Lexus LS or something else.

[Avantime]

It has Malc and it’s  a lot to pay for a 26 year old motor. What do you think to the Mk4 link?

[Avantime]

Also Malc I assumed it wasn’t a DHP. Could you spec a DHP 3?

[Malc1]

I don’t know off-hand at all but I know when I bought mine from a member on here some 13 years ago he had done all sorts of mods to it …… springs, coilovers, wheels and all sorts to give the appearance of DHP …… I just wanted it to be “ normal “ and he changed it all back ……. mods for increased insurance costs also featured in my mind ! 

Someone here surely knows the differences   I think these cars might have actually left the factory in Japan in  DHP mode but that’s just my imagination maybe 

Someone here will know hopefully 

OR is there a Main Dealer spec somewhere available 🤔

Malc 

[Malc1]

  On 8/7/2010 at 2:29 PM, hydrostat said:

A DHP equipped car has (as gleaned from elsewhere on this forum)

Spring compression rate + 10%

Height -10mm all round

Rear anti roll bar + 1mm to aid turn in

17 inch wheels

Tyres Pirelli P Zero 245/50x17

Making the ride firmer than a standard car.

I think it makes the car look better it sits almost imperceptibly lower and the 17 inch wheels (none look at my brake disc type, which I hate) set it off nicely.

There really is a noticeable compromise in comfort, I've owned several LS400's and on my present car (DHP equipped 58k miles) you know a bit more about the bumps and pot holes but not really too bad.

 

 

Thanks all for your comments. I agree that the car looks better sitting slightly lower, but for me a Lexus is all about comfort - speed's never been important for me (as would be clear to you if you knew what cars I've had in the past).

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

This was from Forum Member Scribe in August 2010 f it helps  .....  and I'm reading that genuine cars came as DHP direct from the factory, not amended later 

Malc

[The-Acre]

Have you considered a 3 litre Toyota Camry? They're pretty much Lexus quality and superb to drive!

[Scribe]

I'd add that, given the age that all Mk.4 LS400s now are, go on condition rather than spec.  The cars are tougher mechanically than bodily, and rust is likely to be a problem after 25 or so years.  I've just had mine Lanoguarded, because the only MOT advisory was corrosion to the rear subframe. 

The Mk.4 featured changes to the engine and transmission that made it slightly more economical, but this wouldn't be a factor if I were looking for one.  Good luck with your search!

[BigBoomer]

The Mk4 also got 30bhp and 30lbft more and a better spread of power thanks to the VVTI fitted, and a 5 speed auto box, but it is a more complex beastie.
It's the halfway house between the LS400 and the 01-03 LS430.
Mk4 has the radio antenna built into the rear screen (like the LS430).

[Stanwithaplan]

On 9/12/2024 at 1:59 PM, BigBoomer said:

The Mk4 also got 30bhp and 30lbft more and a better spread of power thanks to the VVTI fitted, and a 5 speed auto box, but it is a more complex beastie.
It's the halfway house between the LS400 and the 01-03 LS430.
Mk4 has the radio antenna built into the rear screen (like the LS430).

Just to add supplementary detail for the fun of it; One of my 1999s has antenna built into the rear screen, the other still has the older powered aerial. I researched it and  the reports state "Manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation 01/99" and first registration 15/01/99. However one of the vin search states that it was manufactured 10/98. Both cars have the LCD screens, tinted glass etc and the other differences I can find are one has homelink (a US Market garage door opener), the rear armrests are different, one is clamshell style lovely wood with cupholders and storage, the other has a cheap plastic cupholder that just springs out of the front. One central armrest storage has a power socket, the other doesn't, the coinholders are different, one has powerfold mirrors and headlamp wash the other doesn't and the lights at the bottom of the doors are white in one and red in the other. One is a US model the other UK, both made within 3 months of each other (at the same plant obvs). Of course the US model has running lights on and finally the orange reflectors on the US model are in front of the front tyres on the lower bumper and UK ones are much smaller and at the rear of the front fender. 

