1999 Lexus GS400 premium from North America - Comments

1. Starter failure at 101k kms. A known failure with high mileage. It's expensive to replace because it sits in the valley of the engine v-block undeneath the intake manifold, so there is plenty of labor involved to re/re. I was told by a mechanic that it's because of the location of the starter it's subjected to a lot of heat which causes it to eventually die.

2. Worn front suspension bushings. Again, a known problem with high mileage. Lexus made them soft for a good ride, but as a result they don't last, especially when taking into consideration how heavy this car is. Common symptoms is wandering in the steering, kickback under hard braking, etc. It's an expensive replacment, as you cannot buy the bushings alone... you have to buy new suspension components with the bushings already installed. There is a solution... Daizen makes aftermarket bushings for the GS... but finding a mechanic willing to re/re them out of of suspension parts that were not designed to have the OEM bushings come out is a problem I haven't figured out.

3. Headlight condensation. The seals are known to fail. If the car is still under warranty, it would have been replaced no charge. But I'm not under warranty >_<

4. Rear main engine seal. It leaked right after I bought it and did a major scheduled service. I was in tears because I had done a mechanical inspection on it prior to buying and it was not leaking then (I did not buy from a Lexus dealer). But a product called Auto-RX saved me and it has not leaked since (http://www.auto-RX.com).

5. Sunroof shade rattles. There is a fix for it involving some kind of spacer, but I haven't been able to make it work = (

6. Bad ignition switch. Previous owner must have had a 50lb keychain because it had damaged the tumblers inside the ignition, which sometimes means I cannot get the car to start. It's expensive to repair because it involves pulling out the entire steering column, so right now I'm following the advice of the mechanic and making sure the key is absolutely perpendicular and fully pressed into the ignition to ensure startup.

7. I have an intermittent coolant smell inside the car. I get this maybe 1-2 times every few months, and anytime outside of these times it's perfectly fine. It was originally diagnosed as a leaking heater core, but the mechanic is doubtful that is the cause because it's not constant and is still present even when the HVAC is turned off. There are no visible exterior coolant leaks, no loss of coolant in the radiator, or anything in the oil. This one still remains a mystery.

The car is highly reliable for it's age and mileage. When I was shopping around I was also considering a BMW 540i because I loved how it performed and handled, which the GS cannot compete against. But when I read the horror stories about the 5-series reliability I know I made the right choice.

I'm 6'2" and I find it roomy enough. We used to have a 1992 Jaguar XJ40 and the increase in interior volume is immediately apparent, but the Jaguar's wood and leather were much nicer than in the Lexus.

All the interior controls made sense to me the minute I sat in the car for the first time... a very good sign to me, especially if you have struggled through something like BMW's I-Drive with manual in hand just to turn on the damn radio >_<. However, the location of the mirror, fuel door, and trunk release controls could be better, but it's better than where they put it in the 2006 model.

The suspension is soft. Fortunately my GS came with TEIN coilovers which made a huge difference.

The transmission is a 5-spd auto, and it's very smooth most of the time. When it's cold it's slow to shift, and sometimes can be tripped up when caught between gears at slow traffic speeds. I do like the manual e-shift buttons on the steering wheel... but from what I have read online, I am one of the few who actually use it.

I was worried about trunk space at first, but so far I haven't had a moment in which I couldn't fit something into it (within reason). I wish there was some sort of pass-thru between the rear seats though.

Brakes could be better. The car is heavy and the brakes only seem to feel adequate. I know the GS recorded short braking distances in magazine reviews... but I always feel it could be better. Supra twin turbo front brakes are a direct bolt-on... but I would need to find new wheels because my GS wheels will not clear.

Steering is not as nice as a BMW, but it gets the job done. Turning circle is surprisingly tight for a car this size.

Out of curiosity, what would one expect to pay for all of these fixes? in the market for one, and I'd love a heads-up.

I found a competent private ex-Toyota mechanic who does work at $60cdn/hr, compared to the $100cdn+/hr Lexus charges here.

I had my starter rebuilt with OEM Toyota parts, bought from Toyota, not Lexus, as I think some of the V8 Toyota trucks use the same starter. To remove, rebuild, and reinstall, it was around $400cdn.

The bushings I still have not done. I was told the cost would be the same if I bought new Lexus parts installed, or reuse existing parts with Daizen bushings installed... expect to spend at least $1000cdn + front-wheel alignment (another $70?).

The rear main seal leak was fixed using auto-RX. Prices are on their website.

No $$$ figure for the sunroof shade. Turning up the radio or not opening it helps for now...

I was quoted $800cdn to repair the ignition switch, parts included.

The headlights are very expensive brand new. It is roughly $500-600cdn for each light housing, and you have to transfer all your HID hardware over from your old one to the new one. When ordering new, ask specifically for the 2003-2005 versions, because Lexus had redesigned the leaky seals for those model years. You could try Ebay/wreckers for used ones, but you may run the risk of buying another leaky set. There is some stuff on the internet on how to bake the lights in an oven to break the seal, take it apart and reseal it... I haven't done it yet, as my problem usually occurs only when it's raining heavily or in the winter.

