Temp gauge reading hot
Temperature is reading hot but have replaced timing belt, water pump, thermostat, instrument cluster, fan clutch, hoses, coolant been flushed and replaced , new radiator. What am I missing?
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1998 Lexus LS Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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By 1998, the smooth and quiet ride atop the Lexus reputation for reliability had delivered the LS 400 to the top of US luxury flagship sales. Still within its second generation, the LS received a new engine and some additional interior features. Also, a navigation system was available for the first time.
The new four cam 4.0 liter V-8 featured Toyota's Variable Valve Timing + intelligence technology. VVT+i boosted engine power, while lowering emissions and improving fuel efficiency. The LS's V-8 now produced 290 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and it was paired with a new 5-speed automatic transmission. Lexus now claimed a 6.5 second 0-60 time for the LS, which meant that the new engine shaved one second off the prior time. Despite the LS's considerable bulk, it braked from 60 mph to a stop in just 118 feet. A new optional Vehicle Skid Control system provided some compensation for the rear wheel drive layout.
Aside from the new optional navigation system, most interior changes are subtle, like retractable headrests for example. On the outside, the grille, headlights, and taillights are all new. Sporting enthusiasts had occasionally faulted the LS for its seemingly distant relationship with the road. The soft and forgiving suspension and silent cabin limited some of the thrills that may be found in the Lexus GS sedans or SC coupes. However, the LS 400 has been marked by its serene cabin, delicate road manners, and outstanding craftsmanship. It was not a sports sedan, but neither were its more expensive German competitors, which were all being outsold.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Lexus LS
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Wessaria A
Mar 15, 2024
I like to own it its a great car to meMar 15, 2024
by PJ L
Apr 23, 2023
The LS 400 was the prototype for all luxury cars, American and European, after put out on the market. The Japanese perfected this luxury engine ( cannot tell if it’s running from the cabin! Quietness is key), and accelerates into the horizon with a swiftness never experienced by any other ride. It can go extremely fast and is not recommended for teens for that very reason. Too bad they could not keep up with the expenses of creating this fantasy car ongoing, despite most initial sales going for around $75 K, and they stopped production in 2000. This was my forever car....owned several years and the consistency was unmatched. Despite aging, these cars do not feel it...they remain super smooth and glide as if on water even if they are well past 200K miles. Bring back the LS 400 Lexus! Apr 23, 2023
by Stephen M
Feb 09, 2022
Horrible mileage. Very unreliable. Expensive parts. Very loud. Overall not a good carFeb 09, 2022
User rating:
by Wessaria A
Mar 15, 2024
I like to own it its a great car to meMar 15, 2024
by PJ L
Apr 23, 2023
The LS 400 was the prototype for all luxury cars, American and European, after put out on the market. The Japanese perfected this luxury engine ( cannot tell if it’s running from the cabin! Quietness is key), and accelerates into the horizon with a swiftness never experienced by any other ride. It can go extremely fast and is not recommended for teens for that very reason. Too bad they could not keep up with the expenses of creating this fantasy car ongoing, despite most initial sales going for around $75 K, and they stopped production in 2000. This was my forever car....owned several years and the consistency was unmatched. Despite aging, these cars do not feel it...they remain super smooth and glide as if on water even if they are well past 200K miles. Bring back the LS 400 Lexus! Apr 23, 2023
by Stephen M
Feb 09, 2022
Horrible mileage. Very unreliable. Expensive parts. Very loud. Overall not a good carFeb 09, 2022
by JOSE M
Oct 19, 2021
It’s a great car as long as you take care of it it’ll take care of you Oct 19, 2021
by Nicholas G
Sep 04, 2021
Love the idea of a V8 and yes its a good value... Missing little... IDK a supercharger? Lol. Compare it to a bmw 740iL, or a cadillac DTSSep 04, 2021
by Peter K
Nov 04, 2020
The luxury, features and power this car has for such an older car. Way before it’s time.Nov 04, 2020
by Cheri m
Sep 28, 2020
Should not post a car with so many defects. There are other platforms for junk cars not car gurus Sep 28, 2020
by Janet G
Aug 25, 2014
