1998 Lexus LS400 LS 400 from North America - Comments

At this time, Rotors need to be cut, and hood shocks need to be replaced. Both very minor things.

At 98k miles, I expect work out brakes, rotors, maybe a bulb or two, engine mounts or any other rubber part. This car needed a Tranny mount changed which cost $90 with a new part. All this is OK in my book.

Prior to this I had a 1992 Mercedes 500SEL (S500). It was my first MB at the age of 27 and I loved it.

That car was just amazing. Good power, amazing handling for such a heavy car (4800lbs) and amazing comfort. Road stability. But it wasn't too reliable, as things broke down often, some minor some not. I got fed up fixing it at $400 a pop and sold it.

I needed a reliable car that had 300 HP, Back wheel drive and a nice comfy interior.

LS 400 came to mind and I found a 98 model for a good price. Haven't looked back ever since.

This one had options like Xenon lights, Heated Seats, Wood trim steering wheel, VSC.

Only option missing is Mark Levinson Sound system, Navigation and Air Ride (lucky not to have one).

Car is comfy, not MB comfy, but nice. Its not as silent inside as the MB was, but still OK. Sound system is also not bad for a stock system.

Acceleration is amazing for such a small motor, and 5-speed gearbox is also well matched. Climate control works like a dream and the dash layout is truly welcoming every time I get in it.

My only gripe with this car is that it feels very light and lacks any feedback through steering, or brakes for that matter. Car has absolutely no fun factor whatsoever.

Aside from that, I got 27mpg with 4 people in the car on a 700 mile trip, and I get 17-19 mpg in the city NYC driving. Coming from a 290HP v8 I think those numbers are commendable. Most of the car looks like an large Camry, but the front of the car is more distinctive and does look striking.

I am glad knowing I have a car parked outside that will take me to another coast if I wish so in good comfort and reliability. And that is some peace of mind.

My next car will be a BMW 540-6-speed or 740i Sport. GS430 is not out of the question.

My wife and I have driven Lexus for almost 13 years. Back in 1994 my wife pulled in the driveway with a 94 LS400. She had bought the car for herself, but I ended up driving it more than her. She bought the car with every option including the air suspension, chrome wheels, nakamichi sound system, heated seats, and traction control. In late 1994 Lexus dealers started getting the new 1995 LS400. My wife had to have one so for her 25th birthday I bought her one. I had to order it with all the options. The one thing the 94 has that the 95 doesn't is the option of choosing sport or normal driving with the air suspension. We were happy with those until 1997 when the Coach edition LS400 came out. I kept the 94 and traded the 95 for the 97 Coach edition for my wife. I'm not very fond of the LS400 from 95-97 thus is why I kept the 94. Again in 1998 Lexus released a new body LS and the wife wanted one, but this time I had to put my foot down. In 1999 she talked me into buying one again with all options and this time navigation. My parents bought the 94 I drove the 97 and the wife drove the 99. Then came 2001 with the new LS430. I waited a year so Lexus could get the kinks worked out of the new motor. In 2002 the 97 LS400 was traded for the 2002 LS430 Ultra Luxury package. It even has a cooler in the back behind the armrest. Just a few weeks ago we got our 2007 LS460-L. The best LS so far. The self-park system is a bit confusing at first, but can be figured out. My wife, being a realtor, needs a car she can haul clients around in. The 94 LS400 was given to our daughter for her sweet 16. Still runs great, but that's because it only has 55,000 miles. The LS is a great car new or used.