The coolant smell is gone! But that might be because I am not using the heater as much because it's approaching summertime.

Hope that helps...

Geeze! I was considering selling my Alfa Romeo - currently with 115K miles - worried that something expensive might go wrong (I've been lucky so far.)

The only "reliable" car that I could bear to drive would be the GS400, but reading of your need for expensive repairs at a mere 101K miles just changed my mind.

Who wants a fast Toyota at exoticar repair prices? I heard that the 80K mile timing belt/water pump service runs around $1500 (or $800 from a curbside mechanic), but figured that was the only major expense with the Lexus LS/GS/SC400s.

Except for the belts/water pump, I haven't had to replace any of those components yet, and if I did, they wouldn't cost that much. Way too rich for my blood. Guess I'll just drive the Alfa 'til it drops, then go back to Jaguar. Thanks for sharing this information.

"Except for the belts/water pump, I haven't had to replace any of those components yet, and if I did, they wouldn't cost that much. Way too rich for my blood. Guess I'll just drive the Alfa 'til it drops, then go back to Jaguar. Thanks for sharing this information."

I don't know what year Jag you intend to go to, but... Jags cost WAY more to maintain than a Lexus. Look at consumer reports, Jags are among the most unreliable luxury cars out there.

I had a chance to read all the problems you've encountered with the GS400. I have a 1998 with 153K miles and the only real significant repair was the starter at 110K. I've also had some of the other issues like the sunroof cover noise, condensation of the headlight. I wanted to throw two questions out there...One, I get a puddle of water on the floorboard of the driver's side when I run the air. I had this problem several years ago and the dealership replaced a cracked coil, which was major hours of labor. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I checked the drain plug and water does flow out of there pretty well. I had someone clean out the plug and the problem went away for a while, but now it's back. Does anyone have any thoughts? Secondly, does the GS lose any power over time? Can you "tighten up" the engine valves or do anything to keep good compression?

Thanks,

I have owned several Lexus and Toyota models, including a Toyota Tundra, SC400, LS400, and currently a GS400, with mileage ranging from 28K to 206K miles. All the vehicles have been very, very reliable. No problems with starter failures, rear main leaks, etc. on any of them, and the drivetrains have been bulletproof. I have heard the suspension bushings are prone to wearing out, but I haven't had a problem with any of mine.

The issues I have had include leaking valve covers, interior light bulb failures, and leather seats that wear sooner then they should.

The GS I own now has 77,000 miles. It has been a great experience so far. I agree with some others commenting that the suspension and steering feel is softer then I would like, but it probably is fine for most people. The leather (black) seems to be wearing much better then my SC400 did.

General performance is on line with the BMW 540 (sub 6 sec. 0-60 times, 300 hp, shorter stopping distance). There are readily available after-market components that will make it faster and handle better. Right now, the car is fine as it is. For the money, there is no car out there that can compete it terms of quality, reliability, and performance.

I do almost all my own maintenance, as the cars are very mechanic friendly. Items like changing out a starter or timing belt aren't bad at all. When my Lexus cars need dealership attention I typically go to the Toyota garage. Same quality work and same parts. Don't be fooled into thinking that is has to be a Lexus dealer to get good service. Aside from electrical issues (which are few and far between), they can be worked on by any reasonably competent shop.

Incidentally, the person with the water in the floor pan problem should check to see if the A/C unit's condensate drain tube is plugged or disconnected. It could be that simple. Another simple potential fix for the condensation in headlights is to run a light bead of clear silicone around the seam where the clear plastic lens is sealed/melted into the housing. Take the light bulbs out, point the neadlights into the sun, and let the capsules dry out over the course of a day. (I had this problem on an ES300 and it solved it)

If you haven't already found out, the Lexus dealerships can go way overboard, bordering on a pretentious approach. Hey guys, these are just cars! I don't need to feel like I'm part of a social club when visiting a dealership.

Oops I haven't followed up on this... sorry about that.

Now... it's Q & A time!

"28th Feb 2007, 15:42.

The only "reliable" car that I could bear to drive would be the GS400, but reading of your need for expensive repairs at a mere 101K miles just changed my mind."

Um, I had 101k KILOMETERS, not miles, which is 63k miles.

"Who wants a fast Toyota at exoticar repair prices? I heard that the 80K mile timing belt/water pump service runs around $1500 (or $800 from a curbside mechanic), but figured that was the only major expense with the Lexus LS/GS/SC400s."

The cheapest dealer quote I was given was $1100cdn... not sure what that is in usd. $800cdn was about what I spent to get a private ex-toyota mechanic to do mine for. and yes, this is one of the most expensive required maintenance for this car.

"Except for the belts/water pump, I haven't had to replace any of those components yet, and if I did, they wouldn't cost that much. Way too rich for my blood. Guess I'll just drive the Alfa 'til it drops, then go back to Jaguar. Thanks for sharing this information."

