Used 1995 Lexus LS 400 Consumer Reviews
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Sensational Value for a Used Car
I've long admired the LS400's from Lexus..... "someday, I'm going to get me one of those...", I always said. They have such a good reputation. Also, a family we know and respect apparently has a whole fleet of LS400's because of their excellent reliability. 6 months ago, my brother bought a 1997 LS400 with 240,000 miles in sensational condition for $2000 (this is in the Pacific Northwest)..... I was blown away by the condition and the magnificent ride of this almost 20 year old car. About a month later, my brother emailed me a link to a 1995 LS400 with 135,000 miles, and the obligatory NAKAMICHI sound system! I bought it for $3700 and am very impressed by the value I got for my money. The paint and interior are superb - I feel like a king when I pull up in my Lexus. I replaced the tires and changed all fluids immediately (just regular maintenance). I replaced one sensor on the air suspension (it was leaning on one corner), and that's it! It runs like a dream. There was a complete service history with the car, including timing belt replacement at 80,000 miles. Coming from a series of performance cars (Mustang GT, etc), the performance could be described as "understated" or "elegant", but not passion inspiring. But that's OK.... that's not what I was expecting. The buttery smooth and whisper quiet ride hearken back to a different era..... of gentlemanly motoring. This experience is not about epic handling or punchy acceleration (although the car does alright). This car is a pleasure to own. I particularly like the Nakamichi sound system. Even on a 21 year old stereo, you can hear musical detail you've never heard before. I'll be making my own "AUX" input jack on the dash shortly (lots of tutorials for this on YOUTUBE) so I can plug my iPhone in, but you can achieve much of the same thing with a cassette adapter. I really like the sound when it starts. That buried starter is quite quiet, and sounds very "mechanically precise", if I can call it that. I like the fact that it sits so comfortably.... these are not overstuffed sofa cushions, but firm leather supports you sit on. I expect I'll become bored of the car before it "wears out"..... but I should be able to pass this gem onto another fortunate buyer at some point (perhaps one of my own kids will want it?)...... I highly recommend the LS400 as excellent value in the used car market. UPDATE: 11/13/17: I sold the car this past summer. It was in superb condition, and I know the new owner was thrilled with it. I had to replace the entire AC system, which was about $1200 (and which completely killed my feelings for the car)...... I hate paying someone else to work on my car, but this was one situation where I didn't have the equipment / know how to deal with something (AC system charging). I sold it to an old neighbor, and I suspect I'll see it around regularly! Still a great car. Ironically, right after I sold it, a young couple in our church bought a similar car and now look like 'up and comers' even though I know they didn't spend too much on it! Great cars, and highly recommended.
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1995 LS 400 (UCF20 chassis)
This is one of the best engineered and built cars on the road. I have 250,000 trouble free miles on my LS 400 with original engine/tranny. The engine and tranny combo are a true "match made in heaven" - both are stunningly quiet and smooth almost to the point of being nonexistent. Accelerating conservatively in the city returns 20mpg and expect north of 26mpg on the freeway. Testing the 4.0 frequently returns 16+ mpg. The reason I scored the LS so low in the comfort level is because of the seat design and lack of head and legroom, but I am 6'4. Overall, I give my LS 400 an A- rating. I definitely plan on buying another. Excellent work Lexus!!!
- Base SedanMSRP: $19,900593 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: N/A773 mi away
Lexus LS400
It all started in 83 when Toyota chief decided to compete with the best luxury cars like Mercedes and BMW, first LS400 came to market in 1990. The rest is history. I have owned several LSes in the past few years. Currently I have two LS 400s, one has 102k miles another one 229k miles(!) There is almost no difference between those to cars. Both run perfect without any problems. My mechanic (Lexus technician) told me, that those cars are: "bullet proof". We have 4 LS400 in my family all of them high mileage. two have over 200k miles and those are much more reliable than most new cars we had. Don't be afraid of high mileage LSes any year. Those cars were over engineered.
You only live once!!!
