I got a mint 93 with 125k miles..bought of original owner for $800...was running only on 4 cylinders....drove it home and figured out one coil pack wasn't working... $40 fix....runs/looks perfect now.
the 1st generation is the best imo. I was lucky enough to come across and buy a 1991 LS400 w 106k original miles off of CL back in 2015. It was (and remains) in pristine condition (rare thing to find on CL). It came equiped w satellite telephone (yea it has a phone inside the arm rest), 6 disc CD changer in the trunk (fully functional 8 speakers total including a 8" sub), a med kit and spare tire changing toolkit. It's been my daily driver ever since. (as of now it has 129k miles). Besides basic maintenance I've only had to replace the power steering pump, the starter (which is located behind at the bottom of the massive engine - a pain in the a$$ to replace), brake pads and 8 spark plugs - which btw were the original ones from factory (!!). Of course I have my own mechanic which gets the job done cheaply as the Lexus dealer charges arm & leg for such jobs. Most of those parts were replaced due to being worn not necessarily fault of production (except power steering pump and temp control display that goes blank - well known issues in these cars). The car remains well preserved, solid and strong and I get tons of compliments on it. You can tell they put a lot of effort and thought in building this amazing car. I LOVE everything about it: the classic box/limo style, the powerful V8 that feels like your're driving a train going effortlessly at 75mph on the left lane of the highway, how quiet and smooth it is, how spacious it is inside, large trunk, the quality paint job (mine is the 2-tone pearl white w grey bottom and it always has this glossy sparkle to it even when i go months w/out washing it) and of course the reliability (pple dont believe this car is 30 years old), overall quality of construction and the amazing history/nostalgia of how this car came about to define one of the best luxury brands in the world. If i even aquire Lambos, Ferraris etc in the future this car will remain my favorite one.
@@ginaryan2093 they look similar overall but late 90's model it has all the options he explained except phone. It has a stronger v8, h.i.d headlights. Just a nicer touch
Hey brother. The 89 to 94 ls400 is a non interference engine so if the timing belt breaks it will not destroy the engine. The 95 to 00 models are interference.
Beware if the ECU not working, you are around the mileage they normally fail.(common problem) For my vehicle( same model and year) capacitors leaked and were replaced. symptom: limp mode, only in second gear and no mechanical cause.
My 92 has that same issue if you turn on my headlights! I’m in the process of replacing the ACU unit with another used air bag control unit! Lexus told me this would fix the issue. I think I’ll check my ECU also to be safe since I read this post. Being stuck in 2nd gear really sucks! LOL! I love my Gen 1 LS!
The rear windows tilt like that when they roll down so that they don't hit the curvature of the bottom of the rear door where the back wheel well is. The window won't fit all the way down into the door because the rear wheel well is in the way, so they tilt it to allow it to roll down as much as possible. A lot of cars get around this issue by putting a smaller fixed window at the back part of the door. That way the glass is shorter and can retract into the door entirely, if that makes any sense.
Enjoyed your video. Owned a 92 LS400 when they came out. Now on an LS430. The reason your sunroof stops midway upon closing is because of "Anti pinch" protection. A safety feature...
I love this car I have a gold one just like this. They are great cars if you take care of them. I had mine for 5yrs and now have 225.000 miles on it and it still run strong. Cold air hot heat and all!!!
The fog lamps were yellow on many cars of the era and of previous eras because it is thought that yellow light penetrates fog better than white light, due to its wavelength. In addition to what KentB27 mentioned about the door's shape and the rear wheel's location affecting the rear window's ability to slide down, it is rumored that the window doesn't roll down all the way for child safety laws of the time. Nice review. Your LS is beautiful. I've had my 91 for 8 years now. EDIT: Your Chrysler Pentastar on your keychain is very cool. I wish they still used that symbol.
The glove box thing is a sign of the times. Staring about 1986 in the US highend car makers rushed to get drivers airbags in their top range models like the 560sel or the BMW L7. The sacrifice was either a fixed or telescopic only steering wheel. The airbag was a prestigious safety feature. By the early 90s the passenger airbag was being pushed. Lexus at least gave you a meager glovebox with the passenger airbag. Mercedes decided to eliminate the glove boxes all together on their vehicle to retrofit the passenger airbag. BMW didn’t offer the passenger airbag until 1993 however they were able engineer the unit high up in the dash.
