Lexus LS 400 (1990-2000)

HISTORY
The world's most cashed-up car company could spend what it needed to match and exceed the world's best prestige cars on its May 1990 launch. Almost 15 years later, even the very first LS400 examples are reaching big distances with few faults and minimal wear and tear. Its heart is an awesome V8 engine, that looks capable of achieving the 1.6 million kilometres reached in testing, providing it is serviced by the book. Double wishbone suspension all round and a string of new patents meant that the rest was of the same high standard. Generic styling that combined Mercedes-Benz proportions with Cressida detailing has not aged so well bringing a car capable of lasting 50 years within easy reach. Model was replaced by LS430 at close of 2000.

PRICES
Sensible starting point is $20,000 with high mileage examples creeping below $17,500. Later 1992-94 upgrade models trickle up to $28,000 while the second generation from November 1994 starts at $30,000. The final LS400 series from December 1997 starts in the low $40,000 range and peaks in the mid-$70,000 range for 2000 examples.

CHECK IT OUT
First cars had 1770kg and 190kW, and felt it at the pump and off the mark. Second generation launched in November 1994 dropped weight by 100kg, boosted power to 204kW, added four-pot front brake callipers and heavily revised suspension for improved handling and ride.

New body from November 1994 brought lower drag, extra rear passenger room and bigger boot but looked similar to the first LS400. Major facelift in December 1997 brought structural improvements and new styling from windscreen forwards with gas discharge headlights and ancillary lights moved below the bumper.

Connecting rods were only carryover parts in new engine from December 1997 upgrade. Variable valve timing and other advances boosted power to 209kW and torque to 398Nm with new manual override 5-speed auto to exploit it.

Certain parts are now hard to source for first examples. Check all body and cabin fittings to ensure that they are in perfect working order. If not, check parts availability before agreeing on price.

First owners usually looked after big initial investment but many are now on their second or third owners who treat them like any old Toyota and skip vital servicing or fit non-genuine parts. All-alloy engine is bulletproof but ultimately neglected coolant, dirty or poor quality oil and clogged filters will destroy any engine even if this one takes abuse longer than most. Listen for tell-tale lifter rattles and exhaust smoke at start-up or after long idling.

Automatic transmission is also unusually long-lived. If it appears to be on its last legs, it might only be a clogged internal filter.

Start at a Lexus service centre for a comprehensive mechanical and body check if a documented history is missing as some were put back on the road after monster crashes. Body repairs which can require specialist skills are common in the rear and sides with high proportion of elderly owners.

Early cars now require replacement suspension bushes, especially front lower control arm. The occasional engine and transmission seal can harden and leak with age and heat.

Lexus interior is critical to car's appeal so check all carpets and leather for wear and sun damage. Returning a neglected interior and body to original quality may quickly exceed value of tatty used example.