I like the smooth ride and how quiet the car is. When I want to accelerate in a hurry, this LS400 is responsive. I can adjust the seat belt height, headrest, steering wheel position and seat to my individual comfort. Rear seat passengers enjoy the spacious legroom afforded the driver and front seat passenger. The car handles beautifully. I feel like I am enjoying a luxurious ride.Aug 25, 2014
by Anonymous
Oct 26, 2012
Just a great car that I have owned for 10 years! I wanted a car that I could spend less than $2,000 a year on, and this was it. I paid $13,500 in 2002 and put a paint job $1500 and replaced the starter twice $1500 or so..........and that was it! I have not sold it, but CarGurus say that it has a value of $3,500. $13,500 minus $3,500 is $10,000 for 10 years........I would say that I made my goal of not spending more than $2,000 a year on a car and look at the car that I drove. Oct 26, 2012
by Mohan Arvind P
May 10, 2012
Very smooth, quiet and powerful (V8) and handles very well for a big sedan. Extremely reliable. I always pay attention to the fluids and adhere to the maintenance schedule. Over the long haul, a LOT LESS than I'd spend on a comparable BMW. Best car I've ever had! May 10, 2012
by Jason C
Jul 03, 2010
Overall it's a good car fantastically built and engineered and has
phenomenal reliability. It doesn't do any one thing exceptional it just
does everything good. I have a deal on this car it's my new daily driver.
Surprisingly quick 0-60 in 6.1 seconds 1/4 mile in 14.7 seconds so it's
not a slouch. Some say it has fairly bland styling but in my opinion it's
the best looking of the LS series. Cheap to buy maintenance if you
don't do it yourself is fair. Not a fun car as a drivers car but very very
relaxing for a daily driver.Jul 03, 2010
by Alyssa S
Feb 17, 2010
Overall-incredibly roomy
Performance-unexpected power for being so heavy
Build Quality-Sturdy like a truck, small and powerful like a car
Appearance-front and break light designs not too appealing
It is actually surprisingly a fun car to drive. Low profile looks is actually a plus.Feb 17, 2010
by Anonymous
May 28, 2009
This car is simply amazing! I have about
140,000 miles as of today and not ONE thing
has broke or needed repair. As part of regular maintenance, I have changed the timing belt,
water pump, spark plugs, and turned the rotors.
If you want a reliable car, you wont find it any
where else, but Lexus. On top of that it still
runs silky smooth and has passed smog first
time every-time.
The quality of this car is miles ahead of any
offerings from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, or Jaguar.
Even after 140,000 miles on rough California
roads, nothing rattles or vibrates. The car still
feels tight and rock solid. All the electronic
systems still work flawlessly and are easy to use
. The interior materials have not faded or
cracked and still look brand new.
The performance of this car is very good. For a
3890lb car it moves. The 4.0 Liter V8 with
290hp moves this luxury sedan from a stop to
sixty in about 6.4 seconds, which for its time, is
better than any of the competitors offerings in
the same price range. The handling is decent
for a heavy car, and you would be surprised at
how well it will take corners. I get an average of
23 mpg, and have logged upwards of 28 mpg
on long highway trips.
All in all, this car is one of the best ever offered
from a luxury auto maker. It has everything you
want, and nothing you don't.May 28, 2009
by Dewan A
Dec 06, 2008
I like the car..it is really great..i got it as 1 of my best companion..i call lexus as my Gf coz it;s performance is really good..it runs according to my wish . it looks really charming and adorable. it's bottle green color makes it more beautiful..but as it is my GF...its quite exclusive to maintain bcoz of high fuel mileage. it's 8 cylinder car.and as it very big...so it requires my hard effort, my money to accelerate it. Dec 06, 2008
by Adomar D
Jul 03, 2008
Luxery car with a lot of accessories.Jul 03, 2008
by Daniel K
Feb 20, 2008
Best Car I have Ever OwnedFeb 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2007
it has a very smooth drive and low road noise.Nov 25, 2007
What users have asked
If I pay off the lien, can you handle the transaction?
over due registration
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Trading
I want to know if this deal is a bad idea
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Lexus LS?Compare this car
1998 Lexus LS Pricing
Original MSRP
$53,395 to $53,395Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Nakamichi Audio · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Telematics
Phone: cellular phone
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent