How is the Lexus LS400 Holding Up at 242,000 Miles?

[@scottgibb6052]

Good video , my wife and I have a 1991 LS 400 with similar miles and we've owned the car for half of its 30 years on the road ,its 2 owner from new and other cars have come and gone like your S-10 . Four years ago we parked it in our garage , it was a little "tired" and leaking ,mostly the steering, we spent the last 3 years on and off replacing every brake, steering, suspension , fuel system , trans overhaul, engine tune up blah, blah you name it it got replaced. Our old Lexus is now back on the road and drives like new , we're not youngsters , actually in our early 60's , driving "Lex" again and looking good rollin down the road puts huge smiles on our faces , we did all the work ourselves and spent more on parts than what the car is probably worth ,however it was worth EVERY cent and the busted knuckles !

[@ClaytonBridges]

thats a long haul! I enjoy the car alot and I think its worth it. especially depending on the price you pay! The LS' are alot of car

[@felixjose1982]

LS 400 is a legendary car and it takes the reliability to the next level. You have a very well maintained car. Congratulations 👏.

[@miguelsandoval1416]

I've had 2001 2002 2004 2006 lexus ls 430 and I been buying ls400 for the past few months and they are beast . 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2000 all really great cars . I was always a Cadillac sts v8 kinda guy but lexus took my heart .

[@alexgarza8041]

I have a 1998 ls400 with 275,800 miles ,, runing great ,Ac an heat works ,put about 2,000 miles on it already..,great car engine

[@tonyisme4934]

have a 1995... in AZ 274000 miles, switched to Mobile 1 Synthetic. very very little oil burning. No drips. Runs like a swiss watch. Rebuilt the front end joints. Control arms. No rust. With Michelins floats down the road...keeping her . It has the truck transmission that can handle like 800 HP. I forgot I rebuilt the rack pinion

[@TheRaptor1967]

These cars are phenomenal. I had no idea about them until I found myself with one. It has issues, but its a first year first Gen, so its 1989 and its JDM imported to Australia (so no issue with it being right hand drive as we also drive on the right in Australia). Its actually a Celsior (same as Lexus LS400, just still badged as a Toyota). So, now mine is 32 years old. I purchased it 4 years ago. I have had to replace the Alternator, Serpentine belt, Break pads and rotors. I removed the leaking Power steering pump valve and bypassed it. Car runs like a dream, only thing with it is the AC has not worked since I got it. I'm about to fix that. Engine still runs perfectly smooth with ALL its initial power (its still completely stock and will do 245kmh still pulling, but I was running out of road. The All Alloy engine is just phenomenal. Only thing with the engine is they dont have cylinder sleaves. So your running the pistons and rings on the thinnest of coatings inside the cylinders. This is not a problem providing the oil changes are kept up. This is not a car you want to not change the oil on. But on the up side, providing you do keep up on the oil changes, there is NO ware in the cylinders, so the rings stay good. This is why they can get 1Million miles and more without an engine rebuild. And the bottom end on these early engines is bulletproof. F1 team was told to "Spare no expense" when designing and building this thing... And it shows. Good motoring with yours and enjoy reasonably trouble free riding for a long time to come. I have other cars, but I LOVE this one and I intend to keep it forever. Its done just under 600,000km (about 400,000miles) and the engine/gearbox are still strong like new (I kid you not).

[@ClaytonBridges]

Thats awesome! I hope to get plenty more life out of mine as well

[@shottta13]

I’m at 320k on my 98 and my dash is perfect these cars are amazing

[@bakedandsteaked]

Good video. I have a 2000 model coming up on 230k which I've put some work into. I had the power steering pump spring a leak which I neglected until it took out the alternator, replaced both of them. My speedometer has stopped functioning correctly (it's just gonna stay that way because I'm not sure how to diagnose/fix it). Cluster issues seem to be common especially on the ucf20-21 models. I have some rust on the rear fenders on both sides which sucks. I have an oil leak at the FMS, same as yours. I should have fixed it while I was in for the timing belt. My valve cover gaskets were also leaking but have since been replaced. The display on the factory head unit doesn't work properly. The drivers heated seat doesn't work or is rather weak. I think that's about it for the issues on mine aside from other forms of general wear that come with age. The car drives great, really smooth. Plenty of power in the VVT model with an extra gear to help move it around. Very quiet as well. I get 25-30mpg highway and 15-20 city. My average usually hangs at about 22-23 not sure how this compares to the non-vvt model.