My brother in law had a new one and I drove it a couple of times and thought if I ever have the opportunity to own a luxury car, this will be it. Finally 10yrs later, we needed a car and had the cash. Mine has the factory sticker in the glove for $54k. I paid $10k from a private owner. After a 100 mile drive your body feels like you drove 5 miles. Driving 90mph in driving rain and feeling totally in control is what this car is all about. Mine has built in k40 radar detector and I feel like a new man every time I'm behind the wheel. My wife and I call her Christine (Possessed car movie). If you research the engine like I did, you're sold. Hands down, the finest luxury car engine (1UZFE) ever made.
Best Reliable Luxury Car
I bought a used Lexus LS 400 with 94000 miles from an auction 3 years ago thru a dealer friend for 11K. The car is now at 152000 miles and only work I have done on it is routine... brakes, timing belt/water pump, spark plugs, wires. This is the best ride you can ask for the money as it still rides and feels as if it is a brand new car. Every person who has driven my car has accepted the fact that this is a very smooth ride.
Peace of Mind
In the 13 years I have had this car, I have spent only 2000 on repairs and that too in its 13th year. The car needs minimal maintenance and after 13 years of hard driving in heat and snow, it still feels like a new car.
300,000 Miles!
I bought this car with 336,000 miles only because every mechanic I took it to said I couldn't go wrong buying this car. The deal I got was amazing and this car feels brand new even with all these miles. Only regular maintenance done on the car, engine and tranny are original but run like new. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.
Best all around car ever
I bought a 98 ls400 in 2003. It had 65,000 miles on it. I kept it for 10 years and put another 200,000 miles. I sold my 15 year old car for $3200 with 265,000 miles. I told my mechanic and I couldn't believe his response. He said why did you sell it? It would easily go another 150,000 miles. If not, more. Two months later i found a 95 ls400 with 125,000 miles. I will keep this car forever. So smooth, plenty of power and good mileage. No doubt... Best car ever !!
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Awesome Car/Awesome value
I bought this Lexus LS400 from a small lot. Wasn't in the best shape, but good enough. With a some TLC, i got her running like a top. A few small problems, one the a/c doesn't blow very hard, the trunk is smaller than what one would expect, the 6 disc changer. Other than that, there are no real problems to speak of. The 4.0L DOHC engine is a dream! Even at 240,000+ mi. Once you get on the highway, sustained triple digit speed is not a problem. Passing, also not a problem. Independent rear makes mountain passes a dream. All it takes is regular maintenance. I recommend Synthetic oil, for oil changes. Great car would def recommend. Would get another, but why? This ones gonna last forever!
13 year old LS
Ijust got this car and I think it's best buy for the money. It drives like a new LS 460, it's amazing. What quality and comfort!
The definition of reliability
I picked up my Lexus LS 400 for 500 dollars, It has 400+ thousand miles but still runs strong. My original plan for the car was to use the drivetrain to swap into my custom 1976 Toyota p.u. I might be switching gears as it seems people really love this car as a complete package. Obviously the reliability of this car speaks foritself. I have read several forums with everybody saying the Toyota 1uzfe motor is more reliable than the classic 20r and 22r /22re, also mentioning you really cant kill this motor. If your looking for a good car that wont leave you stranded and you can count on for years to come, then pick up a Lexus. I dont think you have to worry that they will soon be all gone, the only ones that are no longer in use are the ones that have been totaled in accidents. The cars that have been maintained are still on the road, and will be long after many of the new cars sold now are sitting in wrecking yards being picked of their parts.
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Just plain fun to drive!
I really like the looks of this model, but as soon as I drove it I was sold! It hugs the road and rides better than a Mercedes. I read that Lexus has a patent on the seat design. Very comfortable and the leather looks almost brand new. Immaculate workmanship. Everytime I drive it I feel spoiled. My husband is impressed.
1995 Lexus LS400
Even though it's 20 years old, it's the best car I have ever owned. Looks and rides like it's new. Ours is decked out with all the options and everything works great. The premium stereo sounds awesome. Rides like a cloud. Very solid, no rattles or bangs. With only 140,000 miles I'm looking forward to driving this thing for years, maybe even decades. The only thing I can complain about is the gas millage could b better, but with all the great things about the car more then make up for it.
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Great Luxury Car
I bought a well cared 95 LS400 with 100K km on it from a family member for my wife. Fantastic car, outstanding build quality (try the same age Benz or BMW, I did), rather boring drive, maybe because it was driven very leisurely before and it may have an adaptive transmission that remembers driving habits. No other car in that age will last. Very expensive dealer service.
