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the bottle does bear the tax stamp on it, with a NY-I-610 on one side, and the number 718911247 on the other. it also says series 112 on it. all of which, is greek to me.
i did a yahoo search on this info to no avail.
but there was some positive result for delamain, by which i was intrigued.
http://www.delamain-cognac.com/
thanks, i'll keep looking.
I am considering a 1990 Lexus LS 400 with 65000 miles on it....An older couple had it and had all services done at the dealer, seems like a creampuff,Silver ext./burg.int... recently had the timing belt changed @ 60,000 miles...My question is this, they are asking 7,000 and that is over 1,000 above Edmunds TMV, and on KBB the retail is 8,300 with private party exc. at $6,400..Car listing sites seem to have these models for about $6-7000, with 120,000- 175000 miles on them.... The ratings speak of this first year model in high regard along with it being solid, vaultlike, smooth acceleration and tranny,...my question is is it worth such a premium over the TMV value?? I am also considering an Acura Legend 91 or 94 with similar miles and prices ($5,000-91, $7,000-94)...thanks to any or all for your comments or suggestions on what to watch out for on the Lexus...
Glad to hear you are considering a LS400! You'll find this board full of Lexus owners who are more than happy to share their experiences with. I still have my first Lexus, a 1992 LS400 and can vouch for their long term dependability. This car sounds like it is in good shape, but as Nvbanker said, this is Still a 15 yr old car.
A couple of things to look out for:
1) Make sure the 60K service has been done. Considering the timing belt has been done, this should be okay. It seems odd they didn't replace the Water Pump at the same time. (This is purely a precautionary move)
2) With a car this old, Suspension components may be in need of repair. Rubber gets brittle with age so it may be worthwhile to check out. If something does need repair, it won't be that expensive.
3) Power Steering Systems on this car are a trouble point. Make sure you change the fluid regularly. (Use Dextron ATF Fluid only!!! This is also written on the cap of the fluid reservoir) These pumps have a habit of leaking, but you can get a Re-Seal kit for them. You can tell if there is leak if you hear a whining/whirring when you turn the wheel fully from left to right.
4) Fluids are the lifeblood of this car. Do not take this car to Jiffy Lube! This car uses special lubricants that are unique to Toyota. Toyota dealers can change the fluids for you at a significant discount compared to the Lexus dealer.
5) I'm sure you noted how the display lights up when you start the car..The good news is that it is pretty to look at, but the bad news is that those needles can burn out with age. The dealer will claim you need to spend $1500 to replace it. The truth is you can have it repaired for about $350 (Just had to do this myself).
6) Learn to ask questions at the dealer. Unforunately Lexus dealers like to prey on unsuspecting customers and charge $$$ for needless repairs. Demand they show you what part is broken and ask for the old parts back (They MUST comply under law!) I nearly had to sue my dealer over something like this! Even though this is a Lexus dealer, the same rules apply regarding Dealership practices.
If you have any questions about the car, just ask on this board. We'll be more than happy to help you!
As for the LS400 vs Acura. I'm obviously biased considering I'm a Lexus owner, but I'd take the LS400 anyday. Not that the Acura is a bad car, but this LS400 was built to beat the best. This particular car changed the luxury car industry forever. (No hyperbole I assure you!) Toyota spend over $4 Billion developing this car, and they have not taken any shortcuts. I can tell you this car will be one of the best cars you'll ever own. (Even though repairs can be expensive!!!)
Hope this helps
Sam
Renny
Thanks for this info. Originally my dealer said it was to come out end of Jan... I've got the 02.1 on my '03 LX and looking to update to the 05.1. I suppose this should work on mine too, and if it is not too challenging to install myself, I'd like to do it. Any link to the *how-to* will be appreciated. Thanks.
"Install is nothing more than removing carpet in trunk (just roll it to the left side), take off the obvious cover on right side of trunk to expose the unit. Remove the two side screws and tilt the machine up, exposing the front insert slot. Have the car powered up, slide the left little slot cover open (just left of DVD slot)to expose the eject button. Push that and exchange the DVD's. Be sure car is powered (doesn't need to be running, just key in the accessory position) for the exchange - the update will begin automatically and display on then nav screen. Once complete, just tilt unit back down and resecure screws and cover."
I also recall that someone else warned not to let the little screws fall down into the trunk well because it is very hard to get them back out. Good luck.
Thanks
Thanks,
Gwen
I think the recommended oil for this car is 5W-30. Check the Oil Cap on the engine or your owners manual to be sure. I don't think Brand name makes a big difference unless your are going synthetic. The Synthetic vs normal oil is a controversial subject in itself.
Hope this helps,
SV
BTW, does anyone know the major differences b/w Gen 2/3 vs Gen 5 Nav ? Are there more POIs, and how much more ? I installed the upgrade 05.1 today, and it looked like the old v02.1. I haven't taken it out for a ride yet, so I guess I have to find out how much changes. However, I am just curious whether there were any significant increase in the POIs for this Gen 5.
Thanks,
Gwen
Talking of growing, San Diego is one of those places where housing growth exploded in the past 5 years, and upgrading to latest map is a necessity for me as well. Still will not correctly identify my home address, always putting me 2 houses away, even after several calibration attempts..... OTOH, the 2003 version in my '99 LS (hard disk-based) correctly identifies my home everytime .... Go figure.
Hey oac, I don't know how the previous version works, but in the DVD version, the database only has the beginning and ending house numbers on each block; in between it just assumes the numbers are spread out evenly. So the best way to avoid the annoyance is to set your "Home" by location when you are actually in your driveway (rather than entering your house number and street address; it will not show your correct address, but at least it will tell you you are home when you actually are! Works for the other presets, like Office, too.
If you don't put your house key on the same key ring, what is the concern anyway? And even if they get a house key, I have a security alarm, and I don't have the code for that on my car key.
Of course, none of these things will stop someone that really wants to break into your house. But getting the address off of the NAV system doesn't make you any more vulnerable.
And if you use my suggestion and set the Home by actual location when you are at the end of your driveway ("use current location" or whatever it says rather than inputting the actual street number), if the thief can figure out how to look up "Home" in the system, he will go to a neighbor's house (or there won't be a house with a matching number anyway) -- and you will still be able to enjoy the convenience of being somewhere and just hitting "Home" and letting the lovely NAV lady direct you right to your door. If he tries to drive your car to the house, maybe he'll get confused when the house number doesn't match, and give up anyway, wearing a face like this: :confuse:
Except you're probably sitting in the restaurant having a lovely dinner while he is stealing your car and driving to your home! If he stole the car out of your garage while you are home, he didn't need the NAV system to figure out your address!
Seriously though, the man up top is right - your registration and address are in the car, a thief knows that. So, what's the big whoop, eh? Except, Christine (name I call the voice behind me) will more easily direct the thief to your home. I think the "key" is in not losing your "key", because these guys are hard to steal without one.
Thanks,
Gwen
You should hold them accountable for the 90K service. I'm sorry to say this is typical of Lexus dealers. Most dealerships will replace the pump with the timing belt at the time of the 90K service. They'd rather replace parts than take a diagnostic approach to it.
I'd call the dealer's Service Manager and let them know of your situation. If you feel they aren't being fair call their Customer Service Dept at 1-800-25-Lexus.
They shouldn't have to replace the Timing Belt again just to get at the water pump. $1050 sounds excessive to begin with. It's a few hours labor and a little over a $120 for the actual pump.
A Japanese repair shop ought to be able to handle this, but I'd ask for their reasoning to suspect the water pump.
Hope this helps,
Sam
The MOST likely source of noise at high mileage, other than new drive belt noise which can be isolated by wetting it slightly with a garden hose.
The 248HP in my 92 LS seems perfectly adequate and given the rise in base price the LS could use a model with a lower starting price point.
Or an LS400h using the new DFI V6 plus electrics.
Oh, never mind the AWD LS hybrid thought, Lexus would do it FWD biased and I doubt anyone would buy that.
Thanks!
Thanks
The LS handles just fine in the snow and you can use the "snow" mode to adjust the transmission to start in a higher gear, making starting much easier. I live in Northwest IL with my '04 LS and while having a dedicated set of snow tires/wheels I have been caught with my normal tires in snow and I just had to take it a bit easier on that occasion.
It's too good a car to not have it the remainder of the year. I will tell you that I store my second set of wheels/tires at the tire dealer (no cost to store) during the year and a minor charge to switch them. Tire Rack has great deals on snow tires/wheels and shipped right to my local tire dealer for me.