1998 Lexus LS400 review from North America
"A top quality machine all in all"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The front tires need to be changed out. No issues at all.
A close friend was the orig. owner,& He was taken advantage of by the local Lexus dealership. For example: @60,00 miles he dropped the car off for a routine minor service.(Oil etc) The car was operating perfectly as always. Yet they installed: A new Rack & Pinion steering system, new power steering pump, Timing belt, All pulleys & gears connected to the timing belt & A new water pump. His minor service cost $5,000!! I swear this is the truth & have all records of the work since the car was new. My friend is in his 70's & they always told him the car might break down on the highway. So he always said "whatever it needs, just do it"--trusting in blind faith. He just purchased a new 2008 edition, & the Lexus dealer offered him exactly $5,000 for this gorgeous 1998 car in trade. I happily paid my friend considerably more than what the dealer offered him.
Other "needed" services were also rather suspect & costly at the same dealerhip. Needless to say, I will take the car elsewhere for maintenance.
General comments?
This car is stunning & pristine in every respect! It has been garaged & meticulously maintained (see above) since new. My 1998 LS 400 Currently has 66,00 miles on it & There is no sign of any wear on the car at all. The premium build quality & high caliber materials are very apparent. Even after 10 years it honestly looks new. In particular, paint & interior materials are top quality indeed.
The car has a fine navigation system & the audio system is amazing! (Except that it has an utterly annoying & inconvenient CD changer setup).
Driving performance is outstanding & the smoothness of the drive train is wonderful-Creamy smooth & silky. I've previously owned an Infiniti Q45, which really does not compare to this car in so many respects.
I love the car & am fortunate that it has come into my care. I'll continue to give it proper treatment for a long while. (Rest assured that when my buddy tires of his 2008 edition, I will be at the standby to snap it up!)
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2008 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 66500 miles |
| Previous car | Chrysler 300M |
| Date of Entry | 1st May, 2008 |