1998 Lexus GS 400

Summary:

A Mercedes beater

Faults:

The rear tires wear out much quicker then the front because the lack of traction is present.

Water pump started to leak at around 64,000 miles.

The catalytic converter completely rotted away at 41,000 miles.

Both taillights let in air and water during the winter.

The transmission stalled from Reverse to Drive transition.

A couple of fuses burnt out after a battery change at around 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car is incredibly smooth both during city and highway driving.

The power range is incredible, and it almost leaps out of the road when on full throttle.

Fit and finish is great.

Very roomy and ergonamic interior.

Although rear legroom is somewhat limited.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2004

24th Jun 2005, 17:50

My GS400 is draining battery power when I use the remote to set the alarm. After 8 hours from work and as I am trying to start the car, there is no ignition.

I would hear a clicking type of sound from the hood when I step out of the car. I followed the sound and came up to the fuse box where the horn/relay fuse is located. When I remove the fuse, the noise would be heard on the lower left side of the hood.

I am not sure what the problem is, but if anyone have any idea of what is wrong please advise. I am currently driving without the horn/relay fuse attach. It seems to not drain the battery power when the fuse was remove.

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1998 Lexus GS 400 4.0 V8

Summary:

A high performance daily driver

Faults:

Engine stalled twice at parking lot speed for no reason. Dealer cannot find the problem.

The plastic clip around the seat belt anchor on the driver's seat was broken. It was replaced under warranty.

Nothing else went wrong.

General Comments:

This car is blindingly fast, I love that! Will go along with slow traffic equally well.

Typical Lexus/Toyota quality, so nothing much to worry about. Overall my car has been holding very well with only regular maintenance.

Dealer service is A+ good here, always polite and professional. They pick up my car at my home at the pre-arranged time, and leave the courtesy car behind. Service charge is much higher than average, but comparable or cheaper than others in the same class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2003

25th May 2003, 21:23

The problem with the stalling is the Throttle Position Sensor. Have it replaced. Others have had the same problem.

Your dealer isn't trying hard enough.

Search the web for the "lexus owners group".

1998 Lexus GS 400 4.0

Summary:

The best used sports sedan

Faults:

Absolutely no problems yet.

General Comments:

This car is incredible.

For only $1000 you can tune this detuned engine to 355 hp.

There are more ways to customize this car, or you can leave it stock and still burn every 540 around.

The best used sports sedan you can buy for the rare combination of performance and reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2002

22nd Apr 2003, 14:37

I just purchased a certified pre-owned GS400. I did a lot of research on the car, and I am pleased to hear that it can be so readily modified. Any suggestions on places that sell the hp. enhancers.

14th Oct 2004, 21:10

Exactly what can you have done to the engine for $1,000 to get another 55 hp? And would the car still pass California smog check after the modifications?

13th Jan 2005, 12:16

You can add an intake system and cat-back exhaust system for less than $1000. With this set up, it won't give you 55 extra HP, but more in the 10-15 HP range, which is better than stock... if you can believe that. 300HP stock is nothing to sneeze at, especially doing 0-60 under 6 seconds. I suggest you visit places like:

http://www.lextasy.com/

http://www.clublexus.com/

An added benefit of the exhaust and intake are the performance sounds. Even if you can't feel the 10-15 extra horses, you'll be able to 'hear' the car going fast, and that has a psychological effect on the driver like he is going faster, because 10-15 extra horses may give you something like 2 tenths off your 0-60 time. That may hardly feel noticeable, but the noise these two components make, will make it seem like it's doing more than it is. Kinda like when you wash your car, it always drives better than when it was dirty. That's a fact. Good luck.

11th Sep 2006, 14:57

There is an intake and Cheap combo from these guys named SRT I believe. They have dynoed 31WHP and 40 Ft-ibs of torque at wheels. That translates to: 35HP at the crank and 46 ft ibs of torque at the crank. Your car will be at 335HP and 356 ft ibs of torque at that point. The price is $499.99 USD. Now you add an exhaust, headers and you will be doing 355-375HP.

10th Feb 2010, 19:08

I think 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds is good enough for me, so I'll leave it stock. Even if I get 50HP on top of the 300HP, am I going to take it to the race track? No. This is a Lexus and not a Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

1998 Lexus GS 400 300 H.P. Alum. V8

Faults:

Squeak in window frame.

General Comments:

Absolutely unbelievable automobile. It does everything that the magazines say it does. Fastest automatic auto in the world. 5.7 to 60, 14.2 in quarter. All the comfort of Lexus and performance unmatched. Such a deal!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 1998