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Your creaking problems sound similiar to mine. My 92 LS just went through it's 90K check (@84K incidentally) and has been experiencing the same problem. The dealer says it's definitely the ball joints. I'm also told, this problem is very common on this car. They wanted $500 to do both.
As to whom should service these cars, I'd reccommend the dealer. You'd be surprised how willing they are to negoiate on price. I've been doing this for over 8 yrs. Simply call the local Lexus dealers (if possible) and get your favored
one to match.
This is my first post on this board. I'm interested to hear 1990-1994 LS owners experience with their cars in terms of long term reliability. Do you all feel that cars this old are worth keeping?
Thanks!
SV
Even if you have to replace a poorly maintained engine the cost approximates only $5,500 [used wreck take out]. The trannies almost never fail if maintained same with diff and drive shaft, the AC is good for 200,000 miles if maintained.
They are the least expensive of all the big V8 lux cars to maintain and HOLD for almost forever.
But you must spend at least 11 cents per mile from brand new.........Hondas cost around 7-8 cents for wear items [tires, brakes, shocks, belts], maintenance and repairs based on 200,000 miles of use.
Thank you for your informative post. My '92 LS w/ 84K just went through the 90K service. Surprisingly, the power steering pump had to be replaced adding an additional $700 to the bill.
My dealer informed me to expect these frequent costly repairs as the car gets older and basically told me to get rid of it. To date, this is the only thing that has gone wrong with the car in the 8.5 yrs I've owned it. I'm interested to hear from the Forum about their opinions on owning a LS for the long term.
My personal preference is to keep the car. But if I have to budget $2,000 yearly for a car worth about $7500 then reality sets in.
Your opinions would be greatly appreciated,
Cheers,
SV
Isn't that your real choice?
I take it from your statement that replacing the power steering pump came as news, a surprise, to you. Other than income, $$$, what was it that led the dealer to think your power steering pump needed replacing?
Sounds to me that if you could avoid being scammed by the dealer then the $2000 annual maintenance fee might be lower, a LOT lower.
Actually I have a new LS430. I bought it b/c I craved all the new electronic toys that my older LS's didn't have. I traded in my 98 LS400 for the new one. But I've always kept the '92 as it really has a timeless design. The car still looks great and has the flair that the new cars lack.
The power steering pump had developed a leak and was leaking right over the alternator. They showed it to me and it was blantantly obvious that I needed to replace it. The surprise came, as the car has been flawless for the 8 1/2 yrs I've had it.
I suppose keeping the '92 has always been an emotional decision. I still love it, but $2K a year seems to be excessive. Nothing is meant to last forever, but if it behaves, I'm inclined to keep it.
SV
I'd like to know your evaluation of the differences between the two. In advance, thanks!
Jeff
If you're looking for the latest and greatest offering of features the 430 has the edge. The touchscreen and Voice activated NAV system is a tech junkie's dream. I love fiddling with the Heated/Air cooled seats. The Mark Levinson stereo system is amazing. If you want a toy, this is it!
The car is immensely luxurious. The leather, wood trim, and other refinments ooze with luxury. Essentially the 430 is a substantial upgrade in those terms. Ride and feel are essentially the same. The only thing that displeases me is the exterior of the car. It's destined to look "old" within a few years. As I've constantly lamented, it lacks the flair of my '92 LS. But if you don't care, then I'd highly recommend getting one.
Reliablity is good, but I've had issues with the steering wheel motor (Auto retract) and assorted annoying things like the Auto wipers coming on during 90 degree days. All were fixed under warranty.
The car is set for a minor refresing of styling next year '04 and a major one in '06. If money isn't a factor, then go for it. But waiting for the '06 might be worth waiting for.
Hope this helps,
SV
Thanks again - and I agree on your styling analysis!
$2,000 per year is cheap obviously you are not maintaining the car to as new standards: tires, brakes , shocks, suspension rubber bushings, total fluid changes etc, alignments.
Of course I am assuming 15,000 miles per year usage.......something like 13 cents per mile.
I see you only drove 84k in 11-12 years,you have yet to reach the 150,000-200,000-250,000 mile marks when my numbers apply.
Actually I Have been keeping up with the maintenance. I've followed the factory schedule religiously. The PS pump issues were not known to me, so that probably is my fault. Why isn't it in the factory schedule? Just put on new Michelin MXV4's 10K miles ago, but the tires are swapped off in the winters anyway. Brakes are updated when needed, and I've replaced the rear shocks. All the fluids are changed when need be. The car is garaged and polish/waxed every 2 months and washed/cleaned once a week. Believe me, I have not shortchanged on maintenance in any way.
The A/C is rarely used, and I only drive 5-7K per year. I use the LS430 for most everything else. Within the next year, I'll probably get a little Toyota as a winter runner so I can keep this one in the garage during the harsh New England winters.
My point about $2K a year is simply this: It doesn't make sense to spend that sort of money on car worth $7.5K at the most. But I think 2K might be a high estimate considering the conditions this specific car is operated under. I certainly appreciate your post Q45man and I feel that you feel the same enthusiasm for these cars as I do!
Jeff,
The sports suspension features 17 inch wheels and Dunolop tires (I don't remember the specific ones, I'll go look at the car and check) Also there are little decals on the side that says "Sports Suspension" on the front fenders near the drivers and passenger doors. I'd get a '02 if possible. They have the voice activated controls that the '01 doesn't. Plus whatever issues with the initial production were probably resolved in the '02.
Happy Motoring!
SV
Remember the factory fluid replacement schedule is created to get the car thru the warranty period!
