Well, it’s been 2 weeks since I bought my K reg 1992 LS400 and so far I am very impressed. The comfort and performance of the car is seriously impressive and I am particularly pleased at how economical it is given the size of the engine.
I have completed 2000 motorway and A road miles since buying and have identified the following issues which I would appreciate your comments on:
1/ The Overdrive Off light flashes intermittently. It usually comes on 2-3 hours into a journey. If you stop the car and restart it goes off and stays off. I suspect a sensor fault as the fluid is clean and at a decent level. Given it goes off when I restart the car and the age of the vehicle I suspect the sensor rather than anything more serious. It is annoying but unless anyone suggests anything more serious I am ignoring it
2/ Tyres – there is a mixed batch of Pirellis and budgets on the car and judging by the look of the rubber, despite having decent treads they are around 7 years old which would fit in with the mileage over the last few years (ie – not a lot). I suspect that the balancing is all out as well as the vibration over 75mph is present. I debated replacing the wheels with a new set of alloy boots but have decided (given this car is a tool at the moment) to replace the tyres with Continental 255/60/16 V’s all round – etyres have quoted £140 each including fitting. I’m happy to splash the cash as I do around 4000 miles a month and quality tyres are a must.
3/ interior electrics – the bulb has gone in the gear selector under the gear stick – anyone any ideas how I change it or what type of bulb is needed?
4/ the aerial mast is missing – I’ll order a new one from Lexus
5/ the aircon needs regassed – off to Kwik Fit for that I guess
6/ the LCD info bar is dead – I think I might take a trip to Colin next month to see if I can get him to fix it and also to replace the LED on the speedo needle which is only ½ lighting up
Have to say though – it’s a quality luxobarge and what I particularly like is that whilst it is not as refined in the handling stakes as say a big XJ6 it is a better all rounder as round town, even a busy narrow street town like Edinburgh it is fantastic –the only car I’ve driven with a better turning circle for it’s size is the Volvo 240 or a taxi!