15th Apr 2007, 21:32
I don't know what year Jag you intend to go to, but... Jags cost WAY more to maintain than a Lexus. Look at consumer reports, Jags are among the most unreliable luxury cars out there.
10th May 2007, 08:07
I had a chance to read all the problems you've encountered with the GS400. I have a 1998 with 153K miles and the only real significant repair was the starter at 110K. I've also had some of the other issues like the sunroof cover noise, condensation of the headlight. I wanted to throw two questions out there...One, I get a puddle of water on the floorboard of the driver's side when I run the air. I had this problem several years ago and the dealership replaced a cracked coil, which was major hours of labor. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I checked the drain plug and water does flow out of there pretty well. I had someone clean out the plug and the problem went away for a while, but now it's back. Does anyone have any thoughts? Secondly, does the GS lose any power over time? Can you "tighten up" the engine valves or do anything to keep good compression?
Thanks,
7th Jul 2007, 15:35
I have owned several Lexus and Toyota models, including a Toyota Tundra, SC400, LS400, and currently a GS400, with mileage ranging from 28K to 206K miles. All the vehicles have been very, very reliable. No problems with starter failures, rear main leaks, etc. on any of them, and the drivetrains have been bulletproof. I have heard the suspension bushings are prone to wearing out, but I haven't had a problem with any of mine.
The issues I have had include leaking valve covers, interior light bulb failures, and leather seats that wear sooner then they should.
The GS I own now has 77,000 miles. It has been a great experience so far. I agree with some others commenting that the suspension and steering feel is softer then I would like, but it probably is fine for most people. The leather (black) seems to be wearing much better then my SC400 did.
General performance is on line with the BMW 540 (sub 6 sec. 0-60 times, 300 hp, shorter stopping distance). There are readily available after-market components that will make it faster and handle better. Right now, the car is fine as it is. For the money, there is no car out there that can compete it terms of quality, reliability, and performance.
I do almost all my own maintenance, as the cars are very mechanic friendly. Items like changing out a starter or timing belt aren't bad at all. When my Lexus cars need dealership attention I typically go to the Toyota garage. Same quality work and same parts. Don't be fooled into thinking that is has to be a Lexus dealer to get good service. Aside from electrical issues (which are few and far between), they can be worked on by any reasonably competent shop.
Incidentally, the person with the water in the floor pan problem should check to see if the A/C unit's condensate drain tube is plugged or disconnected. It could be that simple. Another simple potential fix for the condensation in headlights is to run a light bead of clear silicone around the seam where the clear plastic lens is sealed/melted into the housing. Take the light bulbs out, point the neadlights into the sun, and let the capsules dry out over the course of a day. (I had this problem on an ES300 and it solved it)
If you haven't already found out, the Lexus dealerships can go way overboard, bordering on a pretentious approach. Hey guys, these are just cars! I don't need to feel like I'm part of a social club when visiting a dealership.
20th Aug 2007, 15:49
Oops I haven't followed up on this... sorry about that.
Now... it's Q & A time!
"28th Feb 2007, 15:42.
The only "reliable" car that I could bear to drive would be the GS400, but reading of your need for expensive repairs at a mere 101K miles just changed my mind."
Um, I had 101k KILOMETERS, not miles, which is 63k miles.
"Who wants a fast Toyota at exoticar repair prices? I heard that the 80K mile timing belt/water pump service runs around $1500 (or $800 from a curbside mechanic), but figured that was the only major expense with the Lexus LS/GS/SC400s."
The cheapest dealer quote I was given was $1100cdn... not sure what that is in USD. $800cdn was about what I spent to get a private ex-Toyota mechanic to do mine for. And yes, this is one of the most expensive required maintenance for this car.
"Except for the belts/water pump, I haven't had to replace any of those components yet, and if I did, they wouldn't cost that much. Way too rich for my blood. Guess I'll just drive the Alfa 'til it drops, then go back to Jaguar. Thanks for sharing this information."
I'm at 126k kms/78k miles now, and I've had nothing go wrong with the car since last posting here. I've had most of the bushings done and I'm very happy with it. Being urethane, I don't anticipate any more issues in the future. I had found a local shop that specializes in headlight repairs, and they used a homebuilt smoke machine and lightly pressurized the headlight and watched for where the smoke came out of the leaks, and then sealed it. So for $80, I now have a leak-free headlight! ^_^
I do miss our 92 Jaguar... it had character that our Lexus doesn't have. What I don't miss was the problems we had with it... I had also written about our experiences with it in the Jaguar section here. Yes, the Jaguar was cheaper to fix, but unfortunately... the problems always came back.
"I had a chance to read all the problems you've encountered with the GS400. I have a 1998 with 153K miles and the only real significant repair was the starter at 110K. I've also had some of the other issues like the sunroof cover noise, condensation of the headlight."
See above regarding the headlight fix. as for the starter, I'm anticipating another 7 years before it acts up again.
"I wanted to throw two questions out there...One, I get a puddle of water on the floorboard of the driver's side when I run the air. I had this problem several years ago and the dealership replaced a cracked coil, which was major hours of labor. Thank goodness it was covered under warranty. I checked the drain plug and water does flow out of there pretty well. I had someone clean out the plug and the problem went away for a while, but now it's back. Does anyone have any thoughts?"