The early models were pretty bullet proof, the later ones are subject to more stress as the suspension has been tightened up.
It's a shame they didn't create a schedule to make sure the car lasts 300,000 miles with no/few hard part replacements......but since most only keep the car 60k that would help few new buyers.
The 2nd and 3rd owners would bless you however.
Lower right side ball joint.
Thanks for your response.
rc
The shop manual calls for a "special" tool to extract the ball joint from the steering arm and the lower wheel mount. I plan to rent that and the spring compressor.
Oh, 959 isn't so HOT, desireable, with the C4S now available.
The upper/lower control arms [bushings] and tension rods wear on all high mileage units.
Same with rear suspension.
To me a high mileage unit has at least 200,000 miles......that's when things really start need replacing.
And be sure and check the other end of the battery cable connections.
Just took the 1992 Ls back on the highway post 90K service. It drove just like the day I bought it!! I'm surprised how a 11 yr old car can make so little noise at 80 MPH. The Lexus dealer did an outstanding job on the car as there was a dramatic improvement in performance.
The outstanding quality of the ride alleviated some of my concerns about getting hit with nasty repair bills in the future. Hopefully the car behaves so I can justify keeping it without the Mrs. locking me in the garage. :P I suppose at 84K the car isn't too old, so I'll just hold my breath for now.
In other news, the LS430 has developed this habit of making a shrill tone at me intermittently. They had to replace the rain sensor b/c the wipers would come on for no reason during warm weather.
I also had to get the steering wheel inner assembly replaced b/c it made a racket when I first bought it..It really seems like the LS430 wasn't built as well as the original LS400's. All of this was done under the warranty, but I never had these issues with the '92..Weird..
Cheers,
SV
Thank you for any ifo you may be able to provide.
A.Fisch
Recent alignment values and shifts. Problem is that the tires are wearing on the outside edge. Are the Toe changes typical (both after four months of normal driving) ? If not, what could be the reason ?
Dec. '02
LF Actual RF
0.1 Camber 0.2
6.8 Caster 6.8
0.14 Toe 0.17
LR Actual RR
-0.7 Camber -1.0
0.08 Toe 0.10
Apr. '03 (4 months after aligned)
LF Before RF --> LF After RF
0.1 Camber 0.1 --> 0.2 Camber 0.1
7.0 Caster 6.7 --> 7.0 Caster 6.7
0.23 Toe 0.21 --> 0.16 Toe 0.16
LR Before RR --> LR After RR
-0.8 Camber -0.9 --> -0.8 Camber -0.9
0.06 Toe 0.06 --> 0.11 Toe 0.09
Currently Aug. '03 (4 months after aligned)
LF Actual RF
0.7 Camber -0.1
6.9 Caster 6.6
0.25 Toe 0.00
LR Actual RR
-0.6 Camber -0.8
0.35 Toe 0.30
All tires have significant wear on the outside edge. The front left tire is starting to show the second ply. Now am getting ready to install Michelin MXV4+. Very concerned that the expensive Michelin's might get ruined on the outside edge too. Dealer is telling me the car need to be aligned every 6 to 12 months. Help ! I am very frustrated with this problem ! ! !
If you're still reading this topic, please tell me what brand it is the aftermarket cd changer and model number you memtioned on message 537 to replace your 92 LS400 OEM CD changer? Thanks.
(1) whether to get it done at DEALER or LOCAL SHOP
(2) How much a DEALER [ in NJ ] typicaly charges
(3) What are some of the items the Dealer adds-on
that are not REALLY necessary for 60 K service
Hope it's the speaker and not the head unit or amp. Dealer wants $300 to replace the Pioneer speaker "assembly" and that's too high.
In advance thanks for any advice.
speaker. So if you know how to remove the door panel you can up grade and change both doors and save you money. The pair I bought was top of line and cause me $80 some only cause $20 a pair.By the way I have one Nakimichi door speaker for sale if any one interest.
What are the size of the rear speakers and the sub? Any idea where I can buy it from?
My original Stereo is Nakamichi
Thanks
Both the remote release and the key will open the trunk.
I'd take it to the dealer - but they usually find three other things to fix.
The ecu only checks the stored pressure each time you apply the brakes so very reliably the eleventh brake application will result in a fault indication.
Have the entire brake system bled by an Infiniti shop. Other shops might not be aware of the extra bleed valves in an ABS/Trac system. The 92 LS has one at each wheel, one at the ABS pumpmotor, and one at the accumulator.
I've never used that lock - but someone who was driving my car must have.
After getting my 92 LS400 back from body shop I keep having this recurrent "Buzzing" noise coming from the dash/engine compartment when the car is in Drive. I took it to the Lexus dealer, who adjusted the idle. The car idles at a lower RPM now, but the buzzing noise remains..
The car was hit at 30 MPH on the left front side. The whole left suspension and quarter panel were completely replaced. I've had a previous Toyota that had this problem, and the dealer found a Loose Ground Wire.
I'm guessing that this might be the same issue in my LS..My patience is wearing thin, I'm to the point of selling the car. I've had 3 return trips to the dealer and bodyshop since they gave me the car back. It'll be hard to part company with the car after 11 yrs, but I've had enough..Any suggestions?
Thanks,
SV
Easy, but time consuming removing all the different covers on engine.
PS: I love the car and the ride.
just looking at a leak, and strongly suspecting a hose, is not enough to convince me I would need a PS rack.
ask 'em for a couple more tests... PS fluid state and pump pressure... and then examine the completed estimate.
Your system may also have a filter in the power steering pump.