Faults:

I had two minor problems. I had a small transmission leak which was fixed by changing a small part. There was nothing wrong with the transmission itself. Hood does not stay open so when I am trying to give my wife's Mercedes a jump I have to be careful.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable car I have owned. It runs like it did the first day I drove. Interior loos great. Seats have not cracked. I still have the original head light bulbs (Xenon). I have original shocks. I no longer use premium gasoline. I save about 30 cents a gallon. I get 21 miles per gallon of gas. I have never been stranded on the road. Only extra maintainance I have done is to change all the hoses, timing belt and fuel pump every 90000 miles. Dealership service has been excellent in the past, but I no longer go to the dealer as I don't really need any special service.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is my second Lexus - wife owns a 2002 RX300. The 1998 LS400 is hands down a significantly better car than the 2002 RX even though it is 4 years older and has 40,000 more miles.

Still quiet with 90,000 miles and have never had any issues as of yet.

Next purchase this summer - 2004 or 2005 LS430 - I love this car that much. Probably will never buy anything else (outside of the Lexus family) unless I just had money to burn as the reliability is the best with Lexus versus BMW or Mercedes.

Faults:

At this time, Rotors need to be cut, and hood shocks need to be replaced. Both very minor things.

At 98k miles, I expect work out brakes, rotors, maybe a bulb or two, engine mounts or any other rubber part. This car needed a Tranny mount changed which cost $90 with a new part. All this is OK in my book.

General Comments:

Prior to this I had a 1992 Mercedes 500SEL (S500). It was my first MB at the age of 27 and I loved it.

That car was just amazing. Good power, amazing handling for such a heavy car (4800lbs) and amazing comfort. Road stability. But it wasn't too reliable, as things broke down often, some minor some not. I got fed up fixing it at $400 a pop and sold it.

I needed a reliable car that had 300 HP, Back wheel drive and a nice comfy interior.

LS 400 came to mind and I found a 98 model for a good price. Haven't looked back ever since.

This one had options like Xenon lights, Heated Seats, Wood trim steering wheel, VSC.

Only option missing is Mark Levinson Sound system, Navigation and Air Ride (lucky not to have one).

Car is comfy, not MB comfy, but nice. Its not as silent inside as the MB was, but still OK. Sound system is also not bad for a stock system.

Acceleration is amazing for such a small motor, and 5-speed gearbox is also well matched. Climate control works like a dream and the dash layout is truly welcoming every time I get in it.

My only gripe with this car is that it feels very light and lacks any feedback through steering, or brakes for that matter. Car has absolutely no fun factor whatsoever.

Aside from that, I got 27mpg with 4 people in the car on a 700 mile trip, and I get 17-19 mpg in the city NYC driving. Coming from a 290HP v8 I think those numbers are commendable. Most of the car looks like an large Camry, but the front of the car is more distinctive and does look striking.

I am glad knowing I have a car parked outside that will take me to another coast if I wish so in good comfort and reliability. And that is some peace of mind.

My next car will be a BMW 540-6-speed or 740i Sport. GS430 is not out of the question.