I would like to buy a used Lexus LS-400 or a Lexus LS-430 in the next year or two perhaps (depending on my health.) I feel that they are a very well built car and I'm sure many of you feel the same way.
I have been looking at many web sites and forums to find any and all known and reoccurring problems with the car. Any helpful input would be greatly appreciated.
I have read that certain years had major problems with the air ride suspension and many people had it converted to a regular suspension. Problems were reported and fairly common with the instrument cluster circuit board failure in some years. I've read more than one post on different sites where the gauges work intermittently or not at all when it's cold and then start working again when it warms up inside the car.
I've also read that the power steering pump can fail causing the alternator fail also. I have never heard of or read of any major engine or transmission failures but it doesn't mean that they don't exist.
I know that no car is going to be perfect, and as a former Maintenance Mechanic, I understand the complexities of machinery. I know that any car will require regular service and maintenance. I also know that any car part can fail for a variety of reasons. I'm looking for patterns of failure on certain parts for different years.
I'm trying not to be nit picking. I'm just trying to decide what year or years to stay away from that may have had some well-known and costly repair problems. And I know that the newer the car is, the less likely it will be to have major problems. I can't afford a new Lexus LS 460 unfortunately. Obviously the older the car is the cheaper it will be to buy it outright but it may be wiser to choose a different year of car that has less known problems.
Is what I have read true? Do any of you agree that these are common problems or just a fluke? I've read many posts on these problems but that doesn't necessarily paint a true picture of known car problems when we are taking about hundreds of thousands of units of cars built. So what do you think? Is this true? Is it as commonplace as it appears?
I like the 2000 Lexus LS 4000 and the 2001Lexus LS 430
I don't want to sound unappreciative, but I'm hoping we can stay on topic with this thread. I don't like it when it turns into a flame war.
Thanks in advance for your input, suggestions and opinions.