1994 Lexus LS400 review from North America

The only downfall I can find to this car is the climate control display has a known failure in its L.C.D. display - yet works perfectly even if you cannot dial in an exact temperature that you can easily see. (unfortunately mine has this issue)

Ladies & Gentlemen, I am a mechanic who owns his own shop;I work on a variety of vehicles from fleet vans, Mercedes, Cadillac, to Yugo's. I have to say that the style of the LS400 is appealing, but was not my first choice in the looks department, although it is certainly classy and distinctive - just not my first choice in body line design. (then it grows on you very quickly because it is so distinctive)

Mine is a pearl white with tan interior, basically 210K miles, and runs better and smoother than most any car within its class, while looking almost as new as it it did in 1994! (even with that amount of wear and use age)

I've known and serviced this car for the last 50K miles, know the original owner who did minor maintenance to the car from driving it off the dealer's lot - which was better than the last owner of the vehicle for the past two yrs who did nothing to it, but put gas in it.

The first timing belt/water pump was done at aprox 170K, has had brakes, tires, etc for normal wear items, yet nothing that is out of the ordinary to replace on any car that is on the road. (if anything it has less repairs than cars 1/3 of its mileage)

The interior is worn, yet sturdy with no rips or sags in the foam (feels like new, and a good cleaning would be an improvement!) The body has no signs of rust or rot, and living in New England, this is a plus.

What sold me the most was the ride. Drive this car even as short as 1/4 mile, and you will sell yourself on this car. It is an experience that sells itself. (basically, the car says to you..."when do we go home?")

I have a customer with a Mercedes S420, very similar in size, shape, drive train, etc. and both cars have the same age and cash value. (his has less mileage) I like the ride and feel of the Lexus better. (and before the Lexus I liked his car... A lot!)

If Lexus only built the LS400 like this 94, they would have gone out of business for lack of replacement sales - no one would get rid of the one they got!

My wife wanted another Firebird till I convinced her to test the Lexus; now she wants a bow on it for X-Mas just like the commercials! (go figure!)

Do yourself a favor, keep your mechanic happy and DO NOT BUY a Lexus!!! (he'll be out of business or become an oil change only specialist!!)