LS400?

"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke) 12/06/2016 at 15:58 • Filed to: None

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The hunt for DaftRyosuke’S next car has officially begun, and I’m already tossing around ideas. The original plan was an SC400, but I decided I needed something bigger for the daily, so...

I’m thinking about an LS400. The 2nd version (1995-2000) in particular. And I ask you all, any LS owners here, is there anything to look out for, at all? Most LS owners seem to think they’re the second coming, but I need brutal, honest truth here.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 16:09

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Honestly? If someone told me “Replace your car tomorrow with something not European” it would be an LS400. I was very impressed with the one or two I test drove. And since a lot of people do want a big luxobarge that isn’t European (aka one that doesn’t break) I have to say that it is a terrific car.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/06/2016 at 16:16

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Honestly, such things as that is what people keep telling me. I’m honestly sold on it but I mainly just want to double make sure of any minor ailments that could pop up. It is a twenty year old car after all.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 16:19

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ToyotaGuy’s has 300k miles and it looks really solid still aside from cosmetic issues that aren’t its fault.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 16:30

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Even if it’s not 100% free of problems, the point is mainly that any ailments are less frequent and less major than they would be on any other 20 y/o car.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/06/2016 at 16:36

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I really regret not being at C&C when he was there. Someone page him in here.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 12/06/2016 at 16:38

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You’re right. I’d bet my life on an UZ V8

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 16:54

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I regret not getting contact info.

DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 12/06/2016 at 17:16

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We’ll just shout at him until he answers. He’s only one state above us anyway.

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 17:39

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LS400 with the aimgain kit and 19 inch rims and air-suspension

errrmerrgerrrd!~

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 17:45

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make sure you get a LS400 with out OEM air suspension and your headaches will be reduced, and your wallet a bit heavier

Peter Monshizadeh > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 17:53

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Check for vibrations at highway speeds. These things are supposed to be smooth. That’s what they’re about. Vibrations will completely ruin the experience, trust me. They can be frustrating to track down and expensive to resolve.

Power steering pumps like to leak and the fluid goes directly into the alternator, which tends to take it out prematurely.

If you’re looking at that era of LS, you’ll have variable valve timing (I believe, someone jump in and correct me if I’m not right). What this means is replacing cam seals during a timing belt change is a real pain. You have to pull camshafts out to get to them.

Even after all of that, they are the best cars you can buy for the money that they cost. Good luck!

Bytemite > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 18:48

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Had the 1st gen LS400. It was such an amazing car with luxuries even new cars don’t have nowadays. Bulletproof powertrain. The 1UZ along with that 4 speed slushbox had the smoothest shifts and the purr emitted sounded a bit like a woodwind instrument. Maybe an oboe...yeah it was like an oboe.

Bytemite > Peter Monshizadeh 12/06/2016 at 18:55

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Yep, they had VVT on 2nd gens. These cars go for around 2-3 grand I’m guessing most likely thanks to the terrible gas mileage, so it is basically a steal.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 19:14

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Honestly? The build quality makes my S600 look like a daewoo. Vault like is a word I’d use. I’ve had mine since May or June and it’s never put a foot wrong. I have a ‘97 coach edition with 224,000 miles on it and it literally drives like a new car. As much as I don’t want to say it, it’s inarguably a better car than my S class. Ridiculously comfortable, fast enough, (imo) very nice looking, bank vault like quality,and incredible reliability. I would recommend this car to anyone 10/10. Mine has a slow power steering leak but that’s the only thing mechanically wrong with it.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Peter Monshizadeh 12/06/2016 at 19:20

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Yep. This is all true. It’s the only car I’ve ever ridden in that’s as smooth on the highway as my S600.

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish! 12/06/2016 at 20:28

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Ive got a 1997 LS400, one problem areas is power steering pump leaks. Since the pump reservoir and such are right above the alternator, it will leak into the alternator and kill it. Another problem area is front suspension bushings and control arms. Things start to get a bit loose every 100k or so I hear. Ive had my car ~7 months and its just passed 180k and it feels more stable on the highway at 100+ than anything I’ve ever been in, but has a few squeaks here and there. Otherwise, the 1UZ and transmissions are dead reliable. In 1998 they did switch to a 5 speed automatic (versus the 4 speed + OD) and added variable valve timing to the 1UZ, so they’re a bit quicker and more economical. Otherwise just look for lowish miles (170k or so is low I’d say) and no quarter panel rust, and look for a timing belt sticker under the hood. Should be on top of the radiator support. Definitely test drive one, they’re fantastic and crazy cheap for the amount of car. Also V8+RWD=slides