Just purchased a 1996 LS400 that runs great but the check engine light and brake pad lights came on within one month of the purchase. Tests indicate that it needs a catalytic converter. Any ideas where I can get the best price. Also, the speedometer takes a while to start working after it has been driven for an hour or so...any ideas. The car has 179,000 miles on it and hopefully I didn't get a Lemon!!!

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

Sorry to hear of these issues. If the car has had regular maintenance, they are quite durable for many more miles once these smaller issues are resolved. What specific codes did to give you?

 

Curious to know what test were used.

 

I'm unsure where to buy one myself! I own a 96 '400 and have never run into any real problems like that.

 

welcome and these cars are very reliable if all the maintenance is kept up to date. the brake pads are easy, which you should take care of soon. the longer you wait, you will damage the sensor and will need replacing on top of the pads themselves.

get a scanner, if the CEL is just for the catalytic converter repair as necessary. as for the speedometer it's hard to say. is the needle just staying down or just unlit? also at 179k, you should be considering a timing belt replacement which are done every 90k miles. square all these away and you are looking at another 100k of life.

 

sorry to thread jack, but my car is also throwing the same codes. First check to see if the catalytic converter gasket is leaking, then your o2 sensors and finally the actual catalytic converters. Does anyone know where to get converters that could be used in CA for a decent price?