Kailash

• First time LS 400 owner haven’t been in the the world for to long what advice could you give?

bradland

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...questions.html

400fanboy

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post10411641

Leximum

Since you have admitted that you haven't been around for too long. Let me just help you out with the first lead. In your case, I personally feel it is better to read a bit about Lexus' history. Lexus Wikipedia will help you tremendously as a good start. There are two generations of LS400 with many variances from non-interference engine to interference engine spanning from 1989 to 2000. You did not give people enough information to specifically help you with anything. I own a '96 LS400 as well as a '13 LS460. LS400 is a solidly built and bullet-proof car that has shocked the world. But, it will cost you money if you ignore the timing belt, changing engine oil or transmission fluid at the regular intervals. LS400 parts are easily attainable. The rule of thumb for the cost of parts is relative to the number of cylinders in the engine that the parts go to. That is, the more the cylinders in the car's engine the higher the cost of parts you have to pay for that car. Lexus LS traditionally is mounted with a silky smooth V8 until 2017 for the 2018 model year, when Lexus introduced LS 500 and shoved a V6 then force-fed the engine with a twin-turbo to boost up the horsepower. Time will tell whether this daring move would solidify Lexus' attempt to box in the ring with the super-performance German sports sedans such as Audi, BMW, or the Mercedes. I personally do not think so.

heyTony

These cars are nothing too different from every other used car. The only real big repair you need to be aware of is the timing belt system. That means that, if the car hasn't had a timing belt component service, it is within your best interest to do it. Replacing the timing belt and all the subsequent components in the engine- like the timing belt tensioner, idler pulley as well as the water pump and thermostat. Pretty much, get the car into operating condition, since you're going to be the one using it now. Service the brake system and make sure it all works. Check the suspension that there aren't any worn bushings or bent parts. Re-torque all the major suspension and body bolts because what I've also noticed on old LS400's are the loose bolts all over the place. Particularly the front and rear subframe mounting bolts being loose. Get the FSM and tighten it to a torque number.

When I first got my LS400, I did modifications right away. I hated the floaty shocks so I changed all four to sporty coilovers system from Japan- that tightened the feeling of driving it right away and drives it like a BMW being all stiff. I changed the wheels and tires to sporty sizing similar to BMW and it improved acceleration, braking and cornering. I also chopped-off the crappy exhaust system with 5 mufflers and had a shop create a whole new cat-back exhaust for it with only 2 mufflers and a larger pipe diameter. This made the car sound like a true sporty muscle car. Those are some things you could do to improve your car if you're into modding like I am.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

I will add this to the FAQ!

400fanboy

That would be great. I find it more useful because it gets straight to the point of what the actual trouble areas are, letting you know specifically what to look for. The FAQ is great... if you know what you need to solve. But there isn't a quick TL;DR.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

i added it to the "discussion threads of interest" section of the FAQ.

Kailash

I own a 96 came with K-Sport Coilovers, Timing Belt was replaced at 200K I got it at 245. Needs a little work done to it

Kailash

I own a 96. The timing belt was done at 200k I got it at 245.

JohnAndic

Its more fun to own 2.

Leximum

Good luck in your attempt to rescue your new found pride and joy. How much one is willing to invest into rescuing an older model is all relative to the owners desire to keep it or junk it. You are the most qualified judge to make the call.

fondu

Hmm is that why i'm always looking to purchase a second one? Two times the DIY and wrenching fun? Lol

Stereorob

i have 3. a 95, 99, and 2000. its easy to forget just how old these cars really are, and yes they are bulletproof, but you absolutely have to maintain them and as solid as they are, they are getting too old to be beat on. if you are good to them, they will be good to you.

400fanboy

My 98' has less rattles and interior noise than a 2 or 3 year old BMW\Mercedes I've driven.

Really is incredible how well they've held up.