[@miguelsandoval1416]

For the trac light replac the fuse that's underneath the driver steering wheel . Probably popped

[@ClaytonBridges]

I think I checked it, but I can double check it now, the light went off anyway light might have burned out or cluster has an issue

[@gahbah274]

I have a low mileage 94 with similar faults. Bought it as a "temporary" car when I needed a new one immediately. Minor cosmetic issues, but runs like a dream. I'm not a big luxobarge fan, but it's been 3 years and I just can't seem to find a good enough reason to replace her.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Thats awesome! Yeah the more I drive mine the more I like it. Especially the more I fix! Thats awesome youre loving it!

[@TropicTrdr]

I have a 1993 with 151K on it. It was sitting for long periods of time and developed the same oil leaks; mine from the cam seals. I just spent a bunch of money to have the leaks fixed, a new power steering rack, timing belt and water pump installed and new struts all around. The car market is crazy and I'm going to just drive it . I just ordered an interior kit because storage in the California desert killed the seats. After that, a paint job and figuring out what to do with the Nakamichi stereo system.

[@ClaytonBridges]

sounds like alot of crazy work! alot of justice being done, thats awesome man

[@mmohammadsana]

mines has leaks aswell under the engine but the body held up pretty good, and since I live in Canada, under my car has lots of surface rust

[@ClaytonBridges]

Rust is no fun. As long as its only surface rust!

[@gilgameshgamer3577]

I saw one in the UK with 60,000 miles; had some minor damage on the exterior and interior needed a good valet. No service history for the last 12 years. For some they may punt on it for around £2,000. However, for £1,000 more getting one with a good record or history is so important. I suppose the 60,000 mileage is what will draw people in. The way I always remember it is high mileage with history is better than low mileage with no history.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Its def a plus! I didnt really get much history on mine but.. oh well

[@KevRalph]

I have a second gen LS 400 My steering wheel is just the opposite.. it does not go up and down.. getting flowmaster 40s put in it next week . Can't wait but otherwise I've been keeping the whole thing stock.. good luck with the Lexus, it will last a long time.. mine has 253k and Runs perfect

[@ClaytonBridges]

Interesting! I've mainly seen the telescope fail. My up/down is kind of sketchy too. That's awesome! It'll probably sound mean, Id love to bag it, and put mufflers on it and call it a day.

[@geoffbell166]

I think it's not a hard fix apparently,there is forums on line to fix the tilt and fore and aft.!

[@Jeremyho439]

My 2001 Honda CR-V has the same mileage and still running strong.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Nice! Hondas make a pretty good engine too

[@terrytaylor4828]

Does this still run?? Is a 200k is300 worth buying for $2000?? Its my favorite car & im very interested

[@ClaytonBridges]

Well my car runs yes! I have new videos out on it too! My best friend actually has an IS300 that he bought, and its been pretty darn reliable.. its sitting around 180k-230k. it has had some issues. My LS400 actually dealt with the same issues. I think alot of Lexus cars have issues with their balljoints, hence mine having hella clunks. My friends IS300 actually pretty reliable and runs strong. The 2jz-ge is a great engine. I cant necessarily say if that car is worth 2k because I dont know its title status, history, or condition.. but that doesnt sound unreasonable. My friend is also a mechanic.. so anytime it has had trouble, it hasnt been a big deal to fix on his own. It depends on your skills. We usually buy old stuff like this because we get discounted parts and "free" labor

[@ClaytonBridges]

IS' are super sweet. All I can really say is dont be too fooled by lexus/toyota reliability. As you can see in this video, theres still alot that breaks and wears out. Its still a 200k mile car yknow.. when I was working at a Toyota dealer, all the toyots that lasted the test of time still were maintenanced regularly.

[@terrytaylor4828]

@@ClaytonBridges thank you thanks you thanks you, I appreciate it im more comfortable now that I get real persons opinion.. great video 🙌

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@terrytaylor4828 sure thing!

[@seanbonds4516]

Is buying a 98 Lexus ls400 with 272k for 2800 hundred a good deal

[@WFGFanatic]

Super clean 1st gen! I’m a car guy at heart and I’m surprised at how many people don’t have this car. It’s the best daily, it’s even really fast, and not bad on gas for a 4.0 V8 with a 10:1 compression ratio, I have the same two tone, I love her to death. Never get bored of driving around in it! Nice!

