Our 2nd Anniversary (Lexy and me :)
06-10-17, 01:43 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Our 2nd Anniversary (Lexy and me :)
Hi All,
I've have been "lurking" and keeping up with the new topics, but have not posted for a while. So as it is "Lexy" and my 2nd Anniversary this month, I thought I would post an update of my first 2 years owning a 2000 LS400, I've added 10,000 miles (Now 80,000 miles) but still less than 5000 a year!
To put it bluntly, I'm "Well Chuffed!" and extremely pleased with life so far! She has performed wonderfully and never let me down once. I have had to replace drivers side front O2 sensor (Through up the relevant code) and did the passenger side at the same time just as a precaution. Not done the post Cat sensors yet as I don't really want to take up all the footwell carpeting
While I had her jacked up, I noticed a minor leak around the Power Steering Pump, it works fine lock to lock and the fluid level has hardly moved. I guess I will have to read the excellent posts on here about diagnosis and rectifying it before it gets serious and takes out my Alternator! Only other minor quibble is the Rev counter needle sometimes plays dead, then suddenly bursts back into life a few days later. I've read its a common issue and my guess it's temperature/humidity related. It's only happened 3 times in the last 2 years, but usually after she has not been used for a while. Other than a hard to find problem with a blocked filler cap drain pipe, these are the only issues I've had. (I've NEVER owned a car that was so reliable, especially as she is now 17 years old!)
I aim to keep her almost stock, I have removed the Center Console Analogue phone and thanks to member "Kansas", who kindly sent me a huge box of millennium Nokia Car Phone Kits. I have installed a circa 1999 CARK Car Kit and bought (from China) a new Nokia 6230 Cellphone. Now for only $5 a month on a T-Mobile PAYG contract, "Lexy" has her own emergency communications!!!
I have the original SatNav/Audio/Climate touchscreen, but have wired in a switchable 3.5mm socket in the center console that allows me to connect IPod/Smartphone etc. and it enhances the CD Player which I still actually use occasionally! I would love to obtain software to allow me to play with the "Touch Screen Menus" but sadly surfing numerous Japanese websites has proven fruitless. I guess I'm just going to have to live with 17 year old Maps!!! (Or use my Smartphone)
Latest Mod (Pics attached) was to replace the orange market lamps on front corners. Found a nice set of clear on eBay and a couple of hours in the sunshine and "sorted". I think they look much better. I've used silver bulbs also but they glow orange. (Just waiting for my Alpine Metallic Silver Touch up paint to sort the scratches on the lower bumper!).
How is she running? well I recently drove from Oregon to Idaho and back (1500+ miles) on "Cruise" at 80mph most of the way. She averaged 27.3mpg, that's almost twice what I get in my Durango and certainly the journey was much more relaxing and luxurious
If anybody reading this is considering buying a late LS400, do it! I just hope you can find a late low mileage model that has been well maintained at the right price?
I've have been "lurking" and keeping up with the new topics, but have not posted for a while. So as it is "Lexy" and my 2nd Anniversary this month, I thought I would post an update of my first 2 years owning a 2000 LS400, I've added 10,000 miles (Now 80,000 miles) but still less than 5000 a year!
To put it bluntly, I'm "Well Chuffed!" and extremely pleased with life so far! She has performed wonderfully and never let me down once. I have had to replace drivers side front O2 sensor (Through up the relevant code) and did the passenger side at the same time just as a precaution. Not done the post Cat sensors yet as I don't really want to take up all the footwell carpeting
While I had her jacked up, I noticed a minor leak around the Power Steering Pump, it works fine lock to lock and the fluid level has hardly moved. I guess I will have to read the excellent posts on here about diagnosis and rectifying it before it gets serious and takes out my Alternator! Only other minor quibble is the Rev counter needle sometimes plays dead, then suddenly bursts back into life a few days later. I've read its a common issue and my guess it's temperature/humidity related. It's only happened 3 times in the last 2 years, but usually after she has not been used for a while. Other than a hard to find problem with a blocked filler cap drain pipe, these are the only issues I've had. (I've NEVER owned a car that was so reliable, especially as she is now 17 years old!)I aim to keep her almost stock, I have removed the Center Console Analogue phone and thanks to member "Kansas", who kindly sent me a huge box of millennium Nokia Car Phone Kits. I have installed a circa 1999 CARK Car Kit and bought (from China) a new Nokia 6230 Cellphone. Now for only $5 a month on a T-Mobile PAYG contract, "Lexy" has her own emergency communications!!!
I have the original SatNav/Audio/Climate touchscreen, but have wired in a switchable 3.5mm socket in the center console that allows me to connect IPod/Smartphone etc. and it enhances the CD Player which I still actually use occasionally! I would love to obtain software to allow me to play with the "Touch Screen Menus" but sadly surfing numerous Japanese websites has proven fruitless. I guess I'm just going to have to live with 17 year old Maps!!! (Or use my Smartphone)
Latest Mod (Pics attached) was to replace the orange market lamps on front corners. Found a nice set of clear on eBay and a couple of hours in the sunshine and "sorted". I think they look much better. I've used silver bulbs also but they glow orange. (Just waiting for my Alpine Metallic Silver Touch up paint to sort the scratches on the lower bumper!).
How is she running? well I recently drove from Oregon to Idaho and back (1500+ miles) on "Cruise" at 80mph most of the way. She averaged 27.3mpg, that's almost twice what I get in my Durango and certainly the journey was much more relaxing and luxurious
If anybody reading this is considering buying a late LS400, do it! I just hope you can find a late low mileage model that has been well maintained at the right price?
Last edited by philmstar; 06-10-17 at 02:10 PM. Reason: Typo and Accuracy :(
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philmstar (06-10-17)
06-12-17, 04:30 AM
#3
Congrats to you on your anniversary. Nice looking car and love the chrome rims. Looks like you found a sweet one that is taking good care of you. Just try not to brag so much or more and more people will begin to realize what a steal these cars are and the rest of us won't be able to hoard them.
Do take care of the leaking PS pump as it will take out your alternator. No need to ask how I know.
For the sticking tach/speedo needle: Quick rap on the dash on top of the cluster after starting the car will break the stickiness loose and let it operate. For as often as it happens to you, should not cause a problem.
Hope you get a lot more anniversaries out of her.
Do take care of the leaking PS pump as it will take out your alternator. No need to ask how I know.
For the sticking tach/speedo needle: Quick rap on the dash on top of the cluster after starting the car will break the stickiness loose and let it operate. For as often as it happens to you, should not cause a problem.
Hope you get a lot more anniversaries out of her.
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philmstar (06-12-17)
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philmstar (06-14-17)
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