Oppo, Learn me on LS400s

"MM54" (mm54mk2) 05/05/2018 at 22:30 • Filed to: CALIFORNICAR

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In my seemingly-unending-car-shopping for next week’s CA trip, I’ve encountered a car I don’t know much about - the late 90's Lexus LS400. I know it’s a full size RWD sedan with a 1UZ V8, but that’s about it.

Are they good? I appreciate the clean styling, and functionally this may be a good way to upgrade from the rusted-to-shit Crown Vic without losing much of what I like about it. A bit smaller (good) with similar power and drivetrain layout. My concerns would be driving feel (are they super cushy/isolated? I do not want that) and reliability.

Just a passing thought.

Maxima Speed > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:34

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In heaven this is what i’ll be driving Sunday morning to church. Good enough for you? 

HammerheadFistpunch > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:39

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I guess the question is...what do you want to know about them? The early Uz’s were so stupidly well built you’ll never break it unless you starve it of oil or forget to to the timing belt at the right intervals. The trans is a sturdy but boring Aisin unit (343E). Its the same one in my Land Cruiser (except rwd only) that’s still shifting smooth 300,000 miles later.

The leather is a weakspot but thats true of anything from this generation. The nav is likewise poor, but nostalgic.

depending on age and mileage some of the rubber and seals might need to be changed. If you can find a serviced one owner...it will probably be trouble free.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:47

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They are good cars, but they have some strange design things that can make routine replacements a real pain. For example the starter is in the V of the engine. They also need timing belts about around 100,000.

That’s not saying they are by any means bad, 15 year old versions feel modern. They run forever my friends daughter was given a 2002 model from her grandfather, it has 250,000 Miles it needed a transmission at 200k, but still feels new. Find one that’s been taken care of and you will like it.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > My X-type is too a real Jaguar 05/05/2018 at 22:48

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2002 would have been an LS430. That was the 3UZ.

dogisbadob > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:49

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The LS400 is by far the most reliable full size luxury car ever. It has that Famous 90s Toyota Quality and reliability that even Toyota can’t do today. You will not regret your purchase.

Supposedly, the Nakamichi radio that was optional on them wasn’t reliable, and the company went bankrupt soon after. And the engine does have a timing belt rather than a chain.

Bilstein makes shocks for the 95+ models, and there may be some hi performance tires available in the size needed.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:53

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Just buy one. I own a 1998 LS400 which is the first year of the new update. The gauges look better, the front looks better, the back looks better, no antenna, and they are just wonderful. LS430 rims on it make itlook even better too. Mine has 317,000 and the ISF has been left at home for me to drive the LS400 since last Saturday(would have driven the ISF this weekend but good Karma).

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > MM54 05/05/2018 at 22:57

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Find one with a few years of maintenance records, and buy it worry-free.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dogisbadob 05/05/2018 at 23:04

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The Lexus Premium Sound System in my LS is just bliss after 317,000 and 2 decades.

E92M3 > MM54 05/05/2018 at 23:11

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I think it’s better than a crown vic in every single way, except for maintenance costs. Not that the LS is expensive to maintain, but you won’t find brake rotors for $17.

If you asked me what car I would want to go on a cross country road trip in, it would be near the top of the list.

M.T. Blake > MM54 05/05/2018 at 23:34

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Ahhhhh Lexus. The sterile driving experience. Get to your appointments in comfort, quietly, and reliably.

MM54 > E92M3 05/05/2018 at 23:47

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I would literally be going in a cross-country road trip the day after purchase so that’s a decent argument for it.

Captain Cayman... > MM54 05/06/2018 at 00:08

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My grandfather had one and he always regretted selling it. The build quality was a revelation when they first came out. Could not ask for a better road trip car.

dogisbadob > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 05/06/2018 at 00:52

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Is yours Nakamichi or Pioneer?

sony1492 > MM54 05/06/2018 at 01:12

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My brother owned a 99, it pulled it weight around very well. Felt kinda numb with the stock wheels but moving to is250 wheels made a world of difference. Performance brake pads are available, the aftermarket isn’t that bad for what it is.

The 97 and up have the vvti, interference, and made the most power of 1uz’s, 300hp and theres torque throughout the rev range. Very reliable, just do the air filters, change the oil, and occasionally the timing belt.

The 97 and up have larger front calipers and rotors than older ls400 models (4 pot aluminum fixed caliper with a 13" disc if I remember correctly)

10/10 would recommend.

Shour, Aloof and Obnoxious > MM54 05/06/2018 at 16:34

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Regarding the driving experience:

The LS is like a more planted Panther. It definitely is softly sprung compared to most vehicles, but it doesn’t wallow or bob like a Panther. For its size, it corners surprisingly well - better than many midsizers.

Like every one else has said, check that timing belt business. It’s the first thing I did when I got mine. If it’s been regularly replaced, and the engine’s never ran with a broken belt, you can buy with confidence.

“This is not Matt Farah’s Million Mile Lexus.”

(SwiftKey actually predicted every word after “Matt” in that sentence. Wow.)

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dogisbadob 05/06/2018 at 19:12

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It’s not Nakamichi but it doesn’t say Pioneer. It just says Lexus Premium Surround System

dogisbadob > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 05/06/2018 at 21:29

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Then it’s Pioneer.

The non-Nakamichi radio was made by Pioneer. They supply most of Toyota’s OEM radios, especially in the 90s.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > dogisbadob 05/06/2018 at 22:02

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We’ll pioneer made a dang good radio. I’ll speak to it all day.

Teh Penguin of Doom > MM54 05/11/2018 at 01:50

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Best car ever made. Weak points are starter and instrument panel. 2000 was probably the quality peak.