[Malc1]

Was a tell tale sign the US cents and dollars left in the coin tray too 🤔

Malc 

[BigBoomer]

36 minutes ago, Malc1 said:

Was a tell tale sign the US cents and dollars left in the coin tray too 🤔

Malc 

I would think that the biggest difference would be the steering wheel being on the passengers side of the car 🤣

[runsgrateasanut]

I have a Tow Bar on my Lexus Cabrio. Used it to take rubbish to the Dechetterie in France. Only time.

[Malc1]

7 minutes ago, runsgrateasanut said:

I have a Tow Bar on my Lexus Cabrio. Used it to take rubbish to the Dechetterie in France. Only time.

Adds at least £2,000 to your unique cars value  🤣😂

Malc 

[runsgrateasanut]

Up to Mk2 the Cars are non interference Engines. Not that I've heard of any later models suffer from Cambelt break but something sends them to the Srappie?

[Malc1]

37 minutes ago, runsgrateasanut said:

Not that I've heard of any later models suffer from Cambelt break

possibly coz Members here ensure this is attended to in good time .......  as it's only ever 60/100k miles not many Members get to do it more than the once .............. I've had it done a few times on my various Ls400s over the decades 👍

My Mk3  95  Ls400 is uptodate ok BUT my 91 car I cannot see it's ever been changed yet but as it's only on 101k miles on the speedo my fingers are xd that I'm all ok on this front .  for now anyway .......  especially as she drives dreamlike .........  as to be expected of course 👋👋

 

Malc

[BigBoomer]

The LS400/430 are unlikely to get scrapped due to engine issues if well maintained.
I've only heard of one cambelt failure in the USA, and he admitted it was at 196k miles on the original cambelt and he lived in southern USA so HOT climate, which is always bad for rubber parts. There are at least 2 LS430s out there with over  1 million miles on them and a well known one with 630k miles on it (CarCareNut).

Rust is the big killer of LSes and even that happens WAY later than with most other manufacturers cars.
Any rust needs to be sorted early, or it could go too far and become uneconomical/impossible to repair.

[Avantime]

When I get chance I’d like to see the silver Mk3 in Whaley Bridge, but may widen my search to a 430.  However the 400 is my hopeful eventual aim.  Would still love a two bar to get two road bikes on the back, I’d even fit a roof rack……. Maybe I should get a RX.

[Malc1]

9 minutes ago, BigBoomer said:

Any rust needs to be sorted early, or it could go too far and become uneconomical/impossible to repair.

Mk3 N reg 95 car,  251k miles now just about  .......... must get my rear offside wheel arch sorted ...  I've now been quoted £280 all-up with cutting out and welding, paint whatever .....  but there's all sorts of dings and dents and much old age paint issues all over this amazing car and, well, I don't know ......  I should spend on her I know .  but I can see a full and proper paint job could be maybe £4k 'ish  OR  ............ do I just sort out this wheel arch issue I wonder ............. it's not expensive and gets some dosh into the local economy and the earlier quote I had last year at £400 from a different provider ........ I just brushed aside 

I don't know 🙃

Malc

[Malc1]

1 minute ago, Avantime said:

When I get chance I’d like to see the silver Mk3 in Whaley Bridge, but may widen my search to a 430.  However the 400 is my hopeful eventual aim.  Would still love a two bar to get two road bikes on the back, I’d even fit a roof rack……. Maybe I should get a RX.

the right Ls400 will give you motoring peace of mind with negligible maintenance and servicing cost AND  Longevity for sure 

Malc

[Scribe]

My indy mechanic (Toyota/Lexus trained) has never seen an LS400 cambelt with any wear on it after 10 or more years.  Mine was replaced nine years ago but I've only done 12,000 since then.  What price peace of mind, I suppose. 

Mine (registered Jan 1998) has a retracting power aerial and I wish it had powerfold mirrors.  They would help coming in and out of the garage - it's a tight squeeze.  Fortunately the shape of the car means you can see the bonnet, and the sides are flat.  Modern cars are different in both these respects!

[BigBoomer]

On 9/14/2024 at 1:41 PM, Malc1 said:

Mk3 N reg 95 car,  251k miles now just about  .......... must get my rear offside wheel arch sorted ...  I've now been quoted £280 all-up with cutting out and welding, paint whatever .....  but there's all sorts of dings and dents and much old age paint issues all over this amazing car and, well, I don't know ......  I should spend on her I know .  but I can see a full and proper paint job could be maybe £4k 'ish  OR  ............ do I just sort out this wheel arch issue I wonder ............. it's not expensive and gets some dosh into the local economy and the earlier quote I had last year at £400 from a different provider ........ I just brushed aside 

I don't know 🙃

Malc

Sort the rust before it fails an MOT on it. Once done (and assuming the other arch is OK) it should outlast all of us. 

[Avantime]

So in my search for a LS, well I have been round the houses of my mind so to speak.  I widened my search and started to look at RX450’s, but then inevitably my cost of car purchase rises and I really don't want to do that.  Also I have decided I probably do need a ULEX compliant car so I’m looking at 430’s.  As mentioned I had one 5 years ago so that’s what I’m doing now.  I had also started to look at Jag XFs and BMW 535s but I had a word with myself and all the while my wife was reminding me of Japanese reliability!

[Avantime]

Here I am again.  Well as above I’ve been round more houses……

Decided to sell my beauty of an MX5, get my wife a Honda Jazz and myself, well I’ve decided upon a LS430.

I went to see one in Scunthorpe today and yes I’m happy to wave goodbye to my brilliant little Mazda and buy a car with a cassette player!

If you want a look:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405179806012?utm_source=product-service&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=at_braze_cars_ios_email_action_manual_alerts_email-a-friend

Now I’m going to call that Gothic black, as I’m a closet goth (I also have a business in Whitby)

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black LS430 and it looks great when you see it, plus I like the bit naff gold badges and the wheels have been refurbed in grey to a good standard.  Four new tyres and for an 19 year old car its in good condition.  It all works, no lamination on the windows, door mirrors fold and all the seat motors, cd, radio are all operative.  I think I’m going to put a deposit down and full test drive on Thursday.

I’m aware it’s a high price but i think that’s the way low mileage cars are going now and I’m happy to pay it.  I note there a 90 black 430’s knocking around. 

Thoughts anybody?

Cheers NIck

PS I paid £8500 8 years ago for my one owner 80,000 mile LS430. I kept it for 3 years and sold for 5k!

 

[Malc1]

Good brand of new tyres and fresh clean MOT with great verifiable service history and with preventative maintenance done ? 

Can u reveal the regn ? 

Malc 

[Avantime]

I can Malc it’s M88 WHK

History shows a crack in the screen, the pads and tyres, of which they have been replaced.  The crack I’ll use to negotiate a movement in price.  Other than that it seems pretty good?

The service history is Lexus till 2019, then three independents and nothing for 23, though they have serviced it.

It appears to be a good car, with interior a 7 out of 10 and everything that I could test works.  I’ll be taking it for a test drive on Thursday.  I’m tempted to put down a returnable deposit.  I’m aware it’s a high price and I’m surprised that I’m happy to pay it considering what I sold my last one for, it does show though that the market appreciates these cars.  I’d forgotten just how nice it was inside and makes my MX feel very low rent indeed.  I think I’ll take better care of this one.

I didn’t remember to check the tyre brand and radiator so I’ll do this in the week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Malc1]

and Preventative Maintenance done ? The cambelt and waterpump AND the radiator too ……. Does it have a good quality recent 12v Battery ? 
 

good luck 

Malc