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High-res photos here: www.flickr.com/photos/81033992@N02/albums/72177720302566379
1998 Lexus LS400
~178k miles
MOT until October 2023
4.0 1UZ-FE V8 with VVTi and 5-speed Auto gearbox (this engine and transmission were introduced for the '98 model year).
18" LS430 Alloy wheels (matched set of 5), plus original lightweight 16" set.
Goodyear Vector all-season tyres with good tread fitted at the start of 2021 (originals have Uniroyal Rainexperts with just above min. legal tread depth).
Everything standard (touchscreen Sat Nav, electric heated seats, climate control, VDC, Xenon headlamps, etc. etc. etc.)
Colour is Baroque red metallic (known in the US as Renaissance red). Two-tone, of course. GOLD BADGES
Interior is beige leather seats and beige/mushroom plastics. Everything is padded (even the pillar trims).
The JDM-y0 flowery gearknob is an acquired taste, and I have the original Lexus item if you are offended in any way by it.
Private plate will go with the car. This is possibly worth £1250 to the right person, but it was on the car when I got it and I think it suits it.
I've owned this car for just under 4 years and covered about 35,000 miles in it, going all over the country. Fuel tank capacity of 85 litres gives it a cruising range of over 500 miles, so it's been perfect for taking the kids to Scotland without paying extortionate motorway services prices. It's so comfortable that they don't want to do more than one stop, and the cigar lighters in both rear doors power all the electronics a teenager can carry. Fuel consumption varies a bit, but the fuel cost crisis enabled me to achieve 28mpg pottering around locally, and it will easily do 32mpg+ on a motorway cruise.
Body condition is great, until you get a little closer and see the imperfections like parking dings, minor scratches and chips in the lacquer. There is a strange gouge in the paint just behind the passenger rear door and the only indication of corrosion on the upper body is a small imperfection just in front of one rear wheelarch. There's a scuff on the front nearside corner and many paint chips (which have been touched in with the appropriate paint pen). Overall, presentable if slightly scruffy. There are some minor areas of corrosion underneath, but it's never been welded or attracted negative attention from the MOT guy. The only note in the past was for a crusty rear suspension subframe, but the metal on this is so thick that it's not going to affect it's strength. They all do that, sir, apparently.
The LS430 wheels were refinished just before I got them, but I don't think the paint prep was great, because some of the topcoat has flaked off. The primer underneath is grey, so it's not too obvious. The original 16" wheels could do with a refurb if you're particular about that sort of thing (and don't want to keep the 18s on the car).
This is the worst 18" wheel:
Interior is also a little scruffy in places, with some creases and small cracks in the seats and front armrest. I know a guy who can perform invisible repairs to the leather if you'd like to tidy it up further. Generally very good otherwise.
I have a massive stack of paperwork which represents everything I've bought or repaired on the car, plus some of the previous history going back about 10 years. It appears to have been taken proper care of. I bought it from a friend from work who is particularly fastidious about his cars. I've done basic servicing myself, but trusted a local mechanic to replace important suspension components, and the timing belt and transmission service was completed by Ace Engineering, a not-so-local Mercedes specialist in Sussex.
Some of the maintenance I have conducted and/or paid for (in descending order of importance):
Timing belt, tensioners and water pump changed at 155k miles in June 2021.
Transmission filter cleaned and fluid changed at the same time.
Custom cat-back stainless steel exhaust fabricated in January 2020 by MIL in Walsall. This has dual tailpipes and is quiet at cruise and louder when you floor it.
New battery in 2022 (Varta).
Both front upper arms have been replaced in the last 4 years. Driver's side was replaced at last MOT (annoyingly I had bought the part and supplied it to my mechanic, but he didn't have time to fit it before presenting it for the MOT, so it failed on that and was replaced the same day).
1 front spring was replaced when I got the car, although you couldn't tell when driving.
Lower ball joint on Driver's side in 2021.
2 x Steering track rods and track rod ends in 2022 (laser wheel alignment completed immediately after)
Front anti-roll bar bushes and drop-links in 2022.
Rear Brake pipes in 2020.
All the sundry minor stuff like bulbs and wipers (upgraded to flat blades) and exhaust rubbers, etc.
I'm sure I've forgotten some things. I'll come back to this when I remember more.
I've just completed a service at ~175k miles, including oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin/pollen filter and OEM front brake pads (which don't squeal, unlike the previous aftermarket items).
I tried to replace all 8 sparkplugs, but couldn't get 4 of them out, so left them for fear of damaging the alloy heads on my only car. The ones I removed were in good condition (don't know when they were installed), and the same OEM spec, so I think they'll be fine. The old plugs and spare new ones are available for inspection and will go with the car.
The car is great to drive. Very smooth, and with a comfortable ride despite the larger wheels. It also has plenty of shove when you need/want it. 284bhp and 300lbft will move it along very nicely. The front seats have their own independent suspension which is weird until you get used to it, and then very comfortable afterwards. There is plenty of grip, and it's very stable unless you completely lose your mind. Traction control and VDC will intervene when it decides that circumstances are beyond your control, but with the all season tyres on this is a rare occurrence unless you're particularly clumsy. It also makes a nice noise when you gun it. The original exhaust had 5 silencers (!), and the custom one has 3, so it's a little louder and more throaty when you open it up. Silent when cruising, in keeping with the rest of the car.
So, faults, flaws?
There is a rattle from the front driver's side over some rough surfaces. I haven't been able to track down what it is, but myself, the local mechanic and the MOT inspector haven't found any reason to suspect that the suspension is negatively affected.
The Front suspension has been mostly replaced, but the rear subframe could probably do with some replacement bushes here and there. It's only noticeable over sharp bumps and at max take-off acceleration, so most of the time goes unnoticed.
The seat memory buttons on the driver's door don't seem to work. They never get operated, so it might just be a case of needing some contact cleaner in there.
The passenger door mirror dips when you select reverse, but needs a little adjustment every 10 cycles or so, as it doesn't quite come back up to the same point every time.
The rear screen demist and driver's door mirror heating work, but are slower to clear than the passenger mirror.
A fresh MOT was issued this week. I asked my local mechanic Victor to give it a spanner check and take it round, and the result was fairly predictable. The inspector noted a slight oil leak, which I noticed too. There are a couple of potential sources. The engine is one, but the leak is so minor than it doesn't need topped up between services (I think the engine burns a miniscule amount too). The other leak is possibly from one of the hoses out of the power steering reservoir, but again it's very hard to tell, as the level doesn't really go down noticeably. I haven't been worried enough to take care of these, but the next owner might. I did get a set of rocker cover gaskets, but never felt sufficiently motivated to swap them over. I'll also supply leftover oil, ATF and whatever else I find lying around.
And my reason for sale? I have a Volvo 740 GLE Auto which has just completed a mechanical restoration with my Mercedes specialist friend, and sadly I can't have 2 large automatic saloon cars on the fleet. This means that I have to sell the one with air conditioning, cruise control 6-disc CD change, touchscreen-operated cassette deck, heated front and rear seats, etc. etc... I will no doubt have regrets, but that's life.
So, that's all I can think of for now. Opinions/suggestions welcome.
Anyone who doesn't have sufficient insurance to test drive it themselves will be provided with a full demonstration of it's capabilities. Not the 155mph top speed, though. That would be silly...
Location is Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Thanks,
Neil
1998 Lexus LS400
~178k miles
MOT until October 2023
4.0 1UZ-FE V8 with VVTi and 5-speed Auto gearbox (this engine and transmission were introduced for the '98 model year).
18" LS430 Alloy wheels (matched set of 5), plus original lightweight 16" set.
Goodyear Vector all-season tyres with good tread fitted at the start of 2021 (originals have Uniroyal Rainexperts with just above min. legal tread depth).
Everything standard (touchscreen Sat Nav, electric heated seats, climate control, VDC, Xenon headlamps, etc. etc. etc.)
Colour is Baroque red metallic (known in the US as Renaissance red). Two-tone, of course. GOLD BADGES
Interior is beige leather seats and beige/mushroom plastics. Everything is padded (even the pillar trims).
The JDM-y0 flowery gearknob is an acquired taste, and I have the original Lexus item if you are offended in any way by it.
Private plate will go with the car. This is possibly worth £1250 to the right person, but it was on the car when I got it and I think it suits it.
I've owned this car for just under 4 years and covered about 35,000 miles in it, going all over the country. Fuel tank capacity of 85 litres gives it a cruising range of over 500 miles, so it's been perfect for taking the kids to Scotland without paying extortionate motorway services prices. It's so comfortable that they don't want to do more than one stop, and the cigar lighters in both rear doors power all the electronics a teenager can carry. Fuel consumption varies a bit, but the fuel cost crisis enabled me to achieve 28mpg pottering around locally, and it will easily do 32mpg+ on a motorway cruise.
Body condition is great, until you get a little closer and see the imperfections like parking dings, minor scratches and chips in the lacquer. There is a strange gouge in the paint just behind the passenger rear door and the only indication of corrosion on the upper body is a small imperfection just in front of one rear wheelarch. There's a scuff on the front nearside corner and many paint chips (which have been touched in with the appropriate paint pen). Overall, presentable if slightly scruffy. There are some minor areas of corrosion underneath, but it's never been welded or attracted negative attention from the MOT guy. The only note in the past was for a crusty rear suspension subframe, but the metal on this is so thick that it's not going to affect it's strength. They all do that, sir, apparently.
The LS430 wheels were refinished just before I got them, but I don't think the paint prep was great, because some of the topcoat has flaked off. The primer underneath is grey, so it's not too obvious. The original 16" wheels could do with a refurb if you're particular about that sort of thing (and don't want to keep the 18s on the car).
This is the worst 18" wheel:
Interior is also a little scruffy in places, with some creases and small cracks in the seats and front armrest. I know a guy who can perform invisible repairs to the leather if you'd like to tidy it up further. Generally very good otherwise.
I have a massive stack of paperwork which represents everything I've bought or repaired on the car, plus some of the previous history going back about 10 years. It appears to have been taken proper care of. I bought it from a friend from work who is particularly fastidious about his cars. I've done basic servicing myself, but trusted a local mechanic to replace important suspension components, and the timing belt and transmission service was completed by Ace Engineering, a not-so-local Mercedes specialist in Sussex.
Some of the maintenance I have conducted and/or paid for (in descending order of importance):
Timing belt, tensioners and water pump changed at 155k miles in June 2021.
Transmission filter cleaned and fluid changed at the same time.
Custom cat-back stainless steel exhaust fabricated in January 2020 by MIL in Walsall. This has dual tailpipes and is quiet at cruise and louder when you floor it.
New battery in 2022 (Varta).
Both front upper arms have been replaced in the last 4 years. Driver's side was replaced at last MOT (annoyingly I had bought the part and supplied it to my mechanic, but he didn't have time to fit it before presenting it for the MOT, so it failed on that and was replaced the same day).
1 front spring was replaced when I got the car, although you couldn't tell when driving.
Lower ball joint on Driver's side in 2021.
2 x Steering track rods and track rod ends in 2022 (laser wheel alignment completed immediately after)
Front anti-roll bar bushes and drop-links in 2022.
Rear Brake pipes in 2020.
All the sundry minor stuff like bulbs and wipers (upgraded to flat blades) and exhaust rubbers, etc.
I'm sure I've forgotten some things. I'll come back to this when I remember more.
I've just completed a service at ~175k miles, including oil, oil filter, air filter, cabin/pollen filter and OEM front brake pads (which don't squeal, unlike the previous aftermarket items).
I tried to replace all 8 sparkplugs, but couldn't get 4 of them out, so left them for fear of damaging the alloy heads on my only car. The ones I removed were in good condition (don't know when they were installed), and the same OEM spec, so I think they'll be fine. The old plugs and spare new ones are available for inspection and will go with the car.
The car is great to drive. Very smooth, and with a comfortable ride despite the larger wheels. It also has plenty of shove when you need/want it. 284bhp and 300lbft will move it along very nicely. The front seats have their own independent suspension which is weird until you get used to it, and then very comfortable afterwards. There is plenty of grip, and it's very stable unless you completely lose your mind. Traction control and VDC will intervene when it decides that circumstances are beyond your control, but with the all season tyres on this is a rare occurrence unless you're particularly clumsy. It also makes a nice noise when you gun it. The original exhaust had 5 silencers (!), and the custom one has 3, so it's a little louder and more throaty when you open it up. Silent when cruising, in keeping with the rest of the car.
So, faults, flaws?
There is a rattle from the front driver's side over some rough surfaces. I haven't been able to track down what it is, but myself, the local mechanic and the MOT inspector haven't found any reason to suspect that the suspension is negatively affected.
The Front suspension has been mostly replaced, but the rear subframe could probably do with some replacement bushes here and there. It's only noticeable over sharp bumps and at max take-off acceleration, so most of the time goes unnoticed.
The seat memory buttons on the driver's door don't seem to work. They never get operated, so it might just be a case of needing some contact cleaner in there.
The passenger door mirror dips when you select reverse, but needs a little adjustment every 10 cycles or so, as it doesn't quite come back up to the same point every time.
The rear screen demist and driver's door mirror heating work, but are slower to clear than the passenger mirror.
A fresh MOT was issued this week. I asked my local mechanic Victor to give it a spanner check and take it round, and the result was fairly predictable. The inspector noted a slight oil leak, which I noticed too. There are a couple of potential sources. The engine is one, but the leak is so minor than it doesn't need topped up between services (I think the engine burns a miniscule amount too). The other leak is possibly from one of the hoses out of the power steering reservoir, but again it's very hard to tell, as the level doesn't really go down noticeably. I haven't been worried enough to take care of these, but the next owner might. I did get a set of rocker cover gaskets, but never felt sufficiently motivated to swap them over. I'll also supply leftover oil, ATF and whatever else I find lying around.
And my reason for sale? I have a Volvo 740 GLE Auto which has just completed a mechanical restoration with my Mercedes specialist friend, and sadly I can't have 2 large automatic saloon cars on the fleet. This means that I have to sell the one with air conditioning, cruise control 6-disc CD change, touchscreen-operated cassette deck, heated front and rear seats, etc. etc... I will no doubt have regrets, but that's life.
So, that's all I can think of for now. Opinions/suggestions welcome.
Anyone who doesn't have sufficient insurance to test drive it themselves will be provided with a full demonstration of it's capabilities. Not the 155mph top speed, though. That would be silly...
Location is Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Thanks,
Neil
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