be broken in. My 94 has 224K miles and runs and drives great. I've had it for a little over a month now and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

LiCelsior mentioned pretty much all the problem areas. One thing you also want to make sure is that the timing belt has been changed. As pretty much half of the engine bay needs to be disassembled, it gets pretty expensive if you take it to a shop. It should have been changed by now, though.

Luckily the 1UZ-FE is a non-interference motor, so if it breaks, you don't mess up the valvetrain.

Good luck!

 

correct, the 1st gen 90-94 are not interference motors...95+ is.

 

Thanks Guys. How are the trannie's on these? Is ~$3k a good price for a '94 with 148k?

It's at a used dealer, purchase from auto-auction, so hoping to run the VIN with Lexus dealer for repair history, and Carfax of course as well.

AJ

 

run it on autocheck not carfax.

that price is pretty good but make sure everything is alright first.

 

well, if things seem too good, they usually are...it has a salvage title...back to being patient...

 

Yup. Missed the years on my post...

 

Trannies are solid on these cars. Avoid air suspension - when it fails it is extremely expensive. I have had a '90 and now have a '93 LS - they are great cars - you will love them. Ebay motors is another source for '90 - '94 generation 1 LSs. Good luck

 

LiCelsior hit it on the spot for what you should check for a 1st gen.

My 93 is pushing ~125k and the tranny shifts smooth. If the car has been treated properly with regular maintenance + care, it'll run like a baby.

Only thing I can say is watch out for the cluster lights, those have been known to fail on the 1st gens but $20 + solder will fix it.

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to CL!

 

Ditto everything AJ said!

Also I want to add that motor mounts tend to go south on cars of this age... keep that in mind if this car has vibrations.... they are costly to replace if you are on a tight budget. Also if it has the optional air suspension, make sure its in perfect working order or has been replaced.

 

i agree with everything said here
power steering always seems to be a main point of concern. also watch for the struts to go
mine has recently started sinking in the rear...so im replacing them
but quality car, expensive when needed to be repaired but as long as you have your reg. maintenance done you should be fine

 

How desirable are 2nd Gen vs. 1st Gen? Found a '95, asking $3900 with 183k miles. Might be worth taking a look at, thoughts?

 

There is a comparison between the generations here: http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

Having owned both a 1st gen (1990) for 13+ years and now a 2nd gen (2000) for 6+ years, my opinion is that the 2nd gen is far more desirable. IMO, the two most significant differences are that the 95-up LS400 has far better headlights and 2 1/2 inches more rear leg room.

Other features on the gen 2 LS400 that I especially appreciate are that the CD changer is in the dash and there is a button on the key to open the trunk. My wife especially appreciates that the passenger side on the gen 2 LS has it's own temperature control -- she hated that the gen 1 LS400 didn't have a passenger side temperature control when the Mercedes we bought new in 1979 had one.

There are soooo many improvements on the gen 2 LS400.

 

Thanks Kansas, that was my opinion as well after reviewing the changes you linked to. I know the timing belt becomes much more important with the interference motor, but tons of other improvements. More back seat room is a big plus for me with small kids and/or passengers to put in back on occasion.