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Hi, I'm a newbie to Lexus and also this great site.

I'm seriously ready to experience my first Lexus and am doing some research first.

Great site, I've been reading it for hours and there looks to be great support about.

When I am looking at LS400's how do I tell a MK I from a MK IV, I beleive there are 4 model ?

What are the specification difference between the models.

I suppose I am more interested in the mk I/II &III as I can't affor a IV yet.

Apart from service history, what else should I be carefull about when looking for a used LS400?

Many thanks in advance

Simon

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The Mk4 is significantly different from the earlier ones. Lighter/stiffer restyled body.

Uprated engine, better performance

5 speed box instead of 4

Sat Nav

Trac Control

And a few other changes.

Worth paying extra for. Seem to be fairly cheap at the moment.

I just sold my 430 to a chap in liverpool, he had a highish mile LS400 he wanted to sell, looks nice. Try him on 0151 480 3650 (His name John). Its his business number, so I dont think he will mind me giving it out.

Hope this helps

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Thanks Colin,

I have compared the specs and the main differences in models can be summerised by:

Mk I introduced in June 1990.

Mk II (from Nov 92) : As Mk I PLUS

better MPG (+1.6@75mph to 28.8)

larger tyres, from 205/65 to 225/60

larger brake disk diameter (F/R dia from 10.8/11.4 to 11.6/12.0)

Side Impact Bars

driver and pass air bags

seat belt tensioners

individually heated seats

less boot capacity down from 16.03 ft3 to 15.2

Mk III (from Jan 95) : As Mk II PLUS

restyled body, moreareodynamic (Cd down from .29 to .27)

more MPG (+0.6@75mph to 29.4)

faster acceleration to 60, (down from 8.3 s to 7.4 s)

engine compression ratio up from 10.0:1 to 10.4:1

260BHP up from 241.

torque of 269 ftlb up from 258

"Sequential" fuel injection

wheelbase increased by 3.5cm to 285cm

kerb weight of 1725kg, down by 90kg

increased boot capacity up from 15.2 ft3 to 17.0

shocks changed from gas filled to hydraulic

larger brake disk diameter (F/R dia from 11.6/12.0 12.4/12.1)

tighter turning circle 11m down to 10.6m

improved anti-corrosion protection

ABS is now Computer Controlled

high mounted rear stop lamp

Radio has RDS features

Mk IV (from Jan 98) : As Mk III PLUS

more MPG (+1mpg@75mph to 30.4)

Faster acceleration to 60, (down from 7.4 s to 6.9 s)

Engine compression up to 10.5, 280BHP, 293 ft3 and VVTi (variable vale timing)

kerb weight up ti 1815kg, up by 90kg

smaller boot capacity down from 17ft3 to 16.4

shocks now gas filled again

anti-dive suspension geometry

Vehicle Stability Control

High Intensity Discharge headlamps, auto leveling & luminance sensing

Electronic Throttle Control System

5 speed Electronicly Controlled transmission (was 4 speed)

Front seat side air bags

Much more electronic aids, sat nav & comuter etc.

So now my buying experience is going to be a much better informed one.

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Hi Simon,

I believe that you forgot to mention one spec that came (standard?) on the MKIII: I have a 95 LS and this model has traction control. In later models it became part of VSC. For me it was one of the main reasons to go for the MKIII; over 260 HP I guessed traction control could be usefull sometimes. And it already appeared to be usefull once or twice :yawn:

If I am right the MKII is not available with traction control...If I am wrong I guess I will be corrected.

Good luck with your search!

Speedy J

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