leakyfauce

Hello, I'm trying to track down a super clean 95-97 LS400 for a DD / long distance cruiser. Are there any common issues to be aware of or things to look out for when shopping? Also, I've noticed that some cars I've looked at on craigslist have 5-spoke wheels instead of the more common 10 spokes. Was that an option or have these been swapped from other model years?

Thanks!

Stroock639

the LCD for the radio is a pretty common issue, i'm on my 3rd one already lol...

http://ls400data.com/buyersGuide.html
http://ls400data.com/Faults.html

this guy can help you. just wondering any particular reason for a 95-97 opposed to a 98+?

leakyfauce

Thanks! I just prefer the looks of the 95-97. But honestly, I wouldn't count out a 98+ if I stumbled upon a great deal. Was 98 the first year they didn't have distributors?

RA051823

Doesn't the high pressure power steering hose tend to fail as well? For what people are asking for clean LS400's you could get a new LS430 for not much more.

Stroock639

there's a few main differences, at least in terms of where performance was gained. the addition of variable valve timing, electronic throttle control, 5 speed vs 4 speed, and a variable length intake manifold. the 98+ engine really starts pulling pretty good by like 3000 rpm, way more low end torque, and high end power. the 95 was pretty quick in its day, but the 98 is still pretty damn quick even for a new car. seriously if you want a 95 don't drive the 98 lol

http://www.mr2.com/files/mr2/techinf...y.pdf#page=107

i stumbled across this document one day, i think it's meant to educate salesmen but it lists all the major differences between the 95 and 98 with nice explanations

http://www.lexls.com/info/lsgenerations.html

i can also offer this link

dicer

Just remember there is no 5 year 100 K mile warranty with an old car. It will need work and it will need parts, it will have problems at some point in time. So be prepared to either spend $ on a shop or diy.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Welcome to Club Lexus. One easy way to check top discussions when reading the forum: this LS 400 section, at the top just under the is . Click on that and this will list the most highly viewed threads in this section. Reading those will provide a good overview of what to expect from the 90-00 LS 400's in your hunt. Unless a really well cared for one comes up, be prepared to spend some $$ in parts/fixes.

celsior20

if its not well taken cared of by the previous owner, chances are the maintainance like the 100,000km parts will be spent by you.

Caseyjones

Generally speaking, when dealing with any particular model the cheapest route is to buy the nicest one you can afford.

Since you said long distance cruiser I would take a look at the 98+ just for the final drive ratio if nothing else. That being said I LOVE my 96. Power steering issues can be a thing, sometimes they leak into the alternator and take that down to. Read on ECU caps also. Two more important things you must consider. Service history and service history. Yup, its that important. What are the miles and when is that timing belt service due? If it has not been documented then assume it has not been done. I think that will run about $1500 to have done, I think the interval is 90k mi but dont quote me. If you find a nice one that is due for that then you can use that to negotiate the price down to where it makes sense to do it. Most folks have service done but I can sure see why someone might be tempted to skip the really expensive one, especially if they dont know what happens when the timing belt fails. I think the LS is the best overall car I have ever owned.
Good luck.

Stroock639

this... yeah the 98 can easily achieve 30 mpg on the highway. keep it below 70 and it'll be easy, keeping it below 70 however won't be lol. also ECU capacitors seem to be somewhat of an issue these days and in 99 (according to CL's resident ECU expert Yamae) they changed the design to a more durable one which *should* mean less chance of electrical issues down the road

Yamae

The less failure rate of QAS capacitors in the ECU among 98-00 is mostly based on the newly designed circuits which consume less current. Also good ceramic capacitors are used to absorb higher frequency ripples. These reduce the stress to those QAS capacitors.

ajahearn

Aside from the typical stuff that goes on an older car (e.g. rotors, hood struts, power antenna, brake sensor, bulbs), we had the
- Power Steering pump leak, followed by the power steering high pressure hose leaked, and now it looks like the rack may be going as I still find signs of fluid but I am not 100% sure yet.
- LCD in radio as several mentioned
- strangely enough the driver's door handle broke
- front passenger window switch went

Otherwise its been almost entirely maintenance work over the last 6 years and 50k miles.

midwest2

Do yourself a favor and look at an older LS430 while you are searching. I have owned both and while I really loved the 400, the 430 is just a step up. You can pick up an 01-03 LS430 very cheap.