Newbie wants an LS400!!!!!

[Brutus FullThrottle]

Hello everybody,

This is another newbie.
I'm from France, and I own a few Toyotas (Celica ST162, Supra MA70 T, MR2 SW20).

Having a tendency to get tickets for speeding (one more and my driving licence is history) :burnout:, so I think I should buy some car you can appreciate without having to go fast. If I can become less stupid in the process, this will be even better! :silly:

I'm looking forward to buy an LS400.
I've made my homework and I know it's fast and that it's very easy to get tickets with it, but I feel that maybe the auto trans, the speed regulator, comfort and the weight doesn't give you the constant will to step the throttle?
Anyway... Let's say I want one and I need an excuse! :fest06:

My wallet isn't really deep enough to go for a recent one, so I will focus on a 92 to 94 model (these are also the one I like the most), with big brakes and still the bulletproof connecting rods.
If possible, I would like to get all the gadgets available, except the traction control and the electronic shock absorbers.

I intend this to be my daily driver (roughly 30000km/year).

Last but not least, I've got fair mechanic skills and have the necessary tools. If needed, I can find a RHDs LS400 for spares at very cheap price in England.

I'm trying to find one in Germany (LHD), so what do you think of that one:

It's a black '93, 276000km for 3900€

On that last one, I really need you expert guys to know what goodies are there and which ones are not.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[cribbj]

Bienvenue Brutus, et felicitations pour votre anglais. Je ne suis pas un specialist pour les LS400's, parce que j'ai un Supra, mais il y a beaucoup des bonhommes ici qui ont un grande connaissance des LS400's.

Cordialement,

John

 

[Brutus FullThrottle]

Merci beaucoup pour votre accueil et félicitation également pour votre maitrise du français .

I have another entry there:

Seller says the gearbox gives some hesitations before shiftingfrom time to time. Should I run away, or is it just a stuck relay or something like that?

 

[spf_lexus]

No don't run away lol. The tranny is very cheap to buy used $350 or so. I hear ya on the crazy driving part... I have a point left myself and after spinning my LS out after racing someone I decided the "low key" "silent but deadly" approach was much safer. Easy car to take long trips in, solid, reliable and great potential... early LS's you can't go wrong.

 

[Brutus FullThrottle]

No don't run away lol. The tranny is very cheap to buy used $350 or so. I hear ya on the crazy driving part... I have a point left myself and after spinning my LS out after racing someone I decided the "low key" "silent but deadly" approach was much safer. Easy car to take long trips in, solid, reliable and great potential... early LS's you can't go wrong.

Yes, and I have a spare R154 5 speed supra gearbox I could put here instead. While I'm at it, I could remove the EGR, put a LSD and two 3" catless free flow exhaust with straight through muff... Oh no, it's starting again! :wink:

No... I must keep it stock!

Just found another:
It's a 96' with LPG conversion, driver seat a bit worn, with 332000km for 4000€.

Appart the extra cost in insurance, I prefer the old school and more agressive look of the previous model.
But I read this is an even better better ride than the previous one. ban
Is it true? Is it worth considering buying this model instead of the previous?

 

[Lextreme II]

Wow.. John,

Your French is very good. Better then my Chinese....

 

[Thermactor]

Get the '96! You won't regret it. I LOVE mine.

 

[Arnout]

hi Brutus
I have a very good 92 LS400 for sale with the stronger rods. I'm in the Netherlands and we can meet halfway if you want? Or you can come inspect it here in Amsterdam over some beer & grass. The price of my LS400 is 2499 euro only

 

[Brutus FullThrottle]

hi Brutus
I have a very good 92 LS400 for sale with the stronger rods. I'm in the Netherlands and we can meet halfway if you want? Or you can come inspect it here in Amsterdam over some beer & grass. The price of my LS400 is 2499 euro only

Arnout,

I already "know" you from you excellent Supra site (to say the least).
If your LS400, is either White, Grey or Black with leather seats, I will prefer one million times buying it from a Toyota enthusiast like you!

I send you my email by PM.

Thanks! :arms:

 

[Arnout]

hi Brutus!
Yeah my site, don't bother, haven't updated it in five or so years.
I sent you an email with the pictures, let me know if it's of any interest to you. It's an excellent car, the engine is nice, the interior is nice, the body is still good, minor scratches and one rust spot on the door. Suspension arms have been replaced recently, same as timing belt with all rollers new.

 

[Arnout]

Did you get yourself an LS400 now?