Cracked coil... is that part of the heater core? I've read stories about the heater core cracking and spilling water into the footwell... if not, how are the drains for the sunroof? Are your windshield seals good?
"Secondly, does the GS lose any power over time? Can you "tighten up" the engine valves or do anything to keep good compression?"
Any old car loses power over time as the engine wears down. Try http://www.auto-rx.com.
"I have owned several Lexus and Toyota models, including a Toyota Tundra, SC400, LS400, and currently a GS400, with mileage ranging from 28K to 206K miles. All the vehicles have been very, very reliable. No problems with starter failures, rear main leaks, etc. on any of them, and the drivetrains have been bulletproof. I have heard the suspension bushings are prone to wearing out, but I haven't had a problem with any of mine."
You lead a blessed life my friend! If you go to the Lexus message boards, like clublexus.com, you'll find hundreds of us less fortunate folks who have had it all to varying degrees.
"The issues I have had include leaking valve covers, interior light bulb failures, and leather seats that wear sooner then they should."
My service history records from the 2nd owner show that the valve covers had also leaked on my GS during their ownership of the car, but it was covered under warranty.
My bulbs are all good... I have a black leather interior and I park outside most of the time, and it has worn well... but I try to be diligent and use Lexol to treat the hides every month.
http://www.leatherseats.com is a source for replacement covers, whether it be OEM style or custom. They have discounted group buys often on the Clublexus message board I mentioned earlier.
"The GS I own now has 77,000 miles. It has been a great experience so far. I agree with some others commenting that the suspension and steering feel is softer then I would like, but it probably is fine for most people."
I've reached your mileage finally! And it's been a good ride. I have no plans to sell. All the Daizen hardware has done wonders for the handling, and I've recently added Daizen's steering rack bushings as well, and I'm very happy with it... no more wandering on the highway.
"The leather (black) seems to be wearing much better then my SC400 did."
I had looked around for an SC before ending up with the GS, and yes I did notice how the SC leathers do not seem to age well... did they use different leather types?
"General performance is on line with the BMW 540 (sub 6 sec. 0-60 times, 300 hp, shorter stopping distance). There are readily available after-market components that will make it faster and handle better. Right now, the car is fine as it is. For the money, there is no car out there that can compete it terms of quality, reliability, and performance."
My personal benchmark was the 540i sport manual that I test drove... wow, that was fantastic! Whenever I pass one on the road, I keep wondering "what if"...
"I do almost all my own maintenance, as the cars are very mechanic-friendly. Items like changing out a starter or timing belt aren't bad at all. When my Lexus cars need dealership attention I typically go to the Toyota garage. Same quality work and same parts. Don't be fooled into thinking that it has to be a Lexus dealer to get good service. Aside from electrical issues (which are few and far between), they can be worked on by any reasonably competent shop."
I unfortunately am not a mechanic... I don't even have covered parking >_<. I've done a timing belt change on a Honda I once had, but when I tried to read up on how to not mess up the VVT-i hardware when doing the LUZ-FE, I got scared and decided to let someone else more competent do it... 32 bent valves just isn't worth it to me.
I wish I could go to a Toyota dealer, but according to my local Toyota shop, they have been banned from servicing anything Lexus by Toyota corporate, unless they want to face the wrath of the bigwigs from above...!
For those out there who I may have possibly scared off... come back! It's not that bad. Just have your GS checked thoroughly in a pre-sale inspection with these problems in mind, and budget accordingly. Try and buy the newest one possible... as newer usually means fewer problems. Or find an older one that already has these issues addressed, and it will no longer be a problem for you for years to come.
^_^
9th Jan 2011, 17:02
With the suspension, check the lower ball joints. I had my front passenger lower ball joint separate while I was going 50mph. This is a common problem, and not too expensive to fix if they are worn. I have a 98 GS400 with 134,000mi.
Besides that, it is a great car.
10th Jan 2011, 16:12
The late 90's Lexus models were very good cars. However as the build quality of all Japanese cars fell in the last decade (especially Toyota), I would think long and hard about buying a newer Lexus. The new Buicks and the Lincoln MKS are much more solid candidates.
16th Jan 2011, 14:21
My Lexus GS400 just went 145,000 miles. Every time I think about getting rid of it, I wash it, then ask myself, why?
Great car.
31st Jan 2021, 06:49
Your GS does not have hydraulic lifters and they need periodic adjustment to maintain proper factory specs.
Also oil changes at recommended intervals with quality oil and filter. Put some Seafoam through the intake manifold once or twice a year and that Lexus engine will run good for years.
Cheers Captn Savahoe.
28th Feb 2007, 15:42
Geeze! I was considering selling my Alfa Romeo - currently with 115K miles - worried that something expensive might go wrong (I've been lucky so far.)
The only "reliable" car that I could bear to drive would be the GS400, but reading of your need for expensive repairs at a mere 101K miles just changed my mind.
Who wants a fast Toyota at exoticar repair prices? I heard that the 80K mile timing belt/water pump service runs around $1500 (or $800 from a curbside mechanic), but figured that was the only major expense with the Lexus LS/GS/SC400s.
Except for the belts/water pump, I haven't had to replace any of those components yet, and if I did, they wouldn't cost that much. Way too rich for my blood. Guess I'll just drive the Alfa 'til it drops, then go back to Jaguar. Thanks for sharing this information.