I have the “92” LS400. It runs perfectly and has zero quirks. The car drives like a dream! Everything works! And the engine is so clean that you could cook and eat your breakfast off my manifold! LOL! I love my Gen 1 Lexus!!! And I wouldn’t ever part with it at any price! 😀😀😀🤟🤙👍👍
Had a 2000 ls400 it ran like new 200,000 miles later a family member has it and it's doing fine many still on the road wayyy past 300,000 miles great built cars
I love Toyota's consistency...even now, 30 years later in 2024, they use the same exact lock and unlock chime (1 beep for lock, 2 beeps for unlock) for all of their Toyota and Lexus vehicles. I even remember it being on some of their Scion vehicles when they still had that brand.
I’ve got the 1992 LS 400! Low miles considering its age. And the engine bay and engine is so clean you could eat out/on it! I love my LS 400 will keep it til it dies! 🤪
The charcoal vapor canister can go bad causing that pressure when you open the gas cap. In rare instances people have experienced cracked fuel tanks from it.
The LS400 was a very good car of its time. It starts now, gets a cool status, since it started the entire Lexus adventure. I'm glad I have a 94 model, with all the upgrades that came during the life of the first LS400.
I have a 1993 LS400 and love it, I haven't found another car even new that I would prefer, I would love a new LS but so far over budget it isn't even a consideration without a large lottery.
I was curious about something I have the same exact car but mine doesn’t have the traction control button and the heated seats does anyone know why that is
It’s crazy to me that some of the brand new Lexus like the IS or the RC have some of the same switches and buttons that’s in this 1994 LS. The seat adjustment switches for an example
That may not be normal function for the transmission. Check to be sure that it is not overfilled even by a little. Never flush the transmission. You probably know to check the power steering pump carefully for leaks. If you have traction or stability control and you notice the light staying on a little longer than usual after starting in the morning, load test the battery. Don't keep a battery with a weak cell or two, the EMC will flood the engine, at least that's true with the second generation.
People are INCREDIBLY lucky in this comment section regarding this car people saying they brought their lexus for $800 or $3000 the cheapest ls400 in my area is 7k with over 100k miles and looks 2 seconds away from falling off it's wheels any ls400 in decent condition easily goes over 10k its ridiculous at that point id rather by an actual luxury modern car collecters piss me off
The rear windows don't roll down all the way because of child safety regulations, did you know that 1 billion dollars was spent on research before the first ls400 was built.
That is a myth that I also believed as a kid. But there have always been cars that are designed properly to allow the window to go down all the way. No child safety regulation there. The window just doesn't fit in all the way in the door on those cars.
@@xBeeGee ahh great stuff ,drive safely and enjoy your car .. its definitely a car to keep. Here in the uk I'm looking for one , the prices are mad ridiculous, but will get it soon
Please tell me that in the course of the past 3 years you realized that you have 2 glove boxes......the tiny one you showed and the MASSIVE one beneath it? 🤔
i prefer these to the ls430 because you can pull the radio out and put in a nice double din. can't do shit with the next gen. All tied to the climate control
@@CoolStuffInWeirdCars That seems low. I've had a '98 for 20 years and get 19-20 mixed city-suburban and have gotten as much as 36 on the interstate...level, 65 mph and no speed modulation, otherwise about 29.
I’d learn more about a car, including why it has certain features and performs certain functions, before I uploaded the video to TH-cam. I wouldn’t keep saying, “I don’t know why.”
I got a mint 93 with 125k miles..bought of original owner for $800...was running only on 4 cylinders....drove it home and figured out one coil pack wasn't working... $40 fix....runs/looks perfect now.
the 1st generation is the best imo. I was lucky enough to come across and buy a 1991 LS400 w 106k original miles off of CL back in 2015. It was (and remains) in pristine condition (rare thing to find on CL). It came equiped w satellite telephone (yea it has a phone inside the arm rest), 6 disc CD changer in the trunk (fully functional 8 speakers total including a 8" sub), a med kit and spare tire changing toolkit. It's been my daily driver ever since. (as of now it has 129k miles). Besides basic maintenance I've only had to replace the power steering pump, the starter (which is located behind at the bottom of the massive engine - a pain in the a$$ to replace), brake pads and 8 spark plugs - which btw were the original ones from factory (!!). Of course I have my own mechanic which gets the job done cheaply as the Lexus dealer charges arm & leg for such jobs. Most of those parts were replaced due to being worn not necessarily fault of production (except power steering pump and temp control display that goes blank - well known issues in these cars). The car remains well preserved, solid and strong and I get tons of compliments on it. You can tell they put a lot of effort and thought in building this amazing car. I LOVE everything about it: the classic box/limo style, the powerful V8 that feels like your're driving a train going effortlessly at 75mph on the left lane of the highway, how quiet and smooth it is, how spacious it is inside, large trunk, the quality paint job (mine is the 2-tone pearl white w grey bottom and it always has this glossy sparkle to it even when i go months w/out washing it) and of course the reliability (pple dont believe this car is 30 years old), overall quality of construction and the amazing history/nostalgia of how this car came about to define one of the best luxury brands in the world. If i even aquire Lambos, Ferraris etc in the future this car will remain my favorite one.
