1997 Lexus LS400 LS from North America - Comments

Nothing.The tires that came with the car were awful in snow. I put on Blizzak

tires and the improvement was considerable.

This car has been a delight from the prospective of being trouble free.

The car is fast and is a great compromise in performance and comfort.

Getting to a stupid speed (100+MPH) is effortless. The car was made for such activity. The handling at high speed is

easy,comfortable and safe.

I have owned many V8 powered cars and none is as quiet as the Lexus.

I wrote this review originaly and I will say that at 120,000+ miles the 97 ls400 coach still runs like new.

If you are reading this because you are considering a pre owned ls400 or ls430,I will say that these are the best deal in the automotive world.

I getr a kick out of telliong poeple that this car that runs better than most new cars has over 120,000 miles on ot and is 7 almost 8 years old.

I just bought a used 97 LS400. So far I am very pleased, but have owned for less than a week. Besides some minor known problems such as a bad tire and possible bad alignment, the car runs very smoothly and handles well. The interior and comfort are better then newer cars that I have been in, and it's very quiet. I hope that I made the right choice!

I've just purchased a 97 LS400 in July..I've been trying to wait at least 6 months to write a review, but I can't wait!This car is SUPREME!

The only... ONLY gripe I have about it at this point is naturally the gas consumption, but that's an understanding that comes with purchasing a car of this caliber, so I've come to terms with it..

The most amazing thing to me is knowing in my mind, as I'm driving it, that this is a car that new listed for over $50,000..and that I got it, and it's prestige, reliability, and performance for a fraction of that price, and I'm astounded!

I am looking into buying a 97 LS400 Coach edition with 86000 miles. Would you recommend me buying it? Its beautiful, mint condition. Original owner was an older lady, so I know it hasn't been abused. She has all records. I can't believe the price on this car. I think I'm going to buy it Monday after Xmas.

The Lexus will be a great car for you, but just remember that, even though it is reliable, this is still a V8 engine and there are LOTS of electronics and computers controlling a lot of the car. That means EXPENSIVE fixes for everything. And you can't skimp on gas. You have to put premium gas in every time otherwise you risk damaging the engine.

If this is your first foray into the luxury car world make sure you do some research on what repairs and routine maintenance cost. Oil changes will probably be $70 or more, and I've heard the 100K mile service is over $1,000. Even if you do your own maintenance you still have to deal with the computer issues.

This is not to say you shouldn't get it, but I've known too many people that get a luxury car cheap (BMW 7 series, Mercedes S Class, Jaguar) and then suddenly realize the ownership costs are far more than the purchase price.

Good luck and just make sure you go in with eyes wide open!

I second that comment..I'm the guy who bought my LS in July.. and it's been nothing short of reliable.. but you will pay for routine maintenance, I averaged about $90-$110..upkeep is key.. It sounds like you've got a potential keeper, mine was 64,000 miles, and it's still going strong.

IF and only IF you have the means to maintain the upkeep on this car should you proceed. Best of Luck to you, it's worth it!

I also know the maintenance on a Lexus is costly, but its worth it. I sepnd between $500-$2000 a year on maintenance. Recently just had the 90,000 miles service which was around $1500. I strongly belive in maintaining a car no matter what it costs. I also have the car hand washed every week and detailed every 3 months. If the car is worth spending the money on then spend it, you won't regret it.

I just purchased a 1997 LS400 Coach Edition in Oct 06’ partly because all the great reviews I read on this site. I searched for over a month and found a beautiful pearl white LS with 134,000 miles. Sounds like a lot of miles, but it looked like it came straight from the show room. Every time I get behind the wheel I am amazed, it has more options than most new cars. Electric head rests and seat belt adjustments; are you kidding me? The smooth ride and powerful acceleration is absolutely amazing. I had rented 3 different brand new Cadillacs during my month of looking for a new car, not one drove as nice as the LS400. I wanted to wait a few months before I wrote a review to make sure that I really got to know the car; 3 months later I am still in AWE every time I drive it. I recently took a drive to LA from San Diego and averaged 28 miles to the gallon! I am sold! Thank you everyone for the great reviews.

I recently bought my 3rd used LS400, a cream puff 1998 with 66,000 miles. The car was to replace my 96 with 156,000 miles. The 98 is an arguably better car, quieter, with a smooth breathing more powerful engine and better radio. However the steering and brakes on the 96 provide more driver feedback. The lower back headrests on the 96 allow better rear visibility. Unfortunately I am not comfortable in the softer seats in the 98. At 170 pounds I sink in the seat and the seams press on my legs. This may not be an issue with 98% of buyers. The 96 is still my favorite drivers car and I will keep it until I can't justify maintenance costs.

I wrote a couple of comments on my 97 ls400 previously. I still own the same 97 coach edition. It is now at 198k and still runs as good as new. Fast and reliable. Everybody still love's this car.

I do not have the same experiance as some of the others who warn of high cost of maintainece.

Every 100k or so change the timing belt, about $400 at a reputable shop. Keep the brakes up and change the oil every 3-4 k.

I went to a dealer and drove a new one in 2005 and thought I was driving my car. I went to a detail shop and saved 60k.

I purchased a 1997 Lexus LS 400 at a Car Auction in 2000. The car had 86,000 miles on it. Yes that is correct, 86,000 miles on it. An American car would be on its' absolute last legs.

The MSRP on the car, in 1997 was $54,000 - $57,000. I purchased the car for about $25,000. I also sprung for a timing belt just in case.

Having only owned 2 cars in my life; a crappy 1976 VW Rabbit and a 1982 Honda Accord (yes 18 years with 198,000 miles), it is simply the absolute best car I have ever driven.

You know those small quirks, that you have with cars and you start cussing a bit. Yeah well I don't have ANY! I now have over 210,000 miles on the car and quite frankly it still drives extremely well.

I took the precaution of replacing the timing belt at 200,000 miles, just in case, and it drives great.

I looked into the used car market for 1997 Lexus LS 400's and they are selling for around $8000 - $10,000 with around 100,000 - 125,000 miles on it! That is a steal my friends.

If you are interested in buying one, the first thing you should do is to change the timing belt. I may be a bit paranoid, but this is an interference engine and it will cost you if something happens.

The body on my car is also simply amazing. Keep a good wax on it, polish those chrome rims, change that oil with a 100% synthetic (NOT a blend) oil (mixed with Lucas Oil Stabilizer - perhaps unnecessary, but hey it seems to work), keep monitoring those fluid levels, and I think that I can squeeze 350,000 miles out of this car!!

Shoot people, that is almost another 10 years!!