Faults:

Car has reproducible brake failure. Showed to dealer, dealer tried another similar car, which showed the same problem. Dealer conclusion: All 1995 LS400s work like that. Will not investigate further.

Conditions of failure:

- Cold weather (20-25 degrees F or -3 to -6 degrees C).

- Just started so engine running cold at 1,500 rpm.

- At speed under about 5 mph (8 kph) and on a slippery surface such as packed snow, the brakes simply DO NOT WORK.

- Makes for an exciting exit from my driveway when hard packed snow is on the ground.

- The problem is not locked brakes causing tires to slide, the brakes are simply not engaging.

- Work-around: Shift into neutral and brakes immediately start working.

Documentation. Letter to dealer and to national sales office in 2003. Repeat letter to dealer and national sales office in 2010.

My diagnosis; ABS software is sensing slippery surface, ABS software is sensing engine RPM at 1500 (50 MPH at normal engine temp), therefore ABS prevents brakes from locking.

Love the car, have driven it for 12 years and 120,000 miles. Just don't let spouse drive it on very cold mornings when snow on ground.

General Comments:

Quiet, comfortable, would buy it again.

Had serious problems with original equipment adaptive air shocks. Dealer finally replaced with conventional shocks, all with no cost.

Bought a 3-year-old dealer certified car with 100,000 mile warranty, and would do it again.

Faults:

Piece of metal in oil pan.

License plate lights.

Headlight bulb blew.

Front end creaking noises (because of brand new parts. Nothing can help that).

Seatbelt tensioners.

All of the problems that are listed above were problems that the car already had when I purchased the car.

General Comments:

I have owned this car for less than a year or so. This is also my first car, so I can't really compare it to anything else, but ever since I have owned this car and fixed the problems I have listed, the car has never gave me any problems whatsoever.

The LS400 will probably be the best car I will ever own. This car drives like it's brand new. When started, you can't even tell it is running because it is so silent.

The LS400 has a solid reputation for being reliable, dependable, and having a very smooth ride. It feels like it will run forever!... Without breaking down or having any major issues of course.

Faults:

Seat belt tensioners; starter, valve cover gaskets, power steering parts, 1 normal tune-up.

Now at 150,000 miles the suspension polyurethane joints are loose and will cost over $2,500 to replace, and the Nakamichi stereo fades from speaker to speaker.

General Comments:

This is a fine car, very well designed, wonderful blend of luxury and practicality.

When I bought the car 5 years ago, it was 10 years old with 43,000 miles. Quiet, fast, beautiful impressive appearance (black with grey skirting) an understated elegant car.

I live in Chicago and love driving this car... nobody can cut me off, the acceleration spoils you and you still get great gas mileage, turning radius is amazing.

I love driving this car so much I burn through the tires; in 110,000 miles I went through 3 sets.

The problem I have with this car is not due to the car, but the prior owner, he was from Texas and my mechanic says the Texas heat has taken a toll, causing parts to wear that would normally last to 200,000 miles. At 110,000 miles and 12 years old things started wearing... now at 150,000 miles and 14 years I can hear the blower motor (a motor which was silent for 13 years), the A/C pump makes a noise, I can hear the wind through the sun roof and front windshield the suspension parts are all worn. But what can I expect? I got a lot of wonderful use from this car! Parts on my car don't quit on you, they just seem to wear slowly....

I am considering buying another LS model, my only hesitation is the extremely high cost of parts and repairs. My family and friends have made it clear that they are always proud when I pick them up in this car... when I pull up to a condo building or restaurant, this car gets respect.