I'm at 126k kms/78k miles now, and I've had nothing go wrong with the car since last posting here. I've had most of the bushings done and I'm very happy with it. being urethane, I don't anticipate any more issues in the future. I had found a local shop that specializes in headlight repairs, and they used a homebuilt smoke machine and lightly pressurized the headlight and watched for where the smoke came out of the leaks, and then sealed it. so for $80 I now have a leak-free headlight! ^_^

I do miss our 92 jaguar... it had character that our lexus dosen't have. what I don't miss was the problems we had with it... I had also written about our experiences with it in the jaguar section here. yes the jaguar was cheaper to fix, but unfortunately... the problems always came back.

"I had a chance to read all the problems you've encountered with the GS400. I have a 1998 with 153K miles and the only real significant repair was the starter at 110K. I've also had some of the other issues like the sunroof cover noise, condensation of the headlight."

See above regarding the headlight fix. as for the starter, I'm anticipating another 7 years before it acts up again.

"I wanted to throw two questions out there...One, I get a puddle of water on the floorboard of the driver's side when I run the air. I had this problem several years ago and the dealership replaced a cracked coil, which was major hours of labor. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I checked the drain plug and water does flow out of there pretty well. I had someone clean out the plug and the problem went away for a while, but now it's back. Does anyone have any thoughts?"

Cracked coil... is that part of the heater core? I've read stories about the heater core cracking and spilling water into the footwell... if not, how are the drains for the sunroof? are your windshield seals good?

" Secondly, does the GS lose any power over time? Can you "tighten up" the engine valves or do anything to keep good compression?"

Any old car loses power over time as the engine wears down. try http://www.auto-rx.com.

"I have owned several Lexus and Toyota models, including a Toyota Tundra, SC400, LS400, and currently a GS400, with mileage ranging from 28K to 206K miles. All the vehicles have been very, very reliable. No problems with starter failures, rear main leaks, etc. on any of them, and the drivetrains have been bulletproof. I have heard the suspension bushings are prone to wearing out, but I haven't had a problem with any of mine."

You lead a blessed life my friend! if you go to the lexus message boards, like clublexus. com, you'll find hundreds of us less fortunate folks who have had it all to varying degrees.

"The issues I have had include leaking valve covers, interior light bulb failures, and leather seats that wear sooner then they should."

My service history records from the 2nd owner show that the valve covers had also leaked on my GS during their ownership of the car, but it was covered under warranty.

My bulbs are all good... I have a black leather interior and I park outside most of the time and it has worn well... but I try to be diligent and use lexol to treat the hides every month.

Http://www.leatherseats.com is a source for replacement covers, whether it be oem style or custom. they have discounted group buys often on the clublexus message board I mentioned earlier.

"The GS I own now has 77,000 miles. It has been a great experience so far. I agree with some others commenting that the suspension and steering feel is softer then I would like, but it probably is fine for most people."

I've reached your mileage finally! and it's been a good ride. I have no plans to sell. all the daizen hardware has done wonders for the handling, and I've recently added daizen's steering rack bushings as well, and I'm very happy with it... no more wandering on the highway.

"The leather (black) seems to be wearing much better then my SC400 did."

I had looked around for an sc before ending up with the gs, and yes I did notice how the sc leathers do not seem to age well... did they use different leather types?

"General performance is on line with the BMW 540 (sub 6 sec. 0-60 times, 300 hp, shorter stopping distance). There are readily available after-market components that will make it faster and handle better. Right now, the car is fine as it is. For the money, there is no car out there that can compete it terms of quality, reliability, and performance."

My personal benchmark was the 540i sport manual that I test drove... wow that was fantastic! whenever I pass one on the road I keep wondering "what if"...

"I do almost all my own maintenance, as the cars are very mechanic-friendly. Items like changing out a starter or timing belt aren't bad at all. When my Lexus cars need dealership attention I typically go to the Toyota garage. Same quality work and same parts. Don't be fooled into thinking that it has to be a Lexus dealer to get good service. Aside from electrical issues (which are few and far between), they can be worked on by any reasonably competent shop."

I unfortunately am not a mechanic... I don't even have covered parking >_<. I've done a timing belt change on a honda I once had, but when I tried to read up on how to not mess up the VVT-i hardware when doing the 1uz-fe I got scared and decided to let someone else more competent do it... 32 bent valves just isn't worth it to me.

I wish I could go to a toyota dealer, but according to my local toyota shop they have been banned from servicing anything lexus by toyota corporate, unless they want to face the wrath of the bigwigs from above...!

For those out there who I may have possibly scared off... come back! it's not that bad. just have your gs checked thoroughly in a pre-sale inspection with these problems in mind, and budget accordingly. try and buy the newest one possible... as newer usually means fewer problems. or find an older one that already has these issues addressed and it will no longer be a problem for you for years to come.

^_^