Buying A Ls440 (Lpg)

[nicenic61]

Folks,

In the next few weeks or months or so I hope to buy a LS400, preferably with LPG given the silly petrol prices currently. Been keeping an eye on autotrader, eBay etc. and read various posts and buying guides but there are a few things which still aren't clear, perhaps you can help.

I've noticed that there are some 'gold badge' models. Do these come with any additional extras? In fact, are there any variants within the LS400 range (luxe, deluxe, LX, SLX etc. for us older types).

Is it worth bothering with a later version to get the SatNav and any other goodies that the late versions have over the early 90's stuff? Presumably you need to keep the SatNav up to date....and do any versions show improved mpg compared to others (very difficult to find mpg data on t'internet).

And would you go for a late model with high mileage or an early model with low mileage if both cost the same? Presumably the high mileage will have more trim wear and tear but there doesn't seem to be too much concern over high mileage wear and tear on the mechanicals.

And what is your favourite colour scheme. There seems to be every shade of leather trim under the sun, not too keen on the beige or grey. Hmmm, and those ugly LPG tanks in the boot, is there still enough room for a suitcase or two?

Ultimately of course it's up to me to get off my backside and go have a look but I just thought I'd ask for some general advice....

Thanks,

Nick.

[beavisrules]

the mk4 ('98 on) i think are the better choice.

for: - better fuel econemy & more power , better interior (I prefer the seats over earlier ones).

against: - the sat nav sucks balls (compared to a £50 modern one).

either way , the ls400 boot can accomodate 3 average sized adults , so a few suitcases + tank shouldn't be an issue.(and definetly not if its in the spare wheel well.

gold badges were an option when bought. means nothing but has a gold badge. (also £10 on eBay lol).

we could also order extra mats and things , but nothing thats an actual feature of the car.

there is the DHP models , with handling pack , stiffer suspention bigger wheels etc..

thats the only ls400 variant afaik.

the usa had a few options , the satnav was an extra item for them , where it was standard here (shame)

and they could specify to NOT to have leather if they realy wanted ?

[SteveLS400]

the mk4 ('98 on) i think are the better choice.

for: - better fuel econemy & more power , better interior (I prefer the seats over earlier ones).

against: - the sat nav sucks balls (compared to a £50 modern one).

either way , the ls400 boot can accomodate 3 average sized adults , so a few suitcases + tank shouldn't be an issue.(and definetly not if its in the spare wheel well.

gold badges were an option when bought. means nothing but has a gold badge. (also £10 on ebay lol).

we could also order extra mats and things , but nothing thats an actual feature of the car.

there is the DHP models , with handling pack , stiffer suspention bigger wheels etc..

thats the only ls400 variant afaik.

the usa had a few options , the satnav was an extra item for them , where it was standard here (shame)

and they could specify to NOT to have leather if they realy wanted ?

Can't really add anything to that regarding the car, just go see a few, fall in love and never part.

[Mybikesacx500]

I would go with the Mk4 also, high mileage is no problem, the main issue is when was the cambelt last changed? The Mk4 is an interference engine, so a broken belt would be a major issue.

The water pump and idlers need done too, as a seized pump is the most likely way to get a broken belt, as far as I can see from reading forums.

I believe the official interval is now 100k miles for the belts, with a replacement pump at the same time, Used to be 60k for the belt, new pump every second belt..

Having said that, belts can go 150k, apparently.

My old '92 is beige leather, my favorite, with red paint, look great in the sun, but I really like the green (not the almost black green)

[sir john]

Hi. I want to wish you well with the quest for an LS. Personal; choice: i like the 93 version looks.

Can i make a sugestion here for the forum as a whole. I also have a Rover 75 (yes i know,,why have you got a Rover 75? they are rubbish) and im on the Rover 75 forum (you have to be otherwise you wouldnt know how to fix their many faults) They have a posting that is permanently at the top of the forum page. I dont know what t you call it but its a read only thing i think that is there for referrence. It has all the things to check when viewing a prospective purchase.

Maybe we could hev something like that. Put together with the experience of long term owners as a quick guide to new or prospective owners.

Just an idea.

[Parrot of Doom]

Buy on condition alone, ignore mileage and age. If it looks clean and tidy and seems to have been taken care of then that's what you want.

I bought one recently, its booked in for LPG conversion next week. My advice would be to pay particular attention to the suspension as the front of mine needs some bits replacing (bottom ball joints for sure, I think top wishbones too but will wait to see). It doesn't require a specialist, if you know someone experienced with car DIY then you can do it yourself and save a fortune.

Make sure all the toys work. They will, but make sure anyway.

[Bluesman]

Folks,

In the next few weeks or months or so I hope to buy a LS400, preferably with LPG given the silly petrol prices currently. Been keeping an eye on autotrader, ebay etc. and read various posts and buying guides but there are a few things which still aren't clear, perhaps you can help.

I've noticed that there are some 'gold badge' models. Do these come with any additional extras? In fact, are there any variants within the LS400 range (luxe, deluxe, LX, SLX etc. for us older types).

Is it worth bothering with a later version to get the SatNav and any other goodies that the late versions have over the early 90's stuff? Presumably you need to keep the SatNav up to date....and do any versions show improved mpg compared to others (very difficult to find mpg data on t'internet).

And would you go for a late model with high mileage or an early model with low mileage if both cost the same? Presumably the high mileage will have more trim wear and tear but there doesn't seem to be too much concern over high mileage wear and tear on the mechanicals.

And what is your favourite colour scheme. There seems to be every shade of leather trim under the sun, not too keen on the beige or grey. Hmmm, and those ugly LPG tanks in the boot, is there still enough room for a suitcase or two?

Ultimately of course it's up to me to get off my backside and go have a look but I just thought I'd ask for some general advice....

Thanks,

Nick.

Hi Nick

I have an Mk4 LS400 98 with the Sat Nav and I had it converted by Profess down in South Wales.

I had an Toridal Tank fitted in the spare wheel well and I can get 74 litres of LPG in so it gives you a fair range and you smile all the way. There is still plenty of boot space even with the spare wheel in there.

Sat Nav works but its comes in short of many modern Sat Navs that have so many other features that it makes the in car Sat Nav just a little stoneage it just depends how much info you want from your Sat Nav. It does work.

I havent heard of anyone who has used any updates to the in car Sat Nav and I believe that Lexus sell one for around £250 to £300.

After this CD based system they updated the in car system to a DVD based unit and they will not work on a Mk 4.

Hope this is of help.

Regards Mike