Should I buy a LS400?
08-28-13, 06:16 PM
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Should I buy a LS400?
I might buy a 1995 LS400 for around $1500. Thing is perfect inside and out. Runs and drives great. BUUUUT my friend is scaring me saying that EACH strut is $1000!!! 
Thats beyond insane! The suspension isnt really bad BUT not..... perfect. I feel like it could be a little firmer. The car has zero history because Im buying it at an auto auction. There IS a light on the dash. Its amber.... round symbol on the lower right. What does that mean? Also can I run Regular gas in it without damaging anything???
Thats beyond insane! The suspension isnt really bad BUT not..... perfect. I feel like it could be a little firmer. The car has zero history because Im buying it at an auto auction. There IS a light on the dash. Its amber.... round symbol on the lower right. What does that mean? Also can I run Regular gas in it without damaging anything???
08-28-13, 06:29 PM
#2
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If the air has air suspension, then your friend is wrong. Each air strut costs more than $1K to replace. The engine requires premium fuel. Based on your questions I recommend that you not consider this car.
08-28-13, 06:34 PM
#3
The air suspension is pricey, but it can be converted to regular coil-over shocks cheaply. The premium gas is just a dollar or two more per fill---not a deal breaker. If it looks great it has likely been taken care of. I can't picture what the warning light is you described.
08-28-13, 06:53 PM
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The air suspension is pricey, but it can be converted to regular coil-over shocks cheaply. The premium gas is just a dollar or two more per fill---not a deal breaker. If it looks great it has likely been taken care of. I can't picture what the warning light is you described.
Is there a link how you can convert the air suspension to standard? This is my main fear. In no way am I going to pay over $200 a corner for a car thats worth probably $2200.
08-28-13, 08:33 PM
#7
Couple of thoughts:
1. Do you know that it has air suspension? I think most do not (don't know the percentage of air cars)
2. The consensus on premium fuel seems to be: You can use regular (for sure temporarily - it's even in the owner's manual) probably long-term without causing any real damage. However, since the knock sensors will cause the ECU to retard timing a bit (giving less MPG), you will wind up paying as much or more for the gasoline anyway.
1. Do you know that it has air suspension? I think most do not (don't know the percentage of air cars)
2. The consensus on premium fuel seems to be: You can use regular (for sure temporarily - it's even in the owner's manual) probably long-term without causing any real damage. However, since the knock sensors will cause the ECU to retard timing a bit (giving less MPG), you will wind up paying as much or more for the gasoline anyway.
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08-28-13, 08:36 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
2. The consensus on premium fuel seems to be: You can use regular (for sure temporarily - it's even in the owner's manual) probably long-term without causing any real damage. However, since the knock sensors will cause the ECU to retard timing a bit (giving less MPG), you will wind up paying as much or more for the gasoline anyway.
08-28-13, 09:34 PM
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So what would YOU folks pay for a 95 LS400 with 196K miles that looked great inside and out with a few minor flaws, drives great and has zero background history?
08-29-13, 12:38 AM
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I would pay $3000 if it has a perfect Autocheck and doesn't have air suspension, and is not some crap color, and has never been modified in any way.
08-29-13, 03:19 AM
#14
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tires, battery, oil & oil filter can be aftermarket, most anything else should be genuine Toyota/Denso/Aisin or you may well regret your short-term savings.
you can use my OEM list to find out who made your original parts and sometimes find a good deal on them that way, via Amazon, Ebay, RockAuto, etc. - original Denso O2 sensors at Amazon are a good example of what I am referring to.
I really dont want to bust my bank account for parts and the dealership is NOT a place that I ever want to go to.
● Park Place Lexus
● Carson Toyota
● Lexus of South Atlanta
● Sewell Lexus (have to register with Club Lexus username for good prices at this one)
● Lexus Parts Now
Oh! And what are some of the best oil filters?
08-29-13, 05:45 AM
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Thats PERFECT! Thanks LS Cowboy!
Here is a photo of the dash. I know those two buttons are seat warmers on the lower right BUT what does that button to directly to the left? I hope its not for air ride suspension!
Here is a photo of the dash. I know those two buttons are seat warmers on the lower right BUT what does that button to directly to the left? I hope its not for air ride suspension!