Ken98LS400

Hi all, about a year ago I sold my 99 GS 300 and bought a 96 Chev IMpala SS. I know, what was I thinking. Well, the Impala didn't last long and I bought an 03 Maxima SE. Nice car, but no Lexus. So, I have been looking around and test driving EVERY new Lexus car model. IS, too small and boy racer for me, Current GS..been there done that, LS430, WOW, not in my price range, ES, nice, but not the total quality Lexus feel. USED LS 400...nice car. Test drove one at a Seattle dealership, 2000 LS 400 with 31K, certified. Seemed to have every option. Dealer was asking $42,995 for it. Nah...too much. So I have been keeping my eyes open and today found what I think is an awesome deal. (Comments encouraged).

1998 LS 400, black, black, factory chromes, Nakamichi, Traction, HID's, heated seats, wood steering wheel, headlight washers, 41,000 miles, well maintained with records, all keys and manuals, new batt and front brakes. Got it for $27,500.

Anyway, the question is....it was originally bought in Canada and then sent to the US. Does anybody know if there is a way to have the dealer program the outside temp gauge and ac/heat control temp into farenheit? It currently is in "C" mode would like to have it in "F" degrees.

PS...saw the price of the 30,000 mile service from Lexus of Eugene, OR and it was $813.00!!

Anyway, any comments about the above would be appreciated and I look forward to getting it home next week to Seattle and detailing it with Zaino.

pongydoo

So the car is at Lexus of Eugene??

ychachad

Tight on cash? Look for a Gen 1 LS400. Got mine, a 1992, with 180K miles for $3,600, and paid another $1,000 for a little maintenance here and there. Runs like a new one. Look into it. Gen 1 is by far the most smashing looking Lexus ever to come out.

Y. Chachad

persian451

I'm gonna have to agree with that.. the 1st is by far the best car ever

Phil

I have owned a 1990 LS400, 2002 LX470 and currently '03 LS430. The '03 beats them all. Don't kid yourself, the Japanese know how to improve upon perfection!

I bought my LS from Kendal Lexus, Eugene, OR and find them to be on the high $$$ side on everything, but they treat you and your car right by taking care of matters right, the first time. I HAVE to go there for service because it is the only Lexus dealer around (it is 140 miles away). Thankfully, that isn't often, just lube, oil, filter change. I think these $800 bills for a 30,000 check isn't really necessary.

Also, getting nailed for "fluid fill up" aren't quite right, with me halfway knowing nothing was low in the first place. I am going in for my 1,000 mile check next week and will personally top off everything, just to see if they add those chump change charges on the bill.

Love My Lexus, Phil, Grants Pass, OR

P.S. How could I forget? An excellent choice to "ZANIO" YOUR LEX. YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

Ken98LS400

The car was serviced at Lexus of Eugene. I already bought it from a car broker in Portland. Checked it out very thoroughly and looked over the maintenance paperwork. That is how I know about it being serviced at Lexus of Eugene.

Does anybody have any idea about the outside temp and a/c readings? As I mentioned, they are in celsius (spelling) and I would prefer it to be in fahrenheit.

I was just rattling off the cars I drove and my opinion of them. Of course I would love to have an 03 LS 430 but this one will do me fine I believe for many years as it runs, drives, looks like it is brand new.

Ken98LS400

Thanks for the info. The temp gauge is not a number type it is just H and C. The speedometer and everything else already is in US specs. The only thing that is not is the outside temp gauge and heating a/c system. Lexus of Portland actually did sell this car to the previous owner.

I have not signed a purchase order or buyers order yet. I have simply filled out the credit app and put down only $100.00 to hold the car. I am going to call my local Lexus dealer here in Seattle to see what the service dept says about the car. They MIGHT not even honor the remainder of the warranty and if that is the case then I will simply cancel the purchase. If I lose $100.00 then that was money well spent for the knowledge.

Thanks for the info!

Ken98LS400

Well...after much thought I decided against buying the 98 LS 400 that was originally a canadian car. I took the advice of many on here and I appreciate the comments given. Although the car was beautiful and drove fantastic, something just kept me from going through with the deal.

Switch over to the SC430 forum for my latest posting on an overnite test drive the dealer is letting me do.

Thanks again for the comments!

I better change my name on here I guess

LS4zerozeO

Im sorry but could somebody please tell me what Zaino is? To add my two cents, The first generation LS is a wonderful car. It was ahead of its time and illustrate my point, I always wondered why the most recent generation Acura RL looks like the 13 year old Lexus LS400...hmmmm.....

Phil

If you want your Lexus to look like a new penny, check out the below web page:

http://www.zainobros.com/

It is by far the best polish I have ever used. Give it a shot, A little on the spendy side, but WELL worth it. Let me know. Phil

Par72

I know that Zaino is pretty much top of the line and leaves an awesome finish, but it is an awful lot of work to go through the whole process. Pretty much plan on spending your entire weekend polishing and waxing your car. IMO, ijf you have a newer car with good paint, any good quality wax will look exactly like Zaino when complete, especially if you use TLC when doing the job. I think Meguires looks just as good as Zaino when done right, & costs ALOT less.

Bradster

Looks wonderful on my pearl white 90 LS400-not as bad as i thought to do the whole process (skipping the clay bar) well worth the effort.Called them and purchased Z2 (polish for clearcoat) ZFX which when added to the Z1 accelerates the drying,Z6 (enhancer for that perfect shine and UV protection) and Z7 (car shampoo) There is enough Z2,ZFX and Z6 to beautify the LS400 several times and who knows how many washes are in the Z7.Total cost was 58.00 delivered and included a cotton applicator.Do you know how much $$ it would cost to have someone detail your car to this level? 150.00 or so i believe.You don't have to do it all in 1 day.I washed the car wih Dawn (as per Zaino) to strip the old wax one day,the next day i applied the 1st polish/enhancer and a day later another treatment.After the 1st time additional treatments take less than an hour! You will love the results!

pongydoo

I have used Zaino for over a year now.....hand down the best car polish I ever used.....never switch again.....for darker color car....I use Z1, Z5 and Z6 but with lighter color car....I use Z1, Z2 and Z6.....Z5 is not as shinely but can hide more on swirl mark!!

Sal Collaziano

A moderator should split this topic into a Zaino or detailing thread...