Lexus unveiled the second-generation LS 400 at the San Francisco Opera House in 1995. It was part of a major push by the Japanese manufacturer to enable this full-size luxury car to compete in the American market. Lexus embarked on an expensive marketing campaign as it tried to overtake European competitors for a leading position in the United States. The LS 400 was cheap for its class, retailing at $52,900.
This model didn’t sell as well as the previous LS 400, but it was still a luxurious and reliable vehicle. With that in mind, David Long of the Car Wizard YouTube channel takes a look at one incredible Lexus LS 400 that not only has over 250,000 miles but is still running after no maintenance. But as David looks closer, he starts racking up repairs that will cost its owner several thousand dollars.
High Mileage And Low Maintenance On This Lexus LS 400
David has taken a 1997 Lexus LS 400 to his garage situated in Newton, Kansas. He explains that this car has 251,017 miles on the clock. To put it in perspective, that’s further than the distance to the moon. The new owner of the car has found an oil leak and gave it to David to clean up. And as he starts his work, David believes this car has never had any proper maintenance work done on it.
Externally, the car is in reasonable shape, although David suspects the hood got repainted at some point. He then takes a look at this car’s 4.0-liter V8 engine. He wants to investigate this motor to find out what condition it’s really in.
After stripping down the engine, David realizes that the original timing belt is still on this classic bulletproof Lexus model. This confirms that the car has never had a proper service – other than an oil change. All the hoses, radiator, plugs, and belts are original. It’s pretty staggering to consider this car is still running with nothing more than a few leaks.
Repairing This Vintage Lexus LS 400
David gets the car on the lift for a good look at the underside. Apart from a couple of leaks and cracked flex discs, the undercarriage is also intact. It’s great that this car has survived decades of neglect. What’s not so great David says it will need thousands of dollars worth of maintenance to get it running safely. David then discusses the full list of everything needed on this neglected LS 400.
Sway bar links, flex discs, an oil change, and fluid flushes for coolant, differential, and brakes are just the beginning. Then it will need a tune-up, timing belt, water pump, front main seal, serpentine belt, valve covers, control arms, steering rack bushings, new heated seat motor, new radio display, HVAC blend door, AC refrigerant leak fix, and a power steering flush. While David doesn't give the exact total, he says it will be a few thousand dollars on parts alone. Add in labor, and it will likely cost more than the car is worth.
You can pick up one of these vintage Japanese sedans for approximately $9,000 today. While it is one of the most reliable used cars you can buy, this video proves that even the most reliable cars need regular maintenance to run their best.
Sources: Car Wizard, Lexus, Classic.com, Cars.com