let's talk about your LS400 ucf20-ucf21

[TransformCelsior]

hi guys

I'm now considering a 95+ UCF-20-21 and wanted to get some intimate feedback from owners.

I was at first considering a infiniti q45 y33 but the more I research, the more it scares me.

I feel safer with a toyota. My family has driven toyota-lexus exclusively and they have given absolutely ZERO problems. My aunts 91 ls400 has over 250,000 miles and still running STRONG till this day. My uncle's 94 toyota camry is in-destructible no matter how much HE DOES NOT maintain it, the thing just wants to keep running! I don't know how but it just keeps running.

I will actually be getting better MPG fuel economy with a LS400 8 BANGER vs my current acura RL 6 banger. If you go on clublexus.com and do a search, you'd be hard pressed to find any dirt on them. This car will be my daily driver and I need to make sure it is dependable from the start.

anyhow, let's talk about it!

[jdmsh1t]

wassup man.
i drive a 96' ucf20, with about 95K miles. got it when it was at roughly 70K. it has given me almost no problems and everything running smoothly. some small things here and there may be out for example, my hood structs gave out when i just got the car which is expected at around 60-70k miles. the rest of the car is completely functional. i grew very found of the car. it isnt slow either, not as fast as the ucf21's as they have vvti, but they also cost more. based on your own preference, pick one up of your liking. i prefer the 2nd gen as there are alot less of them around and not to mention, a bippu one. you won't go wrong with it. 8)

[Brandicus]

what happened to your first gen carlsson?

[ChrisK]

I never has an LS but I did have my SC400 which is very similar mechanically to the LS. Things to look out for is the leaking power steering pump. Be carful if it leaks too long as the alternator is under it so it will damage the alternator if you let it go too long. control arm bushings seems to be a part that wears down quickly on Lexus cars. I thought it was just us SC and LS guys, but even the 98+ GS and my ES suffers from this problem. Power steering rack bushings will also need replacing. Instrument cluster lighting and the needles will go out but you can send it to Lextech for LED replacement Fuel pump ECU will probably go bad but that is an easy fix. The Fuel pump ECU acts similar to when the Main Fuel Injection Relay on our Legend/Honda/Acura cars used to go bad. Other than that though the engine and trans are near bullet proof. When I got rid of my SC400 that was about the only thing I didn't hate about my car, well, other than worn engine and transmission mounts. I had 140K miles on it though, but the mounts and bushings can start to go out as early as 60K miles.

[TransformCelsior]

what happened to your first gen carlsson?


I'm selling my 1999 RL.

it's a great car but I need something bigger.

[shoez]

Over the past few months, I've had quite of a lot of experience with my Grandparents 1998 Lexus LS400 and without a doubt it is a great car. However, it has had its fair share of problems.

The stock 4 litre 1UZ has only about 70 thousand miles on the odometer. The powertrain is splendid, with dollops of silky torque at your command. Even for a car of its size, the acceleration is surprisingly responsive. The main problems that we've had with it were all centered around electrical issues. The battery in the key FOB needs to be replaced quite frequently, which is actually more of a hassle than you would might think. The right rear window electrical system has been replaced twice already, and its on its way to the dealer for a third set up. The trunk release button on the drivers side no longer works. Which means every time you want to open it, you need to shut off the car, get out and use your key.

There have been multiple smaller things that needed to be worked on, but nonetheless the UCF20/21 would be a great car for a VIP project.

[Lexbubba]

Awsome car, well built, runs great! perfect for a daily driver

[jermdogg]

Really enjoy my 98 LS. I have 140K on the clock and drives like a dream.

Having maintenance done is a little on the pricey side (compared to my old prelude) but worth it for the quality that is lexus.

Don't be afraid of high mileage as long as maintenance was kept up with.

[lexkost]

My 96 has been a great car !