Ls400 Mk 1 23,00 Miles!

ls400lpg · December 20, 2014

Found this on Car and Classics.co.uk

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C557000

A mk1 LS400. Looks absoultely stunning. Lovely colour.

I remember at high school looking at this at at the birmingham NEC when this first came out, which brings back memories. Looking at this I reckon this is the best shape of all LS models. I am currently looking for a LS430 mk2 but looking at this I am having second thoughts. It is going for £4995 but I think is just a little on the expensive side. If it was at sale for £3000 I would have snapped it up.

Malc · December 20, 2014

But they can all look this good with a bit of tlc, and spit and polish !!

Seriously though, I agree with you on the best shaped version by far .............. And the fact that at 210,000 miles they can look just as pristine as this one with 21,000 miles speaks volumes for the integrity of the marque.......... and probably as reliable too............ and at £4k less

The engineering on the later models WAS an improvement though, well, up until the demise of the Ls400 that is

Malc

jpjsavage · December 20, 2014

I do like the look of that, but the price is high even for a lower mileage car. That said, they might just be trying their luck. It's not a great time of year to sell cars.

ambermarine · December 20, 2014

Jonathan

Its not just about the looks and mileage apart from the fact it as got scabby alloys which you can see its about what you can't see. The Mark 1 was a rust bucket mainly from the inside out the rear subframe were water traps as was the area above it which was not undersealed.

The rear subframe was unavailable after 2007 as was a number of other components including the radio and the A/C display.

The issue with these cars is they had inherrent faults which were irradicated as the later models were introduced and to that end by the time the Mark 4 arrived we were as Lexus puts it, nearly at perfection.

I cannot disagree it still looks the part in terms of presence etc, I owned one for sixteen years so I am a convert but I would'nt part with any money to go backwards .

keybasher2 · December 21, 2014

Ride height looks high at rear ??

Simon

Chris Skelton · December 21, 2014

I like 'irradicated' M. Marine!

Sounds like a cross between erased and irradiated!

It's interesting that folk think the LSs all look the same; but they change a lot between models.

Ser 2...."Unfortunate resemblance to a 1930s refrigerator' said Setright, though!

Each to their own, I guess?

Titch LS · December 21, 2014

I agree with Simon, the car sits too high at the back. Looks odd. Something strange there. From one view it looks like the rear wheels have 'toe in'. Even so, it's the usual very high asking price for a very low mileage car.

Malc · December 22, 2014

........ empty fuel tank I suppose

Malc

n4chv · December 22, 2014

Like you, I have seen a number of various low mileage LS400s and LS430s for sale at some dealers asking some 'interesting' prices.

My biggest concern with cars like this having done low miles is that with all the various gadgets, technology and general hardware, age will not do them many favours

In my own opinion, I think that a car which has been used regularly should mean that the Battery gets a decent charge and that the various engine components get a bit of use meaning things shouldn't cease up.

December and January are traditionally good months for buyers as dealers are always keen to be shifting 'old' stock in readyness for the new registrations

There's no question that good LS400s are now very sought after by drivers who know how great these cars are.

You can buy a clear indicator kit which is a straight bolt off / bolt on job for the orange lenses on this version too which lifts the front a bit

malcolmdc · February 20, 2015

I bought this car, and Face-to-face the price, of course, came down! Interestingly I picked up on the high rear ride height, and have closely examined everything in and under the back end. The rear tracking was well out, as was the front, but it rides as new - anyone got any ideas? I'm only really interested in the cosmetics, as it doesn't seem to make much difference at any reasonable speed.

steve2006 · February 20, 2015

Did having the tracking sorted result in the correct ride height now being attained?

Is it air suspension?

I would have to question why it was so far out in the beginning.

cruisermark · February 20, 2015

there was a guy here not long ago who had a mark 1 and he had the same problem after having both the rear spring replaced - the ride was high - i dont know how he sorted it

i would start with making sure it has the correct springs

if i remember the guys name i will post a link

ls400lpg · February 20, 2015

I reckon the Mk1 is the best shape. Especially with the style of the lights. I might get that one for £800 on eBay.

Malc · February 20, 2015

.... so Malcolmdc ........ just how much was this rare beast ? I know price is a bit irrelevant ( or irreverent to ask ) .................. you'd be hard pressed to find another similar whatever the cost

Malc

cleverdick · February 21, 2015

It does look nice, but I'd suggest replacing the tyres (if not done already) as they'll have aged dangerously without necessarily being worn.

I'm surprised that Lexus (during the service) didn't put the rear wheels back on their correct sides!

Yes, the Mk1 (certainly the one I had) was very softly sprung on the rear - 4 up and it would hit the bumpstops!

The Mk2 of course retained the same shape, but was already becoming "Europeanized" i.e. thick-rimmed steering wheel and stiffer suspension. The Mk1 was a break from the norm in the UK and still the best IMO.

malcolmdc · February 23, 2015

Flurry of replies there, Guys, thanks for that. Don't really regard the slightly high ride height as much of an issue, especially as who knows what the tyre to wheelarch dimension should exactly be! An electric Golf Trolley with bag of clubs needs a bit of supporting anyway. Nothing is broke under there, and there may well be more room to fit bigger wheels in the future. Would have considered that straight away, but the 15inchers were refurbished and tyred as part of the deal, as was replacement of cracked rear light lenses and one or two other bits and pieces like a new (Alpine) stereo - incredibly the main dealer bust the original unit and put one in to replace it, although one or two ICE issues are still outstanding. I'm just settling into (hopefully) long-term Ls400 ownership, so a few projects will no doubt emerge as the mileage accrues. Final price was 4500 including the bits that needed tidying - slightly dear but what the hell, had to take the opportunity. . . . .