98-00 model are a tad bit better.
@@alhitman9091 disagree.
@@ginaryan2093 they look similar overall but late 90's model it has all the options he explained except phone. It has a stronger v8, h.i.d headlights. Just a nicer touch
@@alhitman9091 ok
@@ginaryan2093 Good
Hey brother. The 89 to 94 ls400 is a non interference engine so if the timing belt breaks it will not destroy the engine. The 95 to 00 models are interference.
The timing chains rarely break on them 240000 miles not even slippage
@@Gr8rome407 Wowwwwwwwwww really impressive,what yr is yours??
Great information...
@@mercedesbenzs600bash mine was a 2000 I gave it to a cousin who still drives it I only buy Lexus cars now ES350 currently
That's still one sexy ride
I found my 1993 Lexus LS400 for 1000 dollars. And it’s super clean condition with everything working properly. Going to make a video on it.
What is the URL ?
My 1990 LS running strong at 256k miles.
Best choice of a car i ever owned.
Beware if the ECU not working, you are around the mileage they normally fail.(common problem) For my vehicle( same model and year) capacitors leaked and were replaced. symptom: limp mode, only in second gear and no mechanical cause.
My 92 has that same issue if you turn on my headlights! I’m in the process of replacing the ACU unit with another used air bag control unit! Lexus told me this would fix the issue. I think I’ll check my ECU also to be safe since I read this post. Being stuck in 2nd gear really sucks! LOL! I love my Gen 1 LS!
The rear windows tilt like that when they roll down so that they don't hit the curvature of the bottom of the rear door where the back wheel well is. The window won't fit all the way down into the door because the rear wheel well is in the way, so they tilt it to allow it to roll down as much as possible. A lot of cars get around this issue by putting a smaller fixed window at the back part of the door. That way the glass is shorter and can retract into the door entirely, if that makes any sense.
KentB27 the rear windows are like that because of child safety regulations, I have a 92 ls400.
@@amped5234 I think that's a myth, it's bc of the wheel well, I think the new Avalon window goes all the way down, watch the Micah Muzio review (TRD)
@@amped5234 it’s a cost saving measure. There is no such safety mandate or need.
Enjoyed your video. Owned a 92 LS400 when they came out. Now on an LS430. The reason your sunroof stops midway upon closing is because of "Anti pinch" protection. A safety feature...
+vertex2100- Congratulations sir! Take good care of that 92 LS400 and it will reward you!
@vertex2100
You bought a 2 years old old LS for only 20k...?
That's a clean LS400 you have
If you think so, you should see mine and many of the other ones around where I live. Mint.
Without any doubt the most interesting and best review of the ls400 I've seen. By a owner who knows his car!. Nice chap too.👍
I bought my 1995 LS400 in 2003. Love it. Oddly enough, I learned things about my car with your tutorial. LOL
I love this car I have a gold one just like this. They are great cars if you take care of them. I had mine for 5yrs and now have 225.000 miles on it and it still run strong. Cold air hot heat and all!!!
The fog lamps were yellow on many cars of the era and of previous eras because it is thought that yellow light penetrates fog better than white light, due to its wavelength.
In addition to what KentB27 mentioned about the door's shape and the rear wheel's location affecting the rear window's ability to slide down, it is rumored that the window doesn't roll down all the way for child safety laws of the time.
Nice review. Your LS is beautiful. I've had my 91 for 8 years now.
EDIT: Your Chrysler Pentastar on your keychain is very cool. I wish they still used that symbol.
The glove box thing is a sign of the times. Staring about 1986 in the US highend car makers rushed to get drivers airbags in their top range models like the 560sel or the BMW L7. The sacrifice was either a fixed or telescopic only steering wheel. The airbag was a prestigious safety feature. By the early 90s the passenger airbag was being pushed. Lexus at least gave you a meager glovebox with the passenger airbag. Mercedes decided to eliminate the glove boxes all together on their vehicle to retrofit the passenger airbag. BMW didn’t offer the passenger airbag until 1993 however they were able engineer the unit high up in the dash.
