ambermarine

This is a perfect example of the blind leading the blind,ie a computer programme corrupted to the extent that the reader could not determine that a mechanical device was bad or good and just accepting the outcome without question at the expense of the owner. It is one of the hidden benefits of owning the older models that the steering rack is not controlled or monitored by a computer which can result in these anomalies. When I started to look for a replacement for my Mark 1 these advancements in the computerisation of the running of the car were one of my major considerations and at that time the 430 and the 460 were the only models available there was not much in the way of newer computer additions to the 430 but the 460 had significantly advanced and from reading this topic not for the good of all.

They are extracting the urine.

£850

Find it quite shocking that the design engineers would place sound deadening foam in such a exposed area that was likely to contaminate the rest of the surrounding area with corrosion I can see the purpose as they are renewable and if the wings were needing removed any permanent foam glued to the bodywork would be a problem. I agree with you get rid and treat the surrounding area to a clean up and apply ACF or the like.

That is frightening, defective reversing bulb. My mark 1 never had a replacement bulb fitted in its 22 year life ,disgraceful.

It depends on usage I have a limited driving requirement these days and only ever got into this Marque because I was doing a lot of Motorway stuff back in the 90s 500 mile round trip every weekend to my yacht in Scotland for six years. I bought the Mark 4 knowing I would only be doing 6k a year tops as the yachting became history but I had fallen in love with these cars and I could'nt see anything that surpassed them ,I only use it lightly now but I have put more miles on it as the first two owners did in 13 years so it is getting used as a runabout with a couple of motorway splurges to Devon when we can. I think use is down to the individual and I go out on my bike for errands as nipping here and there is not good for the engine. Where you park and areas you would not leave the car unattended need careful consideration but generally these are highly respected motors and turn heads of knowledgeable folk. But the ultimate pleasure of owning them is the sheer pleasure they give when being driven the rest is just a bonus.

Just shows how the price tumbled on these then sky rocketed mine was £3750 7 years ago with 19000 0n the clock and it looks just like the one on ebay,I did not buy it as an investment but it could well be one now.

looks just like mine in terms of condition will be interesting to see what the final sale price is but its already at 2k over what I paid for mine and shows these mark 4s with low mileage are attracting a premium price.

The problem is solved and you are correct in assuming this was the suspect I had the exact scenario on my Mark1 in 2010 and used a OEM replacement bought in the states whilst on our annual Florida vacation(missing that now) and it cleared up the minute it was fitted.

The guy as a high opinion of himself and a low opinion of people who question his views he also questions the expertise of Toyota engineers which on reading that I lost interest.

The reset can only be done with the ECU software and that is through The dealer ship be careful of using any other software programmes or systems such as snap- on as they have been known to corrupt the initial factory programming and mess up the engine running correctly. With regard to normal operation the engine and gearbox Ecu's will learn the new driving modes and change them as the driver or driving changes ,not overnight it is subtle but it does happen.

The learning capability as been a feature of the LS400 from day one I was shown this feature and actually practised it by my tech at Lexus back in 96. This is why the thrashing on the motorway or in sports mode improves performance the ect power is basically there to prevent the gearbox changing up when accelerating and overtaking manoeuvre's are taking place causing a drop in forward speed which could be fatal. The snow mode does the opposite so as to prevent wheel spin .

The timing belt on my mark 4 was changed when I bought it because although the car had only done 19k the car was 13 years old the belt had not been changed so under the 10 year criteria it was 3 years over due. There is a notion that rubber perishes and so the belt maybe suspect but the tech at Lexus who did the job said it was virtually brand new when removed with no obvious deterioration . The make up of the belt is very strong woven interlaced textile cord which gives the belt its tensile strength and the rubber is impregnated and moulded very similar to the production process of tyres . Personally I would not risk over running replacement directives but these belts are made to last beyond the specific time span for the manufacturers peace of mind.

The best way to check out the engine performance against ecu criteria is on a rolling road with read out analysis takes all the guesswork out. Although Lexus dealerships do not have that facility their software is pretty good and they should be able to find out what is what.

Get yourself a good indie and a used 100K gearbox and that replacement fitted should come in at less than £1500.

Lets put this initial question in some kind of definable order of answer . My LS400 mark 1 cost me £19500 when it was 6 years old with 50k on the clock with full serviced history the original purchase price was 33k,I ran it for 14 years and put £2k in it . That was a very reasonable return on capital bearing in mind the car cost was also written down through tax in my business for eight years to zero depreciation. Then came along my present Mark 4 Bought for just shy of £4k with 19k on the clock,full service history and in mint condition the input since by me is approx £1k and the mileage is now 44k the car is now 22 years old and still in mint condition . I have nothing more to say other than the Ls400 is the answer to all the original questions if you find a good un.

The mileage is at the top end I agree about the steering wheel but that could be changed back to original spec from a donor car. Depending on what suspension parts need doing its not a bad price.

Very interesting video with reference to the shared features of the LS 400 and concept design ,the most striking is the use of wood and switches virtually from the same mold and I imagine a lot of the electronic modules are very similar with tweaks to pc boards. As Toyota were producing this car for a strictly home market the culture difference creeps in but from a snob appeal point of view the culture of the Americans was viewed by the Japanese as common and brash but they knew how to appeal to it in their marketing.

Hi Chris I had forgotten about this post, glad you got some assistance from it, this is the main point of the forum . I am glad to report that those £20 struts are still as good as the day they were fitted.

I have never heard of this fault in 25 years of owning the ls400 could you refer me to your source. If it is a fault on the 400 its likely to be a fault on the 430 as its the same engine but for higher cc.

Did the front pads, I bought last year genuine Lexus (toyota) off a guy who had bought them and not fitted for half normal price on ebay. The last time I fitted the front was 2015 just after I bought the car so there were 20k on them,They were 60% worn and there was probably another 15k in them but there is no need to take them to the wear alarm( which costs £45 if it wears through) as they get a lot of crap build up in the caliper and the pistons are more vulnerable to corrosion as they extend out of the pots. Took a bit of getting out on the drivers side through the build up of brake dust in the pins but no corrosion at all . But as always one job creates another as I chipped the now hardening paint on the edge of the wheel centre when removing the insert ,now my pristine wheels have a blemish to be fair there are no other faults or corrosion since I had them done three years ago. I will just live with the mark as a now departed friend once said ," You won't notice whilst running away from it".

looks nice and unused but I would want a three month warranty

Looks to me like you have the wrong attitude for this club and owning a Lexus Ls 400 is not a given for being a contributor to this forum . As a lesson in manners and respect advised by a couple of members who have been contributing solid viable information for many years seems to be going over your head perhaps a different venue for your aggressive style is awaiting ,please head off there as we do not care for your input.

Looks too much like a funeral car.

There is little appetite amongst the insurance industry to give rebates unless they are trying to attract new customers and as you are an existing customer diddly squawt expectation.