Lexus LS 400/LS 430

ljflx · March 2002

Welcome aboard. Good luck with the car. You've had a hell of a ride in the lux group, with an about face here, plus you bought my color. It looks great in midnight pine and most people think its black and then are surprised to see the gleem of the very dark pine color. What option package did you go with? Enjoy!

benzams · March 2002

I just traded in my 1999 S500 for a 2002 LS430 ulta-luxury, and i am wondering how come lexus refuses to use the steptronic transmission like on the new S-class, BMW, or Acura? Also, any advice on the car, like problems would be greatly appreciated! But, the car drives like a beauty, and I love it! THe sound is great, GPS is easy, and i love the rear-seat control unit!!!!!

stevestein · April 2002

My LS is a year old tomorrow, and no problems yet. One thing many people do is have the default settings for the door locks changed. You can have all doors (instead of just the driver) unlock with the first click of the remote or when put in park. You can also change the auto relock from 30 to 60 seconds. Lastly the doors can be made to lock at 12mph instead of when the car is put in gear.

I guess the only recurring complaint is the continuing lack of an integrated phone. The first LS's had SPRINT phones that were pulled out after a few months.

blehrlich · April 2002

I went with the ML/Nav/Lexus Link package. I didn't really need the Nav, but couldn't live without the ML (I have one at home).
Thanks.

blehrlich · April 2002

I know it's probably been asked before, but....
I have the screen transition set so I can keep the audio or climate settings displayed (without switching back to nav.). When the car is restarted, the disclaimer screen comes on again anyway, with a small strip showing the radio station I last used. If i then push the "audio" button, the full audio screen comes back.

Is there any way to avoid the disclaimer screen if you're not using the nav., or do you have to push some type of button every time you start the car?

Sorry for the long question, but the sales people have no idea.
Thanks.

wwest · April 2002

that I have found is open the nav DVD door.

nuisance since in my RX that's in the "trunk", but luckily I have little use for a useless nav..

rennybosch · April 2002

Push the Option button. Then Display. Then Turn Off. Bingo!

I don't know if this works on all models (it apparently doesn't work on wwest's); it certainly does on the LS430 UL.

Renny

benzams · April 2002

does anyone here know how to turn off the parking assist option on the ulta luxury/custom luxury package? It is really annoying sometimes? And, can you set it at what distance you want to to operate at??? thanks

ljflx · April 2002

So you traded a 99 S-500 for a 2002 LS430 ultra, which has a few things you don't understand or like, and at the same time bought an MB S-430 whose doors and trunk are stuck and can't be opened or closed requiring the entire car to be taken apart. Plus you recorded the precise time you purchased the S-430. And according to the calendar it's April 1st today! Hmmm.

benzams · April 2002

i went to laguna niguel mercedes benz on sunday; service department is closed, so they rented me a e-class rental. they found that it had an electrical pump problem, so the locking/power door closers are fine and so is the trunk. the technician at 1 800 FOR MERCEDES thought it was a damaged fuse. i picked up the car today, but thanks for inquiring. as for my wife's lexus, its millenium silver on ecru, and was purchased at Jim Falk Lexus, in los angeles. by the way a happy april's fool day to you, sir!

agent0986 · April 2002

anyone pushed there LS430 up to 115-120+ mph? if so, how did the car feel at that speed?

flint350 · April 2002

Park assist is enabled/disabled thru the switch marked by the large "P" slightly below and to the right of the mirror adjust buttons. The distances are adjustable over 2 ranges - approx. 1.5ft or 3 ft. Volume of the tones is also adjustable as is turning the display on/off.

Of course, all of this is in your manual (nav. manual) if you forget.

ljflx · April 2002

Sorry if I offended you but it certainly looked like an April fools joke to me particularly from the S-class perspective.

blehrlich · April 2002

I may have to keep this board alive by myself.

ljflx · April 2002

Told you that a long time ago. My problem was my original purchase (silver) was mainly a car for my wife. So when I needed a second car for work, which would be exclusively for me, I grabbed it again in the midnight pine. That car is at 25k miles and is flawless. My wife's car is at about half that mileage level and also flawless. Someday you should ride in the LX470. It's the suv version of this thing.

blehrlich · April 2002

It is really phenomenal quality-wise as compared to my S500, specifically the interior. The LX 470 is really nice, but environmental considerations prevent me from ever owning an SUV. My wife, before she was an active environmentalist, had one, which, in around town driving, got EIGHT miles per gallon. Hard to justify....maybe a Mini?

jefftp · April 2002

My Pirelli Grand Touring P4000's have good road grip, but don't seem particularly quiet.

There is a good owners survey at tirerack.com (go to tire survey), rating tires as to ride, handling, etc... The Yokohama AVS db seems to be thought the quietest, and Dunlop SP 5000 sport close to.

jefftp · April 2002

Your car should still be covered under the original 7 year/70K mile powertrain warranty. On a normal car that would cover all the significant $ repairs you'd encounter. However, I understand a lot of potential non-powertrain related repairs on an LS can add up. I guess it would depend on price. I wouldn't pay $3K for a warranty, but if it was only $750, ???

ljflx · April 2002

I get 16-17mpg on the LX470 highway and 15 city. It is better than I expected. On the car I get 22-25mpg highway (usually 23 but 25 when NY traffic is kind to me) and about 19 city. On the old LS400 I got about the same but on a NJ - Myrtle beach trip straight down 95 I averaged 30mpg going and coming and I did hit speeds in the 90's in much of NC and southern VA. But man if anyone takes that route watch out for those Maryland troupers who hang out in the middle of 95. Flint350 - How do you handle those guys?

Does anyone ride with the extra power switch on all or most of the time in highway driving. I was wondering if it lessened the gas mileage if you did or if it would hurt the engine. I tend to use it only when I want to beat out someone but tonight I left it on all the way home from work and really enjoyed the extra power and torque. The car has plenty of power without it but it was an even better experience with it on full time.

Blehrlich - what would you say to all those people who never drove the car and want to believe it's a bore to drive. Dead wrong. Pretty soon you'll find yourself driving for bagels in the morning even though you don't need them just to get behind the wheel.

whybuy1 · April 2002

I appreciate the information on the tires. Thanks.

blehrlich · April 2002

Driving, or even just sitting, in the LS is really an experience for many of the senses (I know this sounds ridiculous, but I love the smell).Far from boring.

wwest · April 2002

Driving my LS400 is quite thoroughly BORING, exactly the way I want it. Music is most enjoyable that way.

blehrlich · April 2002

Boring might apply as compared to driving a 540i...but I agree about the music thing.

flint350 · April 2002

ljflx, the Md. troopers are aggressive (and probably should be, considering the way I've seen some people drive around here!). I believe there is a difference in driving on a hwy at stable high speed, versus driving fast and reckless. So, I take my chances and count on my Valentine One. But Virginia is nearly as bad and they outlaw radar detectors.

By the way, the Md. Troopers are the only ones I've seen who will stand on the side of a major highway with radar and literally jump out into the road (fast lane) and point directly at the offending driver to get his attention and pull him over. It's effective, but, I think, rather dangerous. I'm waiting for the little old lady in her Cadillac who doesn't see him until it's too late. Even if he jumps back, the resulting swerving cars will eventually lead to a serious wreck. Just my $.02

laysmackdown · April 2002

Those MD. Troopers are real punks! Just got a ticket going 83 on I-95. Considering 80-90 is common on this trans-continental highway, and I didn't even see a cop for the previous 700 miles from Tampa to NY, this state is desperate for cash from people who wouldn't soil their shoes in this state! But tell me how u really feel....

anthonycecil · April 2002

As I posted earlier, I purchased a battery operate ``escort`` but have observed several police cars parked directly facing the road, and just wondered if the radar would pick up anything?? In my opinion one needs to be very careful no matter what, or here comes a ticket. Tony

ljflx · April 2002

I am always careful when I drive through Maryland. The cars the troopers have are so different then the ones you see everywhere else. I am amazed they sit in the center island and yes I've seen them jump out and one nearly caused an accident one time. Crazy.

How's the car doing these days? By the way did you ever buy the HDTV? If not you may want to check out the Plasma's. They are getting reasonable and amazingly the commercial versions are usually 15% or more cheaper than the consumer models and they are identical. Check into the panasonic 50" set. Probably the best set in the world with a 3000:1 contrast ratio.

mheni1 · April 2002

When will updated CD be available for my 2001 LS430 nav system? How much will it cost?

mritter · April 2002

I just signed papers to lease an '02 LS430 with ML/Nav...I am having "not worthy guilt". Please assure me this will go away and that it is normal. I will posting my experiences here as they happen. I am very excited and not as weird as this post may come across...

mheni1 · April 2002

I recently purchased a 2001 LS 430 after driving "lesser" cars for years. I too wondered for a while, a really short while, until I came to my senses. The car is absolutely fantastic, and so am I, so it is a real match. Give yourself about 10-15 days and you will wonder why you ever drove anything else! Have fun!

blehrlich · April 2002

I just swapped my oem Dunlop SP 5000 225/60 16 tires for Michelin Pilot HX MXM 245/55 16 tires (the diameter change is only half a millimeter). The handling chnge, specifically on turns and curves, is astounding, with no change in ride quality. The addition tread width helps, IMHO, with the look of the car as well.
I'll use original size winter tires when that time comes again.

flint350 · April 2002

Car's great, no problems. Just picked up my new Golden Retriever puppy last Friday and he got his first ride in it! Still building the media room in the basement and only when it's finished will I get the HDTV. I figure, like computers, the technology changes so quickly, there's no sense in buying until I'm ready to install. Just returned from 2 weeks in Europe with my wife - btwn that and the new dog, I'm too tired to drive or work on the media room.

As for nav updates - mheni1 - I was told mid year for the 2001 owners and no new features, just new database. First one is free. Don't know after that.

trisha2 · April 2002

I left my vehicle at a repair shop to have my tires rotated and apparently someone stole my pen light and another part in the tool kit. I was looking for a place to order a new tool kit or if it is possible to replace the stolen items. Also I want to replace my dunlop tires 205/65 15 with another tire for a quiter ride. Any suggestions as to what type to replace them with?

Thanks

Pat in VA

ljflx · April 2002

Headed for London next week - all business for 3 days. How did you find it travelling internationally in this changed world?

The car is really great but I'm following the tire discussion because I may need new tires in about a year given my mileage.

Blehrlich - I assume those tires are poor in snow based on your post but how are they supposed to be on wet roads?

jrdh23a · April 2002

I have been unimpressed with the Dunlop SP 270 tires that came on my LS430. They are 17 inch tires 225/55/17. I put Yokohama AVS DB's on my GS 430 and they really put the original equipment Michelin Pilot hx/msm's to shame. They ride better and are very quiet. Unfortunately, they are not made in the LS's size. I wish now I had stayed with the 16 inch tires, because after looking through tire rack, I didn't find any tires that I really wanted. Somebody help me. I want quietness, smoothness, and reasonable handling and safety.

blehrlich · April 2002

So far, great in the rain...only one experience. I'd use winter tire regardless of what I use during the warmer times. I go up to the NH Mountains quite often.

ljflx · April 2002

If you haven't made your decision on satellite radio yet there is a pretty good analytical write-up in the May issue of Car and Driver. Apparently there are two providers - Sirius and XM radio. From my viewpoint Sirius seems to have the better technological solution (but I'll defer to WWest here particularly as the article discusses a Seattle site) as it has 3 satellites placed high in the sky and each can reach your car the way the spring sun would. Two of those satellites always are over the US. But it isn't rolling out until summer in most markets. XM has two satellites placed lower in the sky and then relies heavily on ground transmissions if the signal is poor or blocked. The danger with XM is that the lower placement in the sky can be problematic particularly the further north you are (that's why Seattle came up). It becomes easier to block the signal, in some cases even an 18 wheeler in the next lane can do so. XM is partially tied to commercials for revenue but Sirius will be commercial free.

Overall though it sounds great but I'll wait till my next lease and hope Lexus has chosen the better provider.

tdo123 · April 2002

I recently upgraded to the 2002 LS430 with Custom Lux package because I am praying that they don't decide to redesign for awhile. I like to upgrade about every 18 months. I know, I know, it is a losing battle.

I read a few posts back about turning off the display to avoid the Warning Disclaimer every time I start the car. I don't think that will work. I am very familiar with the inner workings of this NAV screen and I can't figure anyway out of getting rid of that disclaimer.

Has anyone been able to persuade the dealer to turn it off? There must be an option that is only allowed with their codes and equipment.

Also, 17 tires are great, but it sounds like a train is under the car at slow speeds.

rennybosch · April 2002

tdo123, I just went out and retested to make sure. On my car, 2001 LS430 Ultra-Lux, ie. with Nav and Mark Levinson audio, I push the Options button, then press Display, then press Screen Off. The display screen goes dark. When I turn the car off, then later turn it on again, I do get the "Lexus Link is active" voice message, but the screen does not display any Nav-related disclaimer. Nor does it display a map.

Did you mean you want to see the map display but not have to acknowledge the disclaimer warning message? That you can't do. But if you just don't want the Nav display at all (a la wwest -- or should it be "au wwest"?), then what I said should work.

Renny

tdo123 · April 2002

Renny,

I understand now. But you are correct, I am trying to still enjoy the NAV, but just get rid of the disclaimer screen. If I turn of the display, I loose the NAV.

There must be some way to get around this.

wwest · April 2002

bypass the relay that supplies power to the nav only with the ignition on.

blehrlich · April 2002

that you guys in this forum just sat around "stroking" each other for owning a great vehicle.

Now I know why.

I would however, like the audio screen to be displayed at startup without pushing a button.

patentman1 · April 2002

Hi All,

I've been following this thread for a while and think the LS is the car for me. I can afford a used 98-00 LS 400. I know routine maintenance is the key. However, any known problem areas like tranny or a/c failures that I should know about? I know that a/c and instrument cluster problems were more common on the earlier LS 400's but how about the 98-00 generation? I would love a used 7 series but the probability and cost of replacing the major components like the tranny have scared me away.

Thanks!

crankster · April 2002

I picked up my new LS430 this past Saturday. What a perfect vehicle, the attention to detail is truly amazing. It makes my previous MB look seem a Yugo by comparison.

Wow.

jsb16 · April 2002

I'm an LS400 1990 owner who is finally ready to replace this great vehicle with another LS. I am starting to look at the LS 430 and wonder why I might pay 5K extra for the ultra luxury instead of the custom luxury package. Besides the air suspension (which I've never driven so I don't know if this is even desirable), all the extra goodies are in the back seat. In fact, it would seem preferable to not have rear a/c and lose all that extra trunk space. Does anyone know if the custom luxury cars are easier or harder to find than the ultra luxury models? If I wanted a 2001 certified model, would that change the availability of vehicles. For those of you who had a choice between the two, could you let me know what were the deciding factors aside from price?

wwest · April 2002

I want one, I can afford one, Lexus will not build me one.

We're in the same boat, my Lexus dealer just returned a deposit because they couldn't get me a custom luxury model.

I guess I'll just wait and continue to enjoy my 92.

jefftp · April 2002

You are right, other than the air suspension the differences between the UL and custom luxury are in the back seat. But OH what a back seat...how could anyone not love those heated reclining seats....

For what its worth I have heard that the air suspension is a very expensive repair item, and that sooner or later is goes out in many LS's.

woppenhe · April 2002

Any one else ever seen this light in a 2001 LS 430. I was going slowly in traffic when I heard an aural ping, then saw an exclamation mark just abaove the center of my speedometer. It went away within 5 seconds. According to the manual, this was a a master alarm annunciator warning light, and the cause was supposed to appear in the message area, untill it was resolved. Apparently the light does not come on during the test period after turning the key, so I don't know whether it is working or not at this point. Any ideas on why it may have come on?

bcleepe · April 2002

I waited for almost a year for one but it had never came in 2001 model. When it first showed up at my dealer last September as a 2002 model, I bought it within days of its arrival. My dealer told me it is still the hottest package of LS to get.

jbianco12 · April 2002

I too weighted the pros/cons of the ultra vs. custom lux package and decided on the custom package. Decided the back seat cooler is a gimmick, and the separate ac controls and back seat messagers added questionable value to MY driving experience. For $5K, my passengers will just have to "rough it". But seriously...think about how you're going to use the car. If you have a good reason for pampering your back seat passengers with extra creature comforts...go for the ultra pkg. If not, the custom has plenty of toys to keep you intrigued with the car. Hope this helps.
By the way, I picked up my custom in Jan 02 and it was perfect in every way...no issues.

Lexus LS 400/LS 430

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