Really enjoyed your video. Looking forward to switching my car to an LS.
I have the “92” LS400. It runs perfectly and has zero quirks. The car drives like a dream! Everything works! And the engine is so clean that you could cook and eat your breakfast off my manifold! LOL! I love my Gen 1 Lexus!!! And I wouldn’t ever part with it at any price! 😀😀😀🤟🤙👍👍
Had a 2000 ls400 it ran like new 200,000 miles later a family member has it and it's doing fine many still on the road wayyy past 300,000 miles great built cars
I think your vent for the gas tank is clogged somehow, that's why there is a build up of pressure
I love those keys. I wish the 2005’s had these keys
was my dream car back in the 90s
Some of these classic Lexus's are true beauties and a great buy.
Congrats bro.
I love Toyota's consistency...even now, 30 years later in 2024, they use the same exact lock and unlock chime (1 beep for lock, 2 beeps for unlock) for all of their Toyota and Lexus vehicles. I even remember it being on some of their Scion vehicles when they still had that brand.
Not flashy, not overly tarty, just done right.
I’ve got the 1992 LS 400! Low miles considering its age. And the engine bay and engine is so clean you could eat out/on it! I love my LS 400 will keep it til it dies! 🤪
The charcoal vapor canister can go bad causing that pressure when you open the gas cap. In rare instances people have experienced cracked fuel tanks from it.
The LS400 was a very good car of its time. It starts now, gets a cool status, since it started the entire Lexus adventure. I'm glad I have a 94 model, with all the upgrades that came during the life of the first LS400.
I had some color LS ..1992. A spare master key is included in a credit card size card for the wallet
Had a 92 looked identical to that, they were very smooth!
I have a 1993 LS400 and love it, I haven't found another car even new that I would prefer, I would love a new LS but so far over budget it isn't even a consideration without a large lottery.
I was curious about something I have the same exact car but mine doesn’t have the traction control button and the heated seats does anyone know why that is
traction control/heated seats were options that this car had, not all of them had it.
The sunroof stops closing for pinch protection, in the event someone has a finger(s) in the way of the sunroof while it’s closing
The antenna raises and lowers automatically depending on the reception of the radio channel
You should get some leatherique for the seats, it will make them look brand new! Used it on my lexus' with amazing results
Sunroof stops for safety ..keeps kids hands from crushing
It’s a stupid feature.
yellow fog lights in european cars are better for rain, snow and fog. Better penetrates
This car interior is so like in pristine condition 🤗
other than air suspension you doesn't have the nakamichi sound system.
9:50 that’s better than nothing. My 97 Nissan hardbody don’t even got cup holders. 😂 let’s trade.
It’s crazy to me that some of the brand new Lexus like the IS or the RC have some of the same switches and buttons that’s in this 1994 LS. The seat adjustment switches for an example
That car may be old but that engine sounds good
Best car I ever owned
To put the steering wheel down is an easy fix remove the gear and put a small ziptie behind the gear and wala works
Great review. Not condescending like dug demero.
Nice comprehensive review!
Thank you!
Did I say , "Its incredibly quiet?"...lol
That may not be normal function for the transmission. Check to be sure that it is not overfilled even by a little. Never flush the transmission. You probably know to check the power steering pump carefully for leaks. If you have traction or stability control and you notice the light staying on a little longer than usual after starting in the morning, load test the battery. Don't keep a battery with a weak cell or two, the EMC will flood the engine, at least that's true with the second generation.
Why would u never flush the transmission fluid?
@@joemagyar7149 you can he’s full of it.
@@ginaryan2093 I did and my ls 400 runs just fine. Best car I've ever owned.
I prefer the gear shifter from the earliest LS400... I don’t know why they were modified.
Thanks for very good informations about this cars.
Nice set o wheels 😀
There is another glove box below
Yesssss thank you for this video bro
Great video,great information...
Sweet. How much are these nowadays?
Two speed seatbelt retraction (faster for getting out of the car).
