By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Mobil-1 is actually part of a huge family of synthetic oils, greases and other lubricants, many of which are used in some REALLY brutal applications, like power station bearings and the space shuttle arm. Some applications don't permit frequent lubrication or lubricant changes, so the performance must be incredible (no breakdown) and must often be able to deal with some extremes of temperatures.
Anyway, enough rambling ... suffice to say I think synthetic lubricants are fabulous, but most car owners have no need for them.
The LS 400 did not require any maintenance.
When it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Also, I never love anything that cannot love be back!
Yes but not always your driver error.
This is way out of my field, so I could only guess on an alternative, but won't do so.
The only "major" problem I have had with my 92 LS was a failed oxygen sensor. There are about 5 90 through 92 LS's owned by myself and amongst my friends and the only major failure was the rear crank seal leaking. And that happened, was discovered, immediately on the car's return from Bellevue Lexus for a 60K tuneup. Go figure.
About this time of year you might start running into problems with the windshield fogging over on the inside. You can quickly overcome this in each instance by turning up the temperature setpoint at the same time you activate the defrost function.
Lexus strongly advises that in colder climates you depress the flow-thru function button, even if it already indicates that mode, because otherwise the system will automatically regulate it to minimize the need for additional heating and therefore a higher, noisier blower speed.
In plainer english.
When the Lexus climate control is in (fully)automatic mode the flow-thru/recirc toggle/indicator may indicate the system is in flow-thru, the indicator is lit, when that function is actually more in re-circ than in flow-thru.
On these early models, according to Lexus, the only way to be sure the system is in flow-thru mode (preventing humidity from building up in the cabin) is to actually depress the flow-thru "toggle" (even if it already indicates the flow-thru mode) removing this function from the system's "quietness" control loop, and therefore locking it in full flow-thru mode.
I can't say about other years and models, but on my 92 LS, taking this action did not "extinguish" the fully automatic mode indicator as is stated in the owner's manual, while manually over-riding any other system function will. Lexus kept telling me over-and over how to "manage" the system so my windshield did not fog over so often. But I never "got it" becuase of the flawed automatic indication in my 92, (the system automatic mode light remains on even though the driver has manually over-ridden the flow-thru function) which it turned out, apparently, that they didn't even know about at the time.
I recently noticed that Mercedes Benz is automatically regulating the amount of flow-thru vs re-circ airflow by measuring the relative humidity in the cabin and allowing more fresh air into the cabin if the humidity starts to climb.
I have no idea what Lexus is doing in this venue nowadays except to say that my 2000 GS and my 2001 RX seem to have the same propensity to fog over the windshield on cooler humid days as does the 92.
It's also clear that they haven't figured out that the ONLY reliable way to clear condensation from the windshield interior, and keep it cleared, is to HEAT the airflow routed to the windshield in defrost (defog/demist) mode.
I absolutely agree that dehumidifying this airflow through the use of the A/C system does help to remove and prevent condensation from forming, but the closer the outside air temperature is to freezing the less effective this becomes, until the A/C compressor is shut down completely, automatically, as the OAT declines below 34F.
At that point the ONLY solution is to heat the defog airflow. But can somebody tell Lexus, or DENSO USA, that before some one is killed? If that hasn't already happened.
I don't know who designs the Porsche and MB climate control systems, but I do wish Denso would find out and have a good heart to heart with their engineers.
On a Porsche or an MB when you activate the defrost function you get dehumidified HOT airflow to the windshield, in the middle of a hot summer day or whenever. If the OAT is above 34F the A/C compressor comes on-line to help more quickly defog the windshield.
I notice Denso USA is getting more and more design wins every day, and thus having an opportunity to expose more of us to this design flaw.
Maybe I'm overstating things a bit. I have assumed that any car, vehicle, I get into and activate the defrost function and it blows cooled air on the windshield has a climate control system designed by Denso. That may not be true, there may be automatic climate control design engineers out there just as stupid as the ones who work for Denso.
Keep casting. There's too much folklore & unsubstantiated personal beliefs stated as fact on this board.
By the way, my AutoWeek just arrived showing that the new Camry will offer (surprise) a nav system, so now you'll have a half million cars a year going on the road, many of which will have nav systems. I expect the next Accord will offer it too since their minivan and Acura models do.
I haven't had a car into a Lexus dealer since about 93 but in watching from afar it seems to me they "turnover" the entire crew each time they become sharp enough to demand decent pay.
I still stand by my position, Lexus is the very best "brand", automotive wise, in the world today. But if you want to use a motto like "relentless pursuit of perfection" you had better listen, expect, customer feedback.