Excellent Choice
All cars should be built as well as a Lexus. Obviously auto makers can build a top qaulity car but apparently choose not to unless your willing to pay for top dollar. Solution! A used Lexus! This has been an excellent car and mine still runs smooth, quiet, and fast even for having over a 100,000 miles on it. 7 years old and it still turns heads and looks great. This car is an excellent choice even as a used model.
95 Lexus LS 400
Comfortable, luxurious, quiet, absolutely reliable with excellent brakes and so much power that it just isn't an issue -- one never feels the car straining. Just a remarkable car.
100% Luxury
Through a dealer friend, I bought this car at a dealer auction and paid $13,000. The exterior and interior are in mint condition, the car was obviously garage kept and never smoked in. I have also owned a 1995 ES300 for almost 4 years now. The LS400 is, without question, the finest car I have ever owned or driven. I owned 7 Volvo's over the past 20 years, and I have owned a Cadillac DeVille. There is simply no comparison. The car is so quiet, the only thing you can hear is the tires on the road. The Nakamichi stereo system is a plus. Anyone who has never driven a Lexus simply doesn't know what they are missing. One test drive, and you are hooked.
great car
bought car from aunt 3 months ago(stole for 1000$)loaded with i think all options,have had several Volvos in the past .their is no way to compair,with a 188 thousands miles,runs and drives like a dream,have nothing bad to say,,,,Brad
The definition of how a car should be
WOW is all I can say. I thought the looks were dull at first but in honesty they're great. The car looks elegant and strong when on the road. The interior is uncomparable. Seats are excellent, stereo (standard Lexus stereo) is incredible, guages are neat, etc. Mechanically the car is awesome, with 100K all that has been changed was the antenna and front shocks. Car is smooth and powerful (I was surpsied with its speed), and it loves to cruise on the fwy with ease. Gas mileage is incredible because this V8 needs no effort to keep the car rolling. It gets better mileage then some 4 bangers because you never need to give it much pedal action.
LS 400
I bought car as used and made over 64000, with current milege 135,000. I cross the country once and do not afraid to do it again with this milege. So far major repairs were: brakes discs, starter and steering pomp. Other is just regular maintenance. Heated seats never works. Car is excellent for long trips, very comfortable and relaxing. I start look around for replacement and the next car will be Lexus again. Quality of ride and interior design is unmatched. I think Lexus is on good path to pursuit perfection.
Great car to own
You can't go wrong with this car. It is built solid and made to run. I'm in sales and depend on a vehicle to be dependable and look great too. This one has exceeded my expectations in every way. Also, people assume you spent a lot more for it than most other vehicles. For that reason, it gives a small level of prestige to the owner...if that is important to you. To me, the value of owning it has been its flawless dependability. Even if it is a little more expensive to maintain, it is worth every bit. Toyota/Lexus builds super vehicles!
A used car bargain!
Have owned this car for a month after having bought used off eBay for under $9000. 9 years old with 95K miles and it's still tight, rattle-free, and wonderful to drive. The leather is in better shape than that of most 3-year old cars. It makes you wonder why anyone would ever buy a newer, more pedestrian sedan from Hyundai, Ford, or even Honda. More comfortable seats than Benz or BMW. Aside from a defective antenna (a $25 repair you can do yourself in 5 minutes) everything is perfect. The independent mechanic who inspected it just whistled and said, this will run forever. Even if I have to spend $1K-$2k in repairs later, it will be a bargain. I already want a 2000 LS 400!
Excellent Car, Small Aggravants
The car is beautiful to drive, exceptional to ride, powerful and smooth as silk. It does everything well. My car has a few small, annoying and very expensive to fix problems: drivers side heated seat never worked, lcd on radio is moody - it will work flawlessly sometimes and work very poorly sometimes, the front suspension "creaks" when changing directions. Outside of these aggravants, this car is virtually perfect. It is faster than 90% of the vehicles out there, looks like a grandpa's car and even at 8 years old, appears brand new. At emissions a few months ago, the guy thought it was a brand new car.
My Black Beauty
My husband and I bought our '95 Lexus LS 400 in November of 2010 from a family friend. We paid $2,800 for her, and haven't looked back. She had 212,000 miles under her belt at the time of purchase. Now she has over 300,000. She starts right up, runs quietly, smooth ride. She is a very handsome car even for her age. Once you put her in drive she is ready to go. Its hard not to speed sometimes. She is a total joy to own. Some parts are expensive to replace. But if you know where to look, her parts are as affordable as a normal car's. I just can't brag enough about my Black Beauty. She is a dream.
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Best used car value
This has been an amazing car. It has not given me the first problem, I have been a Lexus driver ever since. My daughter is still driving it today!
1995 LS 400
We purchased this vehicle from our car lot in Eugene Oregon in 1997. Since then all we have replaced on it was tires, spark plugs, battery, antenna, and the wipers. All are normal things that wear out on cars. I love this car, I just got my permit about 2 months ago, and almost all of my driving time since then has been in the vehicle, the other time was spent in our brand new 2003 F-250. This car handles great, it accelerates excellently, and is very roomy. It the most dependable car we have ever owned and we have owned A LOT of cars. I hope that in March when I turn 16 I will get this car or a Toyota Tacoma.
Best Car I've Ever Owned!
I bought my 95' LS400 4 months ago with 96K miles and this car runs much better than any car I have ever owned. The only problems I have had with it was a defective radio antenna ($135). Also, the top glove box that houses the CD changer is coming apart ($150). Also, a brake light bulb went out yesterday. All in all, these are minor repairs for a car that is nearly 8 years old w/ 100K miles on it. Nothing else has needed to be replaced. Gas mileage is around 18 mpg. Acceleration is smooth for 4.0L engine but not as fast as some cars I have owned. The very smooth ride makes up for it. I would recommend this model/year Lexus to anyone!
The Best of the Best!
Incredible car. I've put some custom performance parts on mine, and it is even better and faster! Not only Grandpa drives these, things are changing. Add 20" Chrome rims, performance tires, custom intake system, custom exhaust, 10" subs, limo tint all around and you've got a sweet looking ride!
Bad luck with this VIN# and Bulletins
I bought this 1995 LS 400 because of its high reliability ratings. The first owner (I was 2nd) had it serviced regularly at a Lexus dealer. The problem is my particular VIN# was in a range of cars manufactured using defective engineering designs. One problem was a vibration at about 35 mph. I had it fixed according to the bulletin for about $2500. They had to replace the axles (evidently manufactured out-of-round) and add a supporting brace! The other problem is a shift-shock which entails replacing the computer for $3500! I asked Lexus to help defray the cost for these but they said the car was too far out of warranty (even though these are most likely manufacturing defects).
LEXI
Excellent in every way
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Baby Blue
This is the best car I have ever owned.
If Ya Know Ya Know
Purchased mine a short time ago from a tow lot. it had about 231K and believe it or not the AC still worked. Mine needed some mechanical repairs but in spite of all that it still made the 45 mile trip back to my small town straight from the tow yard after the purchase. Fast forward to today when I have completed the timing belt maintenance, replaced the water pump, front seals (cam and crank) valve cover gaskets, plugs and plug wires, brakes, drive belts. I still have suspension component work to do and the upholstery will definitely need to be repaired. Drive-line maintenance will need to be done as well but with all that said as much as I wanted a 370Z convertible I didn't want any more car payments. It still rides smooth and gives a great exhaust note (OEM Exhaust) when you step on the V8 (the 1UZ-FE is LEGENDARY!!!) Believe it or not in spite of needing a paint job and having aftermarket wheels (I also lowered mine a couple of inches after tucking the fender ECU harnesses), I still receive offers... "whenever your ready to sell it" is what they say. Simple yet elegant and refined even as a 30 year old vehicle... This thing still turns heads and demands questions from the youth. This platform will go down in history as one of the best made. They do have issues (ECU, Sunroof weep holes clogging, power steering Air Control Valve and what not) but in my opinion a small price to pay for a very reliable vehicle if your the average to advanced mechanic. Plenty of help on different internet forums (club lexus and the like) for repair advice. I'm at 235800 (I drive it back and forth to work about 60 or more mile a day) its still refreshing and pleasant to drive. I have no doubt that I will get more miles out of this car. Best purchase I have ever made!!!!
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