1997 Lexus LS 400 - Consumer Discussions

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Written by: kdvaillancourt on Apr 5, 2006 2:29:41 PM
I need Help/Wisdom...I have opportunity to purchase a used LS400. Option 1: 1997 LS400 with 97k miles excellent condition, original owner, all records available and serviced at Lexus Dealer Option 2: 1999 LS 400 with 80k miles, original owner, all records available and services at Lexus dealer...I like both colors and options. To me, it makes more sense to buy the "newer" vehicle, but I have a feeling that some years ... Read More

Re: Annoying Problems on 2004 LS 430 [1933]
Written by: jerry5505 on Oct 2, 2004 9:36:32 PM
Hi! Just wondering how you like your LS430 by now? I have had mine since last Nov and like it very much. I had a 1997 LS 400 before. The only problem I have is I don't think it rides as smooth as my 97. They tell me its because of the 16" tires. One thing I like is the service it has given me. In the past I have also ... Read More

Reliability and Comfort for Long Commute
Written by: 1stavy on Feb 11, 2004 12:09:11 PM
I'm currently taxing my research skills to come to a decision on what car to buy. I have a 45,000 yearly commute in a Northeastern state. My current car is a '95 Avalon XL with 252,000 highway miles on it that still rides like a champ and has never stranded me or needed more than fluid changes, preventative timing belt change, battery, brakes. I have access to auctions, thus lower prices ... Read More

Fuel economy problems
Written by: ppb1 on Dec 31, 2003 1:19:14 PM
I have a 1997 Lexus LS 400 which sustained a front right fender bender in November 2002. My son did the same fender bender in August of '03. Prior to the first fender bender I was getting 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. After the first repair shop fixed it, no change in the mileage. After the second shop fixed it I am now getting 20% fewer ... Read More

rugeti
Written by: lenscap on Sep 10, 2003 7:06:21 AM
The current LS is not fairly new. It was unveiled in January 2000 at the Detroit Auto Show and went on sale in the fall of 2000 as a 2001. It is now entering its fourth year. Lexus does not have long model cycles. Typically their cars run for five years, with a cosmetic freshening in the fourth year. So, what Lexus is doing follows their history. Compare this to Mercedes ... Read More

Dealer bahser
Written by: dealerflorida on Jun 22, 2002 5:26:05 AM
Your dealer experience will vary one from the other, it depends on ownership and management. Yes, certain brands (i.e. Lexus) have higher standards and more training, however we all (I mean all) have had horror stories. Tight is right, Lexus are pretty much rattle and creak free. In buying a used Lexus do not purchase one from northern areas (Rust, inferior roads) where the cars take a great beating with inclement ... Read More

RE: 92 lexus LS 400
Written by: nixon3 on Jan 25, 2002 10:29:33 AM
trisha2, I have a 92 LS400 that I bought used with 76K miles in 1997; it now has 156K on it. I have experienced the same problem you describe - squeaking in the strut area. The dealer replaced both upper suspension arm assemblies, and the lower ball joint assemblies. This had also been done by a different dealer a year earlier. The cost for this was $1,554.00 - including a four ... Read More
Another Award
Written by: lenscap on Nov 19, 2001 11:02:09 AM
Lexus has topped the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study for the 7th year in a row. Lexus had fewer than half the problems of an average car. The study measures the durability of four and five year old cars and trucks. An average 1997 car had 3.82 problems vs. 1997 Lexus models' 1.73. The LS 400 and LX 450 were #1 in their respective categories, while the SC 300/400 and ES ... Read More

97 LS 400 rocks into drive or reverse
Written by: jav1120 on Jul 11, 2001 7:29:56 PM
My 97 LS400, 30k miles, rocks when I shift into drive and reverse. The whole car moves. I spoke to the service manager at Ray Catena Lexus in NJ and he said every 1997 LS400 does this and offered to let me try other used ones. The car drives great in every other way. This sounds like bull to me. I never had another car do this except my 93 Honda ... Read More