philmstar

My 2000 and I have been together now for 6 years. In that time she has only cost me several Oil Changes, a set of tires, two O2 Sensors,  a set of wiper blades and numerous gallons of gas. I did "splash out" on a full fluids change (Transmission, Coolant and Oil again) last year as a 5 year treat 🙂

I have now increased her mileage from 69K (2013) to 95K (2021) and probably would have hit 6 figs last year had it not been for COVID lockdown.

At 21 years old, I'm looking at major suspension maintenance later this year and may change the Timing Belt/Water Pump/Pulleys etc. purely because of age, they were all done back in 2009 at 48K. 

I consider this expense more than satisfactory, for what has been the most reliable, enjoyable and satisfying car I have ever owned or driven. As an added bonus the popularity of this Model for "Slamming" and "VIP" customising, means it is now appreciating at a considerable rate. 😍

Not sure how easy to mount and any "heat" issues, but I read that half a "Clorox or similar plastic bottle" can save your alternator from the inevitable Steering Pump leak? 😉

I tried at set of 2006 5 spoke LS430 18" with 235/50 Rubber, found the ride "firm" due to less tire wall. Settled for 2004 6 spoke LS430 17" with 225/55 Rubber, now have the look I wanted, but keeping the "luxury" ride. 👍 Pic.1 Original 16", Pic.2 New 17" ($200 for set off eBay 😉)

We have a totally different selection of Batteries over here, but I have always (especially in lockdown) used a 1 Amp "Trickle Charger" when "Lexy" is standing for a while. keeps the Battery topped up from minor drain by security system and always ensures a long life for my Battery. 😉

Hard wired the connectors to Battery terminals and routed plug into wheel arch. I just plug in the charger when I know she will not be driven for a while. 👍

27 minutes ago, Malc said:

On my wish list is to pop over to the USA ( again ) and buy a Ls400 to drive around with for maybe a month

after covid of course

Malc

I just love "cruisin' the freeways over here, "Lexy" is in her element on the long, open roads over here. I recently did a 1500+ mile trip to Idaho and back, she never missed a beat and I got out at the end feeling fresh and relaxed. Returning 27.4 mpg from a steady 80/85mph cruise wasn't bad either!!! 😉

As I said earlier, you could have difficulty in finding one for sale nowadays, owners have realized  what a "gem" they have, but also sadly the youngsters have also taken to "slamming" the earlier models with the "VIP" trend. 😞

3 hours ago, Tulpen said:

Oregon is a lovely part of the world......and a well-kept secret.  My wife and I have spent quite a bit of time there in the past 7 years.

It is indeed 🙂 Sadly not got out too much recently, due to the pandemic 😞

Hi Malc, I think it is mentioned in one of my early posts, but I'm in Salem, Oregon on the West Coast of the USA. been here for 12 years after a career in the Royal Signals. 😉

So I have not posted on here for a while (but have used the excellent "Tutorials" page on numerous occasions) thought I would add a few updated pics of "Lexy" to my Album and sing her praises yet AGAIN. She now has 92K on the clock, is 21 years old and still running like a star! have recently upgraded my old original 16" chromes for some 6 spoke 17' off a 2004 LS430. (Thus ensuring they cleared the BIG front calipers.) Also replaced the orange side markers with clear ones and have added V8 badges. I have a pack of new LED Orange/White replacement lamps and ballast resistors to enable me to remove the orange plastic mouldings from within the the front corner markers, which when done will give it a "clear/clean" look I'm after. 

Everything else is still stock and other than regular fluids and filter replacements, all four O2 sensors and a wiper blade, the last 5 years have been trouble free!

LS400's with low miles are now VERY rare over here, in fact some mid 90's models have sold for over $12000. It's a rare thing nowadays to buy a non-classic car that is a daily driver and yet is STILL appreciating in value!!! 😍

:D Many Thanks for the Welcome Messages :)

Just completed my first task and have created a spare Master Key for a lot less than Lexus asked. My car only came with 1 master key and the "Wallet" Key. :(

Purchased a blank master with remote buttons off eBay.usa ($28), sent it to another eBay member for laser cutting ($32) and programmed the Transponder (Using Brake/Accelerator tap dance etc.) and also programmed the Remote functions (Using Door Lock/Unlock proceedure).

Now have a spare master key that opens/unlocks everything (Even remotely opens moonroof/windows) and of course still switches off immobilizer and starts car. Well pleased as cost less than 45 UK pounds!

Hi Guys, my first post :)

Purchased my 2000 LS400 last month and it came with 2 Keys :( a "Master" key with the remote buttons and a half key that matches in a wallet with key code. (No buttons).

Following advice from locksmith I checked that the Security light goes out immediatly when I put the master in the ignition, this is supposed to confirm it's a master? Not wishing to risk losing this only key I have ordered a new blank key with remote buttons and am having it cut (eBay).

I have researched on here how I will program the new key using my original "master" but my question is.....

If my current only working key is number 4 in the computer (the other 3 may have been lost be previous owners?) do I risk "bumping" it out of memory by trying to program another new key?

Sorry to be so long winded, but looking back on "My Lexus" the car has already had to have one new and expensive Keys/ECU due to lost keys.

Thank You in anticipation.

Hi Guys (and Gals?),

Just sharing the news of my long awaited purchase of a 2000 LS400. :) Have always desired one but way TOO expensive back in the early 90's. I'm now retired here in Oregon, USA and these cars are all over the place and very well looked after (One is currently aiming at 1,000,000 miles!)

Got mine for less than 5K, it's a 1 owner, lots of service history, LS400 (Sep 99) in awesome condition (Less than 5K miles a year). Already have it in for a full 90K Service (Water Pump, Timing Belt etc.) not because of the 72K mileage, but 15 years is a long time and I want "Piece of mind", this now MY baby.....

Besides all the usual Lexus "Goodies", it has the additional SatNav, Moonroof, Chrome alloys, Memory heated seats, 6 Stack CD Player with Dolby etc. which were not standard over here.

I am already building a kit to allow .mp3 play through the audio and adding a reversing camera, guess I will have to remove the wired analogue phone in the centre console! lol

Looking forward to using all the great advice and tips I've already found on here, cheers.

PS: I do get back to the West Midlands quite often, but I guess NOT with the Lexus :)

Hi, Found you via numerous links on the many US Lexus Forums and Clubs.

I'm actually a "Brit" who has lived over here now for almost 6 years, always wanted an LS400 but TOO expensive in the UK back in the day :) Just picked up a 1 Owner, 2000 LS400 in immaculate condition for less than 5K (pounds). Only 72K on the clock and full dealer history, I'm in love!