I bought my very first 911 in about 84, it didn't take me very long to learn that those in the "club" didn't "talk down" the car. Not my way.
http://www.eutechinst.com/techtips/tech-tips10.htm
Or considering that the coolant has been installed since at the factory in 91 and there is no apparent damage I suspect that whatever it indicates at this stage is probably okay for the long haul.
I'll keep you posted.
Wouldn't a Ph of 7.5, neutral, be more desireable?
Well occasionally I do like to get dust out from behind the rear seats, you know, it gets dirty back there.
Once in a while I work on the aim of my rear brake lights too. Can't be too careful.
Look, maybe you don't like having a place to exchange information that can be (immediately, eventually) of value, but this is stuff you cannot learn elsewhere. Maybe you don't have need of it today, but one never knows what tomorrow will bring.
No, that wasn't "bait".
I can see why a Ph below 7.0 (acidic) would not be desireable. I cannot readily understand why being above 7.0 might be desireable, as recommended by the posted "link".
I suspect that it might have something to do, possibly, that the glycol content is naturally akaline and thus a Ph of 10.0 would also automatically(?) imply the level of that content.
Useful commentary..
"If it aren't broke don't fix it".
My experience has been that every time any of my cars goes into a dealer shop they always come back with something wrong. A lot of these recent posts have been along the lines of DIY and avoiding the problems associated with having the dealer technicians use our cars as a learning tool.
I can well afford to have this work done but I do value my own personal time quite highly and having to take the car back in to be serviced "again" is too costly in that regard.
At another Lexus dealer, sales and service personnel gathered to peek inside because they had never seen the Bordeaux. The car has every available option and I get many requests by people asking for an inside "tour." They are always awed and amazed as much by the interior colors as they are by the functional features.
Subject: Nav system. Whenever I am on "gold" roads, which is not infrequent, the lady tells me "guidance cannot be provided in this area. Please use the directional arrow..." Thus, with no voice prompts, I have to look down often at the arrow on the nav screen. That seems to compromise safety.
Thanks.
What are the chances that ls430 will get an AWD version like the MB e series and audi?
I can get some good deals on the 2001, does anyone know if there will be changes in the 2002 that are worth waiting for?
Also, In my test drive I noted down shifting "too easily". Have others noticed this too?
thanks
Peter
I finally traded in the 92 Legend for a 2001 Mystic Sea LS430 with light charcoal interior and Mark Levinson, last week. I really loved the Legend, but can appreciate the incredible engineering in the LS430. I think I'll need a bit more time with it to get more attached.
Also regarding wwest's post. Personally, I think they are fantastic. I've learned so much about the LS430 and cars in general through his detailed and thoughtful advice. I certainly hope he continues to put in the time and effort to really make this board useful. Wbwynn, I can see where you are coming from, but what do you consider to be "useful"? Let wwest enlighten us with his knowledge, and you can just ignore his posts and save yourself time. There are too many of us here who find his posts to be simply invaluable. Please keep them coming...
Jeff
As for wwest, I too hope that he isn't discouraged from posting his observations, arcane as some might find them. I have learned a few things (and, frankly have skipped a few as well). So long as folks are respectful and intend to share at least "quasi-automotive" insights, I think we should be welcoming, or at least tolerant.
Finally, for any jazz fans out there, I listened to a new CD in the car on the way home last night -- The Essential Mingus Big Band -- and the clarity, focus and imaging were spectacular, especially the reproduction of Mingus' bass. If this genre is up your musical alley, it is a must.
How about recommendations from others: CDs that sound particularly awesome on the ML?
Good.
"I can see why a Ph below 7.0 (acidic) would not be desireable. I cannot readily understand why being above 7.0 might be desireable, as recommended by the posted "link". "
I think I know why, but want to confirm it with a person who knows. More to follow.
Random info.
I have been trying to buy an LS430 for some time now but want to "replicate" my beautiful 92 as closely as possible. Alas, can't get ivory interior with Black Cherry.
I just discovered that in Canada the Vintage Merlot is available with ivory interior. AND I get an electrically heated windshield thrown into the deal.
So its off to Vancouver soon to somehow establish "residence". Lexus doesn't allow their Canadian dealers to sell to US citizens.
Feds don't have any rules against this, local dealers are continully shopping in Canada to bring surplus cars into the US that are more desireable, saleable, here than in Canada. There was a literal flood of 99 911/996's.
Speaking of insightful, whatever happened to Enigma?
My 2000 GS300 wheels.tires.
Anyway, even tirerack.com has 16" chrome wheel fitments for LS430. Also suggest you check the LS forum on clublexus... no doubt lots of info there.
There is another Lexus dealer about 10 miles from my home that charges $27.95. That's where I go, and they are open until 11P.