[@ClaytonBridges]

Yeah I agree! I love this car. Even at 240k its great. Its about the full package

[@azeez8399]

To prevent dashboard cracking use armor all twice a year and use a quality leather conditioner for the seats twice a year as well with a quality cloth. Many people forget those simple steps and end up with cracked leather seats and dashboards.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Good call! I use armorall alot

[@bobbyantrobus1805]

first shot in this video reminds me of the first episode of sopranos with chrissy's LS400 although he has a UCF20

[@ClaytonBridges]

Hahaa I even used a clip of that video in some of my newer vids 🤣

[@bobbyantrobus1805]

@@ClaytonBridges damn lol so it wasn't just my imagination

[@davidwell686]

I like the Lexus brand but these higher end ones start to nag you a bit. I think if you change all the fluids and especially service the tranny this car would be in better shape.

[@ClaytonBridges]

oh for sure! at this point ive changed all the fluid at least once

[@tayso5276]

Local is300 for 5 grand super nice build but has 242,000 miles should I do it? He claims major things such as timing has been tooken care of and it’s all in well shape

[@ClaytonBridges]

Alot of toyota engines can make it a long time. My friend has an IS300 thats at 230k ish miles probably and it runs pretty good. A 2jz-GE isnt too hard to find either even if the engine decides to ✌️

[@tayso5276]

Also I was thinking to help make money back invest in this Ls 400 that “runs & drives well” odometer doesn’t work so he isn’t sure of miles but recently had spark plugs ,spark plug wires ,rotor bottom and rotor caps done And is only asking 1200 I’m thinking maybe try 500-800 in person and sit on it maybe fix a couple things exterior wise until it sells for 2-3 grand

[@tayso5276]

@@ClaytonBridges also how is your friends holding up?

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@tayso5276 you might be able to flip it! Used cars are expensive right now. My friends car is holding up nicely. I think he still dailies it, but he did crash it a lil bit

[@tayso5276]

Let’s hope plus !! Glad you replied

[@James-vq8el]

This is crazy. I'm about to buy a ls400 in the exact same situation

[@ClaytonBridges]

good deal! Which situation exactly? needing a new car? or just finding one for decently cheap

[@atomicautomobile8537]

Couple things: Your lifter tick sounds identical to mine. Pretty common. The heated seats are weak. I wouldn't be shocked if yours were working. Passenger side wood trim around the window button is the same on mine! I just hope nobody notices. The TRAC light... there was a period a couple years ago after I put new rear brake pads on that the TRAC light was coming on. It came and went for a couple months, and then stayed off, and I forgot about it til now. I read somewhere that it sometimes had something to do with the brakes/master cylinder. Also I have the cupholder cover so I guess I'm lucky!

[@ClaytonBridges]

haha thats awesome! I figured alot of that stuff was pretty common. Thanks for the reply. I appreciate you checking it out. I think the TRAC light might have to do with the fact the brakes have no pads, I've also read that a brake fluid flush or bleed may help. Good to know im not alone!

[@MrHobbesandlocke]

Bravo to your review. I've wanted your car ever since i saw it.

[@KevRalph]

My 2000 LS400 had that same lifter tick sound... Very recently, I had the plugs changed because they were due and I had a fuel injection service done. My car no longer has the tick sound.. I thought it was the lifters at one point because I had a Trans Am years ago which needed the lifters replaced but the tune up got rid of the sound on the Lexus so this was a nice surprise..

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@KevRalph You're not the first person to suggest spark plugs! I could also see clogged injectors getting noisy. But someone said a bad connection could cause this problem. The previous owner (not a spectacular mechanic) did the spark plugs apparently. I may need to double check.

[@KevRalph]

@@ClaytonBridges the only issue I had was the check engine light came on afterwards, 440 code. Apparently the old hoses were so brittle that disturbing them, caused thrm to crack. Those hoses needed to be replaced and then everything was fine.. and no tapping noise..

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Timing belt. Must be replaced every 100k miles OR 7 years. Cost is well over $1300. What's wrong with all these people NEVER mentioning this?

[@ClaytonBridges]

Well I actually made a video of replacing the timing belt.. so it is something I did

[@Thenakedpeanutfarmer]

Hey bro! Yeah I have that exact same spot in my paint right behind my driver’s door too! LOL! It looks almost identical. That is so weird. Mine is a Gen/1 1992 Lexus LS 400 I inherited when my father died in September this year. It has 175,000 miles on engine and is in pristine condition except for that freakin’ spot behind the rear door on the driver’s side like yours. I love this car! 😁👍

[@ClaytonBridges]

I'm sorry for your loss Geoffrey. Sounds like a great car! Come to find out alot of those spots on the cladding are very common. I'm not entirely sure why, but surely there is a reason

[@Thenakedpeanutfarmer]

@@ClaytonBridges yes I’d think so. They made these cars so damned well I never wanted a big luxury car. I like little imports that handle well and are stick shifts. But the LS 400 has completely changed my mind. I love the car, it’s ride, the quiet comfort inside. I wouldn’t sell this thing for all the Sake in Japan bro! LOL! Thank you for your condolences and it was a pleasure chatting with you I will follow you. 😁👍😎

[@TropicTrdr]

I have that spot on my 1993 and wonder where it came from.

[@Thenakedpeanutfarmer]

@@TropicTrdr don’t know but I have that exact same spot. Bugs the crap out of me cuz other than that my 30yo paint job still looks showroom. I know that lower down piece is a plastic panel as apposed to the metal panel above it. I wonder if they had a poor run when they manufactured some of those panels. I’ve been looking for a new piece to replace it with that doesn’t have that spot on it! But parts in good condition are getting harder and harder to find it seems! Wish Lexus still supported brand new replacement parts for these awesome Gen 1’s! It’s so cool you have a 93 Gen 1! These original LS400’s are one of a kind vehicles I’m sad they stopped making the LS400’s! As the newer Lexus’s are NOT anywhere near as awesome as these classic Gen 1’s! 😎😁👍

[@TropicTrdr]

@@Thenakedpeanutfarmer My paint is not showroom. It spent a couple of years in the desert while I was trucking and burned off the top and hood. I'm going to get a reasonably priced paint job and drive it a few more years. Yeah, I'll have more in it than it's worth but I don't have the patience for this stupid market and besides, I get total strangers telling me to never sell it. I have 151K on it now and I just ordered an interior kit as well.

[@Jack..F]

from my experence the pwr button isnt for the transmission it stiffens the suspension

[@ClaytonBridges]

Theres another switch that gets built into models that have air suspension, and youre right there is a sport mode that lowers and stiffens the suspension, but the ECT Power button stands for "eleftronically controlled transmission" and the power mode raises shift points that the trans shifts at. The switch youre talking about is usually right next to this switch

[@devonknox1491]

What site can I get those wheels from, I have a 98 with 160k on it brought it with 145k last year

[@ClaytonBridges]

Im not entirely sure, I would check Facebook marketplace, craigslist, that kind of thing to buy them second hand. they just came with the car for me. Id say a Facebook group could help too

[@lucacasciero4LiveHC]

Hey buddy adjust valves! Clik clik clik I had a sc400 adjust valves self and now runs very better 🇨🇭🤚🏻🤘🏻 greetz from switzerland

[@ClaytonBridges]

Hey thanks! good call. I realize it needs a valve adjust. I just did the timing belt, so in all honestly I dont think I'm gonna do it until 310k 😂😂😂

[@ClaytonBridges]

Schöne Grüße! ??

[@TundraTalk76]

Just picked up a 95 LS400 and the window motors or switch are acting up. Any experience with that?

[@ClaytonBridges]

well I did have to replace my window master switch, it didnt roll the passenger side down. If youre careful enough and inclined you can take the switch apart and maybe clean the contacts

[@TundraTalk76]

Thanks for the info - where did you get the window master switch from?

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@TundraTalk76 I think I bought it off a guy on Facebook. You can try a junkyard as well or ebay maybe

[@TundraTalk76]

Thanks👍

[@mmohammadsana]

very informative videos, thanks a lot for sharing

[@D4tnuyrkkiid90]

My 93 LS400 had a car phone inside the center console

[@ClaytonBridges]

Thats so sick. Ive seen alot of people on facebook that have had those! Its awesome

[@D4tnuyrkkiid90]

Clayton Bridges yeah I wish I still had my 93 but I had four other LS400’s and currently own a 2005 LS430

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@D4tnuyrkkiid90 oh well you have your hands full anyway!

