Lex Wannabe

Hi Chris The one I test drove is a 1999 MK IV with ASC etc. I just have a feeling that the car may be concealing a few potentially expensive faults and I'm questioning whether or not I should buy it. But then I guess I would be the same with any used car I was thinking of buying. I may have it inspected, but they'd be bound to find assorted faults I guess. Hum... what to do... I hope to become a fully fledged member here shortly when I finally buy an LS!!!!

Hi This checklist is amazing -- totally invaluable. I test drove an LS400 today. I just have one question about the bit on this checklist that says, "do the springs settle after less than 2.5 bounces?" I am used to my current BMW 328, so the LS400 is naturally going to seem really soft to me -- I expected that. However it also felt "bouncy" and I'm not sure if that's a fault. For example, when stationary and then releasing the brakes momentarily and then reapplying them reasonably firmly, the car would stop and then bounce for a second or two (perhaps 3 noticeable oscillations). The bouncing was only minor I guess, but it's just not what I'm used to with my current car and I don't know if I'm imagining a fault with the LS400 that is actually a characteristic. I am very happy with the LS400 and don't mind the bouncing. I would be more than happy to buy it. My only concern is that the bouncing is a fault. Can anyone please try to advise me as to whether or not this is a fault? Also, I tried an emergency stop: definitely took longer and with less grip than in my BMW, that was definitely obvious. Can anyone say whether or not this is also normal? I have tried to search for braking distances but can't find a list of them. Thanks

I called my local Lexus dealer and they said that only the belt needs to be changed on the LS400. They said that on the IS the pulleys and tensioners need to be changed also. They said it would normally cost £432 but as it's an older car they will do it for £332.78 (including tax, delivery/collection, loan car etc.). I understand what you're saying about a lower-mileage car that's done more town work being actually more worn that a higher-mileage car that's done motorway miles. I will try to inspect the discs, exhaust and suspension. I will be going back to the garage shortly for a test drive.

Ahhhh, I understand what you mean now, Monter-Mat. You mean I should find out in advance from Lexus whether or not the pulleys need replacing... thanks for that. At first I thought you meant ask the vendor if the pulleys look like they need to be changed. I'm really glad you said that as I would never have thought to ask that. I will find out and will be armed with that information when I go back tomorrow. If I don't get them to do the work I want, I ain't buying the car... simple as. I'm not rushing in and can go elsewhere if necessary. I want this car to last for years and if that means taking a week or two to look at a few more, I will! Cheers muchly!

Thank you, both of you, for those comments so far. It's a 1999 by the way, so if the seal lasts only 5 years, then I guess that's why! They said that they'll do what it takes to get the damp issue sorted out and make it leak-free (not that I can really check they've sorted it unless I use a pressure washer on it before buying lol). Also I told him that I would want the aerial replacing, which he agreed to do. So that covers those problems. I just don't know what else to check. All the stuff seems to work ok, and I will be assessing it carefully on the test drive tomorrow. I also checked the transmission fluid and engine oil. But I wouldn't know what else to check in terms of under-the-bonnet stuff. I believe that a whole new exhaust can cost £2,000+ so I will attempt to see if I can assess that. They are asking £9995 for it. It's done 71,000 miles, full history. Seems to be in excellent condition as far as I can tell. I am hoping that I can get it converted to LPG for around £2300 and then keep it for 5 years+. Just one question though, when you say that I should try to find out if any of the pulleys or tensioners need replacing... are they not replaced at standard intervals along with the belt? Are they only replaced if they look like they need replacing? If I ask them if they need replacing, they are bound to say "no" as they know I would ask them to do it before I buy the car.

Hi Maneesh I was considering the Volvo S80 2.4 SE auto and the LS400. I wanted the 2.4 coz it's supposed to be a bit softer/smoother than the 2.9 (which apparently has a firmer ride). I even found an LPG-converted one. However you know why I decided on the LS400? One of the main reason is carsurvey.org. I don't know if the reviews are all genuine and objective, or whether there is a tendency to just post reviews that correspond with the status quo. However, almost all the S80 reviews tell you to run away screaming from anyone who tries to sell you an S80 due to very poor reliability/durability. Also the LS400 reviews almost all talk of problem-free motoring in a very reliable and durable car. This makes me think that £9,000 would have been better spent on, say, a 1999 LS400 than £9,000 on a 2002 S80 (despite the LS being older and more miles). You could always but a LS400 with years of life left in it and then have it converted to LPG to save on fuel expenses. Do you find the S80 noticeably slower than the Lexus? Is it noiser etc? Apart from the apparent reliability issues (according to carsurvey) it's supposed to be a great car. How do you find it in other ways e.g. the ride, handling etc. compared with LS?

UPDATE!!! I viewed the car today. It has covered 71,000 miles. It full service history, but the last service was carried out by a general garage. Also, it is due a service now. I have told the sales rep that I will be back tomorrow to test drive the car and that I would want the cambelt changing along with a service. He said that he will have all that done at their own workshop. Is this acceptable? Is there something about servicing an LS400 that dictates it be done only by a Lexus dealer/specialist? Can a non-Lexus workshop change the cambelt satisfactorily? Thanks for any info that anyone can offer. I will be agreeing to buy the car tomorrow unless I find a reason not to. Incidentally, the radio aerial doesn't quite retract all the way (it stops about 2 cm short). The carpet in the boot has mould patches (perhaps water is coming in through the aerial?). They said that they will get all that sorted. Does anyone know of a common problem with LS400 aerials or damp/mouldy boots? Thanks in advance for any thoughts! Mark P.S. I'm so excited!!!! Can't wait to own an LS400 (wanted one for about 3 years).

Hi all I am new to this site and am looking for some help buying a MK4 LS400. I have read lots of information on this site relating to trouble spots of MK3 and earlier cars, e.g. powersteering pump, radio/climate displays etc. However I don't know if the same applies to MK4 cars. Perhaps there are specific areas to check when buying a MK4 car? I am intending to buy a 1998 or 1999 model with about 90,000 miles. Thanks for any advice! Mark