Ask the Car People.SM


Lexus LS 400/LS 430

8462 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2012 at 10:05 PM

You are in the Lexus LS 400/LS 430 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 400, Lexus LS 430, Sedan

Messages Page 786 of 847

#7850 of 8462 Help by kdvaillancourt

Apr 05, 2006 (2:29 pm)

I need Help/Wisdom...I have opportunity to purchase a used LS400. Option 1: 1997 LS400 with 97k miles excellent condition, original owner, all records available and serviced at Lexus Dealer Option 2: 1999 LS 400 with 80k miles, original owner, all records available and services at Lexus dealer...I like both colors and options. To me, it makes more sense to buy the "newer" vehicle, but I have a feeling that some years are not always the best. I thank you in advance..ALSO: PRICE IS NOT AN ISSUE BETWEEN THE OPTIONS.

#7851 of 8462 Simple choice by nvbanker

Apr 05, 2006 (7:59 pm)

Buy the one you like best - either would be good, but understand, these cars, good as they are, are getting old. They will occasionally need service.

#7852 of 8462 Re: Help [kdvaillancourt] by rgsw

Apr 05, 2006 (8:36 pm)

Replying to: kdvaillancourt (Apr 05, 2006 2:29 pm)
A question might be whether the major service that is usually done around 90K has been done or not. I believe they change out/replace the timing chain, etc. and the bill is expensive. If one has had the service and the other has not, that might be a factor.

#7853 of 8462 Re: PAINT PROTECTIVE FILM [rgsw] by pietwo

Apr 06, 2006 (9:12 am)

Replying to: rgsw (Mar 10, 2006 5:18 pm)
I had it installed by the dealer 30-days after I purchased a new LS 430. They couldn't get me in sooner. I believe they called it Lexan. It's a clear film a little thinner than an typical business card. It goes up about 18-inches on the hood, covers the headlights partly, includes "patches"--like those elbow patches which were once common on sport coats--on the back of the mirrors; the "painted" side. Also, there is a strip on the door edges, and maybe under the handles unless this is standard. They wanted $800 or $900 for it, but I told them "no" and then they wanted to split it. I said, "I'll think about it," and got up to leave. They through it in. Somebody probably does it for less. I saw film installed on an SC which appeared to be a few years old and it appeared to be visible, separating and discolored. Of course, I don't know whose film it was or who did the installation.

#7854 of 8462 Re: PAINT PROTECTIVE FILM [pietwo] by rgsw

Apr 06, 2006 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: pietwo (Apr 06, 2006 9:12 am)
Good luck with yours. I did not choose to have it installed when I took delivery in Oct 05. Just wondered if anyone on the forum had experience with it. Thanx

#7855 of 8462 Re: PAINT PROTECTIVE FILM [rgsw] by luxoseeker

Apr 07, 2006 (7:47 am)

Replying to: rgsw (Apr 06, 2006 6:21 pm)
I also had the paint protective film installed on my '05 LS, though I had my detailer do it. One month later, I was nailed be a rock on the freeway. It slightly gouged the film but did not go through to the paint. It's been a year now, and there are lots of little nicks in the film where I've been hit with rocks. For me, it was worth the $850 I paid.

#7856 of 8462 Paint protection by nvbanker

Apr 08, 2006 (4:31 pm)

What I hate, or like, depending on my status in the deal process, is when all of their cars already have had the protection applied, and are sitting there with it on, and they tell me, the $900 treatment needs to be paid for, because it's already on the car. That's when I say, well, I didn't ask for it, and I don't want it, but I won't make you take it off. Still, I'm not paying for it, or I won't take the car. Somehow, they reluctantly throw it in every time, but they're pissed. And I understand why.

#7857 of 8462 Re: Help [kdvaillancourt] by sv7887

Apr 11, 2006 (6:17 am)

Replying to: kdvaillancourt (Apr 05, 2006 2:29 pm)
Hi,
  The 1999 is a vastly upgraded car. It has a 5 Speed Automatic, and a 290 HP V-8 with Variable Valve Timing. You will definitely notice the difference in performance with the 1999.
 
I had a CPO 1998 that had problems with the cluster. It would blink intermittently. Also, some of these cars had problems with the cluster, for example, the 99 has a great computer which tells you how many miles you have left in the tank. Some early cars needed to have their cluster replaced because this wouldn't work properly.
 
Other than that, it is a great car. The 1999 had the wooden steering wheel and shifter and the Xenon headlights. The 1997 is a mild restyle of the 1994. The biggest changes came in 1998 from a mechanical point of view.
 
Hope this helps,
Sam

#7858 of 8462 New discussion on LS600h in Future Vehicles! by drfill

Apr 11, 2006 (2:29 pm)

For lovers, or true "player-haters"!
 
  I think we sit on the sunny side of that fence.
 
  See if Lexus has addressed your concerns with tomorrow's World Premiere in NY!
 
  DrFill

#7859 of 8462 Ls 430 Euro-suspension by yak54

Apr 11, 2006 (5:26 pm)

Does the euro-suspension make that much of a difference in cornering? I test dorve a non euro ls 430 today and took it aggressively into the corners and thought it did well. I am also considering waiting for the LS460 (I am 8th on a list at the dealer) I am guessing that the handliong will be even better.

Messages Page 786 of 847

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement