Lexus LS 400/LS 430

stevestein · April 2001

Ah - sweet bird of youth! But we got lured by the lush greenery of the Garden State.

s852 · April 2001

I think that's an odd number that is purposely low so they have room to make increases later in the model run. I bet it will be increased within 2 years to be over 300.

barb85 · April 2001

I was backing out of the driveway and when I put the car in drive, the park assist starting screaming and the screen showed a red bar in front of the car as though I was only an inch from hitting something. However, there was nothing in front of the car except open street. (I got out and looked.) I have turned both the park assist off and the car off, waited, and tried again, and it still malfunctions. When I gain a little speed, of course the screaming park assist cuts off. The sensors on the rear and corners appear to function properly. I have some flying insect roadkill from a 120 mile freeway jaunt on the front sensors... You wouldn't think dead insects could trigger the park assist, would you? I should hope not...

Anyone else having trouble with Park Assist? Any suggestions on how to fix it? I'll wash the bugs off. I'd go to the dealer, but the closest one is a 200 mile round trip.

stevestein · April 2001

If the bug cover was big enough, it could be the problem. The following is just a guess, as I don't have an Ultra and can't experiment.

Park assist works like sonar, sending out sound waves and listening for echoes. Based on the time it takes for the echo to be heard it determines the distance form the car. The location of the sensor(s) sending the signal and receiving the echo determines the location of the object. I'm assuming your bugs are causing an immediate echo on at least one sensor. Now here's where the Lexus engineers had to make a choice. They could eliminate potential "false positives" such as the bug by programming the system to only identify an object if it is picked up by more than one sensor. The down side to this is when there is an object like a sign post that can only be seen by one sensor (and that's if you're lucky), or if a sensor that would normally confirm an object fails, you would miss real obstacles and would get false negatives. In this case false positives are an annoyance, but false negatives lead to hitting things, and we don't want boo-boos on our wonderful LS430's. The engineers have to err on the side of caution (fail-safe).
While this whole discussion may be based on some faulty assumptions, I think it is a possible explanation for the behavior you described. By now you should have cleaned off your bumper and the park assist is working well. If you haven't, it might be an interesting exercise to clean one sensor at a time and see what happens.

gkorenek · April 2001

Hi,

I am interested in buying a used LS 400 from one of the Lexus dealers in my area. The LS would be of '95 to '97 vintage.

From the dealer's listed "used" price, can I negotiate a lower price? Can this be expressed as a "%" (for example, can I expect to get a 5% or 10% or ???% price reduction)?

Have not visited a dealer yet, just obtaining data before I go.

Thanks,
-Gary K

rbenavides · April 2001

Hi all. I just found this board. I hope FS postings are allowed! I have a 1999 LS400 for sale. $45k. 30k mi, diamond white pearl, cypress ( beautiful, looks gray-ish), loaded with everything but Nav, including chromed wheelsand deluxe remote starter. Excellent condition. Dealer maintained/updated records. Drives perfect, Why? Bought boat need a tow vehicle! Probably a 470 based on our experience with this car.

stevestein · April 2001

have you tried looking up the True Market Value on this site? Go to used cars and drill down for a custom appraisal for each model year you're looking at. I'd start a little below that price and see what happens. I see no reason to pay asking price unless you believe in charity for the dealer. Walk out a couple of times. Each time you return the gap between what you want to pay and what the dealer wants will narrow. In the end you'll get to the point where he won't budge anymore, and then you'll have a yes or no decision to make.

gkorenek · April 2001

Hi,

No I haven't tried True Market yet, I'll do that now.

The dealership has a '95 LS 400 w/ 40k miles, listing for 26,900. I went there during my lunch break, and the salesperson said "there is room to deal".

There is nothing extra-ordinary about the way the car is optioned, but it is in really good shape.

Thanks for you suggestions, I'll do them.

-Gary K

feverhart · April 2001

While backing down a steep driveway onto the street, my park assist indicated an imminent collision. i interpreted it to be the very acute angle that the sensors were positioned relative to the street surface.

rennybosch · April 2001

If you want to use Microsoft Word to compose your message and then paste it into Edmunds' window, you can avoid the extraneous characters that replace *, ", ', etc. by first saving the Word document as a "Text Only" type file (in the Save dialog box), then reopen that file, copy the text, and paste it in here.

I just tried it on this message and it seems to work.

Renny

pat · April 2001

thanks - I will incorporate that into my explanation when folks wonder why they get that gobbledy-[non-permissible content removed] in a post pasted from Word.

Pat
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agent0986 · April 2001

did anyone opt for the gold package on their LS430? if so, how does it look, and on what color do u think it would look best?

feverhart · April 2001

I received the gold package as a freebe on my silver ls430. Looks great! I suspect that it might even look better on the darker colors.

slexy · April 2001

I have Parchment and it looks great, as it does on my white LS400.

barb85 · April 2001

Thanks for the sonar info. I washed the bugs off and the park assist works. You have a good idea to wash one sensor at a time, but I think it was a particularly big bumblebee that splat from the center of a sensor across the outer ring. I'm glad we can turn off park assist when things get too buggy.

stevestein · April 2001

Glad it was something that simple.

jabeeler · May 2001

Can anyone let me know their thoughts on the older LS400s(94-96) versus 97 and up?? I really don't know anything except that 95 had a pretty drastic body style change and have been told that ride is better in 96 and up.
I am also interested to know your ideas on the premium sound system vs. nagamichi -I thought there was an immense difference between the two, but I guess it could have been radio reception! Please email me directly at juju2@ntown.net
Thanks in advance for your help!
Julie

ljflx · May 2001

If you are going to go with an older LS400 go with the 98 or later model. The nakamichi is a wonderful stereo system - 280 watts if I remember, and noticably better than the standard system which is pretty good to begin with. The engine on the 98 was quite a bit more powerful than the 95-97 series and the car had a lot more safety features. The ride was also improved, outside noise was reduced (but the 95 is also very quiet) and handling is better on the 98-00 models. The new LS430 blows away the previous models which nonetheless are still great cars. Good luck.

kimsinger · May 2001

Hi, I just found this board so forgive me if this is not the most appropriate forum for questions like this, but.... Does anyone else have an LS like mine that starts idling (from cold) at around 1400 rpm before settling down some minutes later? My car is a '95 Mark III and is otherwise flawless, but I find this idle thing really irritating and would welcome any ideas as to how to get rid of it. If you have any experience at all of this type of issue, let alone a fix, please let me know. I'd even like to know if there are LS owners out there whose cars have no raised idle whatsoever. Thank you in advance for your help. Kim. email: kim@singer.screaming.net

nunya · May 2001

I'm looking for suggestions on tires for an LS400. The original Bridgestone Turanza ER33 tires on still on the car and it's time for a replacement. Should I stay with the ER33's or is there a better tire for ride comfort and low noise. I'm in the southeast so I don't need all season tires. It looks like the ER33 has fast tread wear but I'm looking for low noise and comfortable ride.
Any suggestions?
thanks

feverhart · May 2001

Tirerack.com, according to survey results, rates the Bridgestone Turanza Revo z as the top rated tire with excelant or superior rating in every category.

raxip · May 2001

i just bought a silver LS430 w/ black interior, no nav/lev/link and 16" tires. MSRP was 56,675. i got it for 51,675 and got $29,000 trade-in for my '98 GS400 (27,000 miles). overall, the buying experience was good. i'm in northern california (bay area).

fabt · May 2001

I drove a '96 LS400 before purchasing my '01 LS430. My wife now drives the LS400, so it is easy for me to make comparisons between the two.

One big difference is the 'leakage' of stereo volume. If I play a CD at a given volume in the '96 LS400 and stand outside the car, the volume 'leakage' is minimal. However, at the same interior volume level, the same CD really "leaks" badly outside the LS430 on the Mark Levinson stereo.

This is really strange, because the LS430 seems quiter INSIDE the car from outside noises (wind, engine, traffic, etc.) but for some reason the stereo volume really seems to leak out more. The downside to this is now when I'm at a red light or stop sign I get very self conscious about having the person in the car next to me look at me like I'm some kind of adolescent-punk blasting his stereo!!

Any body else notice this or have any comments?

raxip · May 2001

i agree. you can definitely hear more from the outside and i have the base stereo!

did anybody get the 16" yokohama tires with their LS430? for an all season tire, i was surprised at the low treadwear rating.

afinegold · May 2001

Sounds like the fast idle on your carburetor may be set too high. Believe it's readily adjustable on all cars. Any dealer or competent shop or service station should be able to adjust it for you. You might call a dealer or two in your area, ask for the service dept., explain what's happening, and see what they say.

barb85 · May 2001

I recently heard someone say that they were annoyed by a high idle speed on start up on a Honda. The dealer told him that it is set high for start ups in cold weather.

fxashun · May 2001

garyct · May 2001

Has anybody seen the parchment crystal color yet?
I haven't and would love to hear comments from anybody who has. There is somebody "slexy" on this board that has a parchment with gold package. If anybody has a picture send it to garyct@home.com, or post it on this board for everyone to see.

much appriciated

Gary

wwest · May 2001

If you want the quietest ride then STAY with the Turanza ER33's.

Although Several salesman have told me that I cannot buy the shop manuals, my practice is to simply go to the parts manager and order them, most recently a 2000 Rx and a 2000 GS, no problem except waiting for delivery.

I went back to the shop manuals for my 1992 LS and was quite surprised to learn that the A/C doesn't shut down on WOT (Wide Open Throttle), but does shut down automatically at "high(?)" engine RPM.

Even my 84 T-bird shutdown at WOT. I'll check the 2000 RX and GS manuals to see if this is still true.

It might be worth the time to wire a 12V bulb in parallel with the clutch and see if it disengages on WOT anyway. All documentaion is not correct nor is it ever complete.

greasykid1 · May 2001

High idles are preset at the factory. This should only accur at start up & is a function of keeping emmisions low. Engine should return to normal idle within a couple of minutes or sooner after a cold start

Tires. I don't know which Yokohama tires were on the car asked about,but mine came with 16" wheels & Yoko 390's. This tire has a rating of 160 & is not all season. Expect about 20,000 mi tire life.

I have the Parchment crystal with Ecru. Parchment is a very light silver color & I have had several compliments on it.

By the way if anyone ahs the 16" wheels a very good riding & quiet tire is the Yoko Aviddb. Look at review @ Tirerack.com. Not expensive either.

hoos1 · May 2001

Posted here two weeks ago about purchasing my sister-in-law's '99 LS400 (she bought a new LS430). Thanks to the people who gave me advice - kc_fans and stevestein. Sorry about the delay in getting back to everyone but not only did we get a new car but we also had twin girls!!! Everyone is doing great.

The car is amazing - moved up from a '95 BMW 325i which I enjoyed. Here in Atlanta with all the potholes (at least on my commute) and the traffic, the Lexus is immensely more enjoyable. The ride is sooo smooth and quiet. The Nakamichi is amazing. Everything about the car is great. The handling isn't as "tight" but we all know that, and I never really pushed the BMW around town anyway. From a practical standpoint the Lexus wins out, too. We can fit 2 car seats easily in the back seat plus still have room for a passenger and a stroller in the trunk. The BMW held no car seats and no stroller in the trunk. I'm only 31, but after driving the Lexus for a few days I easily got over that whole issue!

Anyway, thanks for all the advice and this board was a great help.

fxashun · May 2001

think about having to ride in the trunk?

stevestein · May 2001

Best of luck on your three new "babies".

aiman · May 2001

Congratulations on your three new baby girls!

slexy · May 2001

After three 800 mile trips in the last 3 weeks, my multifunction display is working fine with logical numbers shown. The dealer reset the "tank average mpg" and after a few hundred miles it seems to be correct. After 6 mo. and 8000 miles the car still amazes me.
I don't have a picture of the car/color, but I've seen alot more of this "silver/pearl" color lately, that I think looks especially nice in the sun, and "set in gold" (package that is).

ljflx · May 2001

A car is a nice toy and a lot of fun. A child is the ultimate thrill though. And I guess two of them doubles the pleasure. Once you get through the first 2-3 months and get some sleep the fun increases exponentially. Good luck.

By the way wax the car for relaxation.

ljflx · May 2001

Finally saw the black cherry on the road. Awesome looking. I also noticed in the sunday paper that my dealer finally got one in stock. So maybe Lexus is finally starting to ship them.

bluex19 · May 2001

It may not be what most people do but I would like to carry a bicycle on a roof rack on top of my 95 LS400. The problem is that the two major roof rack manufacturers do not list a roof rack
suitable for 95 LS400. Surprisingly there is one for 94 LS400. So my question is: does anyone of you use a roof rack on a 95 or later LS400 and if yes, what is the manufacturer.

seadog7 · May 2001

Thank you for the clarification. I had requested advice on obtaining an LS430 electrical manual so I could make a modification to cut out the AC at full throttle. I did not know there was a term for this, WOT. My 1991 LS400 and current model do not cut out under WOT conditions (as confirmed by bulb method). There is, however, a high RPM cut out, like you say. Subsequently I have found a dealer willing to sell the electrical manual. It would be ideal if a CD version were also available. However, CD based manuals are for shop use only.

glenster · May 2001

He is the Fleet Manager at a very large Lexus dealership in California!

wbwynn · May 2001

Did you say you had to have the dealer reset your multifunction display? Specifically, what was the problem? My tank average (in city) went from over 18 to 15.8-16, and I cannot reconcile why?

Any thoughts on this would be helpful; my LS has been superb in every way...I just had to find something to nitpick about!!

Thanks

gsenthil · May 2001

Hi,

New to the board- though I have hovered here before. One of the cars I saw was a 1990 LS400 113k $8000. The car seems to be well maintained- even the engine compartment was very clean. Very powerful, silent and smooth. Anything I should look out for? The (car is seemingly so perfect that the) only things I didnt like are: dark brown color, lack of heated seats - I plan to buy it in AZ and drive it to Portland OR where I am relocating to. How much can I expect to a gallon? I like big powerful cars, but dont want to spend a fortune of gas either, esp with the current prices. I think its EPA listing is 18/23.

I will be looking at a couple of 1992 MB 190Es over the weekend and make my final decision. There is a black one available - my fav color for a sedan. The 190E is a smaller car, so more miles to a gallon.

I plan to buy a 2 seat convertible in a year or so (would have bought it now had it not been for the poor economic scenario) so I want more of a family sedan.

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Senthil

nofeer · May 2001

A friend of mine had a mb190, she said it was a dog no power, problems, couldn't get rid of it fast enough. be careful, check out the forums on this one, and consumer reports for that year. she said it was too small, smaller than a honda accord. always in the shop. that turned her away from benz

wwest · May 2001

I bought my retired brother a used 92 "full-spec" LS for $12,000 with 100,000+ last year. I talked to him about a month ago and he had just changed the oil and filter and asked me "how is it that Lexus can build a car that after 100,000 miles the oil still doesn't get dirty between 7000 mile changes?".

He's nearing 80 and has driven Fords (and Ford-Fergusons) all of his life.

Bill Gate's 1990 burgandy LS sold for more that $40,000 last year, versus $28,000 when he traded it in to the dealer, for a 94, 7 years ago.

Get the 90 LS, it will be worth even more in Portland.

carnaught · May 2001

I saw MY first today and, well, I was disappointed. I thought I'd love it, as I like all shades of red. In the sun, it looked too plum colored and did nothing for me. The car in black, dark green, white or silver, I think is much nicer... subjective, I know.

nofeer · May 2001

I love car stuff, i use edmunds, auto.com, thecarconnection.com
Any other really good car sites (industry news, reviews, future cars)? carpoint sometimes glitches so i don't use it much.
thanks.
I wonder what's on the table for 02, i wonder if lexus would consider a diesel for any of it's cars, it ls430 gets better mileage than s430/s500 et.al. how does cadillac get 300hp and use regular unleaded, too bad we have to use premium. it's 2.05/gallon. i know i just dropped 61k for a car what does this matter, well i'd like to save some $$$$ anytime, how do you think i can get the $$$ to buy a lexus.

flint350 · May 2001

Well, all color choices/likes/dislikes are subjective as stated, naturally. And subject to change, as I've learned. I originally wanted black with tan/ivory interior. Gold was next. Then Black Cherry. Since I was high on the list, I got to choose from two gold or black cherry ultras. Saw them, loved the black cherry and have been very pleased ever since. I especially like its changing intensity and "personality", if you will, in changing sunlight angles and intensity. I just spent the past week at a beach house in Lewes, Del and the car gathered many long "looks" (hopefully bcz they liked it) and one pointed comment from a neighbor who flatly stated he had not seen a car in that particular color of red with black hues and that it was gorgeous. I agree. I also understand how carnaught might not find it to his liking. I thought I would love the pine and dark blue, but they are so dark as to appear black, except in the brightest, most direct light. My black cherry does not have that problem, is more rare, and has, as I said, "personality". I love it more every day and often find myself looking back at it as I walk away in parking lots, to see the different colors. (I still park far out in the lots to "protect" it as long as I can - I know, a little anal retentive). I also changed my opinion on the ecru interior. Originally, I thought - no way, gray. Well, I admit, it works and works well (for me). It is a little more understated than the "woodier" woods and looks more like elegant marble. The combo goes very nicely with the black cherry interior and ivory leather. It, too, has gathered compliments. Even from my Benz owning friends. (Maybe they're just being kind to a poor Lexus driver!)
As I said, I've been gone a week - my first real trip with the car (the nav. was a real help) and I still have no complaints. Really starting to appreciate the laser cruise control. Also found a microfiber cloth set that is specially made to control dust/dirt etc. and is great for gently cleaning the nav and speedo screens. Now, I'm looking for a good cover. Anyone know of a good one sized for this car (i.e. not a generic model)?
Pardon the length of all this, but it's been over a week since I rambled on like this.

flint350 · May 2001

I see you are trying to "fire up" the once again waning Luxo-comparo board - with the same predictable result. They immediately degenerate into their turtle shell/bunker mentality defense of the "Germany led the way, all that follows is copy-cat" argument (without name-calling at least, so far) and decrying the virtues of value or reliability for the same or better performance. They have even begun comparing Kias, Daewoos and other "non-combatants" in this arena. The most outspoken participants over there are simply Benzaholics who can not and will not be convinced. Logic and fact be damned. They often make outlandish statements and contradict themselves to suit their current point. I remember the Clinton scandal, when Sen. Schumer (sp?), from your neck of the woods, made the telling statement that, (paraphrasing here) "I don't care what evidence you have, I will never vote against this president in the hearings". This is the view many seem to have on the "new" luxo-comparo board. Methinks you are beating your head against a stone wall and all you will get for your trouble and opinion (informed though it may be) is a migraine.

pat · May 2001

Let's not use this discussion to get into disparaging other members of Town Hall, okay folks?

Pat
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topgun7 · May 2001

has anyone seen ls430 with custom luxury package in SF Bay area dealership yet? I talked to a dealership and they said that it is not available in SF area yet.. Any truth to this? For those who already test drove one, is it worth the extra money (as compare to nav/ml). thanks.

Lexus LS 400/LS 430

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