1990 Lexus LS400 review from UK and Ireland

Main front-to-rear brake pipe found seriously corroded and likely to rupture imminently (even though the car had just been bought with a year's MOT!)

Some suspension noise (knocking), cause yet to be identified.

Power steering pump weeping (above alternator) - a common problem on these and expensive if ignored.

Underside of car generally quite rusty. My 1983 Granada was in better shape underneath!

Metallic paint faded and quite dull in places.

This car had been SERIOUSLY neglected by its previous owner (s) with little or no maintenance for probably 50k miles. However, I have so far found no faults other than those listed above.

The car is extremely smooth and quiet, pulls like a train and without any hint of vibration or harshness. The brakes are powerful too, with no juddering or pulsing.

The seats are fairly firm, but long-term comfort is good. (In my opinion the Mk2 Granada Ghia's seats and interior are more comfortable and impressive to look at.) The factory audio system is fabulous. The memory function on the driver's door stores two settings for seat and steering column, but not mirrors (surprisingly). The beautifully clear instruments auto-dim at night when the brightness can be adjusted (it's fixed during the day and can sometimes appear too bright!). The fiddly door mirror control is not illuminated and is hard to locate at night. Climate control system is fantastic.

There's not much maintenance you can do yourself on these cars, especially without a garage hoist, however there's a very good website with illustrated tutorials (www.lexls.com). Change the timing belt at home? Forget it!