Back To The Future

[MARK HAYLE]

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[ambermarine]

Hi,

Just asking if I have completely lost it finally. I started in 2007 with a mk1 ls400. then a 99 ls400, a celica and a merc c class later Im yearning for a mk1 ls400 again. I love the mk1 theres something about them that the later models lost along the way. I want the best example out there, and I aim to keep it. What do you think, is this sensible?

Hi Mark Hayle

Having had a Mark 1 ls400 for 16 years and nothing else I can only speak from my experience,The observation you make of "something lost along the way" is I think synonemous with progress but I take on board what you say as I have several friends who say the same thing and don,t and never have had a Lexus. Their words "It looks the buisness" fits the bill.

If you can find one that as a generally Rust free body, check the rear sills and under the back wheel arches also the area under the back subframe. Superficial corrosion can be dealt with but any holes or pieces ragged are a no no you won't get it through the MOT.

Mechanically the parts are all still available except the rear subframe and the front cross member.There are some electronic lcds that are not available from Lexus but can be repaired or replaced from the USA.The early ls400 did not have airbags or sat nav so there is a lot less to go wrong.

The Mark 1 was built up to 92 with some small variations and changes introduced when it became the mark 2 the big change in the suspension came in 94 so a lot of the brake parts and suspension parts will not fit on pre 94s

should you need second hand spare parts and as the pre 94s are getting rare the second hand market as virtually dried up, the good thing is that some of these new parts are a lot cheaper now than a few years ago ie; front upper suspension arm virtually a third of the cost these days as to ten years ago.

Finally I have driven a friends 98 LS400 and another LS430 I found the the ls430 to be road hard despite the adjustable ride settings I also did,nt like the 98 LS400 as that seemed to be a firmer ride and tighter in the cabin By the way my Lexus LS400 is Twenty one years old and is thought to be the oldest still on the road in the uk would be pleased to hear if anyone as an earlier car.

[Malc]

Hi, I loved my MK1 and then my MK2 and now, since June my MK3.

The MK3 is the best technologically and economy wise too.

The MK1 I drove for 5 years and loved it to bits. Parted company after 189000 miles and due its 3rd cambelt change etc. body getting abit " scabby too " and a host of tiddly niggles to boot !

The failing with the MK1, that I found when really comparing, is the smaller wheels / tyres / brakes.

Otherwise, well, the MK1 is a fabulous car if you can find one that's been cherished and I'm quite sure there is one out there and available ...... you just got to find it.

Tried really hard to convince my g/f that I should be buying her a LS400 too ......... but she's not moving from her 1994 Mazda 323f with poppy-up headlights ...... ever. Bit like me and the LS400 I guess.

Malc

[MARK HAYLE]

Thanks all for your wisdom.

Going to buy a mint ls400 mk1 on Sunday. At least I hope it is as its over 500 miles from where i live. Its a 94 with 60000 miles, full history, no body damage or rust anywhere.

[scythe]

Thanks all for your wisdom.

Going to buy a mint ls400 mk1 on Sunday. At least I hope it is as its over 500 miles from where i live. Its a 94 with 60000 miles, full history, no body damage or rust anywhere.

Very likely, it's a great car that you're going to see. I found it easily enough on autotrader. I did wonder why someone who was selling his father's car would be selling it as a trader rather than privately, so I googled the trader's phone number. When using Google, I often look at the cached results as well as the ones that are still active.

One problem with buying a car on a Sunday is that you can't ring up Lexus or an independent specialist to confirm a car's service record, but I'm sure the trader would be happy to forward you details in advance.

[Malc]

Hang on a minute .... I'd have thought a 94 car was a Mk2 ! Mine certainly was, August 94.

Malc

[ambermarine]

Hang on a minute .... I'd have thought a 94 car was a Mk2 ! Mine certainly was, August 94.

Malc

Hi Malc

The official mark and series numbers are as follows

Mark 1 january 1989 september 1992 also classified as series 1 UCF10

Mark 2 1992 to 94 series 1a

mark 3 1994 to 97 series 2 UCF20

mark 4 1997 to 2000 series 2a

The major changes came on the series change and the facelifts when 'a' was added.

There are several interesting sites that go into the development of the LS400 this information is gleaned from just one of them.

[steve2006]

Officially this should not be on the forum from a non Gold member but the car sounds pretty good

http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=74455

[tazk]

Know im a bit late on here iv got a mint mrk 1 and love it!