3:23 that's OBD II actually
It actually is OBD1
OBD2 started in 1996
People are INCREDIBLY lucky in this comment section regarding this car people saying they brought their lexus for $800 or $3000 the cheapest ls400 in my area is 7k with over 100k miles and looks 2 seconds away from falling off it's wheels any ls400 in decent condition easily goes over 10k its ridiculous at that point id rather by an actual luxury modern car collecters piss me off
The rear windows don't roll down all the way because of child safety regulations, did you know that 1 billion dollars was spent on research before the first ls400 was built.
That is a myth that I also believed as a kid. But there have always been cars that are designed properly to allow the window to go down all the way. No child safety regulation there. The window just doesn't fit in all the way in the door on those cars.
Look it up for yourself, I'm 50 and I also own a 92 Lexus ls400
What does the research cost have to do with the rear windows not rolling down all the way?
@@amped5234 you are wrong it’s not a safety feature.
Doug’s video of the LS400 was downright stupid.
Are you going to say why or just he hollow in your criticism??
@@ginaryan2093 well for starters he is comparing an old model with the new one. How stupid is that.
@@rahulvinalnarayan9743 it was a video about the first ever “Lexus” (technically a Celsior).
LOVE it
16 years old and just bought a ‘90 ls400 for 1000$.
Lucky kid , how is it running?
@@V59971 she had a few minor problems but I got it fixed in no time. Runs and drives like a dream. Can already tell I’m gonna give it to my kid
@@xBeeGee ahh great stuff ,drive safely and enjoy your car .. its definitely a car to keep. Here in the uk I'm looking for one , the prices are mad ridiculous, but will get it soon
@@V59971 thanks and good luck to you man
Please tell me that in the course of the past 3 years you realized that you have 2 glove boxes......the tiny one you showed and the MASSIVE one beneath it? 🤔
Lexus in Missouri??????? Never thought of that.....
You gotta be upstate I saw 96.3
Is this Matt Farah's million-mile Lexus?
No. His now has two million miles on it!
@Star Wars 2018 But wasn't a LOT replaced multiple times on that car?
The wiper thing is normal for cars. Trucks, suvs and such are usually symmetric. You're right, its the shape and angle of the windshield
i prefer these to the ls430 because you can pull the radio out and put in a nice double din. can't do shit with the next gen. All tied to the climate control
Aftermarket radios are ugly.
Whats the MPG on this?
Highway is around 18-20, city from about 12-14. Not great, but I think my car needs a good tune up as well.
I had a 93 LS400 and I got at least 18 in the city and 24 highway. Just be sure to do a tune up as well as replace air filter and all that stuff.
I maxed mine out at close to 25 mpg of non-stop interstate highway driving from Indianapolis to Birmingham Alabama en route to New Orleans.
I have a 2000 LS 400 platinum and I have gotten as high as 29 mpg on the rolling highway hills here in so cal. Around town, that's a different story.
@@CoolStuffInWeirdCars That seems low. I've had a '98 for 20 years and get 19-20 mixed city-suburban and have gotten as much as 36 on the interstate...level, 65 mph and no speed modulation, otherwise about 29.
Too rare for daily driver
You'll need a few security measures too
@@n-nani8973 What really?
No way. Not rare at all. Most of them are still running. I see a dozen of these cars every day where I live.
As you could tell....
What are you racing to?
Your voice is too FAST. Are u nervous, on time limit. This isn’t Jeopardy uh it’s your video.
Hey man, do the video again without mentioning Doug.
Fast talker
Total “Of Course” count: 1.3 million.
Total “and” count: 2.3 million.
Get a life Chris.
cool video, please speak more slowly
تم اغتصاب الازرار بنجاح 🐒
Great car ..but I felt like I was driving a grandfather's car🤗🤔😎😎
V8 rwd so It for sure don’t need to be driven like a grandpa car
rims and bags and you're set
I’d learn more about a car, including why it has certain features and performs certain functions, before I uploaded the video to TH-cam. I wouldn’t keep saying, “I don’t know why.”
Listen then go make your own video. This was a perfectly respectable video.
@@ginaryan2093 Do you read everyone’s comments and reply to them? I’m not interested in your opinion. Thanks!
@@JasonGS919 oh ok. You just reply to comments you’re uninterested in on your own pointless comments. Gotcha.
@@ginaryan2093 lady, get a life, find some business and leave me alone.
@@JasonGS919 \/\/ateva “”JMac”” big boy - not interested •••
Stopping saying doug you like him or something you want be with him.
Lol
Mine cleaner 😁
It's annoying as fuck how you compare everything to what Dough did or didn't do!
Why? He’s making a more succinct video this way. I hardly think he’s going to make another just because you are whining about it.