[@D4tnuyrkkiid90]

Clayton Bridges I do want another LS400 either another 93/94 or another 98/00 for daily and use my 430 for the weekends

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@D4tnuyrkkiid90 nice. That would be cool. I want too many cars

[@onyx2371]

Thank god you took those god awful chrome fender liners off.. I’m into all your vids about this car I have 2 now and we do the similar things I go to LKQ pick your part to look for parts for my LS. I have a 95 and a 98.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Nice! These cars are awesome. Yeah I cant wait to do more LS400 content but its like blizzarding here in Colorado and Im not driving it much or working on ir

[@onyx2371]

Smart man.

[@marvinkidd6963]

Your airbag light is out too bro

[@ClaytonBridges]

How do you know🤔

[@marvinkidd6963]

Because it doesn’t light up, when you first turn the key over all the dash lights should power on low oil, coolant, abs, cel ect. It’s common for the bulbs to go out but they are pretty easy to fix from what I’ve read. My seatbelt reminder, washer fluid, and air bag lights are dead. All will be fixed with a rebuilt cluster

[@ClaytonBridges]

@@marvinkidd6963 Thanks for that, I never replied but I did read this. I wonder if thats why my airbags havent blown from my control arms hitting the frame lmfao I'll look into rebuilding the cluster...

[@roberte.andrews4621]

Voted Most Dependable Luxury Car by majority of mechanic and engineers, not just by present owners. If you're obsessing over a tight cupholder, you're grasping at straws. For every nitpicking "blemish" there are ten unique and perfectly-working important features. Why not present these, inside of wasting a whole program on wear tear every car in the world suffers from. You cannot find this level of reliability, safety and performance for $1,300. A Vespa motor scooter cost more than that, Dude! I am not amused.

[@ClaytonBridges]

Well I think you may have overlooked my appreciation for the car. But thats okay. Sorry youre not amused

[@roberte.andrews4621]

@@ClaytonBridges I apologize. We are often more critical of the things we love. I will try to chill-out.

[@DeepMakwana]

Hey what is average per litre

[@robertgardner4508]

Noisy injectors. Not anything to be too concerned with. They just need to be cleaned or replaced in the future.

[@ClaytonBridges]

yeah im not worried about them! I did manage to do a starter recently and I at least replaced the gaskets and stuff on them, not really gonna change their noise. Pretty normal. the valvetrain however does make noise for sure, could probably use a 'valve adjust" which is really shimming the buckets on the lash adjusters. Its a really big and technical job, which I probably wont be doing lol

[@kalebmeyer2512]

Mine is a 94’ with 160k miles, if you guys don’t believe me and your interested in seeing lmk and I’ll make a video on it

[@sm0key152]

just make the videos anyway man

[@sm0key152]

i bought a 99 with 244k for 3k, guy regrets selling it and recently saw he listed his other LS for sale that has “ engine problems “! Meanwhile mines mint except for one tranny code.

[@sm0key152]

Only downside maybe is it being a salvage title bc of a minor fender bender on the hood, but idrc im treating it like a daily/missle car.

[@kalebmeyer2512]

@@sm0key152 that’s what I like to hear, my car account on Instagram is @1uz_Fe_Hehe if you wanna see mine

[@viralclips5566]

Obviously u sont notice heaters in summer when seats r already hot from hot temps

[@ClaytonBridges]

I mean, the only reason I notice the seat heater is on is because it becomes unbearably hot when I'm sitting in customers cars. In my opinion it should make them hot enough to be uncomfortable.

[@viralclips5566]

Card key unlocks trunk

[@cigwetz7205]

wow just bought one tht looks just like yours lmao

[@ClaytonBridges]

Awesome! Theyre great

[@FullBoostJ4]

Damn shame about that bodywork.

[@ClaytonBridges]

It really is. If It didn't have hail damage and some of the other stuff I'd probably be dumping all my cash into it. But hail happens every year in Colorado these days, so I wouldnt be able to avoid it as I have no garage.

[@forc3ofxf3ar51]

Clayton Bridges what I did was buy a portable paint booth, it’s basically what it sounds like lol, it’s like a car bouncy house, most use it for painting but I just use it for hail and rain. 125$ on Amazon

[@kalebmeyer2512]

Bro mine is in way better shape and it’s a 1994

[@ClaytonBridges]

haha awesome! good for you man